Caitlyn & Milo - Dog Fashion Afficiondos

As I sit and contemplate how things are going with me, my life, my business, my job, I am reminded of one of my favorite dog sayings:

"When you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you've growled all day long." - Unknown

So my February lesson of the day is to remember my poor little Jack. He was a beautiful amazing dog. A little blue chihuahua. He changed after life changed on him. His "sister" who he had been bonded with his entire life died. He developed a horrible infection in his toe and lost his toe. Afterwards, he was never the same. He growled, snarled and complained all day long. If another dog looked at him, looked in the kitchen, looked at a toy, walked by him, looked at the food bowl. Didn't matter. Just anything that even remotely resembled showing up in his territory, which became everything in the universe. We tried so many things with him, anxiety meds, extra attention, separating him, etc. But I think when he lost Brandy and then his toe, it was too much for him. The lesson in that is to remind me to not focus on what is lost, but on what the future holds.

Dog Slings

Dog Tutus

Dog Greeting Cards

Children’s Tutus

Children's Personalized T-Shirts

Personalized Dog Bowls

Dog Gifts Breed Specific Gifts

Dog Beds

Swarovski Crystal Dog Collars

Mornings at My House

2010-01-26T14:57:00.001-06:00

So here's how I spend my mornings

4:40 a.m. - alarm goes off. Mom lays in bed for 10 minutes then kicks us all out of the house to the back yard.
5:10 a.m. - mom's done with the shower, but she waits for dad to finish his and won't let us in. We not so patiently wait at the back door.
5:30 a.m. - Finally mom let's us back in and we race to the bed to see her and get some much needed petting and loving
5:35 a.m. - Mom is still ignoring us as she thinks it is FAR more important to play Mafia Wars and she says we are interferring with her computer. Move to Dad, who is busy reading email on his Iphone.
5:40 a.m. - MAYBE, if we are lucky, they will finally pet us. In the meantime, we have had to entertain ourselves on the bed with toys and each other.
5:45 a.m. - frantic dressing by the parents as they get ready for work.
6:00 a.m. - woohoo - chicken jerky time! Finally something good for the day!
6:15 a.m. - like lambs being led to slaughter, mom tells us boys it's time to head to the bathroom for the day. Something about leg lifting. We race to the bathroom like fools because, like all boys, we think with our stomachs and there are some really cool chicken wraps in there for us.
6:20 a.m. - Chicken wraps eaten. Now we settle in for 10 hours in the bathroom until they come home. What WERE we thinking when we raced to the bathroom for that 5 minutes of pure bliss? Ho hum.

Next week we will talk about the evenings in our house!

Dog Slings
Dog Tutus
Dog Greeting Cards
Children’s Tutus
Children's Personalized T-Shirts
Dog Car Seats
Dog Carriers
Dog Accessories
Dog Bike Carriers
Dog Life Jackets
Personalized Dog Bowls
Dog Gifts
Breed Specific Gifts
Dog Beds
Swarovski Crystal Dog Collars

Lolliepop, the Japanese Chin (aka Ninja Warrier)

2010-01-20T13:12:00.001-06:00

Why is it that a 3 lb. little Japanese Chin runt can kick everyone's butt! Bogie (the Boston Terrier) is a non-stop play machine, but even he wears out before this little ball of fire does! So we have nicknamed her Ninja. I swear she uses Ninja techniques on us when playing with us. Just this morning, as I was patiently trying to wait for my chicken jerky, she starts grabbing my ear and trying to haul me around the house. Something about my ears being defective (they don't stand like most chihuahua's ears do). So I not so politely pointed out to her that she is an ear reject as well since one of her ears has white on it. The horror of it all! Geez. For that, she grabbed me by my back leg and started dragging me across the bed. Some girls are just so touchy! You would think I told her she had a big butt or something!

Well that's it for my today. See you all next week!

Dog Slings
Dog Tutus
Dog Greeting Cards
Children’s Tutus
Dog Lover Pendants
Dog Car Seats
Dog Carriers
Dog Accessories
Dog Bike Carriers
Dog Life Jackets
Personalized Dog Bowls
Dog Gifts
Breed Specific Gifts
Dog Beds
Swarovski Crystal Dog Collars

BRRRRRR. It was COLD in Texas

2010-01-11T14:56:00.003-06:00

So we just got back from a weekend dog show. Selling lots of cool things for Milo's store, but it was soooooo cold in Glen Rose, Texas. In an agricultural facility there, that had a roof but that was about it. Mom was wearing 3 pairs of socks, 2 coats, a sweatshirt, gloves, etc. etc. and still freezing. We bunkered down in a stroller with coats and were still so cold. Texas isn't supposed to be like this! Silly weather!

Hope everyone is having a great new year!

Dog Slings
Dog Tutus
Dog Greeting Cards
Children’s Tutus
Dog Lover Pendants
Dog Car Seats
Dog Carriers
Dog Accessories
Dog Bike Carriers
Dog Life Jackets
Personalized Dog Bowls
Dog Gifts
Breed Specific Gifts
Dog Beds
Swarovski Crystal Dog Collars

It has been way too long!

2010-01-05T13:31:00.001-06:00

since we have posted here. So much has happened to us. We have new brothers and sisters. Well, one of each actually. A Japanese Chin who thinks she is a Ninja Warrior. You should see her in action! She is one tough cookie. Crazy. Then there's this Boston Terrier, Bogie, who fancies himself as a ladies' man. Problem is that the Ninja Warrier, who is onlyl 3 lbs., kicks his ass. It's the funniest thing you ever saw. This little spitfire taking on the 15 lb. Boston and winning virtually every time. But come to think of it, she kicks Milo's ass too. Seriously, do all Japanese Chins get Ninja training when they are born? They must.

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. We promise to be back here more often now that the new year has started!

Dog Slings
Dog Tutus
Dog Greeting Cards
Children’s Tutus
Dog Lover Pendants
Dog Car Seats
Dog Carriers
Dog Accessories
Dog Bike Carriers
Dog Life Jackets
Personalized Dog Bowls
Dog Gifts
Breed Specific Gifts
Dog Beds
Swarovski Crystal Dog Collars

Dog Quotes

2008-06-03T16:12:00.003-05:00

I think I'm going to start a new "feature" on this blog - dog quotes. I mean what is more important than a dog anyway? We are cooler than cool, you know.

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog." - Gene Hill

www.caitlyns-k9.com

Someone finally understands my worth!

2008-05-23T09:19:00.002-05:00

from the L.A. Times....

Chihuahuas top the list of most lavished dog breeds
1:18 PM, May 13, 2008

The size of a dog is apparently no indication of how much owners are willing to spend on it. Chihuahuas, the pint-size dog favored by celebutantes like Paris Hilton, topped the list of breeds that people spend the most money on, according to a study by a British insurance company. The Baltimore Sun's blog Mutts breaks it down:

Chihuahuas -- the breed favored by Paris Hilton and Britney Spears (who reportedly once treated her dog Bitbit to a $180 steak at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas) -- cost their owners about $197,000 each, much of that presumably in clothing, jewelry and other luxuries. The labrador, by comparison, has about $60,000 spent on it in the course of its life.

The study surveyed 3,000 dog owners in Great Britain and looked at the amount spent for vets, food, grooming, kennels and insurance, spread over the breed's average life expectancy. On average, the study said, a dog owner spends about $62,000 during its lifetime.

"Today's household pets are treated more like members of the family, and this attitude is reflected in the amount owners spend on their pets' lifestyle," Mike Pickard, head of pet insurance at esure, which conducted the study, tells the UK Daily Record.

The biggest expense of owning a dog, according to the study? Vet bills, followed by food and kennels.

And now, the company's list of the top 20 costliest breeds:

1. Chihuahua
2. Greyhound
3. Mastiff
4. Boxer
5. English setter
6. Doberman pinscher
7. Golden retriever
8. Poodle
9. Dalmatian
10. Great Dane
11. Whippet
12. Border collie
13. Dachshund
14. Pug
15. Bulldog
16. Beagle
17. Rhodesian ridgeback
18. Labrador
19. Spaniel
20. Jack Russell

www.caitlyns-k9.com

Pet Obession at an all Time High According to Yahoo

2007-10-25T07:34:00.000-05:00

from www.yahoo.com
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Andrea ThompsonLiveScience Staff WriterLiveScience.com Mon Oct 22, 8:25 AM ET

Whether they bark, meow, squeak, chirp or hiss, pets are treasured household members for most Americans at some point, and recent surveys show more and more people are welcoming animals into their homes and treating them as family.

Two-thirds of American households (about 71.1 million) have at least one pet, according to a survey of pet owners conducted last year by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. That number was an increase from the 56 percent of households that owned a pet in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted.

And 45 percent of pet owners have more than one pet, according to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals science advisor Stephen Zawistowski.

There is now a "huge rise in the number of pets" in the United States, said Humane Society spokesperson Stephanie Shain.

These pets, especially cats and dogs, are also increasingly considered to be an essential part of a family, with U.S. pet owners spending more time and money (estimated at nearly $41 billion in 2007) on the health and happiness of their pets in recent years. Things that would once have seemed extravagant—doggy daycares, pet cemeteries, and an expanding array of pet surgeries and treatments—are now as common as, well, the family dog.

Family members

While owning a pet is almost the norm today, in eras past, it was a luxury, says Alan Beck, a veterinary professor with Purdue University's Center for the Human-Animal Bond. While farmers may have kept cats to rid their barns of mice and dogs to herd or help with hunting, keeping an animal solely as a companion was something for which only the wealthy had the free time and disposable income.

But as the American middle class emerged and grew in the 20th century, all of that changed and pets, like cars and TV sets, became something that anyone could have.

"More people have discretionary time, discretionary income," Beck said. "So you don't have to be one of the upper echelon to have a pet."

Pet ownership in America really began to take off after World War II, Zawistowski said, as families not only earned more income, but began to move to the suburbs, where they had more room to keep pets.

Adding to this was the changing notion of what constituted the typical American family, which was shaped by how families were portrayed on TV and in the movies. In addition to a mom, dad and kids, these fictional families had a dog and cat, sending the message that pets were an essential part of home life.

"These all started to create the image of what the American household, or the American home, was supposed to look like" Zawistowski said.

Pets aren’t just a part of the household like the TV or computer is—they are more and more thought of as full-fledged family members. Beck said that 40 percent of people who keep pictures of their spouse and children in their wallet also keep pictures of their pets, "because it is a member of the family."

There's also the strong sense of grief many owners feel when a pet dies, plus the consoling response of family and friends.

"It's very much accepted that it's a real loss," Shain said.

Pet owners can now to keep their pet's ashes in an urn or purchase a headstone or marker in a pet cemetery, and friends and co-workers can send a condolences card from Hallmark.

"In some ways, an event is culturally relevant when Hallmark makes a card," Zawistowski said.
Societal acceptance

Pets are increasingly recognized by society as an important part of their owners' lives. This is particularly the case with dogs, as more opportunities have cropped up to make it easier to keep a canine companion.

The problem of what to do with a dog while the owner is at work now has several solutions: More businesses are allowing people to bring their dogs to work (the Humane Society just instituted such a policy), doggy daycares are springing up and people are increasingly allowed to telecommute or work from home.

Some stores and bars even allow dogs to accompany their owners inside.

"We're allowing dogs more and more into our lives in places where they absolutely didn't used to be allowed," Shain said.

Television shows on networks such as Animal Planet that focus on pets also serve to reinforce the norm of having a pet, Beck added.

Veterinary care

Additional key factors in the proliferation of pet owners are improvements in veterinary care and the development of products that make caring for all types of pets easier, particularly fish, birds and reptiles, which formerly required highly specialized knowledge for their care and feeding.

"We understand now more than ever how pets work," Shain said.

Veterinary medicine has expanded, with specialties devoted to particular animals and disease types (such as cancers). Vets have also developed a better understanding of many of the common diseases that plague pets.

"Our knowledge has grown, we know more about what it takes to do a good job of keeping our pets happy and healthy, and that has in turn led to them living longer, which has resulted in them having other needs," Zawistowski said.

Now there are options to treat diseases and ailments that 20 years ago would have necessitated putting the animal to sleep, Zawistowski said. Vets can perform more complicated surgeries, pets with broken limbs can have them mended and chemotherapy can be performed on cats with cancer or dialysis on those with kidney problems (two common feline ailments).

Because these options are available, people are now willing to spend thousands of dollars to treat their pets and keep them alive, whereas in the past they would have simply put them to sleep.
With pets living longer, owners are paying more attention to what they feed pets and issues such as dental care. For instance, dogs used to die earlier, so it didn't matter as much that their teeth started falling out around the age of 7 or 8, but now, with some dogs living upwards of 15 years, those teeth become important to a dog's long-term health.

These needs also have led to a proliferation of pet foods and treats aimed at keeping pets
healthy, though most owners tend not to go for the really fancy stuff, Zawistowski said.

Pet economy

Pet stores and products tailored to pets are certainly more of a modern invention, with the first true pet stores emerging after World War II. The availability of pet food and other basic care items made owning a pet much easier.

Before the 1950s and the advent of cat litter, for example, keeping a cat in the house was something of a stinky proposition. Litter boxes were literally just that, wooden boxes filled with sand that the cats could do their business in, but it did little to keep the smell at bay.
"It used to be more of a do-it-yourself thing. There wasn't really a store that you went to and bought cages and food and things," Zawistowski said

Some of the recent increase in pet products beyond the basic necessities comes from a recognition that pets need things besides food, water and some affection. For instance, it's good for dogs to go to the groomer and for cats to have toys to play with.

"It's no longer considered a luxury for dogs to go the groomer," Shain said.

Though the pet industry has led to more high-end products, such as designer doggy clothes and carriers and cat spas, the majority of pet owners don't go in for those luxuries. Most of the money spent on pets, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association survey, goes to food, veterinary care and basic supplies.

But even with all the advances that have made owning a pet easier, there's still one main reason why people get a pet.

"The most fundamental thing … when people have done studies of 'Why do you want to have a pet?', it's for companionship," Zawistowski said.
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www.caitlyns-k9.com

The Effect of the Fires on Animals

2007-10-24T10:03:00.000-05:00

from www.cnn.com
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By Cybil WallaceCNN

(CNN) -- In San Diego County, officials are racing, literally, to save pets and livestock left behind by hundreds of thousands of residents fleeing the raging wildfires.

Horses stand in a pen as fire threatens the Bonita neighborhood in San Diego, California.

For the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services, it's nonstop work to save as many lives as possible, said Lt. Daniel Desousa.

"We're doing the best we can to keep ahead of the flames and pull the animals out," he said Tuesday. "Are animals going to be killed? Yes. But we're doing the best we can."

With help from Los Angeles and the Humane Society of the United States, the county's 30 animal services officers have been answering calls from people who left their pets and livestock behind as well as those who have seen animals left in evacuated areas.

Many people calling don't have enough trailers to get all of their horses to safety and need help, he said.

"I never knew we had so many horses here," Desousa said. "And we're seeing even more this time because our fires are bigger and worse (than the 2003 fires that swept the area)."

At a fairground in San Diego County, 2,000 horses are being boarded, but Desousa said it seems like horses are being housed everywhere -- even mall parking lots -- with their anxious owners standing next to them.

"If you have an open space, we'll put horses on it," he said.

The Humane Society's Curtis Ransom is stationed at an emergency campground in San Diego County where people have taken refuge with their dogs, cats, horses and even goats.

"It's a whole different situation from Katrina; people are taking care of the animals," Ransom said.

"The message has gotten out. It's a horrible disaster, but as far as the facilities and the willingness to take in animals, I don't think there's any hesitation," he said.

He said they have received invitations from shelters to take in pets -- they even have one place that could house an elephant, if needed -- and many of the evacuation areas are allowing people to bring their furry friends.

Also, news stations are informing people about where they can take their animals if their neighborhood is evacuated, Ransom said.

Desousa said the county has been so busy with the work, they don't have figures on how many animals they've saved and evacuated.

One officer called to say there was a bird left in a house in the fire's path. He wanted to know if he should kick in the door to get the animal. Desousa told him that the door won't matter if the fire destroys the house. Save the bird, he told him.

Other times, flames have been too close for officers to grab the animals, Desousa said.

On the job for 19 years, Desousa said this is the worst series of wildfires he's seen.
Even many of the officers themselves have been evacuated.

Desousa has his three dogs, three cats, a tortoise and a snake in his office. He said when they were told to evacuate, they divvied up priorities.

"I ran home, grabbed the animals and my wife grabbed the family photos," he said.
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www.caitlyns-k9.com

Pet Experts Announce Healthiest Cities for Pets

2007-10-23T18:36:00.000-05:00

My mom wants to live in Denver....

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Pet Experts Announce Healthiest Cities For Pets

A new study reveals which U.S. cities are top dogs when it comes to pet health.

The study, conducted by the Purina Pet Institute, ranked those cities that exemplify superior care, services and legislation for pets' health and well-being. It analyzed 30 different criteria ranging from veterinarian-to-pet ratios to incidence of obesity to rabies legislation. The top five Pet Healthiest Cities are:

1. Denver, Colo.
2. Oakland, Calif.
3. Portland, Ore.
4. Anaheim, Calif.
5. San Francisco, Calif.

"This is the only comprehensive evaluation of factors that impact pets' health and affect their quality of life," said Dan Christian, DVM, executive director of the Purina Pet Institute. The data revealed that pet obesity/body condition and preventative care are major issues.

According to veterinarians surveyed, more than half of the nation's cats and dogs are overfed, which can lead to health problems. An unprecedented 14-year Purina study proved that feeding dogs properly throughout their lifetime to maintain ideal body condition can significantly extend their healthy years.

Other significant results:

• Cats and dogs in San Francisco can claim clean lungs-the city has the lowest cigarette usage in the report and boasts zero annual ozone alert days.

• New York City and Oakland scored highest for percentage of dogs neutered (83 percent) and New York City tied with San Jose for highest percentage of cats neutered (86 percent).

• In the body condition category, New Orleans scored highest for percentage of dogs at ideal body weight (50 percent) and Nashville took top score for percentage of cats at ideal body weight (50 percent).

• Columbus, Ohio leads the country in the veterinarian-to-pet ratio with one veterinarian for every 745 pets.

While it is important to understand the environmental elements that affect a pet's health-such as the availability of qualified care, the prevalence of fleas or the requirements of licensing-there are many things individual pet owners can do to help improve their pet's health.
"
The things pet owners control -obesity, preventative care, spaying and neutering-can literally add, or detract, healthy years from a pet's life," said Christian.

Pet enthusiasts can log on to www.purina.com to find out more about the report and what they can do for their own pet's health.
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www.caitlyns-k9.com

Should Rescue Groups Reclaim Dogs?

2007-10-22T10:55:00.000-05:00

The following is a link to MSNBC who is running a poll on whether rescue groups should reclaim pets ... this following the Ellen fiasco. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21367635/

I have mixed feelings on all of this. Rescue should, first and foremost, be about finding the right home for the right dog. When my mom was in rescue, what she believed is that it was about matching the right dog to the right home, not just placing a dog in any home that happened to be qualified. There are many many qualified homes out there, but not all dogs fit in all homes. It is a matter of the dog's temperament, the family's wants in a dog, and how they blend together. We were fortunate in that out of all of the dogs my mom helped place, only one was ever returned. But sometimes mom had to steer the family away from one dog because she knew it wouldn't work, and introduce them to another dog who was more suitable to their home and lifestyle.

So...if Iggy (Ellen's dog) was happy at the home Ellen gave him to, I'm not sure he shouldn't have just been left there, especially if they were responsible pet owners. Yes, they signed a contract saying they would give the dog back to the rescue group, but when push comes to shove, it should be about what is right for the dog, not what is legally required. But since I don't know the dog, don't know the family, and don't know the circumstances, I will have to refrain from really having an opinion on any of this. All I know is that it is sad what it is doing to the rescue community and the reputations it is ruining...guilt by association, you know. The old adage "birds of a feather flock together." Yeah, to0 many sayings, I know, but people do tend to generalize. If one rescue group believes something, they all must. But all groups are different. It's what makes the world so wonderful. If we all agreed, it would be closer to a dictatorship, not the America we all know and love.

All I know is that there is no greater love than an abandoned or abused pet who finally finds love with a great new family/owner. Once that dog finds love, kindness and generosity of spirit, they never forget it and will love you unconditionally. There is no greater joy than watching a rescue dog learn, usually for the first time, about love and devotion.

Caitlyn (and her mom)

www.caitlyns-k9.com

Millions Dress Dogs for Halloween

2007-10-10T20:58:00.000-05:00

Millions Dress Dogs for Halloween

Survey reveals 7.4 million households plan on dressing up their dogs and cats this year.
As Halloween approaches, millions of families across the United States will be searching for the perfect costume.

For their pets, that is. Approximately 7.4 million households plan on dressing up their dogs and cats for Halloween, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation.

“Many consumers who own pets think of them as family members,” said NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin. “Pet owners will go all out to include dogs, cats and other critters in Halloween festivities, including trick-or-treating, handing out candy, or even celebrating at a friend or family member’s house.”

The survey revealed the top 15 costumes for pets, which include:

Devil
Pumpkin
Witch
Princess
Angel
Pirate
Hot Dog
Bat
Black Cat
Clown
Athlete
Bumble Bee
Ghost
Bowtie/fancy collar/bandana
Superhero

Surveyors polled 8,877 consumers from Sept. 4 to 11, 2007, in an effort to gauge Halloween shopping trends. The NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, and its members include department, specialty, discount, catalog, Internet, drug, and grocery stores.

Check out the costumes at my site at www.caitlyns-k9.com.

Apparel Gone to the Dogs

2007-10-09T11:00:00.001-05:00

Apparel Gone to the Dogs (Impressions Magazine)

Dogs are, in fact, people too. Need proof? Consider the following: The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. (APPMA), Greenwich, Conn., estimates that 54% of dog owners will buy their pets at least one present during the holidays, and an average of seven gifts throughout the year.
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Check out my web site for your holiday shopping - we have some really cool things and are updating our web site with new pet fashion continually. In fact, we now carry clothes for dogs up to 200 lbs. So if you need big dog clothes, stop by and see us. Of course, we can also fit a 1 lb. dog as well so check out our teacup clothing as well!

www.caitlyns-k9.com

Police crack down on small dogs in big cars

2007-10-08T09:55:00.000-05:00

I think this is called discrimination. Can we get enough chihuahuas to file a class action against the Oklahome police?

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Oklahoma: Police Crack Down on Small Dogs in Big Cars

Police in Tulsa, Oklahoma ticket a woman for allegedly driving with a tiny Chihuahua in her lap.Police in Tulsa, Oklahoma are ticketing motorists $120 for the crime of driving with a small dog in their lap.

Shannon Medlock fell victim of the city ordinance that she had no idea even existed. The twenty-two-year-old motorist had a clean record until her Chihuahua hopped into her lap while the Ford F-150 pickup truck she was was driving had stopped behind a police officer at a stop sign. The dog, Mickey, took a look out the driver's side window.

Noticing this, the officer pulled Medlock over."I was shocked when I learned why he stopped me," Medlock told the Tulsa World newspaper. "I see dogs hanging out windows of cars all the time."

Medlock always pushed aside her dog once the truck was in motion, but the Tulsa police officer claimed he saw Mickey being bounced around in the vehicle while she was driving."

It's a big truck," Medlock told the Tulsa World. "It would be difficult to see my little dog."The officer that wrote Medlock was responsible for half of all the "dog in lap" tickets issued in Tulsa which have generated nearly $2000 in revenue.

Source: Dog on board: Poochs lap ride results in ticket (Tulsa World (OK), 10/5/2007)

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www.caitlyns-k9.com

People Foods Dogs Shouldn't Eat

2007-10-04T14:03:00.001-05:00

FOODS LIKE RAISINS AND NUTS THAT ARE GOOD FOR US CAN BE BAD FOR OUR DOGS, K-STATE VETERINARIAN SAYS

Many conscientious dog owners wouldn't think of giving their canine a tasty but dangerous chocolate bar. But they may not know that giving a dog a handful of fruit or nuts can be just as risky.

Seemingly harmless foods like fruits and nuts that have health benefits for people can be dangerous to dogs, said Ken Harkin, associate professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Harkin says a few foods to watch out for include:

* Raisins. A healthful snack food for people, they can wreak havoc on dogs. Harkin said raisin toxicity is a relatively rare condition that can result in kidney failure. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea before the dog takes a dramatic turn for the worse.

* Macadamia nuts. Harkin warns that the tasty and pricey nuts are toxic to dogs and create hind limb weakness, tremors, depression, vomiting and fever. He said dogs usually recover.

* Moldy food. What grosses you out may not even faze your dog. Your pet's indiscriminating tastes can lead to trouble. Harkin said moldy food can produce a tremor syndrome in dogs that can result in seizures.

* Bread dough. Even a food fundamental to many human diets can be dangerous when it's uncooked. Harkin said bread dough isn't good for dogs or children, either. The yeast can ferment in your dog's stomach and produce signs of "ethanol ingestion" -- drunkenness. A ball of dough also can obstruct the dog's gastrointestinal tract.

* Dark chocolate. Even though dark chocolate is being touted as a good source of antioxidants for humans, chocolate still is unsafe for dogs. "The major offenders would be cocoa powder and baker's chocolate, with dark chocolate and semisweet chocolate behind these," Harkin said. "It takes three times as much dark chocolate to equal baker's chocolate."

If you suspect your dog has ingested an excessive amount of one of these foods, Harkin says to call your dog's veterinarian.

He also recommends a good quality commercial dog or cat food as the staple in a pet's diet. Harkin says don't offer too many table scraps or other treats, as pets could develop a picky appetite and not eat their nutritionally balanced diet. He said although it is not common, it has become a problem with some pets. When doting pet owners wanting to offer something from their plates, Harkin emphasizes moderation.

"The main reason not to feed table scraps is to avoid obesity," he said.

Foods like raisins aren't necessary dangerous in small amounts but can be when given in excess, Harkin said.

"You would never eat 16 cups of raisins in one sitting, so why would you give a 5- or 10-pound dog a half cup of raisins in one sitting?" he said. "A few grapes or raisins never hurt any dog, but it's the massive amount they consume that kills them."

Dogs don't know when enough is enough, Harkin said.

"Dogs get more toxicity issues with raisins, grapes and macadamia nuts because they have that gluttonous instinct to eat everything in sight, and they eat well above the toxic level," Harkin said. "You just don't see many cats, birds or reptiles doing that.
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www.caitlyns-k9.com

Michael Vick Pit Bulls Available for Adoption

2007-10-02T18:20:00.000-05:00

Some good news out of all of this mess..
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Of the 49 dogs found on property belonging to Michael Vick, only one needs to be put down. The remaining 48 dogs are suitable for adoption.

That was the finding by a team of dog behavioral experts assembled by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to test the dogs. According to a motion filed Monday in U.S. District Court, the dogs fall into five categories that include eventual adoption and specialized training for law enforcement work. Some of the dogs either exhibited fear toward people or suffered from a medical condition.

The one dog that needs to be put down couldn't even be examined because the examiners couldn't get close enough. The motion also requests that the court appoint a guardian to oversee the disposition and possible placement of the 48 remaining dogs.

So, if you would like one of the 48 remaining dogs, write a letter to US District Judge Henry Hudson, the ASPCA, or the US Attorney all in Richmond, VA.
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www.caitlyns-k9.com

Chicken Jerky recall

2007-10-02T17:49:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh, thankfully this doesn't involve the chicken jerky I eat, as chicken jerky is in fact my favorite food in the whole wide world.

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Food & Drug Administration, Maryland, United States (September 27th 2007)

Consumers are being warned of a potential association between Chinese-made chicken jerky products and development of illness in dogs. The products can also be described as chicken tenders, strips or treats and more than 95 animals have been reported as experiencing illness that their owner associates with eating such products.

The Food and Drug Administration has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant, and is therefore unable to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. So far, they have ruled out melamine, one of the chemicals that led to the massive pet food recall this spring, and various bacteria such as Salmonella.

The AVMA has learned that all complaints have involved jerky treats from China.

Banfield, The Pet Hospital, has presented data that suggests an association between exposure to the chicken jerky products and signs of gastrointestinal illness (vomiting, diarrhea and bloody diarrhea). Affected dogs have typically displayed decreased food consumption; decreased activity or lethargy; vomiting; diarrhea and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Some or all of these signs may be present in any individual. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). The FDA's statement says that "most" dogs that have been reported so far survive the illness.

The FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch the dogs closely for any of the symptoms described above. While a list of brand/product names of affected treats is not yet available, the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) has learned that all complaints have involved jerky treats from China. We recommend that pet owners use their best judgment in this matter.
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www.caitlyns-k9.com

Michael Vick hit with more charges

2007-09-30T10:43:00.000-05:00

hip hip hooray for all the dogs out there!

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www.sfgate.com

Vick Hit With State Dogfighting Charges
By HANK KURZ Jr., AP Sports Writer
Tuesday, September 25, 2007

(09-25) 15:54 PDT Sussex, Va. (AP) --
Michael Vick, already looking at a federal prison term for bankrolling a dogfighting operation in rural Virginia, now faces two state charges that could get him more prison time if he's convicted.

After a Surry County grand jury indicted the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and three co-defendants Tuesday, Vick's lawyers indicated they will fight the state charges on the grounds that he can't be convicted twice of the same crime.

The NFL star, scheduled for sentencing Dec. 10 after pleading guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges, faces state charges of beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting. Each felony is punishable by up to five years in prison. Arraignments are set for Oct. 3.

The grand jury declined to indict the 27-year-old Vick and two co-defendants on eight additional counts of killing or causing to be killed a companion animal, felonies that would have exposed them to as many as 40 years in prison if convicted.

Vick defense attorney Billy Martin said in a statement that the state counts concern "the same conduct covered by the federal indictment for which Mr. Vick has already accepted full responsibility."

Martin said he will "aggressively protect his rights to ensure that he is not held accountable for the same conduct twice."

Vick was convicted of a federal conspiracy count while the state indictment deals with the act of dog fighting, said Steven Benjamin, a Richmond defense lawyer who is not involved in the case. The prosecution will argue that's enough of a difference to allow the charges to proceed, he said.
Surry County Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter had told The Associated Press on Monday night that he would seek indictments on different crimes than the ones Vick admitted to in federal court. He did not elaborate to reporters outside court Tuesday.

The charges are the first leveled against Vick in the county where he built a home that became the base of the dogfighting operation, where local investigators first uncovered evidence of the enterprise.

None of the defendants nor their lawyers were at the Sussex County courthouse, where the grand jury met because the courthouse in neighboring Surry County is closed for renovations.
Poindexter told reporters he was not disappointed the grand jury passed on the eight additional dog killing counts.

"I'm just glad to get this to the position where it is now and, one day in the not too distant future, we will be rid of these cases," he said.

In a written statement, Poindexter and Sheriff Harold Brown attempted to diffuse in advance any suggestion that race influenced the grand jury. Brown, Poindexter and the four defendants are black, as are four of the six grand jurors.

"These are serious charges, and we can assure you that this grand jury was not driven by racial prejudice, their affection or lack of affection for professional athletes, or the influence of animal rights activists and the attendant publicity," the statement said.

In pleading guilty to the federal charges last month, Vick admitted helping kill six to eight dogs, among other things. He faces up to five years in prison.

Vick's co-defendants had pleaded guilty earlier and detailed Vick's role in the grisly enterprise.
In the state case, co-defendant Purnell Peace was indicted on one count of beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and one count of engaging in or promoting dogfighting. Quanis Phillips was indicted on one count of engaging in or promoting dogfighting.

Tony Taylor, who left the enterprise several years ago and was the first to plead guilty, faces the most serious state charges — three counts of beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and one count of engaging in or promoting dogfighting.

Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said the team had no comments on the new charges.
The case began in late April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided the former Virginia Tech star's property and seized dozens of dogs, most of them pit bulls, and equipment commonly associated with dogfighting.

Six weeks later, with the local investigation perceived to be dragging and a local search warrant allowed to expire, federal agents arrived with their own search warrants and started digging up dog carcasses buried days before the first raid.

Poindexter, widely criticized for the pace of the investigation, reacted angrily when the feds moved in, suggesting that Vick's celebrity was a draw, or that their pursuit of the case could have racial overtones. He later eased off those comments, saying the sides would simply be pursuing parallel investigations.

Vick has been indefinitely suspended without pay by the NFL and been dropped by all his major sponsors, including Nike.
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www.caitlyns-k9.com

More than 200 dogs rescued from puppy mill...many chihuahuas

2007-09-27T08:04:00.000-05:00

I don't even know what to say to this except I hate puppy mills and I hope they lock her up for life.
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More than 200 Dogs Rescued.

from http://www.tylerpaper.com/

Staff photo by Jaime R. Carrero

Three puppies look up from a filth-filled cage during a rescue raid led by the Upshur County Sheriff's Office and the Dallas SPCA that took place in Gladewater this morning.

By STEPHANIE JETER Staff Writer

Around 200 dogs believed used for breeding were seized by the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday making the Gladewater “puppy mill” one of the largest animal cruelty cases in Upshur County history, said Sheriff Anthony Betterton.Teresa Dawson, 51, of Gladewater was arrested Monday on charges of felony cruelty to animals, Betterton said.

Ms. Dawson was allegedly running the operation from her home off of Private Road 3463, an area around 100 yards from the public road and hidden by trees.Several warning signs were nailed to the homestead’s front gate, cautioning visitors that they weren’t welcome. Two signs said trespassers would be shot.But even a football field’s length from the house, dogs could be heard barking and whimpering. The dogs were kept on a small lot stacked with kennels and feces-soaked dog runs.Dogs were paired male/female to ensure continuous breeding, though the dogs’ appearance signified that they weren’t in good enough condition to reproduce, Betterton said.Dogs – mainly small breeds like Chihuahuas, terriers and boxers – had visible health problems.

For many, Dallas SPCA Director of Communications Maura Davies said, the problem was malnutrition. Some dogs had eye problems and were diseased, she said. Any fur the dogs had was matted and splotchy.Grass grew knee-high around heaps of waste. Old propane tanks, lawnmowers, tubs of rancid water and old clothing and toys filled the spots between rows of kennels. The travel trailer, in which investigators believe Ms. Dawson may have slept, held even more dogs, trapped inside by a piece of fencing pushed against the doorway using a table.A small mobile home behind the trailer had a baby gate wired to the window, presumably, Davies said to keep the dozens of dogs held inside from escaping.Betterton tried to open the mobile home’s door, but was met by at least 4 small breed dogs that tried to escape. Roaches dripped from the ceiling and liquid feces replaced the floor.The door had to be closed. Hours before, Ms. Davies said an ammonia level of 28 was recorded inside the home. Twelve is considered dangerous.

SPCA rescuers wore masks to enter the various structures onsite and still left coughing.All animals will be cared for by the SPCA before a legal hearing is held to determine dog ownership. If the court awards custody to the SPCA, Davies said the animals would be considered for adoption on a case-by-case basis.Dawson is being kept at the Upshur County Jail. Her bond has not been set.

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visit my online dog boutique at www.caitlyns-k9.com

Halloween is coming!

2007-09-26T15:07:00.000-05:00

I'm getting excited about Halloween. I know it's still a month away, but I am having so much fun trying on all the dog costumes to see which one looks best on me. Of course my brother Milo thinks everything looks better on him, but he's a boy and I think he looks silly in the female costumes. I was thinking about being a fairy princess, as that is what I am, but we are all out of those costumes. So now I'm thinking maybe a lady bug, as am I a little lady you know. Milo is pretty handsome in the pirate's costume, but he makes a cute spider dog too. Yeah,yeah, I know, Milo looks handsome in everything...just ask him.

If you are looking for a dog costume, you should check out our costumes on www.caitlyns-k9.com. Also, we are having a great 50% off sale - over 100 items on sale. Some pretty cool stuff there too, if I do say so myself (not that I'm prejudiced or anything like that).

Spending on Pets Tops $40 Billion in 2007

2007-09-21T08:49:00.000-05:00

I just found article and am amazed at how much is spent on pet products each year. This is from a survey done at the end of April. Absolutely mind-boggling.

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Spending On Pets To Top $40 Billion

United States pet owners will likely spend more than $40 billion in 2007 on pet-related expenses, including food, accessories, veterinary care and gifts, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, which expects to publish its 2007-2008 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey by the end of April.

The survey estimated that 15 percent of dog owners, 10 percent of cat owners, 7 percent of bird owners and 18 percent of horse owners planned to purchase a “pet-related” item in the next 12 months.

These items include pet scrapbooks (3 percent of dog and cat owners), pet portraits (8 percent of dog owners, 4 percent of cat owners, 3 percent of bird owners and 10 percent of horse owners) and other products with the pet’s picture on them (9 percent of dog owners, 6 percent of cat owners, 4 percent of bird owners and 10 percent of horse owners).

In addition, 6 percent of dog owners and 3 percent reported holding holiday or birthday parties for their pets and nearly one-half of dog and cat owners and one-third of bird owners reported buying pet-themed (no cartoons) gift merchandise, including calendars, jewelry, and T-shirts, for themselves or others.

The survey also revealed continued strength in the gift-for-pets market, with more than 70 percent of dog, cat and bird owners reporting they had bought a gift for their pet in the past 12 months.

Pet owners were most likely to give their pets a gift for no particular reason, followed closely by Christmas.

A distant third most common gift-giving occasion was the pet’s birthday. These trends held steady regardless of type of pet.

Dog owners gave the most gifts per year, with the 78 percent of dog owners who gave their dogs gifts averaging seven gifts per year. Bird owners averaged five gifts per year; cat owners, four.

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visit my pet boutique at www.caitlyns-k9.com

Bravo Issues Voluntary Food Recall

2007-09-20T18:26:00.000-05:00

Bravo! Issues Voluntary Dog Food Recall
Pet food company Bravo! recalls several cat and dog food products due to Salmonella and Listeria contamination.

Raw pet food company Bravo! has issued a voluntary recall of several brands of its dog and cat food products due to possible Salmonella and Listeria contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration detected these contaminants in product samples during a review.The company stated it has not received any reports of illness due to the recalled products.

Salmonella and Listeria can cause serious infections in dogs and cats. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite and sluggishness. Pets exhibiting these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. If cross-contamination occurs, humans can be affected by these bacteria as well, and may exhibit similar symptoms.

All of the recalled products are frozen raw food items for dogs and cats. They are:Name: Bravo! Original Formula Chicken BlendProduct Numbers: 21-102, 21-105, 21-110Sizes: 2, 5 and 10 pound tubesBatch ID Code (on hang tag): 236Reason for recall: Salmonella and Listeria were found in this product

Name: Bravo! Original Formula Turkey BlendProduct Numbers: 31-102, 31-105, 31-110Sizes: 2, 5 and 10 pound tubesBatch ID Code (on hang tag): 236Reason for recall: Listeria was found in this product

Name: Bravo! Basic Formula Finely Ground ChickenProduct Number: 21-212Size: 2 pound tubeBatch ID Code (on hang tag): 226Reason for recall: Salmonella and Listeria were found in this product

Customers who have purchased these products should return any unopened tubes to the store where they bought it for a full refund. Pet owners should dispose of open tubes safely where pets cannot get to them, such as a trash can with a secured lid; customers may return the batch ID tag to the store for a full refund.
For more information, visit www.bravorawdiet.com/recallinfo.html
Posted: September 20, 2007, 12 p.m. EST

www.caitlyns-k9.com

Dental Hygiene for Dogs

2007-09-01T12:49:00.000-05:00

We are still dog sitting those dogs. Mom finally got so grossed out by the dog's breath, she took the dog to the vet. Serious dental problems and the start of a kidney infection.

My mom adopted a puppy mill rescue (a white long haired chi like me) several years ago who was in septic shock from dental disease. The infection from the gums had spread thru her body and damaged every organ in her body. She ultimately died at 4 years of age because of the damage to the kidneys. So when mom saw that this poor little girl was having difficulty urinating, combined with the bad breath, of course she had to do something about it. But at least we know now and hopefully when Godiva's mom and dad come home, they can get her started on treatment.

Mom bought something called Flossies that she will be getting in sometime this week and then posting on my web site. The Flossie™ is made from a beef tendon. The unique design of this treat creates a natural chewing friction against the teeth which helps to clean a dog's teeth. We have not met a dog yet who has turned down one of these tasty treats. So be watching my site. We think it's a great substitute for greenies, which has so many questions surrounding them.

http://caitlyns-k9.com/

Dog Sitting Again

2007-08-29T18:25:00.000-05:00

We are dog sitting again. Chihuahuas, of course! One of them has such bad breath, my mom is about to gag every time the dog comes near her. And she is a very very kissy dog! Cute little girl, but she could definitely gag a maggot, as they say! Then there's little Pookie. He's a blue chi, and like most blue chis, has patches of his hair missing. Makes him look like he's going bald, just like my dad.

We ordered Halloween and Christmas stuff for my store this week. Cha Cha Couture has come out with some darling Christmas dresses. I can't wait to try one of them on. I will put up some links to my new clothing tomorrow after mom gets them on the web site!

But look at these shoes! Pink Shoes. They are like real tennis shoes for dogs! Here's a little description of them:

Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) sole is Skid-free, flexible, insulates against cold and surfaces, and is the same material used in high-end running and basketball shoes.
Because of the reliable heavy-duty zipper and elastic stitching EPIKS will stay on tight-even while running. Lightweight features make it 30% lighter than shoes of the competition so it won’t weigh down the dog’s step or alter musculature