Happy Holidays

Since the end of the year is fast approaching I wanted to take a few minutes to thank everyone who has made Fur Baby Doggy Daycare a success in 2011.

 First I want to thank my friend Pnut for reminding me how much I love dogs and introducing me to Cesar Millan and Linda Tellington-Jones. Next I want to thank my husband Louis for telling me I should start a dog daycare and his generous support with watching boarding dogs for me on the occasions when I need to be away for a few hours so that Fur Baby can honor it's pledge of never leaving a boarding dog alone while staying with us. Also I want to thank my friend Katie for the fabulous job she did creating my website and her continued support whenever I want to make updates. Most of all I want to thank my clients who trust me to care for their most precious fur babies. Thank you for understanding the three times Fur Baby needed to close due to unexpected personal circumstances. Although I am no longer fostering dogs for the organization I want to thank All Breed Rescue for allowing me the opportunity to foster some of their dogs until they found permanent homes. I hope to apply the knowledge I gained from my experiences with the foster dogs and all the dogs I have the pleasure of caring for everyday to help more dogs.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Woofderful New Year!

Brigett

Green Gift Monday

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and  I would like to start this week out by celebrating Green Gift Monday. For those of you looking to give a thoughtful, ecological friendly gift to a dog lover this holiday season or any time of the year consider the following options:

1. Make a donation in someone's name to your local humane society or animal rescue group. The Humane Society of Chittenden County has a Guardian Angel program that sponsors the home of an animal of your choice for six or twelve months. For more information visit www.chittendenhumane.org/get-involved/guardian-angel.

2. Bake some homemade dog treats and package them in a decorative reusable container.

3. Instead of using wrapping paper wrap a present with a  reusable item such as a dog blanket and use a dog toy as a bow.

For more tips on celebrating a greener holiday season visit http://www.nature.org.

Have a Woofderful Week!

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving. For those of you shopping on Black Friday weekend I have compiled a list of my favorite books for any dog lovers on your gift giving list.

1. The James Herriot collection which includes All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful and The Lord God Made Them All.

2. The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete and How to Raise the Perfect Dog Through Puppyhood and Beyond by Cesar Millan are good choices for someone with a new puppy.

3. Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems and Cesar's Rules: Your Way to Train a Well-Behaved Dog by Cesar Millan.

4. Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz.

5. Getting in TTouch With Your Dog a Gentle Approach to Influencing Behavior, Health, and Performance and A TTouch of Magic for Dogs dvd by Linda Tellington-Jones. I found the dvd to be very helpful while working with one of my foster dogs who was afraid of being touched.

Most of these books are available as audio books as well as in print. Also the James Herriot collection was made into a movie available on dvd called All Creatures Great and Small.

Have a Woofderful Week!

Meet Benji, Layla and Friends

If you are interested in adopting a new best friend come meet Benji, Layla and some of their furry friends looking for forever homes tomorrow, Sunday the 14th, at Petco in South Burlington from 12-2pm. 

Dental Care for Your Dog is Very Important

Over the past six months I have seen a number of dogs suffering from various health conditions due to lack of proper dental care so I thought I would take a few minutes to remind everyone that keeping your dog's teeth healthy is very important to his or her overall health. It is a good idea to brush your dog's teeth every day. If you can't brush your dog's teeth try dental clean pads with cleanser and make sure you take your dog to your veterinarian for regular check-ups and cleanings. Also give your dog treats that reduce tartar buildup such as Greenies and toys like Nylabones to help maintain your dog's teeth.

Make sure your dog is wearing identification

Summer is here and I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather outside with their dogs. Besides remembering to keep your best friend watered and cool while enjoying the sunshine make sure your dog has some form of identification like a tag or a collar with his or her name and your phone number on it in case your dog gets lost. This is a good idea even if your dog has a microchip because it will be obvious to anyone who finds your dog. Some people may not think about taking a lost dog to a shelter or veterinarian to be checked for a microchip but everyone knows if there is a name and number on the dog that it is a beloved family member trying to find home.

First Public Appearance

Fur Baby Doggy Daycare made its first public appearance on June 12th at the Chittenden County Humane Society's Walk for the Animals. Although it was a cool rainy day and the festivities ended early it was fun to see all of the dogs and meet the other vendors and of course we all helped the humane society raise needed funds to help many furry friends. I am looking forward to taking a dog and participating in the walk as well as having a booth next year.

Tip of the Day

I am sharing this list of hypoallergenic dogs because I
have had more than one client ask me about which dogs are the least likely
to trigger allergies or asthma.

Poodle, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Lagotto Romagnolo, Kerry
Blue Terrier, Chinese Crested, Bichon, Miniature Schnauzer, Coton de
Tulear, Airedale Terrier, Havanese, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Bedlington
Terrier, Bergamasco, Puli, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Polish Lowland
Sheepdog, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Dog.

Tip of the Day

Remember what my favorite dog behavior expert Cesar Millan recommends. To
stay physically and psychologically healthy every dog needs exercise,
discipline, and love.

Most of the premium dog food available today will provide your dog with an
ample amount of calories, but if you still want to give your dog treats
without adding to his waistline try the following healthy low calorie
treats.

 -apples
 -carrots
 -watermelon
 -low fat plain yogurt