WW: This Special Needs Dog Stole My Heart

We love going to Pet Expos with our dogs, you get to meet so many great people and pets.  This past weekend we attended the Pet Expo in Scottsdale, AZ  where I met the sweetest little Pit Bull named Posy, who stole my heart!
 
Posy was born with Genetic Dwarfism, but it doesn't stop her from living and loving!

Posy rode in this wagon most of the time, but she wanted to jump out and say hello when I came over to meet her!

Posy with her rescue Mom

Posy can't walk on her own, but she's determined to get around one way or another!  She wobbled right over to me for belly rubs, which she thoroughly enjoyed!

Read more about Posy & our day at the Pet Expo in  my Monday blog post here: FUN AT THE PET EXPO

Do you like going to Pet Expos?  Do you bring your pets with you?  Leave us a comment & share!

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Fun At The Pet Expo

I love Pet Expos and Festivals!  They're always dog friendly, there are usually some interesting celebrities to meet, and lots of pet products to buy!  This past weekend we went to the Pet Expo at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona.    We only brought one of our dogs because at large, dog friendly events like this one it can be a bit challenging with two dogs. 

I had some second thoughts about taking our dog to the event because of the whole Dog Flu scare, but in the end I decided to go.  One reason is because the Dog Flu has not make it's way out to the Western part of the U.S.  The other reason is that although I want to be cautious about my dogs' health, I feel we need to take precautions when we can but still get out there and enjoy ourselves!  We tried to prevent our dog from any nose to nose contact with strange dogs at the event, and would not allow her to drink from any communal water bowls.  Other than that, we relaxed and had a great time!


This beautiful steel horse sculpture stands majestically in front of the Westworld arena.  Lots of horse shows take place there, so it's the perfect work of art for this venue!

We met some very interesting people and pets like the stars of Animal Planet's TANKED, and Posy the sweet Pitbull who lives with Genetic Dwarfism.  Posy had such an impact on me, I didn't want to leave her!  She really touched my heart.

Sepia Saturday: The Steel Horse

We attended the Pet Expo at Westworld in Scottsdale Arizona today.  It was such a fun day!  

I'll be posting about a few of the great people and dogs we met  in tomorrow's blog post; the guys from Animal Planet's Tanked, and Posy the amazing little Pit Bull who refused to let being born with Genetic Dwarfism stand in the way of her happy life!

The beautiful steel horse statue that stands outside Westworld in Scottsdale

Autism: Let's Help Promote Awareness

April is NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS month.  Although this is a pet blog, I wanted to help spread the word about Autism awareness.  Autism, or Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD), is estimated to impact 1 in every 68 children in the U.S., with the majority of them being girls vs. boys.  That is a staggering statistic!

A dear friend of ours has a beautiful daughter, Alison.  Alison has Autism.  For years we've seen her parents struggle with this condition.  Finding information, getting services for her and support for themselves was not easy.  There were many challenges.  Back then the awareness and support really wasn't there. Alison is in her early twenties now and is doing beautifully.  Sadly she lost her mother, our good friend, to cancer at the age of 15.  It was a devastating blow and we were so worried about how it would effect Alison, but we were in awe of her resilience.

Why Animal Cruelty Hurts Everyone

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.  The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is urging supporters across the country to help raise awareness about animal cruelty.

One of the worst forms of animal cruelty is dog fighting.  In honor of National Dog Fighting Awareness Day (NDFAD) which was on April 8, the ASPCA spearheaded a campaign to  GET TOUGH ON DOG FIGHTING.  The war against dog fighting is a battle that cannot be confined to just one day or one month.  It’s an ongoing battle that requires everyone’s awareness and support to win.  If you think animal cruelty and dog fighting don't negatively impact you or your family you are mistaken.




Join the ASPCA, and Get Tough on Dog Fighting

Here are a few reasons why animal cruelty, including dog fighting, should  matter to everyone:

** Statistics show that approx. 30% of children who have witnessed domestic violence have in turn abused animals. 

** There's a strong link between animal abuse and violence against people.  Animal abuse is known to be an early indicator of abuse against people as well.  Social services agencies are trained to recognized the signs of animal cruelty in children and determine whether or not the abusive behavior is a warning signal.

** There are links between dog fighting and gang activity as well as other criminal activity such as drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession.

** Most violent criminals have a history of animal cruelty.  David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam killer was reported to have poisoned his mothers parakeet.   Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, perpetrators of the horrific Columbine High School shooting had mutilated animals for fun.



Phoebe wants us all to Get Tough on animal cruelty!

Although Dog fighting is a felony in every state in the U.S. this barbaric act of cruelty still goes on.  Animal abuse, including dog fighting, doesn't just hurt helpless animals, it hurts people and communities.  Tougher laws and punishment against all animal abusers are needed. 

Visit the ASPCA's web site for ideas on how you can help here: help prevent cruelty to animals .

Please share this message in support of ending Dog Fighting and animal cruelty.

Wordless Wednesday: Dog Says Hello Kitty

PHOEBE WANTED TO SHOW EVERYONE THE NEW HELLO KITTY COLLAR I GOT HER.   I BOUGHT IT WITH THE PETSMART GIFT CARD I WON DURING OUR FIRST BLOGPAWS #PETSMART TWITTER CHAT IN MARCH!

IT'S SO SPARKLY! ISN'T IT DIVINE?!

I JUST LOVE HELLO KITTY, DON'T YOU??

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Consistency Is Key To Your Dog's #PerfectWeight and Healthier Lifestyle

I've talked about overweight pets before, and that being overweight can lead to significant health issues for your dog.  More than 50% of dogs are overweight!  A weight gain of just 5 lbs. on a small dog can have a big impact on your dog's health. 5 lbs. on a small dog is the equivalent of a human gaining more than 30 lbs.!  It's important to address a dog's weight problem before it leads to a more serious health issues.

I know I'm at a healthy weight, are you?

Being at a healthy weight can improve your dog's quality of life and life expectancy!  Creating a routine for weight loss and exercise, and maintaining consistency are the key to your dog's success.  Consistent feeding and exercise are an important part of pet weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® Perfect Weight 10 Week Turn Around, but DOGS LUV US and WE LUV THEM only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

If your dog needs to lose a few pounds Hill's® Science Diet® Perfect Weight, a dog food for weight loss, can help. The unique Science Diet Perfect Weight formula contains:

> A breakthrough blend of natural ingredients

 

> Prebiotic fibers for gentle digestion

> 100% precisely balanced nutrition

> Real Chicken as the #1 ingredient

Hill's Pet Nutrition, inspired by a Guide Dog, has been a trusted brand for over 70 years.

Sepia Saturday: My Lady Of The Lake

My furry Lady Of The Lake, Saguaro Lake that is, in Sepia.

My Husky, Icy, surveying the area from this rock at Saguaro Lake in Arizona.  If you'd like to see this photo and my other photos from this beautiful lake in living color, click on this link: Dogs Day At The Lake 

The Great Dog Bone Caper

We had a leftover prime rib bone from my delicious birthday dinner this week.  Since my Husky, Isis, has big chompers we gave the bone to her.  This did NOT sit well with little Phoebe!

CHOMP, CHOMP, CHOMP!  SLURP, SLURP, SLURP! YUM, YUM, YUMMY YUM YUM!!

I'm sorry, but in what universe is it ok for that hussy Husky to have a delicious bone, and for me not to get a bone?  What am I chopped liver??

HA!  I got it, I got the bone! CHOMP, CHOMP!  SLURP, SLURP! YUMMY, YUM YUM!!

WHAT?! Why are you looking at me like that??  Isis turned her back for 10 seconds so I swooped in and snatched the bone away!

Well I'm sorry, but in my book Possession Is Nine Tenths of the Law!!

Now get lost, I've got a bone to pick clean!

Well all-righty then, Miss Phoebe.  I guess that's that, and that's the end of THAT!

Everything turned out ok, the dogs shared the bone (kind of) and both got to enjoy some supervised chewing time with it.  Do your pets fight over bones, toys or other goodies?  How do you keep the peace?

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An InLinkz Link-up

Dogs Day At The Lake

We took our dogs on an adventure to beautiful Saguaro Lake, just a few miles North of Phoenix, Arizona in the town of Mesa.  The lake is named after the Saguaro cactus, which you can see in the background of the first photo.  Saguaro cacti are native to the Sonoran desert and don't grow anywhere else.



Iscy, Phoebe and my husband at Saguaro Lake.  You can see a Saguaro cactus in the background.

Icy surveys the area from her perch on a rock.

Checking out the place some more.

Icy looks longingly at the water. Uh-Oh, we know that look. 

And there she goes, into the water!  Of course the first thing she does is sneak a drink of that water.

Phoebe had no desire to get near the water.  She was content to sniff some desert wildflowers instead.

Saguaro Lake is an easy day trip and quick getaway from the city of Phoenix Arizona.  The drive is lovely, the lake and wildflowers of Arizona are so pretty and relaxing!  It's a great dog friendly place to visit in the Phoenix area. You can also do some boating in Saguaro Lake but there is a fee.  Check out the web site for more information.

MY DOGS EASTER FUN!

Easter with your dogs can be such a fun day.  My dogs always have lots of treats, and I try to get a cute Easter outfit for them. Or at least cute bunny ears to wear! Phoebe looks adorable in her frilly little Easter dress. I just love that dress!  

I'd like to share a throwback to my dogs very first Doggie Easter Egg Hunt, and if I do say so myself it was a huge success! 

My dog Phoebe with her Easter Egg Basket

Dogs' Love Spring!

So we've finally gone from this.......

Isis playing in the snow during our visit to Long Island NY

To THIS.......!!

Phoebe enjoying the sunshine and spring desert flowers of Arizona

HAPPY SPRING, FRIENDS!!

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