Choice Pet Blog

Wow - Cool Story

2008-09-07T18:40:00.001-06:00

Hi to Jill and All in Katie's Bumper Land,

I just wanted to share with you something that I thought was kind of nice.
You may recall I've ordered a lot of Big Tugs from you, and my 10 year Pit Bull, Ruadh, loves them dearly. He takes one everywhere he goes.
Earlier this week, Ruadh became very ill very suddenly. I was terrified. I work at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine as a technician in the hospital, so I of course I took him in. I just started there last week, so no one knows me or my pets yet.
After 3 days in the hospital, everyone now knows Ruadh's name (more than know mine, by far!), and all about his beloved "Bumper." On his walks he tried to carry it, even when his head was so low the tug dragged on the ground. It was in his hospital cage with him while he rested, where he used it as a pillow. A few times while I was off working in other areas, I would see someone walk him past in the hall, Bumper in tow. When he was too tired to carry it, people carried it for him so he could see it. The vet students would come by and ask how Ruadh was doing and talk to him about his Bumper, then laugh at how he tilts his head anytime you say the word.
When Ruadh had an anesthetic procedure yesterday, he was taking a long time to wake up, which made us a little nervous. Then I had a eureka moment and grabbed his tug, holding it over his head and saying loudly "Ruadh Boy, you want your Bumper?" He immediately sat up and turned to look for his toy, wobbling crazily, eliciting laughter from all present. He was too drugged to hold it in his mouth, so he opted to just hold it under his leg. This sudden change in his conscious status prompted one clinician to comment, "Well, we know what to do now if he's ever in a coma and we want to revive him! We could probably bring him back from the dead by just throwing that damn toy."
I'm thrilled to say that Ruadh is making a steady recovery. His Bumper has been his "security blanket" through his ordeal, but should soon be able to return to its simpler role of Favorite Toy.
Thank you for making such a wonderful thing that makes my beloved boy so happy. As long as I live, I'll never look at any Katie's product without thinking of Ruadh's big smile.

Shanda Drawdy

Helping you help your pets!

2008-08-07T10:00:00.002-06:00

Hi Julee,

I just wanted to tell you that you are AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!!!! Osten's harness (THE HELP 'EM UP HARNESS) arrived today, just like you said. I am so pleased with it. We tried it out earlier, and I need to make adjustments to it to tighten it on him when my husband gets home - since Osten is completely down in the rear legs, it's hard for me to hold him up and adjust the straps by myself. I put him in it while he was laying down and managed to get it workable, but it needs a little more tightening. It was so easy getting him up and out to the yard. We walked around with me holding up his back end. Later, he was laying in the yard, and a neighbor came by with his dog, and it was so easy to get him up with the harness and "run" him to the fence to bark. And he seems to have accepted it, unlike the other rear end harnesses I've tried. You may be getting more orders from other members of the Degenerative Myelopathy board! It is a great harness!

Have a great weekend, I know Osten and I will. Thank you so much for all your help, you really went above and beyond (not many people do anymore). Osten and I thank you so much for making this disease a little easier on us!

Ginny C and Osten
Tallahassee, Florida

From Julee

2008-06-30T18:16:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone! Thanks Jackie for helping to Blog...lots of exciting news at Choice Pet Products, I think I have found the ULTIMATE odor remover and it'll be available online soon. Called ODORZOUT, this all natural, SAFE FOR PETS zeolite really does work. My beloved Charlie has been pissed off at me for all the travel I have done lately. He peed on my favorite shirt last night and I put the ODORZOUT to the test - it works! We are just getting our photos ready to upload and then all their great products will be readliy available. I even tried the product in my car on the carpets I have "cleaned" but still smelled a bit musty. Four hot days later and my car smells great. Need help with a particular problem? Let me know!

Dogs Welcome

2008-06-03T13:09:00.003-06:00

This post is to share a great letter from a dog lover regarding sharing his vacation with his furry friend. Please read below and you will definitely get a chuckle!!

Dogs Welcome"

A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town he planned to visit on his vacation.

He wrote: I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well-groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?

An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who wrote:

"I've been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel.
And, if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too."

2008-05-19T08:12:00.003-06:00

And now for some interesting facts about our beloved cats. I know that my babies, Misha and Smokey are the best, most loving babies ever!!! Cats have a long history of interesting and mysterious facts, so here are some that you may not be aware of!!

Did you know...

Ailurophilia is the "love of cats."

The nose pad of a cat is ridged in a pattern that is unique, just like the fingerprint of a human.

There are more than 500 million domestic cats in the world, with 33 different breeds.

The American cat population reached nearly 68 million in 1996. American Demographics magazine estimates that's about 200 million kitty yawns per hour and a whopping 425 million catnaps each day!

A cat's heart beats twice as fast as a human heart, at 110 to 140 beats per minute.

Cats knead with their paws when they're happy.

So, for all of you cat lovers, I hope that you have happy, frisky babies like we do!!

Take a look at something for those babies, fur balls for your fur balls!!!

Fast Facts on the Canine-Human Bond

2008-05-08T18:12:00.004-06:00

Let's talk about the dogs in our life. According to a study by the American Animal Hospital Association, nearly half of American pet owners let their dog (or cat) snuggle up with them under the covers every night!!! Some more interesting facts??? How about 73% of owners would go into debt in order to provide for their pet's well being!! And, your will? 20% of you out there have included Fluffy or Fido in your will!!! Stay tuned for more interesting pet facts. But in the meantime, how would you like to bond with your pooch by playing with our fabulous pull toy named SQWUGGIE!!!The name sounds like a lot of fun, can you imagine? Check us out at www.choicepetproducts.com.

It's Pet Shedding Time in the Mountains

2008-05-01T14:27:00.003-06:00

Hi, My name is Jacki and I have a couple of furry friends that I can't live without. Apparently, they can live without a lot of their fur, as we are finding tumbleweed/furballs everywhere in our home. If we ever wanted another kitty, we could just save a few of their "choice" furballs and viola!! new cat!!! If any of you are lucky enough to be getting your very own kitty, I know that PetSmart has SnuggleKitties in stock to keep your new baby(ies) comfy and warm.

SnugglePuppies Are Back (sort-of)

2008-04-16T18:18:00.002-06:00

It's almost time - the SnugglePuppies and SnuggleKitties are almost back in stock! The first retailer in USA to have the SnuggleKitties this season is PetsMart - value priced too. Our SnugglePuppies will be available in May at better pet shops world-wide. We also have many announcements: there is a slight price increase (what hasn't increased lately?); we have a new look; and we have a new distributor to announce for the United Kingdom. Stay tuned for all the news.....

Wow - look what Fun!!

2008-03-01T13:35:00.003-07:00

We love these! You and your dog will too!!! New colors for summer fun available now! Fun, floaty, fetchy need we say more? Great for people, too.

Dog Bags From OLovesM

2008-02-17T15:36:00.004-07:00

We love these bags! They should be available on the site this week. Made from yoga mats - rescued from a life at a landfill - these cute shoulder bags are so helpful. Lots of pockets, comfortable shoulder strap and cute, cute, cute matching fabric. Lightweight and made in Colorado by OlovesM.

Energy Healing Charms - Do they work?

2008-02-08T09:21:00.001-07:00

Energy healing stones? Balancing chakra charms? Do they work? If your pet has an issue and you have tried conventional forms of healing without success, then this may be an alternative that simply attaches to your pet's collar.

Alecia Evans' love of, and connection with, the crystal and mineral kingdoms began in 1995 and has been a passion of hers ever since. Alecia’s gift of assisting animals and their people began in 1998 when she discovered the art of telepathic communication and began answering people’s questions about their four legged companions.

Having worked with crystals as part of her own healing path, Alecia felt it was a natural fit for animals to benefit from the healing energies of the stones, so she combined her love of helping animals heal naturally with her love of jewelry making and design.

Alecia started making her charms in 2005 with every piece being hand made by her with LOVE and care for your four legged companions!

Gold clasps, on all charms, are used because gold is suggested to enhances mental faculties, rebuilds the nervous system, improves digestion, circulation, and breathing to increase warmth. Used in the treatment of arthritis, skin cancer, blood disorders, pneumonia, vascular diseases, heart disease, eye problems, paralysis, rheumatism, skin disorders, tuberculosis, nightmares and spinal problems. Also used to assist in the rejuvenation of the endocrine system, in the absorption of vitamins and minerals, and in the regeneration of tissue and the skeletal structure. It can be used to balance the right brain / left brain and to treat conditions associated with autism, dyslexia, epilepsy, and physical coordination.

We believe that non-invasive, chakra balancing charms certainly look good and just may help!

New Dog Walking Harness

2008-02-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of a zen-like walk with your dog! Introducing this new harness and handle, should make your daily walk easy and enjoyable. The Zen Walker Body Harness and Handle Set can be use with your traditional lead as well.

There's Some Truth To This!

2008-01-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

How To Give A Cat A Pill

1. Pick up cat and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth, gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.
2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.
3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.
4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm,
holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push
pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.
5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe.
Call spouse from garden.
6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.
7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.
8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.
9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink 1 beer to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from
carpet with cold water and soap.
10. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Open another beer. Place cat in cupboard, and close door on to neck, just leave head showing.Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.
11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Drink beer. Fetch bottle of scotch. Pour shot, drink. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Apply whiskey compress to cheek to disinfect. Toss back another shot. Throw Tee shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.
12. Call fire department to retrieve the damn cat from across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.
13. Tie the little bastard's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table. Find heavy-duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of filet steak. Be rough about it. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints of water down throat to wash pill down.
14. Consume remainder of scotch. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.
15. Arrange for SPCA to collect mutant cat from hell and call local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.

How To Give A Dog A Pill

1. Wrap it in bacon.
2. Toss it in the air.

Oil Paintings

2008-01-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

We are so fortunate to have Judy Pearce from Alpen Antiks as our next door neighbor. Judy found antique oil paintings of dogs in many styles from classic hunting pose to beautiful portraits. I just read an article from february 2008's Country Living magazine showcasing antique dog oil paintings. In the article, I learned that one reason for all the 19th century artwork was Queen Victoria who loved dogs. Dogs are a popular painting subject and I think you'll like what we have to offer. Moderately priced, most antique paintings sell from $1500 to $50,000. We have paintings starting at $695 and Judy loves to search through out Europe for special requests.

LOL!!!

2007-12-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

moar funny pictures Way too funny, we just LOL, LOL, LOL.....

Cats Climbing Christmas Tree

2007-12-01T13:57:00.001-07:00

My kittie's climbing Christmas tree - Help!
We actually answered this with the help of our cat, Charlie. Read our solution to this problem on Catster by clicking HERE.

Holiday Gift Ideas

2007-11-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

HoHoHoppy Hannukah - Next week. We know it's a bit early - buy how about some nifty gift ideas? For the cute kitty who needs something clever? How about a Dr. Feline Good's Happy Cat Sock? Or for that fetchin' pup - a blue & white squeak-n-tug toy? Need a stocking stuffer? We have them in Christmas colors too! Nothing says "I want you to drink more water" than our travel water bowls - and they fit in a stocking! Did you read Charlie's Diary on Catster? He cleverly disguised a 10% discount code - we hope you'll use it!

See Charlie's webpage

2007-11-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Click here to see Charlie Our ChairPurrrson! has his own webpage on Catster.com. Give him a treat, become his friend, tell him what a good job he does - especially when he is on top of things (see the bear photo!) On behalf of Charlie - we want to wish you a Happy Thansgiving! We are so thankful for you and your patronage; for all those great critters we call pets; and, we want to especially thank the generous people who help the animals. Being Charlie's Purrson is a pretty special experience and I am thankful for all he does for me - come to think about it, we haven't had a hairball in a while many thanks for that!!

FREE PET NURSERS

2007-11-18T08:20:00.001-07:00

Free Pet Nursers? FREE PET NURSERS! We have so much to be be thankful for this week (actually all the time, but this week we are acknowledging our thanks), especially to those who take the sick, orphaned, abandoned, neglected, abused animals and nurse them back to health. It's hard work. The products to help these baby animals are expensive. So, this is just a small thing we can to do to help. FREE PET NURSERS! Shipping and handling charges do apply - but every little bit helps.

Thanks to all our customers who have helped in our donation programs. Thanks to all the pet lovers out there. And, thanks to all those critters we fall in love with!

Organized Group Orders

2007-11-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

We want to buy at a group rate. Or, we have a group of us that like to buy the same products. What can we do? Can you give us a price break? Well, we have just begun our OGO - Organized Group Order for some products. Unfortunately, some manufacturers just don't make it easy to purchase and pass along the wholesale cost only, BUT we can offer select products for as close to cost as possible. Look for the OGO - Organized Group Order form on certain product pages. Read the terms and conditions, understand how and when you will be charged and send us an e-mail. We need your helping telling friends, family and other animal lovers about us and our choice pet products...social network and save! Together, Everyone Saves More!

Evolution of Cats

2007-11-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

So, it's no secret that I love cats. I like, really like dogs, but I love cats. I loved reading the Evolution of Cats article from Scientific American July 2007.....Since that article, a recent DNA study determined that today's house cats descended from only five original maternal lines - look up Science Express to learn more. It may have taken over 10,000 years for Charlie the Wild Hunter to get to my Charlie the Cute Kitty. Definitely worth the wait - and the only hunting my Charlie does is with catnip...He can find the Happy Cat Sock even if it's buried under the rug.....and in the dark in the middle of the night...Crepusular, right!

Alecia is Interviewed - More Info

2007-11-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Alecia Evans will be interviewed by author James Jacobson tonight, November 8th 6PM Pacific time. To join in the conversation, call (218)486-3693 and use conference ID# 715598. Ask about animal communication, ask about animal wellness, ask about what your pet is asking for..... You can listen in online at www.PetConversation.com.

www.PetConversation.com

2007-11-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Our own Alecia Evans will be discussing pet communication on November 8th - Thursday - at 6PM pacific time. Go to www.PetConversation.com and hear more. You can ask any pet question to her. I know you'll enjoy Alecia's wisdom and advice.

Where are the fabric swatches?

2007-10-28T13:59:00.000-06:00

Okay - so we started selling Cozy Coutures fabulous pet beds before we had all the fabric swatch samples from them - actually what they had photographed was too dark to use....fear not, we will have fabric samples up shortly. I have seen all of them so if you have any questions, let me know!

Help Jo Help Basenjis

2007-10-26T11:55:00.000-06:00

I want to help my dear friend Dr. Jo Thompson - read her article and you'll know why click to Jo's Article or at least at little more about the adorable Mopaya....I have also set-up a basenji donation program, details are at www.SnuggleMe.com/Social Action - Julee