Top Ten HOWLiday Safety Tips: Day 1

Ah the sights and smells of the holiday! Is it any wonder we look forward to it all year? To ensure a fun and safe time for all… including your four-legged family members and friends… I'll be posting an important safety tip (or 2) each day for the next 10 days. Please share them with your other pet-loving pals.

TIP #1: The Christmas Tree
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, How steadfast are your branches! Not very… as many pets inadvertently remind us each year, sometimes MORE than once! Be sure to anchor your tree so it can't topple over. Stabilize it by putting heavy bags of flour or sugar on top of the legs of its stand, hiding them with a decorative tree skirt, and positioning the heaviest gifts closest to the trunk.

Regardless of whether you have an artificial or live tree, chewing of branches can result in injuries to your dog’s mouth or throat. Be consistent about disciplining if you catch him chomping. To deter even a teething puppy from opportunistic nibbling, spray the lower branches with a chewing deterrent such as Bitter Apple; always use as directed on the product label to keep it safe for both human and K-9 Kids.

AZTV: THE CHAT ROOM 12/12/08

Doggone GRRRReat HOWLiday Gift Ideas

Thanks for tuning in to see my top safety tips and the seasons most unique gifts for dogs & dog lovers alike! My Golden girl Cassie is QUITE stunning, isn't she? LOVE how she just sits there and makes me look good (and doesn't try to steal the microphone from yours truly!). If you missed the show, or want to see it again, click here)!

You can find out more about all of the fabulous products I "show & told" about... and hundreds of other dog-friendly sports, travel and gift items... at Travel Hounds USA: 3375 E. Shea Blvd. in Phoenix or online at http://travelhoundsusa.com. The owner Layne is a real sweetheart and great resource for finding and selecting the ideal items for you and the pet/pet lovers on your list! And, like The Top Dog, she's also a great friend to the local animal welfare community.

AZTV: The Chat Room 11/24/08

Lights. Camera. Action!
What a fun time guesting on AZTV's morning lifestyle show, The Chat Room (if you missed it, or want to see it again, click here)! My doggie daughter Tracey and I were treated royally by host Helen Gibson, producer Laura Holka, and the entire crew as we "showed & told" the virtues of pet adoption. Boodha, the 12 week old ShihTese (Shih Tzu/Maltese X) that we brought along from AZ Cocker Rescue was a REAL hit... especially to one of the other segment guests, Chrissy May, who ultimately may adopt him!

Key points:

1. don't be impetuous... plan before adding a pet to your family
   (the holidays are not necessarily the best time to do so)
2. when you're ready... ADOPTION IS THE BEST OPTION!
3. find your perfect pet through www.Petfinder.org, an online database which provides exact matches to your specific requirements (breed, gender, size, age, zip code, etc.)
   OR for those of you in Maricopa County, attend adoptathons organized by PACC911

Tune in, TIVO or tape The Chat Room on Friday, 12/12
when The Top Dog returns to discuss
Howliday Safety Tips & Doggone Grrrreat Gift Ideas!