To Dog With Love

Valentine's Love: Win a 4-month Supply of Kisses from Stella & Chewy's!

2012-02-14T00:34:00.000-05:00

We wanted to find a special way to spread the love this Valentine's Day. So today we bring you the opportunity to win a four-month supply of Carnivore Kisses from Stella & Chewy's!

Carnivore Kisses dog treats are available in 100 percent Angus Beef, 100 percent Chicken, 100 percent Duck and 100 percent Wild Alaskan Salmon. And now, To Dog With Love readers have the chance to win a whole basket full of kisses -- one jar in each of the four flavors! Wow!

You can win the four jars of kisses pictured here!

Carnivore Kisses are a great way to share the love with your pet all year round!

All Natural, diced 100% premium meat treats
Made with raw, freeze-dried naturally raised meat, from USDA-inspected facilities
NO grain, fillers, added hormones or antibiotics, artificial preservatives, colorings, sugar or salt

Enter our Carnivore Kisses Giveaway

Enter to win one jar of kisses in each flavor: 100 percent Angus Beef, 100 percent Chicken, 100 percent Duck and 100 percent Wild Alaskan Salmon. That's a $40+ value! U.S. winners only. Enter on the Rafflecopter widget below. Entries close at 12:01 a.m. ET on February 29, 2012.

If you can't wait for your kisses, here's where to buy Stella & Chewy's.

Thanks to Stella & Chewy's for sharing the love! Mwaaah!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Who Will Win THIS Year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?!

2012-02-13T09:37:00.000-05:00

Photo by John Ashbey

The Scottish Deerhound Hickory won Best In Show at the 2011
Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show

If you're not lucky enough to be in NYC in person, get your TVs and DVRs ready for the airing of the 2012 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show tonight and tomorrow night!

Schedule

NIGHT 1:
Monday, February 13
Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups
8-9 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network
9-11 p.m. (ET) live on CNBC

NIGHT 2:
Tuesday, February 14
Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, Best In Show
8-11 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network

Watch live streaming coverage and breed judging highlight videos throughout the day on Monday and Tuesday on the Westminster Web site. These highlights will be available after the show, as well.

West Coast viewers: The West Coast telecast is delayed for your time zone. Since results are posted to the WKC Web site as they occur live, if you want to enjoy the drama of the moment, please avoid the Westminster Web site after 5 p.m. Pacific Time on each evening.

Schedule For Canada

Animal Planet LIVE (online also)
Discovery World Thursday and Friday Feb 16 and 17 at 8p
Discovery Channel Saturday and Sunday Feb 18 and 19 at noon

Who are you rooting for to win?

Photo by Mary Bloom

After winner last year's show, Hickory, enjoys steak on a silver platter

at Sardi's, served by owner Max Klimavicius

Help Pedigree Help Dogs at its "Every Dog, Dog Show" #Dogsrule

2012-02-12T09:37:00.000-05:00

Cosmo says, Dogs Rule!

Around the time of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Pedigree has typically kicked off its annual Adoption Drive campaign. Over the years, with the help of dog lovers everywhere, Pedigree has been able to raise more than $7 million for this cause.

This year, Pedigree will be launching it in a different way. No longer the sponsor of the Westminster Dog Show (which airs Feb. 13-14 this year), Pedigree is turning to other ways to celebrate every dog, both purebred and mixed.

From now through 11 p.m. ET on Feb 14, Pedigree is holding an "Every Dog, Dog Show" in its Facebook community. For every dog lover who interacts with the Pedigree Adoption Drive Facebook page, Pedigree with donate a bowl of food... up to 500,000 bowls. Upload a photo of your four-legged friend or share your pup's story. That's all it takes, and Pedigree with feed homeless dogs in shelters and breed rescues.

For Pedigree, every dog is a champion. This video is from last year's campaign, but we think it will make you smile!

The Dos and Don'ts of Lickety Stick and Giveaway Winners!

2012-02-09T09:26:00.000-05:00

Do check it out, before diving in...

Cosmo is STILL enjoying his Lickety Stik, but we have more important things to announce today!

Drumroll please......... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The winners of our Lickety Stik giveaway are:

Ashley Clark
Lori Miller
LouPeb

Please check your emails or Twitter DMs for messages from us!

Congrats to you and thanks to all for playing!

Do sniff the magic roller ball...

Don't bite it like a chew bone! ...

Do lick and enjoy!

What's Better... or Worse? Posting Pictures of Pets or Kids?!

2012-02-08T12:07:00.000-05:00

Is there such a thing as posting TOO many photos of Fifi or Fido on you Facebook page? Ironically, I ran across this post -- Posting Pictures of Your Pet on Facebook is Slightly Annoying -- while searching for the perfect Wordless Wednesday photo of my Cosmo Havanese (and getting slightly sidetracked).

Mary Fischer writes:

Pets are cute and sweet and give us a warm fuzzy and all that good stuff. But as much as we love them, they really aren't "kids." We don't need their lives -- which consist of sleeping, eating, and sitting by the front door waiting to be taken out to do their business in the snow -- documented on a Facebook timeline. You adore your pet, we get it. But we don't need a visual every single time Rover rolls over to have his belly scratched.

The bond between humans and their animals is undeniable, but should pets really be treated as kids when it comes to social media sharing?

hmmph... what do you think? (need I ask?)

And in the meantime, look how cute Cosmo looks all nestled in a pile of laundry! sigh...

Now, let's go look at lots more photos of pets! On to the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!

Best of Super Bowl Ads: The Making Of The Dog Strikes Back Volkswagen Commercial!

2012-02-07T08:54:00.000-05:00

Dogs are the stars of some of the best ads (in our opinion!) that aired during the Super Bowl. We love how Bolt gets up off the sofa in this commercial and gets in shape, but wondered about the "fat" dog in this spot. Take a look here at the secrets behind the Dog Strikes Back commercial.

And here's what we saw on game day!

Get up offa that thing, and dance 'till you feel better!

Disney "Treasure Buddies" Giveway Winners!

2012-02-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

It's official! The winner's of our Disney "Treasure Buddies" giveaway are: Kellyr78, Ashley Clark, Amy Orvin, JudyWhatILiveFor and David Deibert!

We sure have a talented bunch of readers too... David has a cat who walks on two legs; Amy's dog jumps into her arms; Kelly's dog likes to give paw, sit and roll over; and Ashley's dog plays dead when you "shoot" her!

Thanks to all for playing, and it sure sounds like you all have lots of fun training some fun and useful tricks!

If you're not one of our lucky winners, or you want to pick up a few extra copies as gifts, you can buy Treasure Buddies on Amazon.com.

AKC/Eukanuba Blogger Stakes: Show handling tips and a "surprise" ending!

2012-02-03T12:33:00.002-05:00

We had the opportunity to attend the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship dog show as a Eukanuba VIP Blogger, and one of our favorite events was the Blogger Stakes. Our group of bloggers got to see just what it's like to show a dog in the big Best in Show ring, complete with bright lights and plenty of photographers!

Most of the bloggers were provided with dogs, straight from the AKC show ring, like Billy Wheeler at Dog Show Poop and Kathleen Riley-Daniels, who is a Dogs Examiner and creator of the website Outlaw Chinooks!

But I had to have a Havanese, so I went straight to the Havanese Meet the Breeds booth and found none other than...

... Cosmo Havanese! Yep, this is the OTHER Cosmo Havanese! My Cosmo and I knew THIS Cosmo from Facebook and I was so excited to meet him in pawson at the dog show! This Cosmo is a Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T.) dog and a champion in the show ring too! He's from Fort Lauderdale and his parents Anna and Mitch were kind enough to let me borrow him for the Blogger Stakes!

Shaggy Dog Photography

Before we went into the show ring, Cosmo and I had a little bonding time and discussed strategy.

It was a formidable line-up of bloggers and pooches. Here's Wendy and Charlie from Petside, Jessica (a.k.a. Dr. V) from Pawcurious, Billy from Dog Show Poop, Pam from Pet Blogs United and Cosmo and me way down on the end. You'll notice my focus and attention on Cosmo's position... Show Handling Tip #1: Keep your eye on your dog and the judge. You never know when he'll be looking at you and you always want to show your best side!

Shaggy Dog Photography

Some of us had some show handling experience, and some had none! I'll admit I've been in the show ring before with my Cosmo, but it's been many years and it's not like we ever went to a dog show of this enormity! Here, I dust off my stacking skills and ... Show Handling Tip #2: I chat up the judge so he knows a little more about the handsome Cosmo Havanese! The judge for the day was Eukanuba's Jason Taylor.

Cosmo's mom Anna took this video of us in the ring! I could use a little practice lifting Cosmo off the table gracefully! Show Handling Tip #3: It's not as easy as it looks! Practice, practice practice! And Show Handling Tip #4: Take time to neatly gather up your show lead and make sure you're ready to walk up and back. Then, stop with plenty of room for the judge to admire your dog!

Shaggy Dog Photography

Cute!

Shaggy Dog Photography

It's time for the final cut! Show Handling Tip # 5: Keep your eye on the judge and "ask for the win"! Looks to me like Kathleen and I are the only ones keeping our eye on the prize, though I suspect Billy glanced down only for a second. The others, well, I'll let Jessica tell you her side of the story!

Shaggy Dog Photography

Cosmo and I take one more lap around, and the winner is.......

.... Cosmo Havanese!! Look at the huge trophy we won! Can you imagine taking that home on the plane? Ok, just kidding. This trophy went to the new AKC/Eukanuba National Champion, London, the Standard Poodle.

We had loads of fun at the show and, as luck would have it, the telecast of the show is being aired on ABC this weekend! Check your local listings for times, but it's scheduled for 2 p.m. ET in my neck of the woods.

And, hop on over to Twitter or Facebook while you're watching the show and join the online conversation with all of us! Here are the details for the online viewing party.

See you at the show!

One Lucky Dog Will Win a Three-Month Supply of SmartBones!

2012-02-02T23:52:00.000-05:00

Cosmo says his SmartBone is paw lickin' good!

Hot dog! We have a giveaway today we wish we could win! Last year, Cosmo helped review and give away SmartBones, the easy to digest, rawhide-free dog chew. And today, the folks at SmartBones have provided us with a three-month supply to give away! That's a lot of good chews!

One lucky U.S. winner will win SIX BAGS of SmartBones in the appropriate size! Entries must be posted by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 12, 2012.

Cosmo's willing to share his SmartBones enjoyment!

To enter our SmartBones giveaway:

(mandatory)

Leave a comment on this blog post telling us you want to win a THREE-MONTH SUPPLY of SmartBones!

For additional entries:

(leave a separate comment for each one)

Like To Dog With Love on Facebook
Join this site using Google Friend Connect (look on our sidebar to the right)
Follow Cosmo Havanese on Twitter
Tweet: Win a 3-month supply of SmartBones from @CosmoHavanese! Giveaway: http://bit.ly/zxM4dE

Good luck!

What's Left To Do After Competing at the AKC Eukanuba Dog Show?

2012-02-01T18:43:00.001-05:00

... head to Disney World, of course!

No wonder this Rottweiler is smiling! Coal, a.k.a. GCH Falcon Crest Diamond in the Ruff, earned his "mouse ears" after competing at the Orlando Cluster of dog shows, one of the many events leading up to the AKC Eukanuba National Championship in December. Coal took Best of Breed in the Rottweiler Specialty Show and also captured an Award of Merit! Go Coal!

You can watch all the action this Saturday, Feb. 4 on ABC at 2 p.m. ET. Check your local listings for time in your area.

We'll also be following the show with a viewing party on Twitter. Just use #AKCEukShow to follow the fun!

Lick it! Like it! Win it! Lickety Stick Dog Treat Giveaway

2012-01-31T22:30:00.002-05:00

Cosmo Havanese sampled the Braised Liver flavor

Seems we've been talking a lot about overweight pets lately. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, an estimated 40 percent of all canines in the United States are obese or overweight.

Exercise and a good diet are always a great idea to keep both you and your pet in shape. And now PetSafe has unveiled Lickety Stik, and all-natural liquid pet treat at just one calorie for every 10 licks. Cosmo had the chance to take Lickety Stik for a test run, and now To Dog With Love readers will get the chance to win a Lickety Stik of your own! Read all the way down for our contest details.

The Scoop on Lickety Stik

Comes in three flavors - Savory Chicken, Braised Liver and Smoky Bacon
Each bottle dispenses more than 500 licks
Roller-ball dispenser and twist off cap for no-mess treating
Made in the U.S.A.
Suggested retail price of $7.99

Math test: At just one calorie per 10 licks, how many calories does Cosmo consume here?!

Cosmo took an immediate liking to the Lickety Stik, so we decided to see if it could help motivate his weave poles!

And now, what you've been waiting for...

Enter our Lickety Stik giveaway!

Three lucky winners will win a Lickety Stick liquid dog treat. Winners will be chosen at random, and entries must be posted by February 5, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Prizes are being provided courtesy of Lickety Stick. U.S. entries only.

To enter (mandatory):

Post a comment on this blog post telling us you want to enter our Lickety Stik giveaway.

For extra entries (post a separate comment on this blog post for each entry):

Like Cosmo Havanese on Facebook
Tweet: Lick it! Like it! Win it! Lickety Stik dog treat #giveaway @ToDogWithLove! http://bit.ly/AoAJZr
Subscribe to To Dog With Love via email (on sidebar to the right)
Follow @ToDogWithLove on Twitter
Join To Dog With Love with Google Friend Connect (on sidebar to the right)

Good luck!

Agility Practice with Cosmo Havanese

2012-01-30T15:21:00.000-05:00

Left to right: Cosmo, Gracie and Johann

We had a fun day Saturday, attending an agility run through at one of our local agility clubs and visiting with our pals Johann the Dog, his sister Gracie and mom Leslie!

A run through (or run thru) is a practice session where an agility course is set up much like you will find at a competition. It's a great place to tune up your skills before an event. Or for the team who doesn't have the desire to compete, it's a nice opportunity to get a feel for preparing for and running a full course.

Here's a look at one of Cosmo's practice runs this weekend!

When I say jump.... !

No more messy paws for Bone Jour Doormat Winner!

2012-01-29T14:48:00.001-05:00

We have a winner! Shelley P wins the adorable Bone Jour doormat from Absolutely Floored. Congrats to Shelley and thanks to everyone for playing. More great giveaways coming up next week!

Teach Your Dog to Lay Down Like a Disney Buddy!

2012-01-26T09:30:00.001-05:00

This month, we've been showing a series of dog training videos inspired by the upcoming release of Disney's "Treasure Buddies," available on Blu-ray and DVD on January 31.

In this video, animal Trainer April Mackin shows how to train your buddy to lay down. Read down to see how we train a down/stay everyday and how you can win your own copy of "Treasure Buddies!"

We agree that short, frequent trainings are a great way to reinforce desired behaviors. That's why, before every meal, Cosmo performs a down/stay... and then I release him with an "OK." Watch and see!

To win your own copy of "Treasure Buddies," enter our giveaway here! The contest is open until 11:59 p.m. ET on January 31.

Wordless Wednesday: Dogs and Their Toys!

2012-01-25T11:37:00.000-05:00

Cosmo Havanese and his pal Suzie take their toys out to play!

Hill's Million Pound Pledge and Alison Sweeney Inspire Pets to Lose Weight!

2012-01-24T13:47:00.000-05:00

Is your dog or cat overweight? If they are, you're not alone! Even Alison Sweeney, host of NBC's "The Biggest Loser," has a pet who tends to pile on the lbs!

"One out of every two pets is overweight and my dog Winky was one of them," said Sweeney. "I started using Science Diet pet foods to help Winky lose weight and now I want to share my personal experience to inspire owners across America so they too can achieve the same success."

Sweeney has teamed up with Hill’s Science Diet to launch the Million Pound Pledge – a national call-to-action for pet owners to help their cats and dogs lose weight and get back on track to living a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Check out www.PetFit.com to take the Million Pound Pledge and for a chance to win tickets to “The Biggest Loser” finale! You can also find out how to participate in a live Facebook chat with Alison on January 26 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss how to manage your cat's or dog's weight. There also are cat and dog weight loss tips and rebates for Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet weight management foods.

We love the active lifestyle Alison enjoys with her dog Winky, and we do many of the same activities with Cosmo!

Cosmo carefully evaluates the fashion options at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago.
While shopping may not seem like a "healthy" activity, the mileage you put in walking from
Barneys to Bloomingdale's and all the boutiques in between is good for both you and your pet!

Go on, get moving! And take your pet with you!

Be the FIrst to See Petsami! First Entertainment Network Run By Pets and Animals!

2012-01-23T10:31:00.000-05:00

Officially launching today, Petsami is a new entertainment network for pets, by pets. Like we always say, life is best viewed from the fluffier side, and Petsami provides plenty of fluffs, furs and scales to entertain any pet and animal lover!

Tibbs

You can start with Petsami on YouTube or head directly to Petsami.com where you'll find blogs, photos, videos, message boards and a cast of characters and shows like these:

CuteWinTail -- Get into the action and help Tibbs decide which pet video is most epic.

Ask a Tiger -- Got a question? Get the answers from the Tiger run support line.

One Minute Meerkat -- Ever wonder what Meerkats have to say? You'll find out at Petsami!

Who thinks this looks like
PerrytheBirman?!

KlipKat -- Catnip lover and Internet addict needs your help captioning the funniest cat videos.

You'll also find our pal Preston Casanova, breakout star from Greatest American Dog, who answers the questions of pets and humans on his blog with the help of his human Laura Nativo, who's also Petsami Creative Director!

Enough talk... just head on over to Petsami.com and check out the fun!

Train Your Buddy and Win a "Treasure Buddies" DVD!

2012-01-19T11:01:00.004-05:00

Whether your dog is an aspiring movie star or the star of your living room, training a basic skill like "sit" can prepare your dog for many situations.

Check out this video with animal trainer April Mackin and then head down to the bottom of this post to enter our giveaway for a DVD of the upcoming release of "Treasure Buddies," available on Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack and Digital on January 31.

Want to watch more adorable pups from "Treasure Buddies?"

Enter our "Treasure Buddies" DVD Giveaway!

Five lucky winners will win a Disney "Treasure Buddies" DVD. Winners will be chosen at random, and entries must be posted by January 31, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. ET. DVDs are being provided courtesy of Walt Disney Studios. U.S. entries only.

To enter (mandatory):

Post a comment on this blog post telling us about your pet's favorite trick or a trick you've seen another pet perform.

For extra entries (post a separate comment on this blog post for each entry):

Like Disney Buddies on Facebook
Tweet: @ToDogWithLove giveaway! Win a Disney "Treasure Buddies" DVD! http://bit.ly/zEDupa
Subscribe to To Dog With Love via email (on sidebar to the right)

Good luck!

For more great giveaways, check out the Fido's Freebie Friday blog post from our pals at All Things Dog Blog and Doggies and Stuff!

Camouflage Kitty

2012-01-18T09:35:00.000-05:00

Can you find the kitty in this picture?

Our neighbor kitty keeps an eye on Cosmo's backyard!

Basic Training Techniques for your Dog

2012-01-17T18:06:00.000-05:00

Whether you've got a new puppy or a dog who needs to learn good manners, training some of the simplest behaviors can make all the difference in maintaining a happy relationship with your dog.

In fact, a survey conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) revealed that 96 percent of dogs relinquished to shelters had not received obedience training.

Basic training skills can be incorporated into your everyday routine, and it's a great idea to spend just a few minutes each day reinforcing good behaviors. One of the cues Cosmo learned early on is "watch me." We still use this when we're taking walks since Cosmo can get anxious around some bigger dogs. I get Cosmo's attention with "watch me" and then give him a treat to take his attention away from the potentially stressful situation.

Here, Debbie McKnight, training expert for PetSmart, demonstrates the "watch me" cue.

"Watch me" is also useful when we enter the agility ring and Cosmo is distracted by all the other activity, or any time you need to get your dog's attention!

Can your dog do this?! Take this simple behavioral quiz from PetSmart to find out the best training class for you and your dog!

The Numbers Are In! Iams Home 4 The Holidays helps more than 1 Million pets during 2011 campaign

2012-01-16T10:13:00.002-05:00

Thanks to pet lovers everywhere, Iams Home 4 the Holidays found forever homes for more than 1.2 million animals during this season's pet adoption drive. In addition, pets in need will benefit from the 5 million bowls of food that pet lovers helped to donate through efforts on Facebook, Twitter and blogs... including To Dog With Love!

Since the program began 13 years ago, Iams and founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center, along with more than 4,000 animal organizations from across the globe have helped more than 7 million pets find forever homes.

2011 Iams Home 4 the Holidays milestones:

Dogs win by a nose –This year, more dogs were adopted, with 651,224 finding new families, compared to 595,000 cats and 21,317 other pets (including rabbits, reptiles, horses, birds and more)
Millions of pets now have homes – Since 1999, a total of 7,034,989 animals have been adopted through the program
Cards for a cause – More than 1,000 cards were created and shared from the Iams Facebook page, generating thousands of meals donated

The 2012 program will begin in October.

Angry Birds Have Landed!

2012-01-12T08:39:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone for playing our Angry Birds giveway. And now it's time to announce our winner. And the winner is >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Uptown Dog!

Congrats to you!

Wordless Wednesday: Dog toy explosion

2012-01-11T09:12:00.001-05:00

Cosmo says he can't find anything to play with...

The Pet Blogger Challenge 2012

2012-01-10T09:31:00.000-05:00

For the second year, Edie Jarolim from Will My Dog Hate Me and Amy Burkert from GoPetFriendly.com are hosting the Pet Blogger Challenge. It's hard to believe a year has passed since the first challenge, where we all took a look at our blogger challenges and goals.
So here we go again! On with the Pet Blogger Challenge, Year Two!

The Challenge Questions:

1. Provide a link to your post from last year’s Pet Blogger Challenge so we can refresh our memories.

I had to refresh my own memory... I only hoped I had done half the things I had posted in the Pet Blogger Challenge last year!

2. What do you consider the most important goals you set out in last year’s post?

Last year was our first full calendar year of blogging and one goal was to focuse on the basics -- completing an About Us section and securing our own url at www.ToDogWithLove.com.

We also had recently returned from Italy and promised a series of posts from out trip. We wanted to share experiences that readers would find valuable and use in their own travels. There must be lots of folks considering international travel and long plane flights with their dogs, because these posts continue to get lots of interest.

Cosmo Havanese soaks in the historic sites of Rome

3. Have you made progress toward those goals, or have your goals changed over the past year?

Yes, we've made lots of progress and our goals haven't really changed. I'd like to continue to inform, educate and entertain while building on the relationships we've built with other bloggers and companies in the pet industry. We've also had more amazing experiences including another year of BlogPaws, speaking at BarkWorld Expo, trips to Pedigree and Hills headquarters and "VIP Blogger" status at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championships!

At the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship dog show with
Best In Show bloggers, sponsors and London the Standard Poodle

4. Has your opinion of blogging on a schedule or as the spirit moves you changed? Which are you doing now? Do you still worry about lost traffic, momentum, etc?

While I think quality posts are more important than quantity, I do think an average of about three posts a week are helpful for maintaing traffic. That said, I don't stress over a few lighter weeks... as long as the quality is there, the traffic still comes. We also like to offer a variety of posts with information you can use, fun giveaways and photos to make you smile!

5. Are you generating income from your blog? Has this changed since last year?

Creating value from a blog can take many forms, from building relationships to getting the opportunities for unique experiences to promoting a business. Do I feel the value, yes! Am I generating some income, yes!

The number of opportunities have certainly grown since last year, and I'd like to continue to look at more ways to incorporate advertising and to help companies grow their brand through spokesperson opportunities and events.

If you are generating income, how (e.g. sponsor ads, affiliate relationships, spokesperson opportunities)?

Currently we're generating income from sponsored posts and affiliate relationships. And by working with sponsors and doing things like hosting Twitter parties, we've also raised donations for some of our favorite rescue organizations like Havanese Rescue and by our involvement with Santa Paws Drive.

6. Have your likes and dislikes about blogging changed since last year?

No, they are pretty much the same. I'm grateful for all the wonderful experiences we've had this year, time we've been able to spend with other bloggers, and some fun interviews like this one with Edie and Animal Cafe!

Cosmo's also had the chance to learn from the best! Here, he poses with YouTube rockstars Paige the Border Collie, center, and Jasmine the Havanese, right, at BarkWorld Expo

7. Overall, are you pleased with the progress you made in 2011?

Yes!

8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2012?

Perhaps some creative (graphic) enhancements, improved photography (thanks to a new camera!), and more of the same... like activities you can enjoy with your pet and more ways to keep you and your pet healthy, happy ... and stylish!

Cosmo hangs out with some of The Clock Lady's
cool custom clocks

I'd also like to continue to evaluate advertising and spokesperson opportunities, work with some of our favorite brands and continue to bring readers some cool and unique products like some of these we discovered at local events in the Atlanta area.

I think it's super important to spend time DOING rather than all our time WRITING... so we'll continue to do agility and try more new activities -- like the lure coursing and sheep herding Cosmo experienced last year. And you'll be able to learn about the activities and how you can get involved right here!

Enough about us. Now let's read about what everyone else has been up to this year!

Train Your Dog like a Movie Star!

2012-01-09T11:42:00.000-05:00

To celebrate the upcoming release of "Treasure Buddies" AND National Train Your Dog Month, Disney is posting a series of five dog training videos to teach you how to train your own buddy just like the Buddies movie stars!

Learn some of the same tricks the canine superstars have learned for their roles in the Buddies series of movies along with trainer April Mackin. The first training session will be posted on Disney's YouTube Channel tomorrow and you'll also be able to view the series of training videos on the Buddies Facebook page.

Here's a sneak peak at what you can expect from the training videos AND a first look at Treasure Buddies. The all-new live action feature debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital on January 31, 2012.

And if that's not enough fun stuff to look forward to, check back here later this month where we'll be giving away "Treasure Buddies" DVDs to five lucky To Dog With Love readers!

Check out more fun and games with the Buddies at www.disney.com/TreasureBuddies.