I love this week’s 52 Snapshots of Life theme – Foolish – because the picture I chose takes me back to last summer at my cousin Barbara’s annual family picnic. It’s usually the third Sunday in June around Father’s Day, when the weather is already nice enough to hop into their pool, something Sophie has participated in for the last two. I remember the looks on the faces of my cousins the first time she did it. She just decided it was time for a swim, marched over to the steps and went on in! They thought it was hilarious and, before long, a few were swimming with her.

This was also the first time we’d brought Jasper to any kind of multiple person gathering. We’d just rescued him two weeks before and were super nervous he was going to lunge and shriek bark at our family (he hadn’t yet bitten anyone at that point. That would come two months later).

Jas ended up doing brilliantly that day, a sneak peek into the dog we have today. Back then, he was so unpredictable, we had no idea when he’d be brilliant and when he’d be a nightmare.

So, after Sophie took her swim and the dogs ran around in the grass of Barb’s large backyard, they’d just taken a break when I took this pic. My husband was being foolish with them – hiding under his towel and they were getting all excited about this new game. It was the best kind of foolishness, and really sweet to watch.

Pet blogging friend and colleague, Christina Berry of The Lazy Pitbull, created this fun challenge. You don’t have to be a blogger to participate. Just snap or choose a pic you’ve taken that matches that week’s theme and post it on your social networks, with the hashtag #52Snapshots, so we can all follow along! For pet bloggers, this is a BlogHop, so hop on!

 What foolish thing has your pet done lately?

We just ran a giveaway on the site with Dog Fashion Spa, the brand making beautiful-smelling grooming products for dogs that use gentle ingredients and are vegan, too!  I think they’re some of the best spa products around. Three winners were chosen at random to receive a Dog Fashion Spa item to try for themselves.

But we want everyone to win! So, Dog Fashion Spa was generous enough to exclusively offer us this great deal: For three days only – April 2, 3 and 4 – any purchase of over $25.00 comes with free shipping using the code BARK25!

So if you’re interested in trying out this wonderful company’s products, now’s the time.

Why should you try Dog Fashion Spa?

* poor grooming is unhealthy and can be a precursor to illness or disease. Dog Fashion Spa makes healthy, gentle, vegan products that smell gorgeous.

* eye gunk is full of yeast and bacteria. Dog Fashion Spa’s Gentle Eye Pads wipe it all away and protect your dog from a bacteria build up with regular use. I use them on our two dogs and love this product.

* consistently dry pads on a dog’s feet can lead to painful conditions.  The pads provide key functions acting as shock absorbers, protecting dogs from rough surfaces and allowing them to properly grip. We swear by the Nose + Paw Moisturizer. It’s light, non-greasy, contains essential vitamins and oils and it works!

* chronic dry skin can lead to infections. Always get your pup checked out by a vet with this condition, but if it just requires proper grooming, Dog Fashion Spa’s luxurious skin + coat lotion, in either lavender chamomile or Tuscan white tea moisturizes our dogs’ skin and leaves their coats shining.

They have a host of other products like beautiful shampoo, conditioner, pawdicure products, fragrances, even a cute tote and wrapping paper,  so head over to the Dog Fashion Spa site and look around.

Now’s the time for this great, limited time offer…

What are you waiting for?

There’s nothing sexier than a man loving on his kids or his dog, right? And, when that man is stylish, well, if I weren’t married… LOL. So, when these very chic travel bags for dogs caught my eye at Global Pet Expo, I thought they’d be perfect for that man. The Man Bag has been around for a very long time. Now, there’s a Man Bag for Pets and it’s made by Bark n Bag.

From sharp plaids to travel-themed prints, from weekender to messenger, Bark n Bag has created a collection of lifestyle bags for men and women. But for this post, I’m focusing on the guys.

Bark n Bag’s philosophy is Re-use. Recycle. Repurpose. Their bags are made from eco-friendly fabrics with absorbent organic cotton liners, and the bag structure is provided using bamboo rafters. And, they don’t slouch on the models. The men in the pics are as good looking as the pups! 🙂

Here are some of my faves…bags, that is.

The Barkwell Classic

The Barkwell Classic

I’m loving this red and black plaid carrier. It’s traditional with an edge (the yellow detailing in the plaid), and looks like a great weekend bag whether you have a pet or not. It comes in three sizes:

Small: 16″W x 9″H x 9″D. For pets up to 14″L x 7″H. Maximum weight: 8lbs
Medium: 18″W x 10″H x 10″D. For pets up to 16″L x 9″H. Maximum weight: 16lbs
Large: 20″W x 11″H x 11″D. For pets up to 18″L x 10″H. Maximum weight: 22lbs

And, it opens length-wise and width-wise, giving you much more room to move your dog or cat in and out. A cozy pad inside makes for a comfortable ride and it’s washable!

From $53.00 – $68.00. Amazon.

The Carrier One and David’s pup, Skylar

The Carrier One

While you may see this design on other sites now, this is the original. Bark n Bag was the first to introduce the unusual porthole design back in 2005, and it garnered them a Pet Age Pinnacle Award. It’s really good looking, and comes in black, a rich brown, a cherry red for those wanting to make even more of a statement, and plaid. There’s one size only on this one: 17″W x 11″H x 9.5″D: For pets up to 15″L x 9″H. Maximum weight: 16 lbs.

$75.00. Amazon.

The Traveler Weekender & Skylar

The Traveler Weekender

Bark n Bag founder, David Fine, told me a fun story about this bag. Like the antique trunks used for long trips by stagecoach, train or steam ships, the print on The Traveler was inspired by his own grandmother’s traveling trunk. She would take voyages with her stickered trunk proclaiming all of the different places she’d visited. The bag even features the same pattern as her 1890’s Crouch & Fitzgerald traveling trunk. How cool is that! Durable fabric, like all of the styles, lots of pockets and a peek-a-boo mesh panel along the sides.

Grandma’s traveling trunk may have looked like this period Crouch & Fitzgerald one

The Traveler Weekender comes in three sizes:

Small: 16″W x 9″H x 9″D. For pets up to 14″L x 7″H. Maximum weight: 8lbs
Medium: 18″W x 10″H x 10″D. For pets up to 16″L x 9″H. Maximum weight: 16lbs
Large: 20″W x 11″H x 11″D. For pets up to 18″L x 10″H. Maximum weight: 22lbs

$45 – 65.00. Amazon.

The Navy/Brown Outback Messenger

The Outback Messenger

For those guys who love their messenger bag, here’s a classic and functional one with lots of zippers to carry the things we need for our dogs. There are two colors – basic black  and a navy with saddle straps, my fave. Comes in one size: 16″W x 12.5″H x 8.25″D. For pets up to 12″ long-nape to tail / 8″ high-nape to floor, up to 10 pounds.

$49.00. Amazon.

The Stylish Anniversary Skybag

What’s Brand New? The Anniversary Skybag!

This is a classy, handsome bag anyone would feel great carrying. The BNB logo is in a diamond pattern across a cranberry and tan fabric that gives off a sheen, reminding us of the best haute couture designer fabrics, right? A row of their signature portholes across the length of the carrier is done in a lovely faux leather. It all says luxury and style. Love it! Comes in two sizes:

Medium: 18″W x 10″H x 10″D. For pets up to 16″L x 9″H. Maximum weight: 16lbs
Large: 20″W x 11″H x 11″D. For pets up to 18″L x 10″H. Maximum weight: 22lbs

$60 – $80.00. Amazon.

The Organic Denim

I would also check out their Organic Denim Carrier with the cherry red trim. It, too, zips open length-wise. And, look at their Jetway options, which are great for traveling, with wheels and a long strap.

The Jetway Traveler

Any of these would make for a great gift for your stylish guy or a great purchase for yourself. I know I’m smitten! 🙂

Does your man love the carrier you use?

If you’re not living in New York City or some other still freezing place in the U. S., Spring seems to have sprung. I originally grabbed the camera to take this 52 Snapshots of Life shot for a friend’s magazine called Sniffery.com (cute name, right?).  In a little bit of self-promotion, Jasper and Sophie are wearing my new Couture by Sophie spring Moto Jackets – The James and The Ellie – both made from high-quality, cruelty-free materials.

Jasper, like the who-knew? fashion model he is, was right on point, posing. Sophie wants nothing to do with any of it, so she takes a bit of coaxing and getting it done quickly.  Hence, her ho hum, I’m bored look. But, Sophie does love her pool.

When I was shooting a couple of frames of Jasper alone, I heard my husband shout, “Sophie, no!” The little bugger had stepped in, up to her shoulders. Thank goodness the ultra suede dries easily and our sample was saved! Neat trick to ending a photo shoot fast! LOL

Pet blogging friend and colleague, Christina Berry of The Lazy Pitbull, created this fun challenge. You don’t have to be a blogger to participate. Just snap or choose a pic you’ve taken that matches that week’s theme and post it on your social networks, with the hashtag #52Snapshots, so we can all follow along! For pet bloggers, this is a BlogHop, so hop on!

Wow is all I can say! Fellow pet blogger and friend Carol Bryant, of Fidose of Reality, and her partner, Darlene Bryant are doing great things for Cocker Spaniel rescue and to help save dog’s lives. With their Wigglebutt Warriors® charity, named for the shimmy and shake of their Cocker Spaniel, Dexter’s, tush, they’ve already raised over $33,000!

And now, they’re scouring the country for the recipient of their next fundraising gala, Wigglebutts Uncorked. Could it be your favorite 501(c)3? Maybe. Read on to find out more!

What’s a Wigglebutt Warrior, anyway?

Wigglebutt Warriors® is the fundraising arm of Fidose of Reality, Carol’s popular pet blog. They’ve raised over $33,000 for homeless Cocker Spaniels to assist with medical, food, and basic needs until they find their forever homes. While they are not a 501(c)3, they raise money for 501(c)3 dog rescue groups in the United States. And, they throw fun, pet-friendly events to do it.

On Saturday, April 16, 2016 (yes, 2016!), from 6 – 10pm, everyone’s invited to celebrate at Wigglebutts Uncorked. It’s taking place at The Grand Monarque Hall of the Brotherhood Winery, America’s oldest, I’m told,  located in Washingtonville, New York (just one hour from New York City and 17 miles from Soon’s Orchards in New Hampton, NY).

The Grand Monarque Hall, or the Grand Salon as it has often been called, is an early 19th century stone building with towering ceilings, hand crafted wooden floors, exposed wooden beams and ten foot round antique wrought iron chandeliers that all come together in a historic setting full of old world charm. It was built in 1860 and was actually where the wine was made before it was converted into an event space.

It looks absolutely gorgeous! I want to go! Here’s how we can participate.

How can you help?

By purchasing a ticket and passing along the message of contributing to this worthy cause. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased here.

Also, reach out to your favorite 501(c)3 pet charity and suggest they apply as the next benefactor. If you are a 501(c)3, here’s the criteria to meet:

• You are a dog rescue group
• You have 501(c)3 status and can verify this
• You are based in the United States
• Are able to provide five volunteers the evening of the event to assist
• Are able to sell a certain percentage of tickets

So, if you like helping animals less fortunate than yours, dancing, having fun and getting prizes and a great goodie bag, this event is for you! Find out more about it, the Wigglebutt Warriors® and Fidose of Reality here.

What’s your favorite charity?

Does your dog have dry skin? Rough paw pads? Do they develop gunk in the corners of their eyes? You don’t have to be a diva to think any of this is for the dogs!  Sophie and Jasper have experienced these conditions and more, at one time or another, and my go-to brand from experience is Dog Fashion Spa. I love and use several of their products because not only do they work for us, but they are made with gentle and responsible ingredients and they smell great. To me, they’re the best spa products for dogs.

Eye gunk & a dirty face:

Currently, we’re using the Dog Fashion Spa Eye Pads each night to remove the dirt and bacteria they’ve picked up during a day of walking and playing outdoors. What’s great is you can also use them as face wipes; the ingredients are antibiotic-free and gentle enough to for everyday. I’ve found after using this product regularly, the daily gunk disappears and only returns when I stop using it.

Dry, cracked or rough paws:

Dry pads-help! We’re thirsty!

Please don’t let your pup’s paws get this way! A dog’s pads perform so many important functions. They act as shock absorbers, protect dogs from rough surfaces and allow them to properly grip. We swear by the Nose + Paw Moisturizer. The pavement gets very warm in Fort Lauderdale and is hard on a dog’s paws. Up north, the cold and salt are equally tough. I’ve tried several other brands to keep the dogs’ pads soft, supple and healthy and this one works the best. It’s a light blend of vitamins and organic oils that includes organic grapeseed oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, sesame oil and vitamins a, d, b5 and e. It smells so pretty and when I apply it to Sophie and Jasper’s pads, because it’s not greasy or thick, I can see it immediately going into the pores. Their feet feel softer and smoother and look healthier right away. If I use it regularly, they stay that way. Other products we’ve tried didn’t last very long or were too thick and greasy to be absorbed and ended up getting all over everything. Have you experienced that, too?

Pawsturized Pads

Dry skin:

Sophie swims in the pool just about everyday. While I’m exploring natural ways to keep our pool bacteria-free and avoid things like chlorine, the pool water does leave Soph’s skin dry. I started using Dog Fashion Spa’s Dog Coat + Skin Lotion in the Rilassante fragrance, scented with natural lavender and chamomile (yum!). It also comes in a Tuscan white tea extract called Semplice. Both are infused with flower and plant extracts to naturally hydrate and protect the coat. I massage it in, and like how light it is and how it absorbs immediately. The lotion left her skin and coat feeling soft and smooth and the dryness lines on her belly and inner thighs were gone. After using it for a few days, her skin improved dramatically. What’s great is you can also use as a leave in conditioner, to help loosen mats, free tangles, and get rid of static electricity. For those with long-haired dogs, it’s also helpful for straightening hair and for softening coarse dog coats.

What’s important to me in any products I choose to use on our dogs is that they do no harm. Dog Fashion Spa fits that bill and more. And, it helps that I love the faces behind this brand. Elena Volnova, Domenico Ponti and Andre Ponti are great people who really care about dogs and helping dog parents solve problems. They recently rescued a beautiful, little Poodle mix from the streets of Mexico, who they named Spa (of course!). She is precious and I’ve watched how Spa has become the center of their world (like with any devoted dog mom or dad). With Elena, Dom and Andre, I went from satisfied customer to affiliate to friend. It’s the best testimonial I can give for the company and its products.

Explore the Dog Fashion Spa site and discover the complete line of products they offer. Their motto is Quality Life for Dogs® and once you try them, you’ll see why.

How to enter the giveaway!

The Bark & Swagger Dog Fashion Spa Giveaway starts immediately and closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday, March 31. We are randomly picking three winners, each of whom will have their choice of receiving either the Eye Pads, the Nose + Paw Moisturizer or the Dog Coat + Skin Lotion in either fragrance.  Stay tuned the morning of April 1 (no joke), for another special offer for Bark & Swagger followers only, so everyone can celebrate!

Rules of the giveaway:

• Must be 18+ years of age
• Must reside in the U.S.

There are other items you can choose to do to garner extra points. Wishing everyone good luck!

What’s your biggest grooming problem with your dog?

Jasper fell into the pool. Luckily, he’s a strong boy and he pulled himself out. But, what if he didn’t know how to get himself out or fell into the ocean? Can dogs drown? Yes! Thousands do each year. And, with swimming so much a part of our lives now, I was really interested in learning more about the HedzUp Watercollar™.

Here’s what it does: Shaped like a hexagon, it attaches to your dog’s own collar and prevents it from drowning by keeping its nose and ears above water, even if the dog is unconscious. When a dog swims or falls in the water, the straps position the Watercollar™ under the dogs chin allowing for easy treading and ensuring a panic-free swim to safety.

The  Watercollar™ was designed using the same standards as the human flotation requirements established by the U.S. Coast Guard, which I thought was pretty impressive. It’s filled with non-absorbent closed-cell foam with a 100% cotton cover and nylon straps that attach securely to a dog’s collar.

“A dog who has fallen into the water can only keep swimming for maybe 20 minutes, and even less if he panics,” says Lynne Peters, President of Hedz UP Pets. “If there is no one around to help save these dogs, the consequences can be heartbreaking.” If our dogs are going to be near water or if a pool or the beach is a part of their everyday lives, this is a product worth knowing about and having.

That’s why I decided to do something on it. Hedz UP Pets has launched a KickStarter campaign to raise enough money to produce them. KickStarter is a crowd-sourcing website for people to come together and support a project they believe in. As a part of the KickStarter drive, Hedz UP Pets is offering donors a “Save Dogs From Drowning” Community Awareness kit including poster art, content and images to create their own campaigns to get the word out to protect dogs from drowning.

If enough people give just a little, Hedz UP will quickly reach their goal of raising $10,000, and many dogs will have the opportunity to be safer in the water. That money will go towards making and marketing the first large quantity Watercollar™ production run.

For me, I’ve had Sophie in a life jacket, and didn’t like how it weighed her down. I’ve tried a blow up flotation collar and it was very bulky and hindered her from swimming freely.

I asked Lynne Peters the difference between the blow up collar and the Watercollar™.  Here’s what she had to say: “The main difference between our Watercollar and the blow-up type is that ours is made of closed cell foam, covered with 100% cotton fabric, and it hangs comfortably from your dog’s own collar. If your dog’s collar is correctly sized and won’t pull off over his head, the Watercollar will not come off. It is completely reliable to keep a dog safe from drowning, even if he is found unconscious. We size the Watercollars by the weight of each dog. We have ten sizes of flotation for dogs weighing from 3 pounds to 200 pounds! And, we have never had a dog who was even bothered by wearing it!”  This seems like a really good solution.

Do some investigating of your own. You can learn more about the collar and the Kickstarter campaign and how to participate at www.hedzuppets.com, www.kickstarter.com and Facebook Hedz Up Pets Water Collars.  Knowledge is power, and we all want to keep our babies as safe as we can.

What safety products do you use for your dog?

I love this shade! It’s the ultra suede fabric I used for some pieces in my Couture by Sophie The Icons Collection. I like how it pops and the richness of the color, and it’s perfect for this week’s 52 Snapshots of Life Photo Challenge theme – Green! Sophie and Jasper weren’t thrilled to pose for this pic, but acquiesced when they saw a yummy treat in their immediate future. 🙂 I probably should’ve take the cardboard poster roll out of the background, but it’s Saturday, chores day, and there’s lots to do!

My pet blogging friend and colleague, Christina Berry of The Lazy Pitbull, created this fun challenge. You don’t have to be a blogger to participate. Just snap or choose a pic you’ve taken that matches that week’s theme and post it on your social networks, with the hashtag #52Snapshots, so we can all follow along! For pet bloggers, this is a BlogHop, so hop on!

What favorite green something do you have?