December 2013 Calendar

Yippie Gimli & Hira!

We have had for the past 2 months two adorable French Bulldogs, Gimli & Hira boarding with us.  Their owners moved overseas and needed to get everything in order before they could arrive.  We are delighted to say they have arrived in their new home, Singapore safe and sound.  

Hello Seth, Crystal and the gang.                                                                       11/12/13

Gimli and Hira are now in the air - Wonderful! We greatly appreciate you guys sending the kids off with lots of love. We were able to rest assured knowing that our babies were in your care for the entire 2 months while waiting to be transported to Singapore to reunite with us. You're THE "Preferred" Pet Care, indeed!

Big thanks for our friend who recommended you guys when we moved from San Francisco to Manhattan in 2009. We'd been sending our girls to Preferred Pet Care every time we needed to go on a long trip (5 to 20 days) since then. This means at least a few long-term overnight boardings a year over the past 4 years before having to relocate to Singapore (for work) a couple of months ago. Every time to and from PPC, the girls looked happy and never had any health issue after any stays. We know they had a good time. And that they always got the TLC from you guys. 

Their most recent and last stay (only because now we've all been relocated to Asia) happened to be the longest - 8 weeks! We made the right decision to leave our girls with you. You guys have been responsive and kind to accommodate all of our needs, be it the extra milk runs, the day trip to their vet in Manhattan and the caring packing for departure. You've also been doing a great job coordinating with our animal hospital and pet relocation agents. We truly appreciate your being a great home away from home for our babies. We would recommend Preferred Pet Care to our friends. Most definitely, we will stick with you when we move back to NYC!

Thank you so much and BIG HUGS to all of you! 

Chantima and Parames

Hi guys,                                                                                                11/15/13

Great news. The girls just arrived safe and sound last evening. It was also a nice coincident that the rain came down for a while around their landing time as well. So heat was not an issue at all. Our pet agent told us that upon arrival Hira's appetite was really good although they had to hand feed Gimli. Then Hira kept coming for Gimli's food after she finished hers! Haha Doesn't it sound familiar? I can just picture it...haha

Anyway, they were spending last night in a pet facility at the airport. Later today, they'll be transferred to the quarantine facility where they'll stay for another 10 days before coming home to us. The facility looks quite nice. We talked to our new friend here and she confirmed had only heard nice things about this place. we are resting assured. And now, so can you @^_^@

Happy Friday, everyone!

Chantima

Help Snickers!

Please help Snickers Find a New Home!!!!

Pup Looking for a New Family

Snickers needs a new home. He’s a two-year-old male

Aussie-Pug-Beagle mix and weighs about 25 pounds. He

is really smart, playful, and loyal and learns quickly.

This energetic pup has been well cared for and has

thrived with a loving family, but lives on a very busy

street and the constant stream of bikes, cars, people

and dogs going by make him anxious.

He’s looking for a new family, ideally on a quieter

street with a fenced-in yard. Snickers has been well

socialized, is house-broken, up-to-date on all his

shots, and has been neutered and microchipped.

Snickers is a fun pup who loves to play and is ready for

a new home!

For more information, please contact Ingrid @

ingridturner123@hotmail.com or 862-205-1753

Doggie DNA? Part 1 of 2

Do you have a mutt?  Have you ever wondered about what kind of breed your dog could be? 

Obviously you love your pup, but wouldn't you like to know what they could possibly be mixed with?  Do you really think they are the breed mix they were labeled at the shelter?  Labrador retriever mix?  Shepherd mix?  Hound mix?  Pitt mix?

Wouldn't it be interesting to see what breeds they really are?  I wondered how accurate are these DNA tests that can be purchased in pet stores and online.  I decided to do a little research of my own.  Breed tests have been sold in the United States for about six years.  The process that can match DNA sequences (microsatellite genotypes) to specific dog breeds, with reportedly 90% accuracy in trials.  The breed test’s accuracy depends largely on the number of breed-related genetic markers in the database.  If the company has more breed markers than the better and more accurate the result will be.  Of course these DNA results are not 100%, but perhaps they could give some insight into your curiosity of your pup.

My interest in discovering what breeds my pups could be sparked after reading an article on MSN in July regarding Ohio’s dog breed mandate.  Check it out here: http://news.msn.com/pop-culture/dog-owners-use-dna-tests-to-fight-mistaken-breed-identity?stay=1.

I have two shelter dogs. 

Dallas was labeled as a husky mix when he was rescued.  He has one blue eye and one brown eye.  Dallas has a double coat that is two toned-salt and pepper coloring; even though he has short hair he does go through seasonal shedding. Dallas is about 75 pounds with a big head, big ears, and stubborn as anything personality.

Natalya was said to be a Shepherd mix.  She’s about 55 pounds of sweetness, but don’t let her fool you.  She’s extremely protective of any place she considers her home and is very vocal.  Natalya has strong prey instincts.  She has brown and tan coloring, with extremely soft fur (like she never lost that “puppy fur” feel), and black spots on her tongue. 

I decided why not lets see what these tests have to say about my shepherd mix and my husky mix.  I purchased the Wisdom Panel 2.0.  It claims to detect 100% AKC Breeds, Mixed breed dogs (Breed ancestry identification back to great-grandparents), Purebred dogs (Certification and level of genetic diversity inbreeding), Designer dogs (Certification that your dog is a true 50/50 hybrid of two purebred parents), gives an adult weight range prediction, breed insights, and covers +200 breeds and varieties.  Wisdom Panel test is preformed by the Mars Veterinary, which is a division of Mars® Incorporated.  Mars Veterinary has been one of the leaders in genetic testing for dogs. 

My DIY kit was extremely easy to use.  Directions were easy to follow.  Your pup can’t eat (have a meal or a treat) for two hours before hand.  You open one of the cotton swabs and you swab between your pup’s cheek and upper gum.  They provide you two cotton swabs so that they may compare the results from the two.  After you’re done swabbing for at least 15 seconds you let the cotton swabs air dry for five minutes.  Once they’re dry you put them back in their slips.  Activate your kit, fill out the code on the prepaid shipping label, and drop it in the mailbox.  Voila you’re done! 

The test takes about 2-3 weeks for results.  However you can track your pups test progress online.

Now, is the waiting game….  Check back in 2-3 weeks…

Hey there!

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about, “A day in the life of a dog”.  We will be back on board with blogging now that the summer has calmed down.

Snickers need a home!

Please help Snickers Find a New Home!!!!

Pup Looking for a New Family

Snickers needs a new home. He’s a two-year-old male

Aussie-Pug-Beagle mix and weighs about 25 pounds. He

is really smart, playful, and loyal and learns quickly.

This energetic pup has been well cared for and has

thrived with a loving family, but lives on a very busy

street and the constant stream of bikes, cars, people

and dogs going by make him anxious.

He’s looking for a new family, ideally on a quieter

street with a fenced-in yard. Snickers has been well

socialized, is house-broken, up-to-date on all his

shots, and has been neutered and microchipped.

Snickers is a fun pup who loves to play and is ready for

a new home!

For more information, please contact Ingrid @

ingridturner123@hotmail.com or 862-205-1753

Doggie Match Making?

Some of our dog’s here at Preferred Pet Care have seen one too many “Match Making” commercials and decided to write their own Match Making Profiles.  Enjoy!

Oscar’s Profile:

I enjoy the cold cool weather.  I loathe the heat.  I enjoy long naps.  I am the mayor of Preferred Pet Care.  It’s a full time job, but someone has to do it.  I’m up for reelection this November so I've been working overtime making sure that I can clinch the seat again.  I have big plans for my re-election!  I have a on again/off again girlfriend Gritz—I’m not sure if she can handle being in the public political spotlight all the time.  I’m looking for someone who likes me for me, and not just as a pillow.  Also you must know I’m a light sleeper at night- I get my best ideas at night so sleeping through the night typically is not an option for me. 

Dallas’ Profile:

My favorite singer is David Bowie,  my favorite actress is Jane Seymour and favorite actors are Dan Aykroyd and Christopher Walken because they have Heterochromia (two different color eyes)-just like me!  I’m an aviation aficionado.  I love anything that can fly, planes, kites, helicopters, cranes….   Well, cranes don’t fly but their high in the sky so I like those too.  I would have been a pilot, except that whole color blindness thing gets in the way.  I’m also a big history buff, primarily of the Cold War era.  I often reenact Cold War scares by hiding under my desk.  (War reenactments are just too scary and too much work).  My biggest downfall is that I’m a workaholic.  I’m always in the front office.  I’m constantly in the office at home.  So much so that my owners put up a door so that we could spend “family time” together and prevent me from working nonstop and being in the office.  I enjoy long walks, sometimes with my owners, sometimes it’s nice to break free and take a stroll on my own- no one ever seems to really appreciate that though.  I love extreme temperatures; I like to sunbathe on my picnic table and to burrow in the snow. I have a little bit of an acid re-flux issue so spicy foods might not be the best for a first date. 

Rufus Profile:

Some people say I have a bit of a Napoleon complex, I merely tell them that I’m a big dog trapped in a small dog body.  I have a tendency to be a little loud when I don’t get my way- it’s not that I’m spoiled it’s just that I presume you didn't hear me the first time so I just speak up to make sure my voice is heard.  I enjoy being hand fed and treats.  I enjoy traveling, but typically to the same spot (Preferred Pet Care’s all inclusive resort for dogs).  I mean it’s just such a great bang for your buck that I can’t pass up staying there for all my vacation needs.  They know me by name when I arrive, they always prepare my meals to my special preference and they’re bedtime turn-down service at night is excellent.  I only stay at the best doggie hotels, five stars, gold star; Preferred Pet Care is the only place for me. 

Natalya’s Profile:

I enjoy running off leash chasing after wildlife.  I’m happiest when I am running rampant and barking.  I’m extremely protective of anywhere I consider my home, so it takes me sometime to warm up. I’ve had my heart broken in the past.  I’m big into James Bond, hence my name Natalya- I was named after Natalya Fyodorvna Simonova the Bond girl in GoldenEye.  I must admit I am pretty high maintenance.  I refuse to jump into any vehicle, whether a sedan or SUV- that’s just beneath me.  I try to keep in shape by doing all sorts of tricks, I can sit, stay, give paw, lie down, roll over, and army crawl.  I’m working on learning how to stand on my back legs in a begging position.  My favorite guilty pleasure is marshmallows, preferably homemade, but I’ll eat any marshmallow.

Spud & Grits:

We’re looking for a strictly platonic relationship.  We enjoy long walks in the South Mountain Reservation.  In Spud’s free time he is practicing to be in the circus by jumping on barrels.  Gritz is in a complicated (on and off again) relationship (she’s confident in the end Oscar will come around and commit already).  We’re looking for someone to join our dynamic duo in our mischief. 

Petunia:

I’m looking for someone to worship the ground I walk on.  I’m extremely high maintenance and I like it that way!  In a previous life I must have been a Queen, and clearly I still am one today.  I enjoy sunbathing, but only when it’s slightly hot.  I do not do well in extreme temperatures.  In the blazing heat I would enjoy someone fanning me.  In the cold weather I’d like someone to snuggle up with.  I’m a little of a plus size model- I should really watch what I eat and exercise, but I just can’t help myself.  I’m one of those gals that just look good with a couple extra pounds on me.  Mom says I need to exercise more; I disagree and make her carry me around instead.  I may be a little stubborn, but what can you expect from a queen?    

Molly:

My friends call me Molly Meatball, or just meatball.  (No, I don’t watch Jersey Shore).  I’m a little shy at first, and like to play hard to get.  I’m a great listener.  Once I get to know you I really open up.  I have a few close friends.  My best friend is my older sister Page.  I’m very artistic.  I have a little anxiety some times; I’m working on that through my abstract artwork.  So far though no one seems to really understand my abstract work- mostly I've done a couple of hmm what’s the best way to describe them… well one of my art pieces I called: “Destroyed bed with a touch of blanket”- it apparently wasn't well liked by the critiques.  Everyone’s a critique.  I also am a fan of opera.  My sister has an amazing singing voice; I wish I was so lucky.  She’s been giving me some singing lessons so maybe one day I can tie all my artistic abilities together.  I’m looking for someone who appreciates my art and who maybe can help add to it (or not- either way).  

Snickers need a home!

Please help Snickers Find a New Home!!!!

Pup Looking for a New Family

Snickers needs a new home. He’s a two-year-old male

Aussie-Pug-Beagle mix and weighs about 25 pounds. He

is really smart, playful, and loyal and learns quickly.

This energetic pup has been well cared for and has

thrived with a loving family, but lives on a very busy

street and the constant stream of bikes, cars, people

and dogs going by make him anxious.

He’s looking for a new family, ideally on a quieter

street with a fenced-in yard. Snickers has been well

socialized, is house-broken, up-to-date on all his

shots, and has been neutered and microchipped.

Snickers is a fun pup who loves to play and is ready for

a new home!

For more information, please contact Ingrid @

ingridturner123@hotmail.com or 862-205-1753

Hear Doggy!

 Last week I told you about a new product Preferred Pet Care was expecting called “Hear Doggy”.  Well our shipment of “Hear Doggy” arrived and I was eager to try this exciting new product. 

I read rave reviews about the product.  Some highlights of the reviews:

4 Stars! “…The squeaker sounds like the noise when you squeeze an empty turkey baster or something. Slight squeal of air. Dog goes nuts over it, though…It's a good size for me to throw, it's usable in the house as it's soft and light, and I don't mind throwing it for her while I'm watching TV because I can't hear it. So all in all - this one's a winner.”

5 Stars: “My dog really loves this; I love it because you can not hear the thing squeak. You only hear a pffft pfft. Noise.”

5 Stars: “I love these toys. My dogs love them and I like how quiet they are! I think they are durable and last a long time too. If you want your dogs to be able to play, you can do and not hear a squeaker.”

5 Stars: “My dog loves playing with this toy and I love it that I can't hear the squeaker. It seems to be pretty durable (my dog is an aggressive chewer). I would recommend this product.”

These reviews were taken from Amazon.  About 70% of the reviews on Amazon were rave reviews with giving the product a 4 or 5 stars out of 5 stars. 

I wondered the same question many of you are probably wondering too, do the dogs actual hear anything?  Well I took one of the toys and squeaked it outside of the playgroup without the dogs actually seeing it.  To my surprise the dogs responded, their ears perked up, side head tilt- WOW!  It seemed like they could actual hear the toy. 

I decided to find out the durability and if dogs would actually be interested in playing with the toys.  I brought home one of the large pink penguins to see how “Hear Doggy” would stand up to my pooches. 

I decided to try it out with my two dogs, Dallas (Shepherd/Husky/Akita mix) & Natalya (German shepherd mix).  Natalya typically has a habit of nibbling off arms, legs, hats, and essentially dissecting her toys over time just to get to the squeaker.  Dallas on the other hand is fairly gentle with his toys, unless they have hats or scarves in which case he very delicately takes them off his toys.  However many toys have been in great condition until the two of them decide to battle over one.  Natalya always win the battle, the toy however doesn’t always win.

After squeaking it just once Natalya was immediately intrigued.  Tilting her head, ears perked up, almost saying, “Come on Mom let’s play throw the toy!  I want the toy!”.  (I’m pretty sure that’s what her barking translated into).  After the next squeak Dallas was now intrigued, not as excited, however he had just woke up from a nap. 

I threw the toy across the living room, and almost immediately regretted that decision.  Both dogs ran haphazardly across the kitchen through the living room to the toy.  Dallas beat Natalya to getting the Penguin which immediately began the chase throughout the house.  Dallas ran down stairs shaking the Penguin in the air.  He flew down the stairs (missing two steps) as he wiped out at the bottom of the stairs.  He dropped his Penguin for a moment but quickly grabbed it before Natalya could pick up the Penguin.  Dallas ran to his couch, jumped on it and starting chewing on his Penguin. 

Natalya determined that she was not content playing with another toy and decided she wanted the Penguin toy.  After waiting about 10 minutes, till Dallas had let his guard down Natalya carefully went down the stairs to the rec room.  Dallas though was not ready to give up his Penguin, and put up a fair fight.  I for sure though the tug-o-war battle between Dallas and Natalya would end with the Penguin in flight along with his stuffing and squeaker in the air.  But shockingly to my delight it didn’t!  Natalya swiftly managed to extract the Penguin from Dallas’ grip and retreat to the upstairs kitchen to lay on her rug with Penguin.  

The Penguin survived both Dallas and Natalya unscratched.  So far, so good. 

In conclusion the Penguin survived.  No holes.  No rips.  No tears.  Just covered in dog slobber.  My rating of the “Hear Doggy” toy is 4 stars.  4 stars because the item appears to work, the dogs do appear to hear the product.  I wouldn’t give it 5 stars because it is a plush toy, so I can foresee it being destroyed or dissected in the future (not immediately).  Keep an eye out for “Hear Doggy” products, which will be on our shelves shortly.  

Please help Snickers Find a New Home!!!!

Pup Looking for a New Family

Snickers needs a new home. He’s a two-year-old male

Aussie-Pug-Beagle mix and weighs about 25 pounds. He

is really smart, playful, and loyal and learns quickly.

This energetic pup has been well cared for and has

thrived with a loving family, but lives on a very busy

street and the constant stream of bikes, cars, people

and dogs going by make him anxious.

He’s looking for a new family, ideally on a quieter

street with a fenced-in yard. Snickers has been well

socialized, is house-broken, up-to-date on all his

shots, and has been neutered and microchipped.

Snickers is a fun pup who loves to play and is ready for

a new home!

For more information, please contact Ingrid @

ingridturner123@hotmail.com or 862-205-1753

Where's the Blog?

Don’t worry; we haven’t forgotten about, “A day in the life of a dog”.

However we’d love to hear from you!

What would you like us to blog about?  About our staff?  About products?  Keep it just simple with: A day in the life of a dog?  Maybe short blurbs with pictures?  What do you want to read about?

We just placed an order for some new products called “Hear Doggy”.  “Hear Doggy” has been featured on MSNBC; they were featured as one of the top six pet products in 2011 on Good Morning America & also named one of Dog Fancy’s Editors Choice Products in 2011.  We’re interested to find out what all the bark’s about!  Apparently they are super fun plush toys that have a squeaker ONLY your dog can hear.  Too good to be true?  Well, that’s why we have held off on ordering them, but after reading up on them we’ve decided we’re interested to find out for ourselves. 

According to “Hear Doggy”:

“Any pet lover knows that dogs love the feel and sound of “squeaky” toys, but enduring the high-pitched repetition in the wee hours of the night can drive any pet-parent crazy!   Ultrasonic HEAR DOGGY!® toys are made with a squeaker ONLY your dog can hear!

Hear Doggy! plush toys give your pet the same sensation and enjoyment of traditional squeaky toys without the irritating noise!

The science behind Hear Doggy!: Dogs can hear sounds at a higher frequency (0 to 45 KHz) than humans (0 to 20 KHz).  Tuned to an ultrasonic range in the 24-28 KHz frequency, each Hear Doggy! squeaker is out of human hearing range, but still fun for your four-legged friend.

Hear Doggy! toys are available in 2 plush designs: Stuffed toys (Blowfish, Whale and Penguin, available in small or large) and Flats (Deer, Rabbit and Skunk) come in one standard size and contain no messy stuffing in the body.” ( blurb taken from Hear Doggy’s website: http://www.hear-doggy.com/)

We should be getting the order in shortly and we are extremely eager to find out just how good these squeak-less toys work.  *We will of course keep you informed.*

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Please remember to keep your pet’s safety in mind this Memorial Day Weekend.  Nothing says summer like a good old-fashion barbeque or outdoor picnic, but remember to keep your furry friend in mind.  As much as your pup may love spending quality time with his friends & family remember that they may not always realize when they need a break.  Make sure if your pup and you are celebrating together that they get plenty of alone time or have a quiet place where they can retreat to if they need a break.  Also make sure that food and beverages are out of reach of “Fido”.  Remember certain foods such as onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes, and raisins are especially toxic to pets. 

1. Keep alcohol drinks away from your pup and out of their reach. 
2. Make sure to keep them on their regular diet and try to resist those pleading eyes.
3. Use ONLY dog specific bug repellent and sunscreen.
4. Make sure to keep your pup away from fire (citronella candles, tiki torches, grills, etc).
5. Supervise pool time
6. Make sure your pup is carrying id (remember to have their collars with tags on them).
7. Never, ever, leave your pup in a hot car, at any time!
8. Provide plenty of water.
9. Provide your pup a safe and quiet place to rest and relax.
10. Remember to keep gates & fences closed so that your pup doesn’t go wandering off.  

Hopefully only 1 more time!

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!  Please spread the word & pass the news along.  Buffy must find a home by the end of this month (May).

Only a couple more weeks left & Buffy still needs a home!!!  Can you help her?

Buffy really is a sweet pup, she is as the owners say shy of people.  With the right family though I’m sure she will warm up to you.  Buffy is a small/medium size brindle plott hound.  She is spayed and up to date on all her vaccines (Canine Influenza, Lymes, Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella, Leptosperosis, and Rabies).  Buffy is about 40-45lbs. 

(The following information has been passed along to us by her current owners)

Buffy is only truly happy when she is with other animals.

Buffy is a doll. She has NEVER shown any signs of aggression, even when her fear is overwhelming. She is just frightened of everything.
Everything. People, cars, trees, wind, etc. The only thing that she is not afraid of is another animal. Gets along great with our cat, other dogs, etc. We have tried behavior modification and medication and nothing has worked.

She has been with her current owners for 2 years and is about 2.5 years old. Totally healthy.

The current owners of Buffy are moving in May and MUST find her a home.  Unfortunately she will not be able to make the transition.  Please call our office if you're interested at (973)762-7007, and we will give you the current owner's contact information.  

If you are sincerely interested in potentially adopting Buffy, she is currently boarding with us- please call our office and we can see if we can work out a time for you to see Buffy at the facility.  Please share this information with family/friends/Facebook/Twitter. 

Happy May!

Happy May!

May 2013

Blank and printable May Calendar with US Holidays.  Courtesy of WinCalendar.com.  This Calendar is editable and ideal to use as a planner.

◄ Apr 2013	~ May 2013 ~					Jun 2013 ►
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10 Happy Blog Day!	11
12 Mother's Day	13 HAPPY 5th Anniversary Preferred Pet Care!!!!! Happy Blogging!	14	15	16	17	18 Armed Forces Day Happy Birthday Charlie Joe W!
19 Happy Birthday Ryleigh G & Maise M! Pet Fair (Woodbridge) Wine & Waddle (see flyer)	20 Happy Birthday Maggie Y! Happy Blogging!	21	22	23 Happy Birthday Atticus!	24	25 Call ahead to check about Daycare Hours
26 Regular Business Hours Call to Check about Daycare Hours	27 Memorial Day CLOSED!	28 Regular Business Hours	29	30 Happy Birthday Buddy O!	31 Happy Blog Day!	Notes: