Getting Wild with #Sojos Venison Dog Treats #Chewy

Disclosure: Chewy sent a bag of Sojos Simply Wild Venison treats to Lapdog Creations, free of charge, for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Our friends at Chewy.com have done it again... and this time it's an answer to the raw, field-fresh game that all dogs crave!

We received a bag of Sojos Simply Wild freeze-dried treats to sample this month and boy were the Lapdogs excited. As soon as I opened the bag, all three were drooling. I wish I took video because that is no exaggeration... I also wish I didn't open the bag in the morning because drool is not exactly the "it" accessory you want for your day job outfit.

Sojos Simply freeze-dried treats are currently available in several proteins, including Lamb, Turkey, Beef, Wild Venison, Wild Salmon and Wild Boar. We received Wild Venison.

Sojos Simply Wild Venison is exactly as the name implies - 100% free-range Venison. Nothing is added - no preservatives, no artificial flavors or colors. There is literally nothing in the bag except for the raw, field-fresh game that dogs crave (and Lapdogs drool for).

Did You Know?

Venison is the ultimate red meat — rich in protein and low in fat, calories and cholesterol. What’s more, it’s packed with field-fresh flavor.

Trust me when I say, your dog will do just about anything for a Sojos freeze-dried treat! Princess Sophie, who typically looks at me as if I'm speaking Japanese when asked to sit, promptly sat - and yes, drooled... a lot - for these Wild Venison morsels. 

These treats aren't just designed to make your dog happy, however.  I feel great giving them something that I know is good for them.  Sojos Simply Wild Venison treats are made with USDA-certified meat and are high in protein, low in fat.  The natural free-range meat is gently freeze-dried to lock in all the natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals.

 

Key Benefits

• High in protein, low in fat
• Freeze-dried to lock in natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals
• No artificial preservatives
• No artificial flavors or colors
• Made with natural, USDA-certified meat

The Lapdogs think Sojos Simply Wild Venison would make great stocking stuffers, or New Year's goodies.  Grab a bag for your pup today at Chewy.  And if Venison isn't their thing, remember Sojos offers several other freeze-dried protein treats.  Or, try them all... after all 1-2 shipping is always free at Chewy on orders of $49 or more! 

#FROMM Low Fat, High Quality Dog Food + GIVEAWAY!

Disclosure: Fromm Family Foods sent dog treats and coupons for 2 free bags of dog food to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a few pennies to assist in maintaining this blog.  

You may recall that Teutul was diagnosed with pancreatitis at the beginning of October. When we received the official diagnosis, I had many questions for our vet. Most importantly, I wanted to know what I could do to help prevent future pancreatic attacks.

 

I learned that a low fat diet was key, and Teutul's humans had to rethink everything he eats - including treats.  Gone were my boy's happy-go-lucky days of enjoying a bite of cheese while Daddy was making his lunch, giving our dinner dishes a pre-wash, and licking out ice cream bowls.  Fortunately Tut enjoys most fruits and veggies, so we can still share some of our "treats" with him.  He's none the wiser that instead of a piece of ham or steak, he's enjoying a healthy strawberry or green bean instead.  My boy is just happy his humans are "sharing." 

The other big change was, of course, kibble. If you've ever been tasked with having to switch your pet's food for health or allergy reasons, you already know what a daunting task it is.  Options are endless, and all brands are not created equal. 

I learned quickly that good quality and low fat were nearly impossible to find in the same bag. It seemed as though when most companies cut back on fat, they also cut way back on the protein source.  This often results in low fat food that has next to no protein, yet is high in carbs.... low fat junk food anyone?  Not for my dog.

My endless hours of researching and reading countless ingredient labels resulted in what has become the perfect kibble for Teutul - Fromm Gold Coast Grain Free Weight Management 4lb

I decided that Fromm Family Foods was the company we would go with, but I wasn't certain which formula would be the best fit. There were two that I was considering when I reached out to the company in hopes of finding some guidance, and possibly a sample or two. I was blown away by the customer service I received. Not only did they answer my endless questions and help guide me in finding just the right formula, but they offered to send us some coupons for a couple of free bags for review (as well as some treats and other goodies)!

Did You Know?

• Fromm is a fifth generation family-owned and operated artisan pet food company based in Wisconsin.  All products are made in the USA, in their own manufacturing plants.
• Fromm built their first manufacturing plant in Mequon, Wisconsin in 1925.  The plant is still in operation today and serves as the primary research & development area for new foods and treats.
• In the 1940's, Fromm pioneered the process of cooking meat and grain together to produce the first all-granular pet food.  The first bag of "Fromm Complete Dog Meal" was sold in 1949.
• Fromm pioneered the use of mixed tocopherols as a natural preservative in pet foods in the 1980's. Mixed tocopherols remain the most popular natural preservative in pet food today.
• You can read the entire history of Fromm Family Foods here (spoiler alert: it's very interesting and includes some rather significant accomplishments in the pet world)

The Gold Coast Weight Management formula that we ultimately settled on wasn't even on my radar, as it is one of Fromm's newer additions. At just 10% fat, it still has 25% protein and 7% fiber! Plus, the protein source is fish, which I thought would make Tut's switch a little easier given that his previous kibble was also fish based.

Fromm Gold - A holistic approach to complete and balanced nutrition for each life stage and lifestyle. 

 

Gold Coast Weight Management is a grain-free ocean fish recipe formulated for weight reduction or maintenance... or, as in Tut's case, we've found it to be a perfect solution for a dog with pancreatitis (you should consult with your vet for your specific dog's needs).

Wild caught whitefish and salmon are combined with lentils, peas, chickpeas, sweet potatoes and more. If your dog is in need of a low fat food, but fish isn't their thing, take a look at Fromm's original Weight Management Gold which is a special blend of turkey liver, duck, chicken and lamb.

We began the great kibble switch (that should be a new reality show on Animal Planet!) in mid-October and I'm happy to report, it was a painless process for Tut and his humans. He immediately gobbled it up and after two full months, I can attest to the fact that my boy loves Gold Coast Weight Management! If I had to put money on it, I'd say he even loves it more than his old kibble.

With that being said, let's keep the whole "low fat" thing between us humans. Just as Tut thinks blueberries and carrots are awesome human treats, my happy old hound has absolutely no idea that he's eating "diet" food! After all, we simply refer to it as "Fromm Yummies" in our house... no need to use those W and M words!

In addition to his delicious new kibble, Tut has also become a huge fan of Fromm Four Star Nutritionals treats.  He's even sharing them with his sisters. 

With recipes like Chicken with Carrots & Peas (Tut's favorite), Salmon with Sweet Potato and Lamb with Cranberry, there's something to please every dog's palate.  And with a crude fat level of just 5%, they are all suitable for Tut's new diet.  The Fromm line also includes a couple of even lower fat treats, including Low Fat Cranberry Liver and Low Fat Liver, both having a crude fat level of just 2%.

Tut thinks every dog should have a bag (or two) of Fromm treats in their stocking this year and who could argue with this face?

 

Fromm Family Foods gets all paws and

thumbs up from the Lapdog household! 

Before Teutul's low fat journey even began, I had heard nothing but amazing things about the company and its products. Their reputation is amazing in an industry that has been riddled with recalls in recent years (to my knowledge Fromm has never had a recall).

Their amazing customer service has left me wanting to shout the Fromm name from rooftops and tell everyone I know that not only is their product amazing, but the people that work for them are too (it's a good thing I have a blog to help me do that)! They truly went above and beyond to help us in Tut's journey and I can't thank them enough.  

If you are looking to switch your pet's current food, definitely take a look at Fromm Family Foods.  You will not be disappointed.   

Connect With Fromm Family Foods: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
Thanks to the wonderful folks at Fromm Family Foods, one lucky winner will get a free large bag of Fromm dog or cat food of their choice (Classic, Gold or Four-Star)! 

Winner must be in the USA or Canada.  Fromm will send a voucher to the winner, which can be redeemed at any brick and mortar pet food retailer who carries Fromm (use the store locator to find one near you).

To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below.  The first method of entry is to answer a question in the comments on this post - click on the Rafflecopter first to find out what that question is before leaving your comment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Learn about #FROMM Low Fat High Quality Dog Food + enter to win #dogfood or #catfood #GIVEAWAY https://t.co/2AQE3rc0Wc @frommfamily #petfood

— Nichole Burke (@LapdogCreations) December 17, 2015

Kong Holiday Jumbler Football #Chewy

Disclosure: Chewy sent a Kong Holiday Jumbler Football to Lapdog Creations, free of charge, for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. 

Our friends at Chewy spoiled us once again this month with not one, but two goodies.  Today we're telling you all about a toy that just might be on the wish list of many playful pups this holiday season...

The Kong Holiday Jumbler Football is a two-in-one, durable toy designed for double the playing fun!

The football shaped rubber toy is sure to provide hours of entertainment.  An interior tennis ball keeps your pup's mind working, while the squeaking and crazy bouncing keeps them on the chase.  The built in handle make the toy easy to pick up for both humans and dogs who loves to shake, shake, shake... it off... or something like that (around here we refer to the toy shaking as "killing it").

And don't worry about all that shaking going on.  The Jumbler was designed to stand up to tough playing!  As you can see, Teutul was quite intrigued by the interior tennis ball.  My old hound boy sure was getting a work out - both physically and mentally.

Kong Holiday Jumbler Features

• Squeaker and tumbling interior ball entice play
• Ideal for interactive fun
• Handles make pick up and shaking easy
• Available in two sizes: M/L (4.25 x 7 x 4.25 inches) and L/XL (5.25 x 9 x 5.25 inches)

The holiday version of the Jumbler is available in festive red and green, making it a perfect addition to Santa's toy sack.

 
I opted to request the L/XL size from our friends at Chewy, as I so often forget that we no longer have two extra large size dogs in the house.  We really should have gone with the M/L version, but ah well.  Penny was a little intimated by the size and loud thud that it makes when landing on the floor, but she is starting to come around.

Santa still has a few days left to enlist Chewy's help... but hurry, time is ticking!  Scoop up a Kong Holiday Jumbler Football for your active pooch.  Remember, 1-2 day shipping is always free on orders of $49 or more, so why not check out some of the other fantastic Kong toys available while you're at it.

#DOGforDOG: We Buy, They Treat Those in Need

Disclosure: DOG for DOG sent dog treats to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. 

When the folks from DOG for DOG contacted us and asked if we would be interested in taste testing their new line of treats, of course we said yes. I mean, would the Lapdogs ever want me to turn down treats for review (the exception being non-USA made)?

But what really stood out to me about Dog for Dog was their mission - buy a treat and a dog in need gets one for free.

"The number of dogs in shelters is growing daily to the point of over crowding and sadly, dogs are suffering from a lack of proper nutrition and care. It’s our mission at DOG for DOG to feed as many shelter dogs as possible!

Here’s how it works: You buy a bag of our food or treats, and we give another equal bag to a dog in need. We can’t do it alone! We are working crazy hours, no one has slept in weeks and we need your support, please help us!" - DOG for DOG

Now how cool is that?!?  We hadn't even seen the treats in person, and I already loved DOG for DOG!

 

Then we received a fun little gift box full of treats, and the Lapdogs loved DOG for DOG too!

DOG for DOG offers quite a selection of all-natural dog food and treats that are as nutritious as they are delicious, and it's all made in the USA. We received a jar of DOGSBUTTER and three bags of DOGSTREATS for our review.

DOGSBUTTER

It's no secret... dog's love peanut butter! In fact, I have yet to meet a dog who doesn't go nuts (no pun intended) licking peanut butter out of a Kong or off of a spoon.

Made just for dogs, DOGSBUTTER features all natural ingredients like coconut, peanuts and flaxseed.  Packed full of omega-3 antioxidants and Vitamin E, and free from sugar, salt and hydrogenated oils, DOGSBUTTER is a lot healthier than the average processed store-bought peanut butter

DOGSBUTTER comes in three varieties: Skin & Coat, which we received, as well as Immunity & Digestion and With Flaxseed. Try one, or try them all!

DOGSTREAT

The DOGSTREAT soft treat line currently features three flavors and two sizes. Peanut Butter in regular & mini, Chicken in regular, and Duck in mini. All are free of corn, wheat, soy, added salt, added sugar and artificial preservatives.

While the Lapdogs love them all, I think the chicken bites were their absolute favorite. All of the recipes include beneficial fruits and veggies like apple, carrot, banana, broccoli, strawberry, green pea, and blueberry. Since these are all some of the Lapdogs favorite things, it was no surprise when they began begging for more!

DOGSTREAT minis are perfect for smaller dogs, training or for those trying to watch their figure. Much smaller than the regular sized treats, these little circles are also great for using in interactive toys.

DOG for DOG products are readily available at Tractor Supply and PetSmart stores across the country, as well as at select mom and pop stores. Use the handy Store Locator to find your nearest retailer. You can also find them online via their website and even at Amazon (please note if you click through my Amazon affiliate link above, I may receive a very small commission from the sale).

The Lapdogs all think every dog deserves some DOG for DOG treats and peanut butter this holiday season.  Don't forget, each time your purchase something for your own furbaby, a dog in need will receive a one too. There's no time like the holidays to help make every dog's Christmas wish come true... especially those waiting at shelters for a forever family to call their very own. Pick some up today!

Connect with DOG for DOG: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - Pinterest

PL360 Supplements Keep Dogs Active & Healthy + Coupon!

Disclosure: PL360 sent a bottle of Advanced Hip & Joint Formula to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. 

It is well known that supplements can keep humans healthy and active, but did you know they can also greatly benefit our pets as well? 

Being a multi-dog household, we've had several different supplements in rotation over the years.  I've found some to seem to work okay, and others to literally worked wonders.  Joint supplements were a huge part of Zeus' life for several years and certainly helped my gentle giant live to 14 (but gosh, do I miss my big guy).

When we were given then opportunity to try one of PL360's natural dog supplements, I selected the Arthogen® Plus Advanced Hip & Joint Formula and knew Teutul would be the perfect test subject candidate for this review.

Having just celebrated his 12th birthday in October, I knew it was time to get my old man on a joint supplement. While Tut has never been officially diagnosed with arthritis, I asked our vet about the probability during out last check-up. She figured it was "more than likely" that Tut did have some arthritis going on, as it is very common for dogs of his age. Since he was not showing any signs of distress or pain, we opted to forgo starting any prescription treatment.  Instead, we decided to start with a joint supplement.

The timing of our PL360 review couldn't have been more perfect!  After Tut's vet appointment, I considered putting him on the same supplement we had Zeus on.  Instead of reaching for that "usual" bottle, we were able to try something else... and boy am I glad we did!

The first thing I needed to know about PL360 products was, of course, where they were made.  I was thrilled to learn that all PL360 supplements are sourced and made in the USA, with all natural ingredients. At this point, I simply won't spend my money on any supplement that is not.

Why Choose PL360 Supplements?

Natural Ingredients

Effective Solutions

Veterinarian Recommended

14 Year Heritage

Made in the USA

 

PL360's Advanced Hip & Joint Formula is specially formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin, plus MSM and HA to support healthy hips and joints. Ideal candidates are large breed and senior dogs. 

Advanced Hip & Joint Formula Ingredients

• Active Ingredients
• Glucosamine HCI - 500mg
• MSM - 250mg
• Chondroitin Sulfate - 200mg
• Vitamin C - 33mg
• Hyaluronic Acid - 20mg
• Manganese - 5pm
• Inactive Ingredients - beef flavor, brewers yeast, cheese flavor, cellulose, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, xanthan gum

Tut has been taking the PL360 supplement for close to a month now and I am more than thrilled with the results. While the ingredients are similar to other joint supplements, the PL360 tablets are smaller than others, making them a lot easier for most dogs to take. Plus, they can easily be broken in half for dogs who need 1/2 size doses.

But, the more important thing is that I can clearly see improvement in Teutul's activity level! Sure, he still loves his cuddle time on the couch, but I find my old guy initiating play sessions with Penny more often now. And by play sessions, I mean wrestling, romping, playing keep away and catch-me-if-you-can.  He's also back to grabbing toys from time to time and bringing them to his humans to initiate play as well.  It is clear that Tut benefits from a joint supplement, and it makes me so happy to see him a little more active!

In addition to the Advanced Hip & Joint Formula, PL360 also manufactures Hip & Joint Formula (designed for active dogs who don't necessarily need as much support as large breeds or seniors), Anxiety Relief®, Shed No More® and DigestAbles® Digestive Support.

You can purchase Advanced Hip & Joint Formula, as well as the other PL360 supplements online at HealthyPets - and if you act fast, you can save 20% with coupon code PL360! This code is good thru 12/31/15, so order now and fill your pup's stocking!  PL360 supplements can also be purchased online at EntirelyPets.

Connect with PL360: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - Pinterest

Barkworthies Sweet Potato Chips ARE Worthy!

Disclosure: Matrix Partners and Barkworthies sent a bag of Sweet Potato Chips to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. 

The Lapdogs have always loved sweet potato chews, and recently had the opportunity to try the Barkworthies version.

Over the years, I've discovered that not all sweet potato treats are created equal.  Some are too big, some way too small.  Others have been so hard that I've feared my dog would break a tooth trying to chew them up. 

 

But I have to say, Barkworthies Sweet Potato Chips are pretty darn perfect. 

First and foremost, they are Made in the USA using all-natural sweet potatoes grown in California.  They are simply washed, thick-cut and dehydrated to make a chewy, delicious dog treat. Nothing is added. Nothing is taken away. 

Did you know that sweet potatoes aren't just a tasty treat for our dogs? They are also nutrient and vitamin rich, packed with Vitamins A, B6 and C, as well manganese, iron, potassium, fiber and zinc.  When we give our dogs sweet potato chews, we're not just giving them a treat, we're giving them nutrition to fuel healthy bodies.

Barkworthies Sweet Potato Chips are suitable for dogs of all ages.  In fact, they provide a high source of calcium for growing puppies, and help fight the effects of aging in senior dogs.  They even help fight dental disease, as the chewy texture helps to remove tarter and plaque build-up.  And, they are 100% vegetarian, making them a great choice for many allergy and food sensitive dogs.  As if that wasn't enough, they are low in fat, which makes them one of the treats topping our list for Teutul after his pancreatitis diagnosis!

While Teutul and Sophie have enjoyed sweet potatoes for years, this was Penny's first experience.  When she stopped, dropped and rolled over, begging for more, I knew she was hooked!

Barkworthies Sweet Potato Chips are truly a super-food treat for dogs!  And, the Lapdogs give them huge paws up.... way, way up!   They highly recommend you scoop up a bag or two for your pack today.  In fact, they just put another bag on their Santa wish list.

You can purchase Barkworthies treats on their website, or use the handy retailer finder to locate a store near you. 

 

Connect with Barworthies: Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Wellness Petite Treats = Training Made Easy #Chewy

Disclosure: Chewy sent a bag of Wellness Petite Treats Soft Mini-Bites to Lapdog Creations, free of charge, for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. 

Is it seriously the end of November already?  Obviously we're a little behind in telling you about this month's tasty treat from our friends over at Chewy.

We received a bag of Wellness Petite Treats Soft Mini-Bites.  

If you're laughing at the fact that the (oversized) Lapdogs got petite treats to try this month, don't worry. Chewy didn't play a late Halloween trick on them. The soft, tiny little morsels actually make perfect training treats for Penny!

Just look at her focus on the bag.  I wish I could show you her focus from training class, but it's sort of difficult to do a "Sit. Down. Sit. Stay." while playing paparazzi at the same time. 

Wellness Soft Mini-Bites are currently available in four delicious sounding combinations:

1. Lamb, Apples & Cinnamon
2. Turkey, Pomegranate & Ginger
3. Duck, Mango & Coconut
4. Chicken, Cherries & Spearmint

We received the Lamb, Apples & Cinnamon flavor for review, but I'm quite sure Miss Penny would do a perfect distance-come-when-called for any one of those flavors. 

Key Benefits of Soft Mini-Bites

• Delicious taste and healthy ingredients
• Grain free and wheat free
• No corn, soy, artificial colors or flavors
• Contains flaxseed to promote a healthy, shiny coat
• Specifically formulated to naturally meet the unique needs of small breed dogs

Bonus, each 6 ounce bag contains over 100 treats!  That's a lot of tricks for Penny to do.
 
Whether you've got a pint-sized pooch, or a pup in training, Wellness Soft Mini-Bites are sure to please. Grab some at Chewy today, where 1-2 day shipping is always free on orders of $49 or more.

Give the gift of Wellness
As if treating your own fur-baby wasn't enough, Chewy is teaming up with Wellness and The Jackson Galaxy Foundation for a great cause running through December 16th.

For every Wellness product purchased at Chewy, 1 meal will be donated to the Jackson Galaxy Foundation.  If you purchase and Auto-ship N' Save with Chewy, 2 meals will be donated to the foundation.

My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts ‪#‎AdoptASeniorPetMonth

Disclosure: New World Library sent a copy of My Old Dog to Lapdog Creations for review. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

In case you haven't heard, November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month!  And, quite frankly, we think Seniors Rock! 

Sure, kittens and puppies are adorable, but they may not be for everyone. Seniors are just as loving and loyal as youngsters, plus you'll most likely see what type of personality they have right away.  Bonus if you've got your heart set on a certain "type" - couch potato, walking buddy, snuggle bug, travel companion, etc.  Plus, older pets don't require constant monitoring and teaching as adolescents do.  Typically, Seniors are already house-trained and many know basic commands like sit, stay and come.  You'll get all of the love, without the stained carpets and chewed up shoes!

Senior pets tend to be the last to be adopted from local shelters, which puts them at greater risk for euthanasia.  They can also become depressed in a shelter, longing for a person or persons to call their very own.  Therefore, when you adopt a Senior and give him a loving, forever home, you're quite literally saving a life.  Many shelters even offer discounted adoption fees for Seniors, as well as Senior-To-Senior programs which help to place a Senior animal with a Senior Citizen who needs companionship.  Be sure to check your local shelters to find out what programs they offer.

Another benefit of Senior pets is their timeless beauty.  As she got on in years, I can't even begin to count the number of times I was stopped by strangers who wanted to tell me just how beautiful Lola was. The beauty those old eyes held was stunning, and it showed.  As does the beauty in all of the Senior dogs spotlighted in the new book, My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts.

My Old Dog tells the story of 19 Senior shelter pets who were given a second chance in a loving, forever home.  Quite simply, it is one of those books that you just cannot put down.

“No Dog Should Die Alone” was the attention-grabbing — and heart-stirring — headline of journalist Laura T. Coffey’s TODAY show website story about photographer Lori Fusaro’s work with senior shelter pets. While generally calm, easy, and already house-trained, these animals often represent the highest-risk population at shelters. With gorgeous, joyful photographs and sweet, funny, true tales of “old dogs learning new tricks,” Coffey and Fusaro show that adopting a senior can be even more rewarding than choosing a younger dog. You’ll meet endearing elders like Marnie, the irresistible shih tzu who has posed for selfies with Tina Fey, James Franco, and Betty White; Remy, a soulful nine-year-old dog adopted by elderly nuns; George Clooney’s cocker spaniel, Einstein; and Bretagne, the last known surviving search dog from Ground Zero. They may be slower moving and a tad less exuberant than puppies, but these pooches prove that adopting a senior brings immeasurable joy, earnest devotion, and unconditional love.

When asked why she (along with photographer Lori Fusaro) did a book about senior dogs, and what's so special about them, author Laura Coffey response said it all, "Senior dogs are awesome. They’re calm, mellow, sweet, loveable, and they’re usually already house-trained. All of these traits make them so much easier than puppies. Dogs in this 'golden age' — over the age of about 6 or 7 — often make ideal pets for people with busy lives or for people who simply want snuggly, tranquil companionship. That said, as wonderful as senior animals are, they often represent the highest-risk population at shelters across the United States, where nearly 4 million dogs and cats are put down each year. We wanted to do this book to help change people’s perceptions of these fantastic older animals."

As someone who not only has a huge love of dogs, but a passion for photography as well, I am awe struck by some of the photos captured by Lori Fusaro for My Old Dog. 

When asked what her creative process was for these very special photographs, Lori said, "I had an idea of what shot I wanted for each and every dog in this book. And you know what? I didn’t get one of them! Haha! The beauty about creating this book was being in the moment and letting go of every preconceived notion I had. We were up against a lot of challenges. And I had to just let go and let the dogs show me what they were about. Just let the moments come naturally without trying to force it at all. Sometimes it was hard! But I think life is like that. You never know what is going to happen, so it’s important to be able to go with the flow and be willing to see and try new things."

You can learn more about the My Old Dog book, author and photographer on their website, and keep up with the latest via the My Old Dog Facebook page. Follow them on Twitter and Instagram as well. 

I could go on and on, but I think you'll already agree that My Old Dog sounds like a pretty awesome book, right?  And one that should be on every pet lovers bookshelf.  So, grab yourself a copy today (if you click through the Amazon link above, I will earn a very small commission on your purchase).  Heck, grab two and give one as a gift this holiday season.  While you're anxiously awaiting it's arrival, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy the story of Remy...

REMY, Age 9
Elderly Nuns Rescue a Dog “No One Is Going to Want”

“It was like a match made in heaven.” — Shelter director West Artope

It’s not every day that three women in their seventies and eighties walk into an animal shelter and tell the executive director they’d like to see a dog nobody wants.

But to Sisters Veronica Mendez, Virginia Johnson, and Alice Goldsmith, nuns from Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine in Nyack, New York, their request made perfect sense. Why not adopt one of the animals most in need?

That mind-set led them to Remy, a nine-year-old pit bull that had been overlooked by shelter visitors for more than three months. “As soon as I saw the sign that said Nine Years, I said, ‘This is the one. No one is going to want this one,’ ” recalled Sister Veronica, a vivacious seventy-one-year-old with iron-colored hair and a no-nonsense demeanor.

The nuns’ connection with the dog was immediate. Remy was docile. Remy was sweet. And when given a moment to mingle with the sisters at the shelter, Remy leaned her head into Sister Virginia’s chest and sighed. “She just got right up there,” said Sister Virginia, seventy-nine. “She said, ‘This must be my new family.’ ”

For the nuns, a four-legged addition to their small, no-frills convent could not come fast enough. They were grieving the loss of their dog Kate, a gregarious seven-year-old mutt who had been a boundless source of energy and comedy in their lives.

Kate had left them too quickly. On a Friday, she went on a four-mile walk with Sister Veronica. On Saturday, Kate’s groomer spotted some unusual lumps. On Sunday, Kate was lethargic. A few days later, she was ailing so much from lymphoma that the veterinarian put her down. “She was healthy one day and then, all of a sudden, lymphoma?” Sister Veronica said. “I was furious. I was so angry. I cried! Oh, how we loved that creature.”

The sisters rattled around their house crying for one week before they decisively hopped into their car. Their mission: rescue a shelter animal on death row. Minutes later, they explained their goal to West Artope, executive director of the Hi Tor Animal Care Center in Pomona, New York. West liked these women. He learned that Sister Alice was eighty-seven and that Sister Virginia, while statuesque and spunky, often needed a walker to get around. His mind raced and made a hopeful connection: Remy. Calm, gentle, unadoptable Remy.
Bingo.

“It just worked out so well,” West said. “We did a follow-up with them and went to the house, and the dog is so comfortable in that environment you wouldn’t believe it. It was like a match made in heaven.”

The nuns said they weren’t concerned that Remy was a pit bull — they could tell how good-natured she was. And even though they were reeling from Kate’s death, they decided not to dwell on Remy’s age, either. “Our feeling was that she was in danger of being euthanized, and we wanted to give her the best three or four years she has left,” Sister Veronica said. “Here we are, three senior sisters, so we adopted a senior pet!”

Between the three of them, Sisters Veronica, Virginia, and Alice have spent 179 years serving as nuns. Their main mission has been religious education for children and adults up and down the East Coast. “It’s a great life,” said Sister Virginia, a nun for sixty-two years. “I wouldn’t change it.”

They love living in Nyack because of Hook Mountain, the Hudson River, and other natural wonders that surround them. “It’s the perfect place to pray because you stand here and see all of God’s beauty,” said Sister Alice, a serene woman of few words. Sister Veronica agreed; she likened looking at the mountain to “praying without realizing it.”

Veronica loves having a dog to take along on contemplative walks and hikes. Remy also gets to romp in the tree-filled backyard, play with scads of toys, and luxuriate on soft dog beds in multiple rooms of her new, comfortable home. Remy quickly earned a nickname — Thumper — because of the happy way her heavy tail goes thump, thump, thump whenever one of the nuns approaches her or rubs her stiff left hip.

Sister Virginia said Remy’s contentment reminds her of foster kids she helped years ago as a social worker. When those children clicked with their adoptive parents, they showed an unmistakable sense of tranquillity and relief.

“Remy did that with us — she sensed, ‘These are going to be my people. I can tell,’ ” Virginia said. “And we knew this was our dog. We could tell.”

From the book My Old Dog. Text copyright ©2015 by Laura T. Coffey. Photographs copyright ©2015 by Lori Fusaro. Reprinted with permission from New World Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Laura T. Coffey is a longtime writer, editor, and producer for TODAY.com, the website of NBC’s TODAY show. An award-winning journalist with more than two decades of experience, Laura has written and edited hundreds of high-profile human-interest stories. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Lori Fusaro is staff photographer at Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles and owner of Fusaro Photography, whose clients include BAD RAP, Guide Dogs for the Blind, k9 connection, Angel City Pit Bulls, and other animal rescue organizations. She lives in Los Angeles.

Whimzees Make Everyone Smile #WhimzeesDogChew

Disclosure: Whimzees sent two bags of dog treats to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a few pennies to assist in maintaining this blog.

I'm sure I'm not the only dog parent who has good intentions of brushing their dogs' teeth.

 

Intentions being the key word in that sentence. Good dental health is so important to a dog's overall heath, but something always seems to get in the way... er, okay, so I forget.  Don't judge me, I admit my faults. 

Thankfully, there are a lot of wonderful dental chews and treats on the market that help me do the important job that I so often forget.  And while all dental treats are designed to accomplish pretty much the same thing - reduce plaque and tarter, while keeping our dog's breath fresh - none are as stinking cute as Whimzees.

Good For a Giggle. Great for a Gnaw.

I mean seriously - is there nothing cuter than a hedgehog shaped dental chew?  Perhaps your pooch prefers alligators? If she likes to keep things simple, no worries, Whimzees makes a toothbrush shaped chew as well.  And, just to keep everyone on their toes, the company introduces new shapes every year.

Vegetarian. Natural Ingredients. Gluten-Free. 

Whimzees aren't just cute, however.  They're made with limited, natural ingredients that all serve a function, such as:

• Potato Starch - this energy source is highly digestible and gluten-free 
• Glycerin - increase palatability and helps the chews retain moisture
• Powdered Cellulose - a pure form of dietary fiber that not only helps to polish a dog's teeth, but helps to keep their digestive track regular
• Lecithin - an all-natural emulsifier, derived from vegetables
• Malt Extract - not only does it promote strong bones, but it helps to improve metabolism and muscle tone, and it's gluten-free
• Yeast - source of B vitamins, minerals and amino acids for a healthier coat and easy digestions

The list of what Whimzees doesn't have is just as important.  There are no artificial ingredients, colors, flavors, preservatives, GMOs, gluten or meat.  As a concerned dog Mom who finds color additives in dog food or treats to be completely unnecessary, I was thrilled to learn that they get their color from natural ingredients, including alfalfa extract for the green; annatto extract for the orange; malt extract for the brown; and calcium carbonate for the white. 

Whimzees are also high in fiber, while being low in calories and sugars.  This is another thing that makes me smile.  Now that I am reading every single label, paying close attention to the fat content due to Teutul's pancreatitis, finding a quality low-fat chew means Whimzees gets extra bonus points!

But back to what really makes everyone smile about Whimzees, those unusual, but adorable shapes.  Believe it or not, they're not just for the humans' entertainment.  They were actually designed to ensure proper blood flow through the gums to help prevent bad breath and do a better job getting at tarter in all places.

Whimzees are currently available in 7 different shapes/styles and are made in 5 different sizes, XS thru XL - creating fun and enabling clean teeth for nearly every dog! Not all shapes are available for all sizes, and Whimzees are not suitable for dogs under the age of 9 months, nor dogs under 5lbs. They are available at most pet retailers in the USA, as well as through Amazon. Check out this deal: Whimzees Toothbrush Star Small Value Bag, 24 ct
The Lapdogs loved their Whimzees chews and their Mama loves what the company stands for.

"We're a company of dog-lovers, people-lovers and Earth-lovers.  We're obsessed with bringing only the best, healthiest and most-fun dog products to the world.  And we do it in a sustainable, socially-responsible way." - Whimzees

Based in Holland, Whimzees is committed to using only the finest ingredients, manufactured to the highest standards while saving energy and recycling. Read their Dogifesto here. 

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