Bo's First Snow

Check out the pics from Bo's first D.C. snow! There are more pictures from story time too.

Stuff that makes you go awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Labels: children, dogs, fun, holiday, kids, pets, photo, pictures, puppy

Dogs understand gestures as well as toddlers

According to this article, new study finds pooches get our points better than chimpanzees.


Sounds about right to me!

Labels: children, dogs, fun fact, kids, news, pets, puppy

Pets & Babies - The Valley Hospital Parent Education Classes

Expecting a new baby? Don't forget about your loving and loyal four-legged first baby, your cat or dog. There WILL be adjustments to make. The one-session Pets & Babies class, held in Paramus, NJ, teaches expectant parents tried and true methods to a happy home for all family members. Time after time, parents are heartbroken when their long-time pet is not as thrilled to see that squirming bundle of joy as everyone else is. With a little preparation and training, tails will be wagging when your new addition comes home.

Next session is May 19, from 7:30 - 9:30PM. Call 201-291-6151 to register or for more information.

Labels: cats, children, cool idea, dogs, events, fun, health, kids, pet care, pets, puppy, training

I've found that when I read to the young kids, or when helping the older ones learn to read, books about animals are a great resource. Kids are drawn to animal stories, plus it gives you an excuse to make all the funny noises you want!

Here are the top five favorites with the kids I know. Maybe your kids, or the kids-at-heart, will enjoy them too!

• W Is for Woof: A Dog Alphabet - This engaging book has fabulous art work paired with interesting information, all while helping the young reader/listener learn their A, B, Cs. A joy!


• May I Pet Your Dog?: The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs (and Dogs Meeting Kids) - Not every kid is lucky enough to grow up with a dog in their life. This book helps prepare kids for encounters of the doggie kind - teaching them how to ask for permission to greet a dog, how to greet a dog, and how to interact safely. Kids and adults can learn a lot from this one!


• Alfred's Nose - This French Bulldogs doesn't like his nose. The story, illustrated with wonderful photographs of the author's Bulldog, follow the dog on his voyage of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Adults and children will get a giggle out of the cute costumes!


• Stella, Unleashed: Notes from the Doghouse - Stella is pup who knows her own mind, and is more than willing to share her view of things with you. This box is a mix of colorful art and humorous verse sure to delight. Adults won't mind rereading this one again and again. Which is good, since the kids fall in love with Stella and want to hear the story over and over and over and, well, you get the idea.


• The Kids Guide to Petiquette - Geared for the slightly older crowd (age 4-8), this book is a great resource for people with a new pet, or thinking about getting one.

Labels: books, children, dogs, fun, gifts, kids, puppy

Super Pet Expo February 8, 9, 10

Friday 4pm to 9pm,

Saturday 10am to 8pm,

Sunday 10am to 5pm

The Super Pet Expo takes place in the NJ Convention & Exposition Center in Edison, NJ. Visit superpetexpo.com for directions and for all show details including a list of all entertainers and demonstrations.

This not your cup of tea? Check out the VFH - A Dog's Life: Events page for more fun pet-related things to do!

Labels: children, cool idea, dogs, events, fun, grooming, toys

Happy Howl-a-ween Everyone!

Labels: children, dogs, fun, halloween, kids, pets, pictures

Halloween is getting closer - even if the weather here in NJ feels more like May! If you hurry, and your dog is willing, you can still find or make the perfect costume. Or, if your dog is like my cockapoo Bailey, perhaps costumes aren't an option. Well, you can still have that festive puppy holiday flare with a Halloween Bandana.

Here are some more tips to having a fun, safe, dog-friendly Halloween:

• 8 Tips for a Safe Halloween With Your Dog - Dogs take part more and more in the evening's fun. Learn how to keep them safe.
  
• Training Your Dog for Halloween - Bone up on leash training tips for your dog in time for Halloween.
  


• Find the perfect costume! Halloween Costumes for your Dogs at Drs. Foster & Smith. Valid through 10.31.07
  



• Stock up on treats for those furry trick-or-treaters!
  


• Be Prepared! - Many of our visitors on the big night bring their dogs along, so I always keep a bowl of dog biscuits in various sizes and flavors handy. That way, no matter what size pup comes along, we have something tasty for them too!


• Dress up! - You'll find some great costumes here: Halloween Costumes for your Dogs at Drs. Foster & Smith. Valid through 10.31.07 And don't forget to take a ton of pictures; DoggieDeliveries.com is hosting its second annual Dog Halloween Photo Contest!


• Stay Safe! - Bailey loves to see the kids, but I know some children are not comfortable around dogs. So I put up the Exercise Pen 8-Panel (24" W x 36" H). This lets Bailey see the kids, but a) I don't have to worry about her slipping out b) no kids are scared. Also take a look at these helpful tips: Keeping your Pet Safe on Halloween
  


• Send Dog-Themed eGreetings for Halloween

Labels: children, dogs, fun, halloween, holiday, puppy

I just ordered a copy of this - I think my niece will love it!

Labels: books, children, dogs, kids