Embrace Pet Community blog

Disney Resort for Pets

2010-07-28T06:55:00-04:00

We've been talking about travel with pets, while over at BlogPaws they just linked to a NY Times Article about the new Disney resort suites for pets:

"Starting Aug. 27, while you and your family are cheering on Mickey and friends in the morning parade, your dog or cat can watch television on a raised bed in one of the V.I.P. suites ($69 to $76 a night) and your dog can attend day camp in one of the two 1,100-square-foot “camp rooms” that open onto a yard or frolic in the 1,300-square-foot water park." read on...

Sounds like Goofy and Pluto won't be the only dogs in the Magic Kingdom for much longer. What do you think? Would you be more inclined to travel to Disney if you could keep your pet nearby?

Perfect Paws from Bamboo

2010-07-28T06:46:00-04:00

Perfect Paws , from Bamboo, is the newest tool to come on the market for pet nail care. Having never used a dremel style nail trimmer, I was pretty impressed by the amount of power the tool carried with just a couple of batteries. The unit fits nicely in your hand, and offers several speeds and two different grinding surfaces. You can use the small holes on the sides for the rotating stone, or the wide open surface at the top, depending on how much grinding you need to do and the size of your pet's nails.

We tried the trimmer on Lula first, and while she didn't really mind the sound or feel of the tool, it took a long time to make any impact on her gigantic nails. She did tolerate it much more than she does her clippers, and the gradual grinding action means I wouldn't have cut her to the quick. Then, we tried it on Buckley, but his anxiety over the sound or feel of the vibration on his feet was too much. (Buckley's not a fan of his feet being touched, so no surprise there.

But then, we tried it on little Guizmo, the Maltipoo. His mom sat on the couch with him, and used the trimmer while she was watching TV--and Guizmo fell asleep while the tool was in use! The unit is that quiet and that painless that this little guy actually fell asleep!!

So, if your dog is not averse to vibrations, and you prefer a more gentle, mild nail trimmer, you might want to try Perfect Paws. You can't overdo it, which means less over-trimming and messy clean up.

Contest Winners!!

2010-07-27T13:18:43-04:00

Congratulations to the winners of our two recent drawings!

Remy, the patriotic French Bulldog (maybe we should call him a "freedom bulldog?) in Braintree, MA is the lucky winner of the Summer BBQ for pets photo contest. His mom will be receiving the Sony Digital Camera, courtesy of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul.

And Otis, the happy boy romping on the farm in Three Oaks, MI has won the Martha Stewart Pets Travel Pack. I bet Martha herself would love this photo.

I'm so glad that we hosted these as random drawings-we never could have picked a winner with all of these great entries! To see all of the photo submissions, visit our galleries on Facebook.

Keep an eye out for more fun contests, giveaways and drawings coming out soon.

FURminator Tub Time

2010-07-26T06:12:00-04:00

FURminator has extended their product line beyond their deshedding tool, with skin and coat products like the TubNub Bathing Brush and deShedding Shampoo, and the Waterless deShedding Shampoo and Conditioner.

I am a big fan of waterless shampoos, as Lula becomes very oily and dirty quickly, especially when she's outdoors so much in the summer. I hate hoisting my 85Lb. dog into the tub every few weeks, but we can certainly cut down on regular baths by doing short clean ups with a waterless shampoo. FURminator's waterless shampoo ($9.13) has a very clean, pretty scent, and really softens the fur and reduces that "dirty dog" feeling.

I've never tried a tub brush before, but we did a combo with the Tub Nub ($9.50) and the de-shedding shampoo for Lyger's last bath. The shampoo was light and clean and did seem to help his coat. The Tub Nub helped me massage the suds and pull out that nasty loose hair that falls out in the tub. I think the rubbery nubs grip the fur a bit to help pull the loose fur out.

One of my pet peeves is having a handful of wet dog hair--I hate how it sticks to my fingers! But the tub nub caught a lot of that hair before I had to touch it. And, because I could just shake the fur off into the trash, it cut down on the amount of fur that I had to clean up in the tub or going down my drain.

As always, my dogs enjoyed the FURminator products. The smells and tools are gentle and safe, so your pets won't dread tub time.

All of the above products are eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping at Amazon.

Read our review of the FURminator Deluxe

The Furminator Deluxe!

2010-07-22T06:55:00-04:00

I've never known Lyger to shed this much, but it's been a very warm summer here in Cleveland. I've been busting out the shop vac daily and pulling his "tufts" out in chunks, so the timing was perfect for me to test out the FURminator Deluxe!

The new Deluxe FURminator is the same concept as the previous model, but with a new and improved handle (better gripping) and the push-button (aka FURejector) to pop the hair out of the de-shedder edge.

I didn't think that there would be any way I'd like the FURminator more, but that FURejector makes the job go so much more quickly! I got a shopping bag full of fur off of Lyger in under 10 minutes, and the best part is that he enjoys the whole process. As you can see in the video, he just sits down the moment we start and relaxes while I get him cleaned up.

FURminator is now available directly from the FURminator Amazon shop. The medium version ($28.99) is what we use, but they have smaller, larger, and feline versions available.

We've also tested the new FURminator De-shedding shampoo and the FURminator Tub Nub brush, so check back for those reviews!

Checklist for Boarding Your Pet

2010-07-21T09:24:00-04:00

Have you ever boarded a pet? Were you surprised by the amount of effort it took? Or did you think it was surprisingly simple to leave your pet with strangers?

Here are some helpful tips for things to remember when boarding your pet:

Plan early if possible. The best facilities can book up way in advance on holidays. It may be wise to get signed on with a boarding facility before you actually need it, in the event that you need to leave town in an emergency.
Make sure that your pet meets their vaccination requirements. If they do not have requirements, it would be wise to talk with your vet about their recommendations before your pet's stay.
Consider cage-free versus kennels. Kennels may be best for dogs that are easily overwhelmed or elderly, but cage-free might be better for more energetic or socially motivated dogs.
How many pets stay at the facility? Do you feel that the staff can give adequate care to the number of pets staying there?
Talk to the staff about their policies. Do they walk dogs outside, or do they go to the bathroom indoors? What sort of training do caretakers have? Do pets have any playtime with people or animals? It might help you have a better understanding of the experience your pet might have.
Be sure to take your pet's food and medications, along with your contact info and vet info.
Talk to the staff about bringing bedding or toys, but remember to leave anything that your pet might chew up and swallow at home.
It's ok to call and check up on your pet. Kennels expect it. Many places also offer routine photo updates or webcams so you can peek in on them when you want.

Product Review: Martha Stewart Crochet Squeak Toys

2010-07-20T06:45:00-04:00

It's a good thing...that Martha Stewart now has a luxurious line of quality pet products available exclusively at PetSmart. Now your pets can enjoy the same delightful toys and practical products that Sharkey and Francesca (Martha's French Bulldogs) have come to expect.

The Crochet Squeak Toys from MS are just darling! A nice size for most dogs to carry around, soft, and with a quiet squeaker. They're all so cute, you won't be able to pick. Elephant or Hippo? Pig or Squirrel?

Duck? Definitely!

Cooper loves the squeaky duck that the Martha Stewart folks sent him. There are no rough spots, or plastic bits to swallow. The only setback is that his small, sharp teeth took the duckie's bill off almost instantly, telling us that this is not a good toy for even small chewers. (Cooper chewed down to stuffing in under 10 minutes.) But, with the fat little body and fluffy hair, it's the perfect toy for any dog that loves to carry their "baby" around.

Here's Cooper, playing with the Pig:

Want your own Martha Stewart Pets Goodies? Don't forget to submit your photo for our Postcards from Pets contest!

Contest: Post Cards from Pets

2010-07-19T06:39:00-04:00

It's summertime, and we at Embrace Pet Insurance keep hearing all these stories about camping, kayaking, and traveling with pets. What a great way to enjoy the summer and bond with your pet. Whether you're enjoying a national park, visiting the grand canyon, or enjoying a cottage on the shore, you'll have more fun when you share the experience with your best friend.

As an added luxury for your travels, Martha Stewart Pets is sponsoring our Post Cards from Pets photo contest! One lucky pet will win a leather collar and leash, and this super cool 3-piece bowl set!

How To Enter:

E-mail us your best photo of your pet traveling, and be sure to tell us where the photo was taken! We'll post your digital "post card" to our Facebook, and you'll be entered into our random drawing.

One entry per person. U.S. Entrants only. Embrace staff not eligible to win. Entries must be e-mailed to lj@embracepetinsurance.com to qualify. Contest ends at midnight on July 26, 2010. Winner will be contacted by e-mail for their mailing address for prize fulfillment by sponsor.

Boarding at the Doggie Spa

2010-07-17T08:08:00-04:00

As I mentioned yesterday, it's not always easy for me to leave my pets at home while I travel, even with some one checking in on them. Maybe for a few days, but when my husband and I went on a 10 day road trip in May, we were concerned that they wouldn't get enough social time with just a visiting caretaker.

So, we asked around and found this amazing independent boarding facility, Royalcrest Animal Spa. (I'm even hesitant to drop the name, for fear that it'll become so popular I won't be able to get my dogs in anymore!) The kennels were feet away from the caretakers home. Knowing that she was a long-time trainer and dog handler, I had no reservations about the place. But, then she told me about the intercom system that allowed her to monitor the dogs from her home, the special fan put in to block out storm noises, and the careful setup to keep strange dogs separated, I was further assured that it was a very safe environment. I liked that the kennels were on a small ranch, where it would be quiet and perfect for these old dogs.

And then, she told us about the long walks in the woods, the peanut butter bones at bedtime, and the home- made chicken soup that goes with their dinners, and I began to wonder if the dogs would ever want to come home.

I dropped them off on a Friday. Neither of them seemed to notice that I was leaving, what with their new neighbors the horse and the young chickens. (Lula looked so lovingly at those babies!) While I did miss them, I never worried. Still, I called a few days later to make sure that everyone was holding up ok. Their caretaker told me that Lyger was spending his days standing in the creek that ran through the pasture, and that Lula was birdwatching on their fenced patio. I think the dogs were having a better time on their vacation than we were on ours!

When it came time to pick them up, they were a bit tuckered out from their week at camp, but not stressed or overjoyed to see us. It was so reassuring to know that our dogs hadn't been anxious while we were away for so long.

As we loaded them up into the car, the caretaker petted Lyger, and said "Bye Mr. Furry". It was a small sign that they'd even bonded over their week together.

While you might not be close enough to visit Royalcrest, ask your friends and family if they have referrals to their favorite pet boarders or services. It might lead you to your pet's new favorite getaway.

Part 2: Traveling Without Your Fourlegged companion

2010-07-16T06:14:00-04:00

One of the biggest obstacles for me to book a vacation is what to do with the dogs. My neighbors are gracious enough to check in on them. (Though I can't bear to ask the neighbor that got stuck cleaning up 5 days of UTI pee puddles while we were in Florida last year.) I feel reluctant to take them up on it all the time, for fear of taking them for granted. Making plans to pay them a stipend or arrange trade always works better though.

Leaving your pets is a bit more complicated when they are sick or elderly, since you need to worry about medications or careful monitoring. In those cases, you may want to consider boarding at the vet or a facility with trained staff. But then, do you go for kennels or cage free?

More often than ever before, people are hiring pet sitters. The services vary, and some sitters come to your home for visits, stay overnight, or board your pet in their home. Carrie posted another great Examiner piece about how to find a good pet sitter, and what you should expect while you're away.

The upsides to in-home care include your pet staying in their own home, while other folks might prefer the pet to go into the sitters home where they might get more time and attention.

What do you think? Have you ever had a pet sitter? Did you enjoy the service?

Check back next week, when I post the story of Lyger and Tahlula's recent stay at the Doggie Spa!

Part 1: Traveling with Pets

2010-07-15T06:47:00-04:00

It wasn't until BlogPaws East in April that I really thought about what it takes to travel with a pet in tow. I met Ronnie and Rex from Bella's Pain Relief, and realized that Rex had made the trip all the way from New Jersey to Ohio, and then camped out in the hotel while Rhona worked the conference. Fortunately, Ronnie had the foresight to hire a dog sitter to visit with Rex in the hotel room while she was out and about, so Rex wouldn't feel anxious in a strange room.

Embracer Carrie posted an article at Examiner last month, with 5 helpful points that you might not have considered before you travel with your cat or dog in tow:

1. Book a pet friendly hotel. Dogfriendly.com has a terrific list of pet friendly hotels, complete with a list of any additional charges or stipulations that may be required for bringing your fuzzy family member along for each hotel. Dogfriendly.com also lists campgrounds and RV parks that welcome pets.

2. Plan pet-friendly activities for your family and your pet. Many beaches and parks allow dogs, but you will need to check ahead of time to be sure your four-legged companion is welcome. Dogfriendly.com has a list of beaches, parks, stores, even outdoor restaurants that welcome your pets.

(Read the rest here.)

I was recently pondering a roadtrip with Lyger- about 8 hours from Cleveland to Philly to attend a conference. I thought it seemed like it might be an American adventure, a bonding experience for a girl and her dog. But, It would have been long days for me, and longer days for an anxious dog, so I opted against it.

What sorts of tips do you have for people that might be planning to travel with their pets?

Contest! Win a Sony CyberShot Digital Camera!

2010-07-15T05:57:00-04:00

Pet parents LOVE taking photos of their pets! We've got another excellent photo contest from our friends at Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, and you'll have a chance to win a Sony Cyber Shot digital camera!

Here's what you need to do!:

We're looking for Summer BBQ pet photos. We want to see your pets on picnics, enjoying the fireworks, stealing a burger, or enjoying the best foods of summer. E-mail your best summer fun photo to us, and we'll post the photos to our Facebook, and the Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Flicker site. All entries will be placed into a random drawing, and one lucky winner will receive the digital camera!

You've got until 7/22/10, so fire up the grill and everyone say "cheese!"

Contest Rules: Contest will close at Midnight on 7/22/10. Open to U.S. residents only. Only submissions sent to lj@embracepetinsurance.com will be considered. Winning photo will be posted on the Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul website. Winner will be notified no later than 5 days from contest closing. Embrace employees not eligible to win.

Product Review: Martha Stewart Massager Brush

2010-07-14T07:02:00-04:00

Classic. We expect nothing less from Martha Stewart, and the Massager Brush ($11.99), (available in PetSmart now) doesn't disappoint. One of several new grooming products, this brush is clean and simple, made for all hair types. The wood is coated with an Intelligrip surface, so it's comfortable to use. More importantly, the dogs enjoy the light massage that the rounded ends offer:

Every dog I tested this brush on LOVES it. Tahlula closed her eyes and relaxed, Lyger wagged his tail, and I think Cooper's video speaks for itself.

In addition to the Massager Brush, the line also includes various brushes and de-tangling tools, shears, a pocket towel, and a grooming tote. All practical and stylish ideas from the domestic diva.