This Friday Don't Go Downtown - Go DogTown!

Photo: Best Friends Animal Society

In case you missed it, the disgraced Michael Vick was released from jail this week. His Bad Newz Kennels are a thing of the past, but the little lives who were so traumatized from this horrific lifestyle are currently thriving in the most amazing of places in our land, the Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. Vick’s court-ordered payment to non-profits to help with the rehabilitation of these dogs has helped hands-on rescue groups to slowly undertake the rehabilitation of these amazing animals. 22 of them were lucky enough to go to the Best Friends Sanctuary against the backdrop of desert canyons in the Southwest.

There was originally much controversy over whether to attempt to rehabilitate these animals. Both PETA and the Humane Society deemed them too dangerous to have the potential to learn to live normal lives. Thank goodness for a Virginia court that put them in the care of specialists whose time commitment, dog expertise and TLC have provided the groundwork needed to turn their lives around. Best Friends fondly refers to their lucky 22 as the Vicktory Dogs.

Not only are the dogs progressing, but they seem to be exceeding the expectations of even the most optimistic of their handlers. Some of them have learned to live with other dogs. They have hit the star circuit where their progress is played out in the National Geographic hit series “DogTown”, which will again feature their story this Friday, May 22nd at 10 pm ET. What an amazing tale they have to tell.

As one who has attended seminars at the amazing facility of Best Friends Animal Society, I can attest to the loving, hands-on treatment of the most difficult of animal abuse and neglect cases. I tenderly walked many of them through the canyons as part of my work-day. I considered it a privilege. I only wish I could wrap my arms around each of these precious characters. Three cheers for them.

What started out as a negative was worked for good, as these 22 dogs will achieve much in terms of changing the perception of bully breeds everywhere. For now, since I can’t hug a Victory Dog, I think I will hug my own two precious rescued pit bulls. DogTown is their favorite cable show. Sounds like a fantastic way to spend this Friday evening.

OFF TO SUMMER CAMP - Camp Bow Wow, that is!

The newest Camp Bow Wow franchise opened in Westlake, Ohio this weekend and gloomy skies couldn't cloud the fun that was had by all those who came out to check out the newest concept in dog recreation. Camp Bow Wow boasts a high staff to dog ratio with "certified camp counselors" and lots of fun equipment to keep dogs leaping and playing. If you don't believe your dog's telltale happy grin, just tune into the "camp cams" and watch the festivities for yourself.
Summer fun is definitely not just for kids. Most dog trainers stress the need for socializing and giving dogs a change of scenery now and then. Camp Bow Wow is just the spot! I was impressed with the staff, the facility and their approach to dog fun and games. The facility also boards dogs overnight, making it a great option to typical vet facility boarding. But you won't need to leave town just to have an excuse to head off to Camp Bow Wow with Fido. Just arrange for your dog to spend the day. Remember, an exercised dog is a happy dog.
I can't think of a better way to start the summer vacation than by trying out this new canine camp. I think your dog will thank you. The staff encourages visits and will give you a tour anytime. This suddenly has me thinking about my own summer vacation. Having found a wonderful and fun place to board my dogs, this may be all the excuse I need to start planning a holiday of my very own.

For a Camp Bow Wow franchise nearest you, visit www.campbowwow.com

Dr. Marty Goldstein - revolutionary ideas in animal health

I have had so many people in the animal world recommend Dr. Martin Goldstein's book to me, but it wasn't until I had a dog medical problem that traditional medicine couldn't solve that I finally took their advice and turned to this fabulous book. In his book about animal health and care, the guidelines of holistic and integrative veterinary medicine are, of course, based on those originally devised to help humans. There is an undeniable link between health and diet. Dr. Mary tackles everything from diet, to vaccines, to the emotional and spiritual nature of your pet. His advice leads you down the path to heal your pet the natural way and his easy "A-Z" guide helps to seek out help quickly. Available at amazon.com. The Nature of Animal Healing, by Dr. Martin Goldstein. Pick up a copy and begin to understand your pet's health in a whole new way.

The new trend - Pet Spas

Most of us who live in populated areas have observed the new buzz in the world of "dog boarding"....the pet spa. We have several in the Cleveland area and frankly I think my own dogs will wish I would go out of town more often! Seriously, the accommodations are amazing with all the creature comforts of home as well as the ability to watch them via satellite while relaxing on my vacation. Hard to imagine that 5 years ago we could conceive of watching our pet via our cell phone while relaxing in say...the Greek Islands. But now it is entirely possible. Just maybe this is "too much information". Viewing my dogs in my absence will either put my mind at ease or jeopardize my entire vacation, yet to be determined until I experience this first hand later this summer. One thing for sure, I won't be opting for the "real bacon & eggs" upgrade on their dinner plan. (not joking). They will be spoiled enough with the two room suite, patio for the occasional breathe of fresh air and the giant donut furniture that looks more comfortable than my Ethan Allen couch which they have claimed for themselves. It's a dog's life....never a truer statement!

Romance for the Dog Lover!

Peggy Karr Glass makes wonderful fused glass creations, all hand painted and each one boasting the unique bubbles and swirls so characteristic of hand created glass. We carry Peggy Karr trays and plates in on our website; www.aloveofdogs.com . From seashells to flowers, there are fabulous plates for every occasion and designs in many shapes and sizes. We were so happy to see the newest introduction because it really appeals to our dog-loving customers. This pattern, called Dog Romance, comes in 10"x 6" trays, 10" square plates and 14" x 8" trays. This would certainly delight your favorite dog lover!

Paris Bottman Needlepoint Pillows - Hey all you cat enthusiasts!

Despite our name, "For the Love of Dogs", we have an equally loyal following of people who are just passionate about their cats! So, we try and offer unique and wonderful products for those folks. Many of us dog people have longed to understand the feline species, I have never had a cat until recently when we began feeding and enticing in a little grey cat who is roaming closer and closer to our door. Albeit reluctantly at first, she (or he) is rapidly becoming a friend to us and our dogs who seem to want to invite her (or him) in as a new family member.

So, we just love the new Paris Bottman designs in needlepoint pillows. Most of them are now in stock, they all celebrate cats in a winter scene and folks are simply enchanted by their quality and charming design. Needlepointed in 100% wool with a soft velvet backing, we are sure you will find them to be a delight to cat folks everywhere, by Peking Handicraft.

Personalized Pillows - Works of Art from Chandler 4 Corners

Chandler 4 Corners of Vermont is known for their fabulous hooked pillows, all hand-hooked from New Zealand wool and backed in a soft velvet. They have just come out with four new designs that you can personalize! WOW. That is really more of a "work of art" for your home than a pillow and we just love them. They are coming soon to www.aloveofdogs.com . We currently stock most of the dog designs and are so anxious to begin taking orders for the personalized pillows. We think our customers are going to just love them.