Category Archives: driving

Happy Dog Travels

Whenever we travel, Cici has her own bag filled with goodies just for her… these are gotta haves, bring with us items that are crucial for a safe, happy trip. And below, we are sharing some of these items with you.

 

Some these items came in Cici’s Pet Box (the ones with a *)…a wonderful pick and choose pack filled with items that doggies love and need. One of the things we LOVE about PetBox is that PetBox gives you the option to pack your own box. And the items you have to choose from are not just any old products. They are premium products such as the ones below. Monthly subscriptions … we also love the cardboard box that the items come in. Another cool thing is that for every PetBox purchased, they feed a rescue animal. Oh and cats are not left out in the cold either. There are cat boxes, too.

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Here is what makes PetBox unique, compared to other monthly doggie boxes:

All products are made in the US

– Toys and treats are customized by dog or cat size

– When you order a PetBox, it ships within 2 business days

– For every purchase, the company feeds rescue animals with the help of a new partner called Bogo Bowl

getpetbox.com

water

* bowls such as Outback Double Diner, two bowls in one, water and food, zips up easy, dries quickly

dog food/treats

pet naturals calming treats   http://www.petnaturals.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=2

pet naturals breath bars   http://www.petnaturals.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=700752021   spirulina, parsley, mushroom, cinnamon powder and yucca schidgera extract

*dog toys, a ball to chew on

a few bones and chews to slobber on

blankets, sleeping bag

towels to clean up muddy wet paws

green doggie first aid kit including Bach Flower Rescue Remedy, qtips, essential oils and more

photo, license, vaccination records and ID tags (microchip number)

*waste bags

extra leash, just in case

CritterZone Air Purifier and Odor Eliminator

supplements such as:

* Honest kitchen’s Perfect Form herbal digestion aid

 ASEA, herbal internal powder to keep fleas away, flea comb, and

shampoo, Miracle 2 soap and/or dry shampoo

* an O’Tom tick Twister to remove those icky ticks

* Slurp n Fresh oral hygiene and Kissable breath foam

Kurgo barrier and safety harness (doggie seat belt)  http://www.kurgostore.com/barriers-and-containment/

Keep Fido in her place

Cici loves to jump into the driver’s seat when I run into the store. I come back to find you-know-who drooling on the steering wheel and getting the front seat all hairy.

Here is where the Backseat Barrier™ comes in. Super stylish, this cloth barrier attaches to the back of your front seats, creating a soft wall between you and Fido…blocking that little space above your center console. She can still sit and peer through the mesh top; you can even reach back for a scratch if necessary. Most importantly, this barrier helps to keep you distraction free while driving, and keeps your pup safely out of the front of the car.

if I had a small dog, I would bring this to carry my dog in:

Sherpa bag

ODbagAmethyst

http://www.sherpapet.com/products/original-deluxe

Available colors:

  • Black
  • Brown
  • Plum
  • Gray

Available in Small, Medium & Large:

  • Large – 19” long x 11.75” wide x 11.5” high
  • For pets up to 22 lbs.
  • Airline approved  **restrictions apply
  • Top & side entry
  • Mesh panels for ventilation
  • Locking zippers
  • Rear pocket
  • Padded hand carry straps
  • Adjustable, no-slip shoulder strap
  • Machine washable faux lambskin liner
  • Seatbelt / luggage strap

If i had a hairy dog, I would use this:cleaning mitt

Dual-sided Cleaning Mitt can be used wet or dry. It quickly and easily removes dirt and mud from all sizes of pet and all types of fur, leaving it clean and shiny. Use it at bath time too.

http://www.e-cloth.com/pet-cleaning-range

if I was traveling with children, I would also bring:

Pansy  in Paris: A Mystery in the Museum by Cynthia Bardes

What an enchanting little picture book about a little girl named Avery and her best pal Pansy (toy poodle). They go on an adventure, discover the joy of travel and solve a mystery. Written from Pansy’s point of view, adorable.

and two books for guardians:

Life’s a Bark by Larry Kay

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What can you learn about love and life from your dog? This book is filled with 60 hilarious and heartwarming tales and tips and tons of great photos…  Play Fair, Praise Me, Listen Well, Honor my Feelings and more… Try this: pretend you’re a dog and look in the mirror…laugh out loud funny book

Medicine Dog book by Julia Szabo is an inspirational true story about a miraculous cure. One ailing woman’s journey to cure her best friend ends up healing herself. Julia Szabo’s dog Sam was very ill with osteoarthritis. Stem cells restored him to his former and younger self. She went to her doctor and asked to be treated like her dog. She suffered from a chronic inflammatory bowel disease and it took four years for her to become the first American to obtain the stem cell treatment herself.

 

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Six Tips for Moving Fido

6 Tips for Moving Fido Across Town or Across the Country

 Guest blog post…David Shapiro (see bio below) 

If you are making a move – whether across town or across the country – there’s a lot to think about, and it can be even more stressful when you consider how your dog will handle it. As you pack and prepare for the move, most dogs will sense something is changing but they won’t understand what is going on until moving day arrives. Dogs are highly sensitive to their surroundings and what you consider “home” means even more to them – because it’s their territory. But even though moving may be stressful for dogs, there are still steps you can take to make the move as smooth as possible for your pets.

 

Across Town

If you’re moving to another neighborhood within the same city, follow these tips to help your dog(s) adjust to their new surroundings:

 

1.       Take him for walks in the new neighborhood before the move. Dogs can

become more anxious when they are in a new location, wanting to sniff and inspect everything. Some are intimidated by new surroundings, so walking on a leash with you there will make them feel more secure. Make frequent trips to your new neighborhood if possible so your dog will feel safe and comfortable with his or her new home.

2.       Transport your dog separately. On moving day, ask a friend or family member to watch Fido for you so you can turn your full attention to the moving process. Once the movers leave your new home and the commotion has ceased, bring your dog over to inspect his new territory. Walk him on the leash so he feels secure during his grand tour of the new house and yard; then let him off to explore.

3.       Establish a routine ASAP. Because pets tend to feel safest with a routine, get into one as soon as you can. This may be difficult with boxes to unpack and other arrangements to make, but be sure your dog is still getting fed at the same time every day and that he’s being exercised daily. If too much energy builds up, your pup will likely have more time and energy to be anxious.

Moving - Golden Retriever 

Across the Country

Moving to another state is a different matter altogether. First, you must decide whether you want to transport your dog via plane or car. Because airlines typically allow only small dogs – ones whose carriers can fit under your seat – on a plane and requires others to be placed in a potential unsafe cargo hold, driving is likely your best option. For driving your dog across the country, follow these tips:

 

1.       Exercise your dog more frequently before the move. In the week leading up to the trip, take your dog for walks more often or take him to the dog park for more exercise. You want Fido tired out for the car ride so he can get the zoomies out and not be nervous or anxious. If you’re too busy with moving details to exercise him yourself, hire a neighborhood kid, a dog walker or ask a friend to help out.

2.       Prepare supplies for the drive. Even if your dog is potty-trained, line the car with extra rags and towels just in case. Also, create a green pet first aid kit and include bandages, cotton balls, tweezers, and a digital thermometer, to assist Fido in being calm, sleeping and feeling good during the drive.

3.       Use a kennel or carrier if possible. This keeps dogs most secure on the drive, but it also helps them feel more comfortable and gives them a place to retreat. It’s the safest way for them to travel – for all involved – because it keeps them from wandering underfoot while you’re driving.

 

Whether you’re moving to another house in the same city or to another state altogether, consider how your move will affect your dog. Based on your knowledge of Fido, brainstorm ways to make him feel safe and make preparations accordingly. By thinking ahead, you’ll avoid the heartache and stress often involved with moving pets to a new home.

***

Author Bio: David Shapiro works with moving companies and other small businesses as a marketing relocation specialist. He lives in Arizona and enjoys hiking, golfing, horseback riding and biking.

Note: some people use moving as an excuse to dump their pets at a shelter, please do NOT do that. If you do, chances are that your pet will die at the shelter. If you absolutely MUST, find your pet a safe loving new home that they deserve BEFORE your move. Where there is a will there is a way. I just read a story about a woman who lost her home in my neighborhood, became homeless and was camping out in a tent with her dog. She went to a local animal rescue group for assistance to find her dog a new home. Instead, the group suggested that she let the dog be fostered while she moved from California to Hawaii (where her son lives) and the group raised money for the dog to be taken care of including his flight to Hawaii. Now the two of them are living happily in the Aloha state. Be a responsible pet owner.  Thank you.

Soon, I will be writing a Hawaii pet friendly blog post. It is an onerous procedure (and costly) to bring your pet to Hawaii. Meanwhile, if you want to move your dog to Hawaii, there is now a five day or less quarantine option.  Check it out here…

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/files/2013/01/aqs-checklist-5DOL.pdf

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page/

PS: All this dog below needs is a black ear and spot on her forehead and a few spots on her belly and this would look like a certain polka dot princess that I know and LOVE.

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Filed under Adventure, affordable housing, California, camping, dog friendly, dog rescue, dog travel, dogs, driving, eco friendly/green, four paws up, guest blog, Hawaii, K9 approved, K9 travel, pet care, pet travel, Uncategorized

Enter to Win: Traveling dogs

Does your dog drive you crazy or drive you to the store?

Be sure to READ BELOW TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN WIN CASH !!!

Fur in the breeze, adventure in her blood, born to be wild Cici loves car rides, no matter where we go. She will hop in anyone’s car, (although she has her preferred vehicle, a Subaru, of course). She loves to go to the beach, shopping mall, dog park or to her favorite pet friendly winery. She even loves going to the vet. But, some dogs do not enjoy driving in the car because they associate car driving with getting a bath or haircut and nails trimmed at the groomer or some other terrible experience (going to the vet or worse).  Dogs who fear driving in cars may throw up, drool, whine, shake, cry or otherwise make life miserable for the driver of the car (that would likely by you).

Make traveling with Dog a breeze

You can ease your dog’s anxiety in the car through a number of methods, from giving them Bach Flower Essences, Rescue Remedy, aromatherapy essential oils (a few calming drops of Lavendar on paws), a calming collar filled with aromatherapy oils and/or play some nice relaxing doggie music made for scaredy dogs like Through a Dog’s Ear by Lisa Spector.

Whenever Cici drives in the car, she is surrounded by her very own pillows and blankets and hitched up to the seat belt but many dogs would prefer and feel safer in a crate or a carrier. NEVER put your dog in the back of your truck, that is one of my pet peeves. What happens when they jump out or if you have to stop quickly? And do not ever let your dog be in the front of the car, sitting on your lap or in the shotgun seat. Much too dangerous. It also goes without saying that your dog should NEVER be put in a kennel on the top of the motor vehicle, either… for ANY length of time.

Cars Made For Traveling Dogs

Car savvy traveling dogs like Cici have voted for their favorite car to drive in. And that car is a Subaru, no matter the model. Cici and I drove our Subaru Legacy station wagon for two years all over California, Nevada and Oregon without a hitch. Well, except for running out of gas and getting a flat tire. Subaru cars are ideally suited to and made for traveling dogs. And their Dog Tested Dog Approved campaign, that we’ve mentioned a couple of times, shows dogs the best car to drive. Grant Weber, Subaru Canine Sales Associate devotes his life selling cars specifically to dogs. Dogs of ALL breeds, little dogs, big dogs, scaredy dogs, brave dogs and most especially traveling savvy dogs.

Watch him sell cars to dogs here…   click on the link…It is funny and Made for Dogs… especially dogs who LOVE to EAT !!!!

 

As part of their campaign, Subaru has launched a facebook app that is FUN and offers some  things to do, such as the Subaru Dog Matcher, the Ask the Expert, Put Your Dog in a Subaru, and the Canine Driver’s License Division (you can make a driver’s license for your dog – I made one for Cici, make sure you put in a fake address).

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Grant Weber suggested Cici would prefer a Subaru Outback for our next car and with the app we can even build our own Outback to our specifications, and the car even comes with snacks, how cool is that?

Cici would look great
in a Subaru Outback.

With the go-anywhere capability of the Outback, you can get away from that fenced-in yard of yours and sniff out some real adventure…

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fav-begging_for_snacks

Enter to Win!

Try the Subaru app out for yourself!

 Like the Subaru Facebook page for a chance to win cash and
tell them that Cici and CeliaSue from Have Dog Blog will Travel sent ya!

Just “like” the Subaru facebook page and you’ll be entered to win a Visa gift card!  One first place prize winner will receive a $350 Visa gift card and one second place prize winner will receive a $150 Visa gift card!  The winners will be announced within 48 hours after the raffle closes.

ENTER HERE.

Like Subaru’s Facebook page FIRST.

Follow the Rafflecopter instructions.

You can enter once per day until the contest ends at 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, February 24.

Start today to win !

Enter once a day for your best chance to win! You can enter with your Facebook log-in or just use your email address.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page and post a photo of your dog driving a Subaru, your dog’s driver’s license, and share what you did with the Subaru Facebook app!

This post is sponsored by Subaru. we are helping spread the woof about the Dog Tested. Dog Approved.™ campaign, because [Have Dog Blog Will Travel] only shares news for things we love and support. All opinions are mine.

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Filed under Adventure, canine cuteness, contest, dog friendly, dog travel, dog treats, dogs, driving, free giveaway, K9 approved, K9 travel, keep pets safe, music for dogs, pet apps, pet friendly winery, pet travel, travel with dog, Uncategorized, women travel, women with dogs

Honking Dogs on the road with Subaru

Cici and I love to travel. We traveled for a few years in our Subaru Legacy station wagon. We drove all over California, Oregon and Nevada. The Subaru got great gas mileage and had lots of room. Cici took up the back seat filled with pillows and toys. She slept while I did the heavy driving. When we got to the destination, she would shake off and be ready to roll. Her excitement at discovering a new place, having an adventure, was contagious.  She is my polka dot princess now with  four different beds to sleep on, her choice every day and night. She is also my best friend and has earned her place by my side. She has her own driver’s license now so the next road trip we go on, she is gonna take the wheel and head out on the highway. Born to be Cici…

 

F9E60FBF-09EB-3C2B-4603-64CC755EF2EA-l

We got her new driver’s license from the Subaru Facebook page. It is the same interactive app that we had fun with when watching the Puppy Bowl last weekend. Have you used the app yet? Just download the “IntoNow” app on your tablet or mobile device here  http://blogp.ws/Wxa8ia   There are all kinds of nifty applications… you can even find the perfect Subaru for your dog (The Subaru Dog Matchmaker) and other goodies. Check it out!

Alas, our Subaru Legacy had more than 260,000 miles on it so we need a new vehicle to drive to the beach, dog park, and everywhere. We would love another Subaru, maybe a Forester. We miss driving to the shopping mall (Petco and Pet Smart), the banks (where she would always get cookies and treats from the nice people), and even the grocery store. Cici loves to meet and greet new people. And if there is food involved, even better.

photo

Beep beep beep beep the horn went beep beep beep… do you remember the song, Little Nash Rambler? I imagine that is how Cici would drive the car, beeping the horn the whole way…

Beep beep beep beep
His horn went beep beep beep
While riding in my Subaru
What to my surprise
A little Nash Rambler was following me
About one third my size
The guy musta wanted to pass me up
As he kept on tooting his horn
I’ll show him that a Subaru is not a car to scorn
Beep beep beep beep
His horn went beep beep beep

[Slowly]
I pushed my foot down to the floor
To give the guy the shake
But the little Nash Rambler stayed right behind
He still had on his brake
He musta thought his car had more guts
As he kept on tooting his horn (beep beep)
I’ll show him that a Subaru is not a car to scorn
Beep beep beep beep
His horn went beep beep beep

[Normal speed]
My car went into passing gear
And we took off with gust (whoosh)
Soon we were going ninety
Musta left him in the dust
When I peeked in the mirror of my car
I couldn’t believe my eyes
The little Nash Rambler was right behind
You’d think that guy could fly
Beep beep beep beep
His horn went beep beep beep

[Quickly]
Now we were doing a hundred and ten
This certainly was a race
For a Rambler to pass a Subaru
Would be a big disgrace
The guy musta wanted to pass me up
As he kept on tooting his horn (beep beep)
I’ll show him that a Subaru is not a car to scorn
Beep beep beep beep
His horn went beep beep beep

[Very quickly]
Now we’re going a hundred twenty
As fast as I can go
The Rambler pulled along side of me
As if we were going slow
The fella rolled down his window
And yelled for me to hear
“Hey buddy how do I get this car outta second gear?”

***

Cici has cat issues so when I bring her to meet Grant Weber at the Subaru lot, she will let the kitties know she is boss if there are any felines around.

It is a good thing that Grant Weber knows how to speak dog and caters to each breed. He knows how to give each dog what they need and the best deal. You know that poodles want different accommodations and specifications than German Shepherds, right. And polka dot princesses need extra comfort, cargo space and zoom for their bucks. You could say that Subaru is an equal opportunity mutt pleaser. And yet, their doggie commercials are just as much fun for humans. Don’t you agree?

This post is sponsored by Subaru. we are helping spread the woof about the Dog Tested. Dog Approved.™ campaign, because [Have Dog Blog Will Travel] only shares news for things we love and support. All opinions are mine.

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Filed under animal planet, beach, breeds, California, cats, dog travel, dogs, driving, four paws up, K9 approved, K9 travel, keep pets safe, Nevada, Oregon, pet apps, pet travel, travel with dog, Uncategorized, videos

Achy breaky joints

Keeping your dog mobile

Traveling with your dog can be one of life’s greatest pleasures, so it’s vital to keep your pooch in prime condition for all the adventures that lie ahead.

A healthy dog is a happy dog but sometimes, even with the best of care, problems can arise. Just like their owners, many dogs can develop joint problems as they age. Thankfully, it is possible to manage conditions like osteoarthritis to make sure those special trips with your pooch don’t become distant memories.

You remember the song Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus? No one wants their dog to suffer with achy breaky joints.

Help prevent joint pain

Prevention is always better than cure so tackling possible joint problems before they start is the best strategy. If your dog is overweight. it is more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis or similar complaints as excess weight can put stress on joints.

Cutting back on food and treats, and making sure regular exercise is part of your dog’s lifestyle, is the first step to keeping your pet in top travel condition. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for dogs because it puts very little strain on their joints. Games which involve lots of running and jumping can have the opposite effect and while fun, could eventually do more harm than good.

Even though joint problems are usually associated with older dogs, you may wish to consider adding joint protective supplements to your dog’s diet before achy and painful joints set in. Strengthening and protecting the cartilage inside the joints can help maintain your dog’s mobility and enable them to get the most out of life.

Signs of poor joint health

If your dog begins to develop joint problems, you may notice they have slowed down and prefer shorter periods of exercise. Other signs to watch for are limping, difficulty in climbing stairs and taking more time than usual to get up from a sitting or sleeping position.

Glucosamine-chondroitin is one of the best-known supplements for dogs as well as humans. Glucosamine has been found to help build cartilage, the spongy material which works as a shock absorber inside joints, while chondroitin helps fight the enzymes that cause cartilage to break down.

Giving your dog glucosamine supplements can not only help ease pain, it could also help prevent the problem from getting worse.

Top tips for joint care

Utilize these top tips for good joint care while traveling and joint problems need not mean the end of the journey:

If you’re taking long drives and traveling long journeys, take regular stops to allow your dog to stretch her legs.

Provide soft cushioning for your dog to travel on, even if you are just going to your favorite local walking area.

Don’t forget to pack your dog’s glucosamine supplement to take while on holiday.

Ensure your holiday accommodation is dog friendly without too many stairs for your dog to climb.

Make sure your dog is at a comfortable temperature while travelling. Cold temperatures, even from a car’s air conditioning, can cause joints to become achy and painful.

Dogs on the road and swimming

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Filed under dog health, dog travel, dogs, driving, exercise your dog, K9 travel, keep pets safe, swimming dogs, travel with dog, Uncategorized

Yummy Foods and Pet laptops

Toshiba Introduces World’s First Laptop for Pets: Toshiba

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a laptop for pets? Toshiba thinks so! They unveiled the world’s first laptop for pets, complete with a built-in doggy cam for dog-to-dog video conferencing as well as brand new bark-to-text technology.

Subaru Provides Dog Driving Lessons, Too Subaru

Subaru has unveiled that it is providing driving lessons for dogs! Really, who wouldn’t want to take a long road trip and be able to relax, knowing that all is well  with Fido at the wheel?

A new company called Yummy Foods will feature authentic organic gourmet pet food in glass pet jars similar to baby food jars…Featured are MeatNut, FishNut, VeggieNut, MilkNut and ChickenNut flavors. Each line will offer various meats (bison to venison), fish (salmon to tuna), fruits and vegetables (such as apple beet salad and yams) goat and cow milk and fowl (chicken, eggs and turkey). Each jar will contain a complete meal and can also be mixed and matched.

Asked why pet owners cannot feed their pets baby food, the response is that there are ingredients in baby food such as fillers and preservatives that are not suitable for pampered pets.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/04/01/gmo-infant-formula.aspx?e_cid=20120401_SNL_Art_1

Given the demand for high quality pet food, the company hopes to clean up the market by targeting  pet owners, rescuers and other childless folks who treat their pets as kids.  The food will be grown on their farm in Mendocino, California and consist of human grade ingredients. Home cooked food without all of the muss and fuss and fresh from the farm.

The owners of the company, Mutt and Jeff, (who it is rumored fight like cats and dogs) will appear on Shark Tank and hope investors will loan them money and not bite them in the butt as they have numerous pet food inventors.

http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-april-fools-day-internet-hoaxes-20120330,0,1170217.story

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/

Happy April Fool’s Day!

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Filed under dogs, driving, food, funny, gag, justforlaughs, keep pets safe, Mendocino, spoil your dog rotten, Uncategorized

dog commercials and ads

love love love the Subaru dog tested dog approved commercials… especially this one with the Dalmatian on the beach sunbathing…

these are cute too

the only thing better would be for the dog Subaru commercials to star some pit bulls…

MSN has a wonderful pit bull ad on MSN’s homepage (www.msn.com)

tell them you like it !

Underneath the ad, click the link for ‘Ad Feedback’ and tell them you love seeing those  pit bull smiles!  (thanks to StubbyDog project)

If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help get the woof out by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on Twitter or Facebook. Thank you! Cici the Polka Dot Princess and CS 

Blog Hop time…  thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop code…

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Filed under all you need is a dog, animal stars, animals, beach, beach parties for dogs, camping, canine cuteness, cats, Dalmatian, dog travel, doggie camp, dogs, drive, driving, four paws up, K9 approved, K9 travel, keep pets safe, pet blog hop, pet travel, pit bull, Uncategorized

Who let the dogs get into politics?

Animal lovers and pet owners are mad at Mitt Romney. It started with the Mitt Romney story about his dog Seamus. Romney took his family from Boston to Ontario, Canada, a 12 hour trip. He strapped the poor dog to the top of the car in a kennel for the entire time. And apparently did not walk the dog once. And when the dog suffered from diarrhea, Romney stopped off at a car wash and hosed the dog kennel and car off and went on his way.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/dogs-on-the-roof-campaign-craziness-continues-to-s-c-and-n-h/

What kind of a dog owner would do that to a dog? And Romney does not seem to know that anything was wrong, justifying it by saying that his dog practically lived in a kennel all the time?

So a blog started in 2007 Dogs Against Romney now also has a Facebook page, where they tell the tale, post about Romney being mean, post media stories about Romney and are selling t-shirts and mugs.

Dogs Against Romney was founded by Scott Crider after he read in the Boston Globe about the incident with Romney and his Irish Setter named Seamus, the 1983 vacation to Canada in the family station wagon.

As reported by the Globe’s Neil Swidey in a 2007 article:
The ride was largely what you’d expect with five brothers, ages 13 and under, packed into a wagon they called the ”white whale.”
As the oldest son, Tagg Romney commandeered the way-back of the wagon, keeping his eyes fixed out the rear window, where he glimpsed the first sign of trouble.
”Dad!” he yelled. ”Gross!” A brown liquid was dripping down the back window, payback from an Irish setter who’d been riding on the roof in the wind for hours.
As the rest of the boys joined in the howls of disgust, Romney coolly pulled off the highway and into a service station. There, he borrowed a hose, washed down Seamus and the car, then hopped back onto the highway.
It was a tiny preview of a trait he would grow famous for in business: emotion-free crisis management.

http://www.dogsagainstromney.com/2012/01/dogs-against-romney-on-rachel-maddow.html

 

besides all of the other problems with Romney being an out of touch millionaire who wants to tax the poor and not the rich, his own party does not want him to be the candidate, Mitt betting $10,000, Mitt says corporations are people, Mitt is being accused of being a vulture capitalist and now Newt and the media (Rachel Maddow and others) have also been telling the dog’s tale. (Mitt’s compassionate/empathetic response is saying everyone is jealous of his money/riches).  Rachel brilliantly pointed out his disconnect.

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/12/10143548-ahead-on-the-112-maddow-show

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/45972011/ns/today-today_people/t/romney-dog-tale-resurfaces-gingrich-attack-ad/#.Tw-tPBW-ZFc

Newt does not have a dog…  but that did not stop him from putting up a pets for Newt page online which shows that he or his staff realize that animal lovers / advocates / owners vote…and he looks like he is about to barf on the page.

Jon Stewart did an amazing riff on The Daily Show, flashbacks of Newt insulting just about everyone and making condescending remarks about blacks, Latinos, women and other minorities.

http://petswithnewt.com/home/page

http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2012/01/11/gingrich-tries-dog-romney-video-about-pets-controversial-trip

http://spreadingromney.com/

http://www.examiner.com/howard-stern-in-national/howard-stern-rips-mitt-romney-oveh-alleged-animal-abuse-claims

If Newt truly cared about dogs/animals, instead of wasting money on attack ads and weird websites, he’d donate his ill gotten gains to people and animals in need. When I see all of the money bandied about, millions of dollars that could be better spent to feed and house people and feed and house homeless pets, it makes me sick. And I think I am not alone in feeling that way. It seems as though that Mitt and Newt and the others do not get that we SEE through their disingenuous horse, cow, bull and dog sh– and ain’t buying nor voting for it.

I posted the Dogs against Romney blog to Rachel Maddow’s facebook page numerous times and other media pages and voila, Rachel  began her show with the story about Romney and included Dogs against Romney… free PR… anyone want to get some Free Publicity about your Pups story? let me know…

Time for our weekly Pet Blog Hop thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  Grab the code and hop away

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Filed under animal abuse, blog hop, dog travel, dogs, driving, K9 travel, keep pets safe, news, pet blog hop, pet care, pet travel, publicity, Republican, travel with dog, Uncategorized

tips for traveling dogs

This Thanksgiving, 42.5 million people are expected to hit the road to visit family and friends, according to AAA.  You can visit our Pet Travel Tips page for an overview of the way that Cici and I roll. And want ideas about where to go, be sure to visit our Free Guide to Pet Friendly Cities (places we’ve visited and recommend). But here are a few more fun pet travel tips for pet owners traveling with their dogs this holiday season.

Cici and  I suggest:

If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to put towels, seat covers and/or sheets over the car seats to stop the fur from flying all over the place.  Bergan’s travel seat protectors can help.  I’ve also seen dog seats (like car seats for kids) that you can get although we’ve never tried any of them.

It’s also a good idea to bring pet food in a plastic storage bin to keep food fresh. And I always carry a pet travel bag for Cici filled with her items (toys, treats, green first aid kit including Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy, aromatherapy oils such as Lavendar and more). And if you are into hiking with your dog, there are backpacks for dogs to carry their own weight.

Now here’s a word from other dog travelers:

From Lucy Postins, CEO of The Honest Kitchen: (Cici loves Keen pet food)

Adding a small amount of dried ginger or ginger tea to a light meal before you depart can  be beneficial for pets who are prone to sickness in the car. Some dogs do better if they fast right before hitting the road.

I have three dogs…90 lb, 75 lb and a 40lb that travel three times a year

between Minneapolis and Denver with me . I do several things:

1. they all wear their seatbelts which attach to their harnesses, and to

the actual seatbelt. Without those, they’d be all over the place.

2. We listen to either classical music or Through a Dogs Ear music. Both

really settle them down and lull them to sleep.

3. We stop at dog friendly parks where there is a gated area and they can

RUN. Just walking them on the leash doesn’t cut it.

4. When it’s dark, they just go to sleep. But if I’m trying to do it in a

day I use Happy Traveler, which is an herbal mixture my vet recommended.

That also keeps them very relaxed. (it’s chamomile, hops, etc)

5. I don’t give them rawhides or too many treats. Driving makes them very

thirsty, and those make it worse.

Tips from Bart the Dumpster Dog

 www.bartthedumpsterdog.com

I suggest crating the dogs in the back of the car or tethering them or at least providing some Kong-type toys to occupy them.

www.thatmutt.com

www.runthatmutt.com

Sap:

Dog appeasing pheromones can be spritzed in the air. Also

available as a plug in outlet or as a dog collar (there is a kitty

version as well). This is the stuff the mommy dog emits to the

puppies. It can be helpful in stressful situations (one of my dogs is

storm phobic).

Carsickness:

Some swear by gingersnap cookies. Others like the Calming Cap by

Premier Products (which lowers the visual stimulus for the dog). One

owner showed me how she would just put a puppy potty pad in the crate

with the dog to make her clean up easier. If you go this route, carry a

zip style bag to seal off the pad and something like Nature’s Miracle

really cuts the smell.

BRING ME:

a favorite toy, bed and a couple of treats. I like to teach “place” on

a dishtowel. I can bring the towel, do a quick review of the command in

a new place and the dog understands that all the rules from home, apply

here too.

Abby Harrison

Sit Dog Stay

Houston TX

When traveling with a dog to visit relatives who might be a little

squeamish, win them over with wonderful treats like a Doggie Candle or a

Doggie Room Spray or some kind of all-natural aromas with a

pet-friendly twist and the wonderful thing is that when you get them from

Soap Hope, all the profits go to lift women from poverty. They make a

great housewarming gift for your travel host, especially since the gift

note says “Every dollar of profit from this gift will empower a woman to

defeat poverty.”

time for our weekly Pet Blog Hop thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume Grab the code and hop away…

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Filed under AAA, aromatherapy, au natural dog, blog hop, dog toys, dog travel, dog treats, doggie bags, drive, driving, Happy Thanksgiving, K9 travel, keep pets safe, pet blog hop, pet travel, Uncategorized

holiday tips for the road

If you are going to the Rapture today, have a great time…

Cici and I had fun driving around for two years… these are a few things that kept us safe and sane. With Memorial Day weekend coming up, these tips are helpful for holidays and can also be good for summer travel with your pooches.

l.  Comfy and cozy and restrained. I had Cici all set up in the back seat with her own blankets and bedding, toys and bones to chew on. Familiar stuff. She could stretch out and snooze while I drove. Or gnaw on bones. Whatever she felt like doing was ok with me because she was out of the way. No coming up into the front of the car or sitting beside me. I did not strap her in but now have a harness for her that attaches to the seat belt which I will use when/if we go on another road trip.  We have been invited back east in June, not sure yet if we will go.

2.  Speaking dog language. I sing songs to her, making them up as I go along. She has learned that when I sing the beach song that means we are going to the beach and she perks up. Or when I sing the doggie park song, she’ll be ready to play with doggie pals. One of the sweetest sounds is the yum yum song, meaning we’re gonna go eat some food. Salivation.

3. Give me a potty break. I take frequent breaks/stops along the way to our destinations and often times intentionally stop at places I know that she will enjoy, if possible. Beaches, dog parks, pet friendly wineries as well as shopping malls and pet stores. When we have the time to do this, it definitely breaks up the monotony of the road and makes the traveling easier and more fun.

4.  Time and traffic. We usually were not in a rush to get anywhere, so our time schedule was flexible. If we had to be somewhere at a certain time, I’d leave more than enough time to get there. When traveling on a holiday weekend, go a day or two ahead if you can or a day or two later to avoid the rush hour traffic.  Same with summer travel. Be aware of times when traffic gets jammed up and take a different route, if possible.

5. Unexpected things will always happen so prepare and expect an adventure. Bring car oil, gas can, a flashlight, a spare tire, camping gear, water, extra dog food and treats, towels, pillows, clothing, extra cash or credit card and other items you might need (shampoo, scissors, bandages, ointments and creams and oils) just in case.

6.  Maps and driving directions. Keep in glove compartment. I am not always good about this. I know the general direction or city/place and then get there and not know where to go and have to search online or on my computer. Keep phone numbers and addresses handy, too.  If you have a cell phone/I-phone, probably makes this easier. I have yet to succumb to the 21st century on this one but if you are traveling alone, especially in desolate areas such as the desert, having a cell phone is a good idea. Hopefully, there is a connection/dial tone when you need to use it.

7.  Be a good guest. Bring your best manners with you. And pet waste bags. If renting a car, cover the seats with sheets and keep your pooch in a crate or harnessed to a dog bed in the back seat. Let the fur fly somewhere else than in the rental car or you might have to pay a hefty fee. Also, be sure of the rental car company’s pet policy before you get to the rental counter. At the pet friendly inn, hotel, motel, B&B or campground, find out ahead of time their do’s and don’ts, nearby places to visit including restaurants where you can take your pooch and fun dog friendly activities in the area.

8.  Be considerate. Not everyone loves dogs and some people are afraid of dogs. And they don’t have to nor do some like pit bulls and other big dogs. And they do not have to either. Of course, rude comments, aggressive behavior and insults are not acceptable and discrimination is unwarranted. But if your dog is well behaved, does not run up to strangers, knock babies over, lick kid’s ice cream cones,  bark or yap incessantly, share fur and drool everywhere or jump up on tables, people and furniture, a better time will be had for all. Make sure your fur baby is a good ambassador for the breed and species.

9.  Accidents may happen. Bring your vet’s phone number, medical records, ID tags, photos of your pet and other info with you, just in case. Also any medications and a pet first aid kit (like the green one we suggested).

10.  One is the loneliest number. Dogs do not like to be left alone in a hotel room, strange places or even in the familiar confines of your car. Do not ever leave your four legged friend unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle is unbearable, 120 degrees, even with the windows slightly open. In addition, your pet could be taken away by unscrupulous pet thieves looking to make a quick buck.

11.  Does your Dog Have a License? If you and your dog are going to share the driving, be sure that they have their Pet’s Driver’s License. Kidding but Cici does now have her Pet Driver’s License, with all her ID listed on it plus a photo of her on it. Between this, her collar ID tag, microchip registered, she is all set to get up and go. Cannot wait for someone to ask for my driver’s license, I will definitely show them hers.

http://www.mypetdmv.com/



http://youcantmakeitup.blogspot.com/2006/04/50-animals-driving.html

Now it’s time to take a Blog Hop road trip catching dogs with Life with Dogs and Two Cavalier Dogs online, here be the code

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Filed under AAA, Adventure, auto club, blog hop, dog travel, driving, happy holidays, K9 travel, pet travel, pit bull, rental cars, Uncategorized, women travel, women writers with dogs