Eddie

A day in the life of a dog… Eddie

Eddie is a black Schnoodle (schnauzer and a poodle and Ta-Da Eddie!).  He has been coming to Preferred Pet Care since he was just a little puppy, when he was a mere 10 weeks old.  Eddie loved it so much that he has been coming ever since.  Today Eddie was kind enough to take a moment before he left on his taxi home to tell us about his day.  Let’s see what Eddie has to say. 

Well I’m so glad that I’ve been selected to tell you all about my day at Preferred Pet Care.  Where do I start?  Hmm… I guess I will start at the beginning of my day starting with my ride on the taxi.

I’ve been staying for the past couple days with my friend who has been watching me while Mom & Dad have been away.  Today though is my usual day to go to Preferred Pet Care, so I was a little concerned that since Dad’s not around that I wouldn’t be going to daycare.  But boy was I wrong.  The bus came bright and early to pick me up Marci came and greeted me at the door.  Bus ride to Preferred Pet Care for daycare, awesome!  On the bus I was greeted by one of my friends, Lizzy.  Lizzy is a husky mix and has been coming to Preferred Pet Care longer than me.  Apparently she also has been coming since she was puppy.

After our short bus ride to Preferred Pet Care it was refreshing to be able to get out and stretch my legs a little.  To my delight one of my best friends was already there waiting for me to pounce on him.  Oscar is one of my best friends; we are like to peas in a pod.  Oscar is just one big loveable pup, who basically is everyone’s favorite.  Oscar was in the middle of his morning nap.  I decided to play with Boyd and Blanche.  Boyd and Blanche are Clumber Spaniels.  They come to daycare on the bus too, but today they were already at Preferred Pet Care.  Boyd and Blanche must have had a slumber party and boarded. 

Boyd and Blanche just got to spend some quality time with Preferred Pet Care’s groomer, Brigitte.  Blanche was telling me all about her spa day with Brigitte.  It sounded like a lot of fun.  Boyd was showing off his new look. 

I prefer to be on the rather fluffy side, especially since I’ve been trying to lose some weight.  My fluffiness hides my figure.  I’m merely bulking up for the winter; at least that’s what I tell myself.  Dad watches out for me and makes sure I’m not cheating with my diet.  He just wants to make sure that I’m in tip-top shape.  I tell him I just need to come to Preferred Pet Care more so I can run around with all my friends.

Once Oscar woke from his nap we went to our secret hiding spot.  I’ll let you in on where our secret hiding spot is it’s behind the tree in the corner.  I’m almost positive no one can see us there, but then again I could be wrong.  We sat there and discussed our favorite treats.  Oscar enjoys crunchy small ones, where as I consider myself to be a connoisseur of treats.  I do enjoy greenies, because I feel that dental hygiene is important, but I don’t have a favorite.  We discussed whether bones are better than treats and where we like to hide our bones.  After discussing the pros and cons of raw-hides Oscar decided to take another nap.  I decided to go work out by running around with Rufus.

Rufus is a Cairn Terrier.  He’s still a puppy and a new addition to the Preferred Pet Care group.  He is spunky and full of energy.  Rufus and I ran around chasing each other.  Rufus did a couple of somersaults.  Oh Boy is Rufus athletic! 

After playing with Rufus I decided to take a little nap since it was getting late in the day.  Before I knew it Doug was calling my name to get me all set to go home on the taxi.  Thankfully there was just enough time for me to sit down and get a belly rub while I had the opportunity to tell you all about my day today.  Well, I hope you enjoyed hearing all about my day.  I’ll probably be here next week, so the countdown till I come back to play at Preferred Pet Care begins!  Have a great day!  I have to run I have to make sure I get a good seat on the bus.

Hodgepodge

This Blogging Wednesday Preferred Pet Care has composed a hodgepodge of news and fun articles for you. 

MASCOT!

Preferred Pet Care would also like to announce we now have a mascot.  Our official mascot is a stuffed dog, who is a mix breed (model after the pup on our business card).  His name is Barney.  Barney was named after the first dog that Preferred Pet Care ever looked after… before we were even officially Preferred Pet Care!  Keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter to see what shenanigans Barney may get into and where you can spot him.  

Need a Halloween Costume for your pup?

This past weekend I visited Philadelphia to visit Eastern State Penitentiary.  While there I learned about Pep, a black Labrador Retriever who was an "inmate".  "Pep, the cat murdering dog" was admitted to Eastern State Penitentiary on August 12, 1924.  The folklore claims that the Governor of Pennsylvania, Gifford Pinchot, sentenced Pep to “life without parole” for killing his wife's cherished cat.  The prison records surprisingly enough support that story. Pep's inmate number was "C-2559".  However, the governor told a different story, the governor claims Pep had been sent to the prison to act as a mascot.  Pep was a much loved pup and lived among the inmates at Eastern State Penitentiary for about a decade.  While the truth regarding why Pep came to Eastern State Penitentiary remains a mystery, judging by his mug shoot, I'd say guilt. 

A picture of Pep from Eastern State Penitentiary is attached.

http://www.easternstate.org/contact/press-room/photos/pep-dog-mug-shot

SAFETY TIPS:

With Halloween right around the corner remember to keep your pets safety in mind.  To remind you about some Halloween safety we have composted a list of the top 3 Safety Tips to ensure your pup is safe this Halloween. 

1. Candy: As delicious as a bowl of candy is, remember it can be very dangerous to your pets.  Chocolate in all forms—esopeically dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats.  Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause medical problems as well.  If you suspect your pet has been snacking on some treats that may be toxic to them call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888)426-4435.

*Think it can’t happen to you?  Unfortunately one of our daycare pups, Wilson, decided to have a nibble on some gum.  Thankfully his owner noticed and called the vet immediately.  After a couple nights at the vet, as well as numerous follow-up visits we are happy to announce Wilson is back to normal.  And Wilson’s house hold is Xylitol free. = )

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, it’s an artificical sweetener that is found in many human “sugar-free” products such as gum, candies, and other sweets.  In dogs xylitol ingestion is linked with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).  Signs of toxicity can be seen as quickly as 30 minutes after xylitol ingestion in dogs.  It causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, causing a sudden decrease in blood glucose.  This can turn into the following symptoms: vomiting, weakness, ataxia (uncoordinated movements), depression, hypokalemia (decreased potassium), seizures, coma, liver dysfunction and/or failure, for a full list or more details please speak with your veterinarian. 

2. Decorations:  Though pumpkins and decorative maize are considered to be relatively nontoxic they may cause your pets tummy to be upset if they have a nibble on them.  Additionally if you have lights, wires, or electrical cords make sure they are out of reach from your pet(s) to avoid any burns or other medical problems.  Lastly jack-o-lanterns if you have a candle in them please exercise caution to avoid a fire.
3. Costumes:  Dress-up can be fun… but costumes can cause your pet stress.  If they prefer to dress up in a costumer—besides their birthday suit—make sure it does not restrict their movement, hearing or imp[ede their ability to breathe or bark.  Additionally make sure the outfit does not have any small or dangling items that can easily become a choking hazard.  Lastly, make sure to add the finishing touches to their costume by ensuring that they have their tags and identification still. 

Best Dressed?

What’s the “best” Halloween costume that you have ever seen for a pup?  We’ve posted some of our favorites that we found on the web. 

Hulk

Harry Potter: Cerberus

Cow

A day in the life of Luca...

Today was Luca’s long awaited trial day.  Luca is a Newfoundland puppy.  Even though Luca is only a puppy he’s a big boy, he’s already as tall as his sister Abbie (who is a Golden Retriever).  Luca is only about 6 months old.  Luca was kind enough tot take a break from his first day at Preferred Pet Care to tell us about how he likes it so far. 

We met up with Luca over by one of the water dishes to sit down with him to hear all about his day at Preferred Pet Care. 

All about Luca’s day…

I’m so excited to be here!  Today is my first day at Preferred Pet Care & let me tell you I absolutely love it here.  When Mommy told me we were going to daycare today I had no clue why Abbie was so excited.  Now, I know why.  When I first arrived at Preferred Pet Care there were all these new smells and tastes.  The front office was filled with toys and bones.  I wonder if those toys and bones are for me.  I hope so, I had my eye on one of those swirly curly bones, and it looked delicious!  Yum!

Today was my trial day.  Joe took Abbie and me out to a yard.  It was different from our yard at home.  The grass didn’t have the same taste.  Abbie said it’s because they never have to cut the grass at Preferred Pet Care, something about it being artificial turf?  I’ll have to ask Mommy what that means.  I like turf.  However I was not a fan that when I tried to dig I didn’t go anywhere.  This turf must have magical abilities.  I will definitely have to ask Mommy.

Anyway, once Abbie and I were in a yard, dogs slowly one at a time came into my yard.  I got to meet a big chocolate doodle named Bailey, and a white doodle named Crosby.  It’s doodle central at Preferred Pet Care.  I met this crazy black and white dog named Patch.  Patch is a little too high energy for me. 

So far I’ve liked all the dogs I’ve met I’ve made so many new friends.  My new friend a black and white Poochon, named Chippy.  He’s about 10 times smaller than me but he’s pretty cool.  He is a ball full of energy.  We ran around for a little while.  Chippy and I played “storming the castle”, which I never heard about.  Chippy explained it’s when he runs into the castle also known as the playhouse and I have to get him.   He ran inside the playhouse and then sat on top of the slide.  I couldn’t fit in the playhouse, so I don’t like storming the castle. 

I showed Chippy one of my favorite activities, which is cloud watching.  It’s when you lay down, or you could stand but that’s a little more challenging, and you stare at the clouds and figure out what they are.  I saw a dinosaur.  Chippy saw an elephant.  Then Gritz asked us what we were doing and she joined in on cloud watching.  She needs practice because she couldn’t see the dinosaur or the elephant.  Gritz and I will have to spend more time together cloud watching so I can teach her all about it. 

After all that cloud watching I was exhausted!  I found a shady spot and took a nap, until you woke me up.  Thanks for waking me up, because I do not want to miss out on all this playtime!  Thanks for listening to me tell you about my day, it’s been a lot of fun and I can’t wait to tell Mommy and Daddy all about it! 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We can’t wait to see more of Luca and we’re so glad he had fun at his first day of daycare! 

October= Fundraising month!

October is filled with fun fundraisers for you and your pup!  Our bulletin board at Preferred Pet Care is filled with flyers of all of these fun events that are going on.  We also have all these event posted on our monthly calendar. 

10/6:

This Saturday the Monmouth County SPCA is hosting their 19^th Annual “Grateful” Dog Walk & Pet Fair.  The event is beginning held at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, and will start at 10am.  Come out for food, shopping, and live music.  There will be on-site adoptions, a raffle, activities for the kids, vet seminars, contests, and micro chipping. 

10/7:

On Sunday, October 7^th there are numerous events for you & your pup to take part in.  You can attend the 16^th Annual Hounds & Harrier Run at South Mountain Reservation in South Orange; the event starts at 10am and includes the race, t-shirts, goody bags, and more. 

There is also Peace 4 Paws, Pawfest, which will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Westwood.  The event will include fun activities for pets and people, vendors, information and food booths, raffles, and much more.  It will beginning at 2:30pm with the Blessing of the Animals, and there will also be adoption opportunities. 

Additionally on Sunday from 11am to 3pm there will be Carnivale of the Dogs benefiting Companion Animal Advocates, which will take place in Ridgewood at The Wild Duck Pond.  The event will be filled with music, giveaways, food, pet psychic readings, pet caricaturist, photographer, veterinarian, animal rescue groups, various dog related exhibitors, Blessing of the Animals, as well as the 5^th Annual Delaney Dog Show. 

10/13:

On Saturday October 13^th St. Hubert’s will be hosting a 5K-9 Run & Walk at the South Street Recreation Area of Loantake Park in Morris Township.  The race/walk will be to benefit all the homeless animals at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center.  The fun starts at 8:30am and awards/prizes are given at 10:30am. 

10/14:

On Sunday October 14^th The Almost Home Dog Rescue of NJ in conjunction with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research will be having a dog walk sponsored by Purina Pro Plan Rally at Veterans Memorial park in Hillsdale; registration will begin at 9am.  The fun filled day will include blessing of the animals, Halloween costume contest, vendors, dog adoption opportunities, as well as fun dog games/contests and much more!

10/27:

On Saturday October 27^th there is the American Cancer Society Bark for Life Walk which is a festival and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  The event will be held at Sunrise Lake at Lewis Morris Park in Morristown from 11:30am-2:30pm. 

10/28:

On Sunday, October 28^th there is the 5^th Annual October Tails Benefiting Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Centers’ Paws for Patients Canine Therapy Program.  The event will be held at Verona Park (Bloomfield Ave & Lakeside Ave in Verona) from 12:30-4:30pm.  There will be a Halloween-themed dog walk with prizes for best dogs in costume, as well as children’s activities, poster contest, agility demonstrations, obedience games, pet caricaturists, vendors and much more!  Paws for Patients is fully-funded by the generosity of donors and relies on volunteers and their dogs, it uses dogs as a means of therapeutic way to provide services to hospice patients and families. 

Who knows you may just see some familiar faces at some dog friendly events! 

Have a great weekend!

A Day in the Life of Sammy B/R..

Sammy is a light brown with some milk chocolate coloring cockapoo.  He is a frequent daycare customer.  Today he was kind enough to fit us into his schedule to tell us about his day.  

********************************************************************************************

This morning it was hard getting out of bed.  It was raining and foggy out, do I have to go and play today?  Yep, well at least on the way over to Preferred Pet Care I could relax a little.  Mom never lets me drive. And after that one time that Dad let me take the elevator by myself I don’t think Mom is going to let Dad give me any driving lessons either.  Once we arrive at one of my favorite places some of my familiar human friends greeted me.  Then I got my usual Preferred Pet Care red collar and off I went out to the play group to spend some quality time with Joe (one of the humans) and my friends the other pups. 

When I arrived I noticed I was one of the first pups to arrive.  No big deal being one of the first at Preferred Pet Care just means more playtimes and more playtime with my friends that are boarding. 

One of my girlfriends, Lily, a beautiful King Charles Cavalier (who you may have seen pictures on Facebook) was still there.  She’s boarding at Preferred Pet Care while her parents are away on vacation.  We ran around and I chase her then she chased me.  I like to play hard to get.  I heard the girls love that. 

I also practiced my circus act today.  I like to jump up on the base of the tents and attempt to leap from one to the other.  I’m pretty good.  I’m thinking one day maybe I can have a one dog show.  “Sammy the Amazing”.   “Sammy the Awesome”.  “Sammy prince of jumping”.  “Sammy the Jumping Bean Dog”.  Hmm… I’ll have to work on a name.  I enjoy jumping; sometimes people tell me I could be part kangaroo.  I don’t know what kangaroos are but they’re probably pretty cute, because I am.  Speaking about cuteness…  One of my favorite perks of being so cute and little is that everyone loves to pick me up and carry me around.  I can’t help it.  I’m just too cute.  I also practice jumping into peoples’ arm. 

In between practicing for my circus act and rendezvousing with Lily I enjoy a nice lunch that Mom had brought in for me.  Mom packed my lunch because she said, I wasn’t hungry at breakfast.  It wasn’t that I wasn’t hungry; it was like I said the perfect day to sleep in.  Silly mom.  I wasn’t too hungry for lunch; I nibbled on my kibble a little.  I don’t have time to eat that’s interfering with all the playing I could be doing. 

After lunch I decided to take a little nap.  Where to nap?  Well, that’s an easy one.  Duh, Oscar!  I don’t know if you’ve met Oscar, but let me tell you if you need a sleeping buddy Oscar is your man.  Oscar is a big white Akita mix who has two different color eyes.  I think he might be part Polar Bear.  He’s big and fluffy, but he’s a gentle giant.  I snuggled up with Oscar for some warmth and of course because he’s so soft and took a little cat nap.  I better not say that 3 letter word (cat) too loud the other dogs might hear me.

After my nap I met a new friend who I had never seen before, Liz.  Liz is really small and kind of slimy.  I met her while I was drinking at the water dish.  Liz is a Redback Salamander which she explained to me that she has been all over New Jersey.  One of the humans rescued her so that none we didn’t accidently step on her.  I wonder if we’ll meet again.  *Liz our visiting Redback Salamander friend was kind enough to pose for a picture which is on Facebook.*

While unfortunately I have to cut our meeting short because I am on a tight schedule.  I already setup a play date with Lily by the slide, and another with Chewy.  I also have to make sure I have enough time to play with Benji and Wrigley too.  So I must run.  Thanks so much for listening to me tell you all about my day. 

*Pictures of Sammy’s day are posted throughout our albums on Facebook.*

*This blog was told by Sammy as translated by Crystal.  Preferred Pet Care & their employees in no way shape or form have special powers that allow us to translate barks to words; however we like to think if our pups could talk this is what they would tell us.  We hope you enjoy our "A Day in the Life of Sammy B/R" piece.*