Ring in the New Year with a Dog Party

It is time to ring in the New Year....and the pooches should enjoy the fun too!
You can throw a dog party for Fido, a cat party for Fluffy, or include them in your festivities. Make sure you have plenty of room for any rambuncious dog play and don't let them dip a paw in the champagne!

The Party Animal Collar Charm is purrfect adorn the doggie diva host, or provide a fun party favor for the dog attendess. The charm is made of lead free pewter and attaches to any collar. It even has effervescant champagne bubbles drawn as decoration on the charm to put everyone in the party spirit:



You can find dog party supplies and cat party supplies at Tail Waggin' Celebrations. They also have a downloadable party checklist.

Here is a photo of one of Tail Waggin's customers with thier party hats:




And don't forget the treats! Barkin Dog Bakery has these cute dog cookies that look like champagnes glasses:


Or you can make your own with dog treat recipies from the poop pantry like "breath bustin biscuits" and "wacky wheat treats".

Now, some dogs just are michevous and will not behave...so make sure to have some energy releasing dog fun. A Double Tug Dog Toy is great fun:



Or the Romp N Roll from Dogtoys.com for the more active pups:


However you decide to celebrate, have a safe, fun and happy new year!
Woof!

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Dog Safety

Dogs have been "man's best friend" for thousands of years. Since dogs watch over their owners, it's only right that dog-loving humans keep their pets safe in return. And now, dogs need our extra attention more than ever. With a little thought, you can easily create a safe home for your precious pups.

As you know, dogs have a keen curiosity. Take a look at your home from your puppy's perspective and you'll likely find all sorts of interesting items to check out. You may not realize that dogs first sniff, then mouth things to inspect them. So it's especially important that you keep the following out of your dog's reach:

• insect traps
  
  
• phone and electric cords
  
  
• ashtrays and cigarettes
  
  
• open doors and windows
  
  
• rubber bands
  
  
• housecleaning chemicals
  
  
• candles
  
  
• Christmas tree ornaments
  
  
• uncovered trash cans
  
  
• medications
  
  
• foodstuffs like: chocolate and grapes
  
  
• plastic bags
  
  
• batteries
  
  
• anti-freeze
  
  
• valuable items, like jewelry, photos, and books
  
  

Don't forget the great outdoors when inspecting your dog's area. Dogs, especially puppies, find plants fun playthings. They love to dig in the dirt or pull branches off shrubs. Because of this, make sure the plants in and around your home aren't a health risk to your dog. The following common house and garden plants are toxic to dogs:

• English ivy
  
  
• dieffenbachia
  
  
• mistletoe
  
  
• philodendron
  
  
• elephant ear
  
  
• caladium
  
  
• boxwood
  
  
• holly berry
  
  
• azaleas
  
  
• chinaberry trees
  
  
• oleander
  
  
• wisteria
  
  
• hydrangea

Other ways to protect your pup include keeping him or her safely confined to your home. Wandering dogs are more likely to be injured by vehicles or meet up with unkind people.

Make sure your yard is fenced and the fencing is tall enough and strong enough to keep your dog from roaming. Many dogs try to dig out under the fence, so it's crucial you regularly check for gaps around the fence perimeter. Teach everyone in your family to carefully close doors and keep gates latched.

Additionally, it's important that your pet wears a collar with an identification tag at all times, in the event he or she gets lost. In fact, most cities require that all dogs wear a collar and tag. This way, it's more likely your dog will be returned home safely to you. You may also consider microchipping, where a small silicone chip containing your contact information is painlessly inserted under the dog's skin. Most animal shelters and veterinarians automatically scan lost pets in search of a microchip. However, an identification tag will be useful if your puppy is found by an average citizen.

If you reside in an area prone to natural disasters, keep an emergency pet supply kit handy. Include a week's worth of food and water, as well as any medication your dog needs. Don't forget a photo of your pet too, in case you're separated at any time.

The author, Jennifer McVey, is owner of www.id-a-pet.com, your guide to pet identification like GPS, ID tags, microchips, and more.

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Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from Big Paw Designs!
May your day be filled with treats, bones, catnip and lots of love.
Woof! Meow!

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Naughty or Nice?

Lola, one of our newsletter subscribers, seems to think Christmas has come a few days early. Lola - if you open all of your presents now - you will not have anything for Christmas day! What do you think...will Lola be naughty or nice this Christmas! Post a comment with your votes. Woof!

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Woof! Woof! Online - A New resource for Pet Rescue

Woof! Woof! Welcome to a new web resource page for dog rescues and fundraising!


Woof! Woof! Online invites you to add a page about your dog rescue group to promote it and help others learn about it.

Feel free to forward to your rescue group friends so that they may add thier rescue groups as well. At minimum, we invite you to add your website URL, dog rescue group name, city or state you are in and contact info. You may also add a paragraph about your group and add photos too! If you have a logo - please also include.

We will also cross post on our breed info and rescue resource pages at Big Paw Designs and select groups will be featured on our blog.

We also have product for fundraising, volunteer gifts, or just for you if you like!
Hope this helps spread the word, as well as provide a fun resource to visit and be involved in!


http://woof.wetpaint.com
http://www.woofwoofonline.com/

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Dogs Plays Santa, Brings Holiday Cheer

Meet Chloe, one of our newsletter subscribers. Chloe is in her Santa suit - ready to bring holiday cheer, bones and treats to her favorite dogs. Woof Woof Chloe.

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Reindeer dogs fill dogs stockings with bones and treats!

Haley, Madi, Nina, Shadow and Abner might as well tow Santa's Sleigh this year! This crew of reindeer dogs has the right idea. Treats for dogs worldwide may appear under the tree. Go Reindogs!

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Dogs Believe in Santa Too!

Ho Ho Ho! These dogs have the holiday spirit. They sit in Santa's lap with thier holiday wish list ready to tear into packages and stocking for some bone bliss on Christmas Day!

"Gertie and Gracie" - 2 papillion breeds say Pappy Christmas to you!


"Dot & Dash" ask Santa for a stocking full of chew treats!


"Cuddles, Kisses & Poochie" sit in Santa's lap, dreaming of milkbones, pupcorn and treats!


"Pickle, Petals & Paisley" think Frosty the snowman is much cooler than Santa!

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Abner - Dog Tricks for Treats!

Abner, one of our newsletter subscribers, has mastered the art of tricks for bones! I think he has about 5 tennis balls in his happy face! Looks like it paid off.....he got several bones for a reward. Woof!

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Last Minute Gifts for Pet Lovers

It is that time of the year, crunch time! What to get Aunt Sally, the neighbor who waters your flowers when you are out of town, and the mother-in-law.

Big Paw Designs has some fantastic pet lover gifts this holiday season.


For the almost crazy cat lady, select a Blessed Cat Collar charm or keychain, a Catitude magnet for the fridge, or fishbone earrings or a fish frame.










For the passionate pooch lover, choose a Princess Paw Keychain or pink car magnet crystal paw earrings, or a Pooch Passion magnet or frame.












For the kind hearted, choose a "Rescue Mom" car magnet, fridge magnet or frame from our pet rescue themed collection.






Woof! Meow! and happy holidays

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15 Days until Christmas - Time to fill Fido's Stocking!

Yikes! Where has the time gone.....15 days until Christmas and most shoppers still have lots to do.




Don't cross Fido or Fluffy off of your list yet. Here are some easy stocking stuffers for your favorite pet from Big Paw Designs:


First you will need the stocking to put the goodies in :)






If your favorite pooch in on your list, fill his stocking with Katie's Bumpers super tough toys, Pupcorn pet snacks, and Big Paw Bling!








For your favorite fluffy cat, select a catnip filled scratch toy from Katies Bumpers, a jingle bell charm for their collar (so you always know where they are!), or a blessed cat collar charm.

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Help find Roswell a home - Woof!

Roswell really needs to find his permanent home. He has been at Used Dogs in New Orleans, since hurricane Katrina. He is a great dog...Beautiful. And in his young years he has made a lot of progress to please his potential new owners. Roswell is a bouncing dog with TONs of energy - so not for just any home, but an active home with an experienced dog owner. Roswell needs to know who is boss - or I have a feeling he will bat his beautiful eyes and get his way.

Pit Bulls can be great dogs. In fact, any dog can be a great dog or a bad dog. It just depends on the discipline, love and TIME spent with the dog (which not many of us have).

Now more than ever, it is imperative that anyone who owns pit bull be a RESPONSIBLE PIT BULL OWNER. Anyone who loves their Pit should educate themselves about what is going on. Even if you think you are a responsible owner, check yourself, double check yourself and check yourself again. Should you ever allow your dog to bite,hurt or even frighten anybody or another animal, you have really done an irreparable diservice to your pet and the entire breed. THERE ARE NO EXCUSES. NO EXCUSE IS GOOD ENOUGH. Educate yourself, check yourself, err on the side of caution.

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Please Adopt Kate - Used Dogs Rescue in New Orleans

Please help adopt wonderful Kate with the sweet face - she looks like a golden retriever mix!

This dog had 23 puppies in 3 separate litters, in barely 1 year, before Madalin from Used Dogs Rescue was able to trap her!!!!!!!
Her name is Kate. "I never got very close to her at first, just saw her from quite a distance when I collected the puppies. Wasn't sure if she was feral. After I trapped her I realized she was not feral....;just abandoned. She is doing much better. Still shy but once she get s to trust you she come out to greet you with a wagging tail. And of course she is now spayed."

Please help adopt wonderful Kate with the sweet face!

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Health Benefits of Cat Ownership

Health Benefits of Cat Ownership

You love your cats for the companionship that they provide. A sympathetic ear, great listening skills, and boundless affection are all great side benefits of cat ownership, but your cat may actually be doing more for you than you think. Recent studies have shown that keeping pets has a positive impact on your health and well being, especially when that pet is a cat.

General Health Benefits
Studies have proven that having contact with a pet is very calming and soothing, and have backed up this conjecture with medical facts. Vital signs taken after an individual’s interaction with a pet show positive effects on the blood pressure, pulse, and breathing frequency, and the results of these tests are surprisingly similar to the body’s condition after deep meditation. Some studies have even indicated that having pets reduces stress and results in a lowered risk of heart disease.

Cats and dogs – but especially cats – have been used in some hospitals and nursing homes as a kind of therapy for the bedridden and ill. The warmth of their furry bodies and open, purring friendship can drastically influence a person’s state of mind for the better. A study conducted in the states of New York, Missouri, and Texas found that nursing homes that allowed pets had lower medication costs than those that didn’t.

Lowered stress and increased calmness could be the cause, but studies over the last twenty years have also shown that people who own pets are much healthier than their non-pet owning counterparts; they are often less-prone to minor illnesses like colds and influenza, score better on psychological tests, and claim to feel a greater sense of well-being.

Children and Cats
Adults are not the only ones who benefit from caring for a cat. Children who have participated in the raising of a pet have shown higher self esteem levels, better social skills, and a greater sense of responsibility toward others. For young children and infants, exposure to cats at a young age can also help the child develop resistance to allergens and asthma.

Seniors and Cats
Older adults often lack companionship, social connections and opportunities for recreation during their retirement years. Owning a cat can significantly boost the health and happiness of a senior, giving them a feeling of purpose and the knowledge that they are needed.

Cats are ideal pets for seniors as they are relatively low-maintenance in comparison to dogs. They don’t need formal exercise like regular walks, or constant trips to the backyard, since they take care of their own exercise routine during play and confine their bathroom habits to a single area.

Cat ownership has been shown to improve the general health and well-being of men with HIV, reduce the loneliness of single women living by themselves, and even help victims of heart disease recover more quickly after a heart attack. Next time you’re cuddling with your cat on the couch, tossing that rubber ball across the linoleum for the sixty-third time, or even cleaning a hairball off the rug, remember that your cat might be doing a lot more for you than you think.

Boutique Kittens
http://www.BoutiqueKittens.com
Doll Face Persians

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Big Paw Designs Woof Charm benefits Used Dogs Pet Rescue

Big Paw Designs is working with USED DOGS pet rescue in New Orleans to help our furry friends find homes. Big Paw Designs has created a unique pet gift with the Woof Fleur de Lis collar charm, also available as a keychain. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Used Dogs. The charm makes a great dog gift, pet lover gift or fleur de lis gift and gives back to dogs in the big easy....still reeling from the Katrina disaster.



USED DOGS – A Unique Animal Shelter, aggressively addressing pet overpopulation.

USED DOGS, in the New Orleans area, provides a unique sheltering environment where animals recover from abuse and neglect and learn to be better pets. USED DOGS currently has some amazingly wonderful dogs available for adoption. Many are house/crate trained, know how to sit and have decent dog manners.
There are several beautiful pit bulls available for experienced owners. And a few are special needs dogs.
USED DOGS is a very unique organization that began its’ work with stray animals over six years ago by responding to the shocking reality of abused and neglected animals in the New Orleans area. Madalin Bernard, founder and executive director of USED DOGS, is a native of New Orleans and after returning home for a visit in 2000, witnessed scarred and starving strays roaming the streets, that had been severely abused, neglected, exploited, sometimes fought for sport and ultimately abandoned. Bernard decided to leave the film industry where she was working in California, move home and directly address the malicious animal abuse that plagued the New Orleans area.


USED DOGS is not a virtual shelter or foster-based organization but instead offers a very unique physical shelter for the stray population, owner surrenders, and in some cases, overflow from local animal control. It also has a major focus on providing Spay/Neuter services for low-income and senior pet owners who inadvertently contribute to the pet overpopulation dilemma. USED DOGS is a 503 (c) 3 non-profit and is currently the only organization on the New Orleans area specifically focused on aggressive, proactive, targeted spay/neuter, as well as running a shelter. USED DOGS was in full-operation rescuing dogs when Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast and well over 300 animals came thru
USED DOGS in the days after the storm.

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Rescued Pets sometimes make the best pets!

While we love any and all pets, sometimes rescued pets make the best pets. An email sent to us by one of our newsletter subscribers shows us the value of rescuing dogs, and what wonderful pets abused animals can make with a little time and energy. This poorly treated weimaraner, was about to be destroyed before this rescue mom saved the day!



Dharma Blue "is the sweetest thing and
most loyal among the family that included two cats whom she loves.
After what she was put through in her first three months of a "life" in
a crate way too small and one ine which she ate whatever got thrown in,
licked up the hose water sprayed in and never got to stretch her
muscles. One picture and I was in love. I thought I would never get
her from Missouri, but to my surprise, they operated a transport
service and within three weeks she was mine to mend, love and prove
that all of mankind is not so cruel."



"The pictures basically tell her tale. Just what can a few months of TLC and
socialization mean to a rescue - check it out. Dharma Blue, we call
her, would snuggle next to you in bed and never budge as long as she
had you by her side. She loves her silver sister, too and the two can
run like racehorses through open fields with grace and beauty. All
Dharma needed was a trip to U of Penn Vet Hospital where they inserted
a shunt into a valve that failed to close after birth and now she is
good to go for life. Amazing. For that she was to be destroyed. Being
cramped in the crate left her with some funky-molded bones that never
had a chance tp grow normally, but she has brought beauty and grace
into our world and has demonstrated a spirit that just could not be
distinguished given the chance to be on the receiving end of some TLC.
Here she is on day one and then three months later...the transformation
amazing!"






Big Paw Designs has several rescue oriented products. Rescue groups are offered special discounts to resell these products to raise funds. One of the new collar charms also donates a portion of profits to pet charities. Rescue and breed information listings are also listed - we are always looking for more to list and more success stories like Dharma Blue!

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