So what can we, the pet loving community of dog moms and dads, do to pitch in from wherever we are located? Fidose of Reality is proud to be a part of the Blogger Disaster Response Network (BDRN).

BlogPaws sent out a call to action for the Blogger Disaster Response Network, developed with World Vets back in October 2012. If you are not signed up yet, you can do that here. Being a part of the BDRN means that you are interested in sharing ways to help when disaster strikes. Maybe it means you donate, maybe it means you email your friends and family, maybe it means you write a whole featured post about the events and the response. Whatever it means to you, we just want to get the word out on ways to help.

Right now we are collecting donations for World Vets who is assessing the needs and will help accordingly. Collecting enough cash to make a difference is a huge goal of ours. BlogPaws Be The Change For Pets will match $1,000 of the first $1,000 raised by our community. Additionally, Pet360 has pledged a $1,000 donation to support the pets in need following this tragedy. Our friends at AAHA, who are reaching out to their local Veterinarians, have also made a commitment to a cash donation.

BlogPaws hopes to unite as many of our community members as possible to help make an impact on the needs of those affected by Monday’s events in Oklahoma. This includes bloggers, media and sponsors. Fidose of Reality encourages you to pitch in, with whatever you can afford. You can even get involved by becoming a part of the Blogger Disaster Response Network.

As someone who has been personally affected by emergency evacuation, I know the turmoil and heartache that comes with these uncertain times. Giving back feels good. Join Fidose in helping out.

Help animals impacted by the Oklahoma tornadoes here.

Check out this video and watch it all the way through: This dog is one of the lucky ones and it happens live on the newscast:

The post How to Help Animals Affected by Oklahoma Tornadoes appeared first on Fidose of Reality.

Get a dog’s eye view with the Sony Action Cam

Ever wonder what your dog sees or does when you aren’t around? These things keep me awake at night, and the folks at Sony must be having the same dreams.

While at the BlogPaws Social Media and Pet Bloggers Conference recently, Dexter and I stumbled on the Sony Dog Harness with wearable point-of-view camera—the Action Cam. Take one part cocker and one part Action Cam and we had a blast watching him frolic the conference hallways and exhibits.

The Action Cam also offers built-in Wi-Fi  which works with a free PlayMemories Mobile application that allows users to instantly share their content to a smartphone and also allows control of the camera with any compatible device. Additionally, Wi-Fi enabled mobile phones and tablets running the app can pull optimized movies and photos from the HDR-AS15 camera without requiring a special cable. Once copied, you can use an available 3G or 4G cell network to upload your footage and share them via email or social media networks.

The BlogPaws Pet Blogging & Social Media Conference is the largest event of its kind for pet bloggers and social media enthusiasts to network with industry leaders and brands and learn new ways to optimize and monetize their social media channels. New to the 2013 Conference are custom-designed tracks, including 101 (Beginners), 201 (Intermediate), and PRO (Advanced). There were also exclusive tracks for those interested in animal rescue and advocacy, understanding copyright and the legal responsibilities around social media, and pet lifestyle.

Lightweight, waterproof, and fully functional fun!

I’ll be sharing the coolest products and latest finds from BlogPaws with all Fidose dog lovers over the next few days. In the meantime, buckle up, hop on board, and ride along with Dexter as he is one of the first dogs around to test the Sony Action Cam.

Double bonus: Sony gave our groom, Dexter, an Action Cam that will be used as the “groom cam” for the Wigglebutt Wedding. We can’t wait to see the pup-tuals from a Cocker’s Eye view! The HDR-AS10 Action Cam and the HDR-AS15 Action Cam with Wi-Fi are available for about $199.99 and $269.99 respectively. The AKA-DM1 Dog Harness will be available in June for about $44.99. These cameras and their accessories are sold at http://store.sony.com, Sony retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide.

I bet these folks would love to have a Sony Action Cam for their dogs! I met up with many of them at the BlogPaws Conference recently. Can’t wait to see them for BlogPaws Vegas 2014!

* We were not compensated for this review.

The post Exclusive Footage of Dog with Sony Action Cam appeared first on Fidose of Reality.

My neighbor’s dog has had a profound impact on the lives of my previous Cocker Spaniel and the one who currently shares my life. Can a dog really change your life? (I’ve been asked that a time or two). Pet adoptions can have far reaching impact.

Zola is a rescue dog, who came with the name Zyla Cocoa. Apparently she was a drug bust dog: The people who kept her were doing drugs, got busted and she was seized as part of the “property.” This also meant the drugs went to the police station and Zyla Cocoa went to the humane society.

In a small town about an hour away, a girl was getting her dog ready for a Halloween costume contest to benefit that very same Humane Society. She’d dress her dog as a lion that year: A mane to show how proud she was of her runt of a Cocker Spaniel. That girl was me and the dog was Brandy Noel, my senior dog who never lost her zest for life until the day she crossed to the bridge.

Funny how life’s roads lead you where you need to go. PetSmart didn’t have a dress-up contest that Halloween, for whatever reason, so we found this Humane Society that did have one. We do it for the fun, I love to mingle with the other dogs and ask owners where they got the inspiration for a costume. This is my idea of grown up adult fun. Brandy entered the parade and Zyla Cocoa was the “please adopt me” dog being “paraded” around. My friend, who decided to come at the last minute, did a double take at the dog with the funny name. My friend thought about adopting a dog for a while but just never got around to it. And now the moment presented itself.  I never got to see the moment when their eyes locked, as I was too busy parading my princess around with the other costume-laden pooches. But my friend fell in love and the papers were signed. Zyla Cocoa would eventually come home with my friend to start her new life.

My friend changed her new dog’s name to Zola, a more fitting name for such a stately muttigree, and with proper training, lots of love, and plenty of reassurance that she had found her forever home, Zola and my Brandy bonded. When the day came that Brandy would pass from this world, one week shy of 15 years old, I promised myself, “never again.” I would never again allow myself to get this close to a dog.

And then came Dexter. He found me, his little head looking out of a pumpkin. “Someone, please come get me.” I had electric shocks meander down my spine. I knew he had to be mine. And he was. And he is. My “never again” sits at my feet, carrying the legacy of love instilled by his predecessor. His name is Dexter and he reminds me I could never not love this way again.

We all should be so blessed and so fortunate to experience the love of a dog. They give so totally, so freely, and yes many come with baggage. Isn’t something good that is totally worth having worth helping to dump their baggage and replace it with new memories? Dogs in shelters end up there for a variety of reasons: They just need someone to show them not all people are horrible or neglectful. Some end up in shelters simply because people have no time for them, a new baby comes along, or any number of reasons.

I’ve heard time and again that some folks just cannot afford to pay the adoption fee that comes with rescuing a dog (or cat or other pet) from a shelter.

Enter Maddies Pet Adoption Days taking place this June in New York City. Hold onto your hats because all adoption fees will be waived. The event in New York City is being “Presented by the Mayor’s Alliance” (a consortium of NY area shelters and rescues).  While the adoptions are free of charge, all standard pre-qualification and pre-screenings are still in place, in other words,  “free adoptions to qualified homes.”

Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days has been a local free pet adoption weekend in California for the last three years. This is the first time it’s going national the weekend of June 1^st and 2^nd, and one of the cities participating is New York City making it “New York Cities Largest Adoption Event” to date!

In the past, the event has been successful in driving adoption both pets with medically treatable conditions and senior pets. If all goes as planned and those of you who want to bring a forever love into your life for free, then the goal to to save over 1,000 lives that weekend can be attained. The Mayor’s Alliance of New York City Presents the first ever Maddie’s Fund Pet Adoption Weekend June 1st and 2nd which will be the largest adoption event in the New York City area ever!!!

Come out and be a part of it and tell your fur-ends and family members who need a little nudge to get started on a forever love. My friend, Ellen, needed a nudge and my Brandy gave her one.

Zola now counts my Dexter as her BFF (best furry friend) and they wrestle, play, and love to hang out together. I am grateful for the presence of Zola in our lives, and I look forward to helping others find their canine soulmates.

Note: Maddie’s Fund is also holding similar events at several other cities in the US on the same weekend. If you aren’t in New York, you can still paw-ticipate!! Free best friends!

The post Free Pet Adoptions: Let a Dog Change Your Life appeared first on Fidose of Reality.

Safe, healthy dog treats are a rare breed these days it seems. In many years of working in the pet industry, many dog treats have crossed my desk: Here, try this and your dog will love them. These are the tempting lines that come along with dog treats when companies want me Dexter to try them.

About 4 years ago, a canister caught my eye and the ingredients within stopped me in my tracks. Then I read the ingredients list, thinking they were cute and smelled so yummy, that of course they had to be laden with fillers and not-so-good ingredients. Not so. In fact, quite the opposite.

Ollie B. Biscuits  are 100% gluten free with no wheat, corn, or soy. They have no added salt or sugar and never, ever, any additives, preservatives or fillers. Ollie B. Biscuits are high in protein and have almost half the crude fat of most other treats. The original recipe is completely meat and meat by-product free.

The canister is gorgeous and perfect for gift giving. The treats are stamped and looked like something a gourmet baker would fashion. In fact, these are considered artisan style treats. A pawprint is stamped into the center of each cookie/biscuit, and the ingredients are delectable and what a gourmet dog treat should be made of: honey, ginger, applesauce, brewer’s yeast, and a few more you can check out here: Oliver Bentley treat ingredients

Better yet, why not give our video a peek – Dexter loves the Oliver Bentley biscuits. They are an official Platinum sponsor of the Wigglebutt Wedding, and though we weren’t paid in anything but treats to do this review, we love sharing products for dogs that we believe in and share with our PR (Puppy Relations) Manager and his friends.

Note: You can get your treats at Oliver Bentley’s website.

The post The Best Kept Secret in (Healthy) Dog Treats appeared first on Fidose of Reality.

Being a dog writer and blogger, I have had the pleasure of interviewing many people over the years: From top notch celebrities to everyday heroes who foster dogs. There are indeed celebrity dog lovers out there.

Looking forward, I am heading out with my dog in tow to one of the biggest, best social media conferences for pet bloggers in the world (and the original one). I am talking about BlogPaws, of course.

Looking back, I’d like to take this opportunity to show you some of my favorite interviews over the years in images, with a quote from each person that stood out during that interview. If you are coming to BlogPaws, I hope to add you to my list, as there will be people from all walks of life in attendance but with a common thread running through us all: We care deeply about our non-human family members.

Greg Louganis, Olympic diving gold medalist

When I asked, “Who is your gold medalist of dogs?”

Greg says, “Every single one of them. All are gold medal winners. Each one has brought so much and has taught me so much. They are my teachers.”

Carol Gardner, Brainchild and dog mom of Zelda’s Wisdom

When I asked, “Which Zelda-ism is her favorite?”
Carol says, ““Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

Bill Klein, half of TLC’s famed series, The Little Couple

When I asked, “Why did you add a pet boutique to your already busy lives?”

Bill says, ““The best way to reduce my spending on stuff for our dogs was to build a business around the fact that my wife shops for collars, leashes, bags and accessories for Rocky and Maggie,” (*and then in true Bill fashion, he laughed)

Jon Provost, Timmy on the classic Lassie television series

When I asked about the line “Lassie, go get Timmy in the well”

Jon says, ““Timmy has fallen off cliffs, into rivers, quicksand, and even mine shafts, but never into a well. We don’t know where that catch phrase came from but it was a natural title for my book. Letterman or Leno mention the phrase at least once a month.”

Uggie’s owner and trainer, Omar Von Muller

When I asked what Uggie has going on:

Omar says this (from the Betty White Celebrity Roast in 2012):

Television actress and author, Fran Drescher

When I asked what Esther’s  (her dog) first words would be if she could talk

Drescher says, “Probably ‘I’m hungry’ since eating is her favorite pasttime.”

Facebook mega star, Boo, with his dog mom, J.H. Lee

When I asked just how has this teddy bear-faced pup become a not-so-guilty pleasure to masses of Boo fans

Boo’s mom says, “He has no idea he is famous. Boo acts just like the millions of loved dogs and pets out there.”

I’ve interviewed dozens of celebs over the years and I’ll be sharing some favorite photos and interview excerpts on the Fidose of Reality magazine dog blog.

Til next time, here are a few dozen pet-loving bloggers, many of whom I will be spending the next several days with:

The post Celebrity Dog Lovers Dish The Dirt appeared first on Fidose of Reality.

To recap, our we went down the cold laser route and blogged about that in our first entry to this saga.

Then we went down the getting fitted for a brace and how it all works in our second entry about the ACL tear here.

We are taking more conservative approaches because:

A) I don’t want to have to put my dog through something as invasive as surgery, especially considering this Veterinary Practice News article solidified my decision.

B) I prefer to do what is in my dog’s best interest and go the conservative and alternative route, considering veterinary medicine is in many ways, starting to mirror its human equivalent.

After the initial casting and waiting for the custom orthotic to be made by My Pet’s Brace, we trekked to the facility about two hours from our hometown.

Not to sound all infomercially, but the folks at My Pet’s Brace know their stuff.  For $625, Dexter will be wearing a knee brace that is moveable, conforms to his stifle anatomy, has a 90-day adjustments and modification warranty, and is already being readily accepted by my dog.

When we went to pick up the brace, we were instructed on how to apply it, what to watch for, any abnormalities, and then we applied the brace in front of the man who made it. Dexter is a very easygoing dog but I know at this point, with all of the manipulations to his leg, he had to be thinking “yikes, Mom, enough with the poking and prodding.”

We were able to videotape his first walk with the new brace in place, and he did incredibly well. Some dogs take hours, other take days, but eventually a well-fitting custom orthotic is something to which dogs adapt.

As you can see, Dexter did incredibly well. We need to start him out with wearing it for 3 hours at a time, increase to 4, and so on. He is to wear it during “active” waking hours. For a 4-year-old Cocker Spaniel, that means he will be wearing it for probably 7 or so hours a day: walks, any activities outside, etc. For indoor use and nap time, we want his leg to breathe. I will continue the homeopathic anti-inflammatories of Traumeel and Heel and use Tramadol if needed. Through all of this, Dexter never let out a peep to indicate pain. Dogs are good at masking that, so pet parents need to be astute and know what “the norm” is.

I will keep Fidose readers posted every few weeks now, as our plan of action is to keep the knee stable, allow scar tissue to properly form, and avoid the knife. I wouldn’t rush to my doctor for a partial ligament tear with the goal of surgery and I have the same expectation for my dog.

Consider every option and do research before jumping in feet first to allow your dog to undergo invasive surgery. It is an option for some dogs, but not all, through my research and talking to many dog moms and dads whose dogs have a full or partial ligament tear.

Side note: Our friend at My Brown Newfies has a larger dog (obviously, a Newfoundland aka “Newfie”) that has the same problem. They are going the conservative route, too, and you can follow that saga on her My Brown Newfies blog.

Happy Trails!

The post How a Stifle Brace Saved My Dog from ACL Surgery appeared first on Fidose of Reality.

The Wigglebutt Wedding is making headlines again. For those of you not following our year-in-the-making event, on June 28, 2013, Dexter James Bryant and Zoe Elizabeth Sorensen will tie the canine knot in a black tie/princess style wedding in the name of fun fundraising. Since Zoe was rescued by Life’s Little Paws on the day she was scheduled to be euthanized, we have selected this group to be the honorary recipients of all funds raised by the Wigglebutt Wedding.

Our PR (Puppy Relations) Manager, Dexter, has been so smitten by Zoe, he paw-prosed last year, and we’ve been charting their courtship, engagement, and now the pair will unite in front of a sold out crowd at the Baldwin Center along with many dog fur-ends and family members. Now, the Wigglebutt Wedding is making headlines again.

First Big Headline

Famed photographer, Paul Nathan, who recently released the book Couture Dogs of New York, is now on board with the Wigglebutt Wedding and wait, there’s more. Keep reading.

Nathan’s book is eye candy for those of you who love cute dogs and oh-so-chic fashion. Gracing the cover of the book are the dogs of official designer of the groom’s tux and the bride’s gown, Anthony Rubio. Bogie and Kimba are high styling in their dad’s famous fashion. The book is the type you set on your coffee table and smile at when you walk by, waiting for guests to comment when they visit. It is 157 pages of fashion trendsetting and dogs turning heads. To say I’ve dog eared a few pages is an understatement.

I used to be of the ilk to say “why do people go so over the top for their dogs when it comes to fashion?” And now I am one of them. As long as the dog is happy, comfortable, and provides his or her pet parent(s) with joy, I say more paw-er to us! As Anthony Rubio shares in the intro of Nathan’s book, “Being an animal lover, I take into consideration the comfort and safety of the subject I am designing for,” he says. “I refuse to use chemicals or glues that may prove harmful. I use fabrics that are lightweight, will not shed any harmful decorations that the dog could swallow, and will breathe and move with the animal.”

I am inspired and in awe turning the pages and seeing these canine fashions. It is also with great pride that I can count many of the people and pooches featured as my friends. And when you finish this book, you’ll feel as if you’ve been invited into their living rooms and on sets, privy to some of the finest fashions gracing today’s modern cat dog walks.

I highly recommend you check out this book and it is available right here. You can even have Paul sign your book at the Wigglebutt Wedding. What? What’s that I say??? Keep reading……

Big News Alert

Paul Nathan connected with me recently and asked if he could not only sponsor and attend the Wigglebutt Wedding, but take photographs before and during the Wigglebutt Wedding to include in his second book!!! Are you fan girlie screaming along with me right about now? It’s okay; let it loose: I sure did! Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Paul writes, “I am working on a follow up book to Couture Dogs of NY, and I was really hoping that it might be possible for me to attend Dexter’s wedding in order to get material for the new book. The follow up book will need to have a character of it’s own in order to have it’s own life.”

Ladies and gentleman, Paul Nathan will be in attendance and you and your dog(s) just might be in his next book!

Second Big News Alert

We’re on the radio with an exclusive interview on Pet Life Radio and Pawvogue. Bob Shaughnessy and his gorgeous Havanese, Cuba, interviewed yours truly recently for a fun, fab and totally Fido-filled segment on Pet Life Radio. PawVogue is the first Pet Fashion Portal for both Pet Fashion Designers and for folks who love pet fashion. PawVogue will connect you to many of the Top Pet Fashion Designers around the world. I can attest to this because I connected with a designer who custom made Dexter’s outfit for the upcoming red carpet awards during the BlogPaws Conference. Thanks to Pawvogue, Dexter will be high styling in a piece from Tiny Paws Couture. No sneak peeks, as the outfit will be revealed next weekend!

In the meantime, what better way than to kick back and spend some time getting to know Fidose of Reality and all our adventures. Listen to Pawvogue on Pet Life Radio with Episode 12, where I am interviewed. It is one of the most fun segments I’ve done in a long time, and Bob and Cuba are great fun. We dish BlogPaws, pet friendly travel, Pet360, Dogster, and much more.  And don’t forget, the Wigglebutt Wedding is discussed in full detail, too. Want some scoop on the wedding? You can get in here: Pawvogue Interviews Carol Bryant of Fidose of Reality

And Bob with Cuba and Cuba’s girlfriend, Tasha with dog mom, Susan Godwin, are featured in Paul Nathan’s book AND they will be at the Wigglebutt Wedding! Meet them in paw-son!

If you aren’t coming to the Wigglebutt Wedding, you can still be a part of it by checking out the Pawvogue interview above, checking out Paul Nathan’s book, and be a part of the Bridal Registry and help us save more lives with Life’s Little Paws.

The post Wigglebutt Wedding Breaking News Announcements appeared first on Fidose of Reality.

Mother’s Day is here and dog moms can rejoice: Fidose of Reality celebrates with you. Wondering what to get the dog mom in your life? Or perhaps you want to treat your dog to something new and exciting to hit the marketplace. Well, we’ve got you covered with seven products to surprise dog moms. I was recently on television for a segment of Pet Talk with the fab Lauren Collier as hostess.

Pet Talk is the name of a sometimes wacky, always upbeat, educational television show about pets, animals, and the humans who love them. Airing in the southwestern Connecticut area, the show features hostess with the mostest Lauren Collier, who has been entertaining and informing the pet-loving masses for almost 13 years.I’ve been a guest several times on the show to dish dog product and pet-friendly travel segments. Since the show allows pets on set, my dog, Dexter, has become quite the wigglebutt-welcomed guest, too (occasionally leaving the set in search of treats offstage).

Check out the seven dog products we shared on Pet Talk with this exclusive television segment. We also dish about the Wigglebutt Wedding, Pet360 shopping for dogs, and BlogPaws for those of you into social media (and who isn’t these days). Thanks to Lauren Collier. Away we go: (and Happy Mother’s Day to the dog moms out there)

Here are the products we featured and where to purchase them: Simply follow the links to Pet360.com:

Dog is Good V-Neck Shirt from Pet360.com

Pearhead Pawprints Desktop Frame from Pet360.com

Hurtta Cooling Dog Coat from Pet360.com

Spot Seek a Treat from Pet360.com

Tailbangers Dog Treat Gift Basket from Pet360.com

Hyper Pet Flying Pig Slingshot Dog Toy from Pet360.com

Hurtta Dog Life Jacket from Pet360.com

The post Seven Products to Surprise Dog Moms appeared first on Fidose of Reality.

I am a dog mom. I like love it when folks call me a dog mom and I never grimace, furrow a brow, or correct them. In fact, a sense of pride swells over me. I am not alone.  Dog moms should celebrate on Mother’s Day (and always).

I buy cotton swabs, I use baby wipes on my dog after a muddied walk or rainy day, and I could probably circumnavigate the globe twice with the amount of paper towels I’ve used in a lifetime of dog parenting, or as some call it, dog ownership.

Anyone can be a mother. It takes a special person to be a mom. So yes thanks, I am a dog mom and a dog blogger all in one: A modern-day buy one, get one, that’s me.

I embrace that I do things with my dog in 2013 that perhaps those who went before me did not with their dogs from days gone by. I look back on my childhood and cringe: The “family dog” wasn’t allowed in the living room and I wonder to this day if she ever even saw anything above the basement, where she was “allowed” to sleep on colder nights.

The humanization of pets has taken a stronghold on this country; in fact, some might argue “dogs are the new kids” is becoming a worldwide epidemic. (Insert backflip and cartwheel here.) Science has finally caught on what those of us with a special connection to dogs have known forever: Dogs have the propensity to feel many of the same emotions humans do. They even write about it in big name journals like Psychology Today.

So what I’m about to say might surprise you: My dog isn’t a child. This much I know is true. If the fates honor me with my dog sharing life for a solid 15 years or more, unlike a teenager at age 15, my dog isn’t asking for the car keys, won’t enter the dating world, and will never become a source of grey hair as I worry if he is 10 minutes late past curfew. His time is getting limited at this ripe old age.

The lifespan of a dog is short, a flicker if you will, compared to a human. There will be no dating, college funds, job searches, or prom nights. He will pass from this world and leave behind a hole in my heart where it used to be, well, “whole.” I’ve been down this road and I will again and again. How about you?

I live a bit more vicariously and in the moment since becoming a dog mom: And after all, aren’t dogs always living in the moment? They’ve taught me well, these creatures kids called dogs. I’ve yet to see my dog worry about what just happened or panic or something that’s going down tomorrow. Dogs have taught me to live life to its fullest because at any time, it can end.

I spoil my dog, some might say. He certainly does not need eight leashes, four different colored water bowls, a weekly trip (or more) to the pet supply store, organized play dates, and (the horror, get ready): A blog inspired by his life with mine and a canine-centric career choice.

To those “some” I say, pffft. Seriously, just like that: “pfffft.” Dogs need to be well-taken care of and doted upon to the degree it makes dog mom or dog dad happy and does not put Fido in harm’s way. In fact, if you re-read that sentence, there’s a mantra in there.

Dogs live short lives and this we know when we accept the responsibility of dog parenting. I shop in the same stores as moms who have human children do, yet there is a stigma that somehow, in some way, it might be odd to consider me a mom. My credit cards are accepted, my legal tender works in the same way, I shop and bargain hunt in a similar capacity, and oh: I tell my friends and followers, who in turn, listen to me and my sagely advice. Then they go to the stores or log onto a website and do the same things, as dog moms and dog dads. And I know I am not alone. So I did some research. Oh my, how I am not alone.

The Wall Street Journal recently revealed “PetSmart Thrives Treating Owners Like Pet Parents.” We’re not losing our marbles, we’re being embraced and converted to dollar signs, for wag’s sake! With the American Pet Products Association reporting an estimated $52 billion projected to be spent in the pet industry in 2012 alone, I realize I am not alone. Hello brands, it’s me, the dog mom, hug me.

Sixty-five percent of Americans are parents to some form of pets: from dogs and cats to fish and ferrets. Considering the American Pet Products Association estimates that $56 billion dollars will be spent in the pet industry in 2013, pet bloggers are industry influencers. Brands are now taking notice, sitting up, and perking their heads sideways to get a piece of the pet blogging pie.

Pet bloggers do not go gently into the night: In fact, we start petitions and we get people to notice us. Mary Haight of Dancing Dog Blog and Animal Café knows all about this. Thanks to a petition she began, nearly 50,000 signatures were collected asking PetLand to stop selling live animals. The Huffington Post named the petition as one of their favorites. Not bad for a dog mom, eh?

Last but not least, the piece de resistance: Dog moms and dads go to pet blogger conferences, where the life of yours truly was changed in 2009. I walked through the doors of a conference, held my head high, felt a twinge of nervousness in my stomach, but wanted to see “what this pet blogging talk” was all about. I left a changed woman. Oh, and the entire event of almost 500 people, dozens of brands, and a weekend of seminars and knowledge-based sessions was pet friendly. I sat with my dog near my feet as my life changed. Talk about a full circle moment. I will return to the BlogPaws in Tysons Corner, Virginia from May 16-18 and learn, grown, network, and engage with people and brands just like me: the dog mom.

“We’re consumers – we party, we shop, we bathe, we walk our dogs in strollers, we do all the same things mommy bloggers do,” BlogPaws’ co-founder, Yvonne DiVita shared. “Our community is on the pulse of all things pet: from dogs to cats, rabbits to ferrets, and everything in between.”

The proof is in the numbers for some. Over 5,000 buyers representing 65 countries attended Global Pet Expo recently,  the pet industry’s largest trade show spanning the size of 16 football fields. I was there. I walked amongst the throngs of people clamoring for the latest and greatest in pet products and services. Someone came back from that trade show and told their friends about those products, shared videos and pictures, tweeted and LIKED and then did it some more. Guess who? Me and the my posse of pet bloggers and dog moms and dads who want purchase influencers to know we’re more than the human holding the other end of the leash.

We shop. We buy. Some of us even tuck their kids dogs in at night. I’m a dog mom and I’m here to stay.

Happy Mother’s Day to all dog moms of the world.

The post Why Dog Moms Should Celebrate on Mothers Day appeared first on Fidose of Reality.

What do Ellen DeGeneres and the Wigglebutt Wedding have in common? They will both, in some way, be a part of my dog’s life this June 28^th in Stratford, Connecticut. Say what?

Halo Pets, the company of which Ellen DeGeneres is part owner, is the official dog food and treat sponsor of the Wigglebutt Wedding. All dogs in attendance will dine on treats and food from Halo Pets at “Brandy’s Bark Bar.” Brandy was my female Cocker Spaniel who shared life with me for almost 15 years. I switched her to Halo Pets food in her senior years. I truly believe Halo’s wet food and treats help extend her life. In honor of my baby girl, “Brandy’s Bark Bar” will be presented by Halo Pets at the Wigglebutt Wedding. All guests at the affair will receive a swag bag of goodies with a special surprise from Halo Pets.

What is a Wigglebutt Wedding?

If you haven’t heard by now, my dog is getting hitched. On June 28, 2013, the year-in-the-making gala event of Dexter James Bryant and Zoe Elizabeth Sorensen will take place in Stratford, Connecticut. The affair is black tie/princess style and is a fun fundraiser to benefit Life’s Little Paws Cocker Spaniel Rescue, the rescue group that saved the bride, Zoe, on the day she was scheduled to be euthanized. From death’s door to a gala wedding: this is the road of Zoe’s life. Dexter is a lucky little boy. Dexter, coincidentally, rescued me from myself. He’s my “never again,” the one who came after my first dog passed away. He taught me to open my heart again. Now my little boy is getting hitched.

In pictures, and in honor of the Internet sensation, Wordless Wednesday (courtesy BlogPaws), here are some other exclusive elements of the Wigglebutt Wedding:

Bridal Registry for Donations and Goodies to Be Sent to Life’s Little Paws

 Canine couture designer for the bride’s gown and the groom’s tuxedo: Anthony Rubio

Official artist: Missy Johnson of Dogs for the Paws

Cake topper designer: Lucy Maloney of Designer Dog Miniatures

Caterer: Food will be catered courtesy of Kiss the Chef Personal Chef/Catering Service, Val Sorensen

Official florist with custom bride and groom floral sculptures: Table Art Event Designs

Media Coverage: The Wigglebutt Wedding will be televised on News 12 Connecticut’s 13-years-and-running-strong television show, Pet Talk, with hostess Lauren Collier. The wedding will also be covered via blog circuit and traditional media print and online formats with local press as well.

 DJ: Michael Guariglia of Touch of Class DJ will be our fabulous DJ for the gala

Official Collars: Classy Critter Collars has created a line of Wigglebutt Wedding inspired custom collars which anyone attending and anyone who wants to paw-ticipate can purchase.

Official Hotel: We also have a hotel block in place at Homewood Suites by Hilton Stratford nearby the venue that is pet friendly and for the Saturday after party.

Official Venue: Baldwin Center

Official podcast and radio station: TPPC.tv, LLC is the official radio and podcast of the Wigglebutt Wedding. Thanks to Joe and Robbin Everett.

Harris Bloom: Official Minister and Founder of Stewie to the Rescue

Official Magazine: Pup Culture Magazine

Official Regional Magazine: Central PA Pets Magazine

Sponsors: An array of pet product sponsors will be involved and helping to raise awareness of adoptable dogs in need of forever homes. Goodie bags, prizes, and giveaways are also a part of the fundraising fun and an evening with like-minded dog moms and dads.Special thanks to the Mad Dog Hatter who is taking orders for custom hats for the wedding as well!

Want to join us? It’s not too late. You can email me at fidoseofreality (at) gmail (dot) com. And even if you can’t be there, Life’s Little Paws is always open to donations – help a Wigglebutt, please donate.

And here are true pet lovers of the highest order joining in the blog hop today:

The post What Does Ellen Degeneres Have in Common with Wigglebutt Wedding? appeared first on Fidose of Reality.