The statistics are overwhelming. Makes me want to put my hands over my eyes.  Here’s a sobering one:  Count out loud to 6. A dog in a shelter was just killed. Every 6 seconds a dog is killed in a US Animal shelter. Here’s one more: Each day, 10,000 humans are born in the U.S.,  and each day, 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. Another one: In 6 years, one unspayed female dog and her offspring, can reproduce 67,000 dogs. As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. (Source: Spay USA)  So for the 6-8 million dogs and cats that enter shelters each year (Humane Society of the US), a good percentage could be avoidable with stronger spay/neuter programs and better education about why spaying and neutering is so important. There are many, many wonderful organizations advocating for some of these animals. There’s one I want to highlight today in Shelter Stars because the stories behind some of the dogs who’ve crossed their path touched me very deeply and I want to share them with you, and bring any attention I can to help their cause. Hope for Paws are like guerrilla advocates for pets. I say guerrilla in the best way, because they go all out. Nothing stops them from helping these helpless animals.

The Organization

Hope for Paws was founded in Los Angeles 8 years ago by Eldad and Audrey Hagar. They’d been fostering animals in their home and wanted to create an organization that would help animals in the U.S. who suffer and die each year due to negligence and/or abuse. Through their work and Facebook page, the Hagar’s also set up a broad network of rescuers from around the world. To watch Eldad in the process of a rescue operation, he possesses a special kind of energy, is the best way I can describe it. The dogs know he loves them. They know he means them no harm and is there to help. It is astounding to watch him and the work he and Audrey do. They are the angels of abandoned and abused animals. And it’s through the generosity of strangers that allow them to continue to do this much-needed work. Please donate if you can.

The Stories

I’ve chosen just three. There are probably hundreds. These are the ones you might have heard about or seen. They are dumbfounding in the severity of these dogs’ conditions when found. How theywere left like this, to fend for themselves, blows one’s mind.

Fiona, when found
photo courtesy
of Eldad Hagar

Fiona

Fiona was found through a call to Hope for Paws from Mary Chatman, a friend of the organization . Fiona was crouched in a corner next to a dumpster in a graffitied parking lot in South L.A., filthy, matted and completely blind. That brought out the first of my Kleenexes. As Eldad let her sniff his hand and pet her head, she urinated out of fear and sat in it, frozen. They picked her up, wrapped her in a blanket and took her home. On the way, they decided to call her Fiona. They shaved her mats and discovered the worst flea infestation they’d ever seen. They bathed her and received their first kiss. A few days later, they took her to see Dr. Michael Chang, a veterinary surgical ophthalmologist. When they picked her up the next day, she wagged her little tail. For the first time in a long time, Fiona could see. To watch her in the video hopping around playing, looking like a spry and very happy puppy, then adoringly nuzzling up to Audrey, well, that

Fiona, now

brought out more Kleenex. A few weeks later, Fiona was adopted by Michele and Chris Gentry, bless their souls. She’s become quite the little superstar, with her rescue and rehabilitation video having received over 2.5 million views. In 2012 at their awards reception, the ASPCA named Fiona Dog of the Year. She has inspired everyone who’s come in contact with her or seen her video, moving some to also adopt special needs dogs and give them a second chance like her. A wonderful, happy ending.

Miley

Hope for Paws was alerted that a sick dog was living on a trash heap in downtown L.A. When Eldad found Miley, she could barely walk. She was

Miley, when found
photo courtesy of
Eldad Hagar

diagnosed with extreme mange, parasites, bacterial infections and malnutrition. She required medicated baths, treatment for her ailments and lots of rest to allow her body to heal. And, of course, patience and love, something Eldad and Audrey seem to have for these animals in unlimited quantity. On Day 3, Eldad was rewarded with a light kiss on the face. After a couple of weeks, Miley was well enough to be introduced to Frankie, a little black Chihuahua rescued from a drainpipe under a highway, where he was living. Frankie was very scared and shy, but he and Miley soon became best friends. Today, Miley is miraculously recovered, plays in the park with other dogs and is currently being fostered by another wonderful organization in L.A., called The Fuzzy Pet Foundation (www.fuzzyrescue.org). Now that she is strong enough, she is scheduled to be spayed and will, then, be ready for her forever home. Due to the unbelievable outpouring of interest in adopting Miley (her rescue video received over 13 million views), they are no longer accepting applications, so if Miley hasn’t found her forever home just yet, it seems imminent that she will.

Miley, now
photo courtesy of
Eldad Hagar

* Frankie recently found his forever home, adopted by a loving family in Los Angeles, with three rescued Chihuahuas and an Australian Cattledog as new siblings.

Holly

Holly especially grabbed and held onto my heart because, with a bit darker hair color minus white markings, she and Sophie could be siblings. She looks so much like a Portuguese Podengo. Eldad was alerted about an abandoned dog and found Holly cowering in the corner of a doorway of a building. She was petrified and bewildered. She growled out of extreme fear, when he tried to come near her, and how he got his signature Lucky Leash around her neck is a remarkable thing to watch. It took 20 minutes and an attempt to bite Eldad, but he finally got her, growling and struggling onto his lap. Getting the dog, when appropriate, onto his lap seems to be a key to crossing some line of trust, in a good way. I’ve seen Eldad refer to this a few times in the rescue videos. Holly immediately started to calm down as Eldad stroked her head, neck and face. You could see the relief on her face at being found by someone kind. It’s like she knew it was going to be ok. That prompted another batch of Kleenex.

Holly, when found
photo courtesy of
Eldad Hagar

Cleaned up, properly cared for, fed and loved, Holly’s transformation was amazing. She went from terrified to happy little pup, accepting treats and even wearing an adorable little feminine t-shirt and a beaded necklace with a dangling heart. Hope for Paws newest star was filmed prancing around with her new BFF, Wally. I got up this morning to an email from Cheryl Cook, who alerted Eldad about Holly and fostered Holly and Wally in her home. I am so happy to find they have been adopted together! I am awaiting pics of them with their new mom and will add here once I have.

You can see Fiona’s rescue video here.

You can see Miley’s rescue video here.

You can see Holly’s rescue video here.

Holly & Wally
photo courtesy of
Eldad Hagar

You can follow Hope for Paws on FB and Twitter.

Please donate, if you can. Every bit adds up and helps Eldad and Audrey continue to do the amazing work they do.

Until next time…

photo courtesy of
k9tailsla

We don’t need a Valentine’s Day to shower our pups with love, kisses and presents, but a love holiday sure makes it extra fun! I do find it kind of romantic  that St. Valentine’s Day began as a celebration of Christian saints named Valentinus, but was imbued with hearts and flowers by the poets of Chaucer’s era in the time of courtly love.  Now, it’s a great “excuse” to let that significant other know how much you care. So, let’s find the kind of gifts that say love for our Valentine puppies. Let the shopping begin!

When I think of Valentine’s Day gifts, I think of the kinds of things you might not buy everyday. Whether a special trinket or an extravagance, it’s a

Strawberries & Cream
Elegance

demonstration of love and appreciation. I’ve brought together what I think are some beautiful, stylish and some unusual gifts for your fur babes that say, “I Cherish You.”

Strawberries & Cream

Nothing says “I Heart You” like a stunning piece of jewelry, and this classic, romantic necklace is all that. Made completely from Swarovski crystals, featuring their pearls, Aurora Borealis crystals and topped with a gorgeous, rich red Swarovski crystal heart, this piece is tied up like a special present with a red organza ribbon at the back. It comes in an embroidered pouch, ready for gift-giving. Your little lady will strut around the house in all her regal elegance! Available in neck sizes from 6″ – 18″.

Blooming Flower & Hearts
Collar

Blooming Flower Hearts Valentine Collar

This adorable little collar sports a removable fuschia satin flower with a feature crystal and surrounding beads center. The nylon collar is made from a black with white, pink, fuschia and red hearts material. It is adjustable, with a secure black plastic buckle. Sizes XS – XL.

Wings of Love
Rockin’ Collar

Wings of Love Collar

OK, maybe you don’t have that elegant little lady. Maybe yours is a tough, rocker chic grrl or a very stylish and cool boy. This limited edition piece of art is a must-have. Made from fine red croc leather and adorned with a Swarovski pave-crystal heart on silver wings, other features of this beauty include a crystal buckle and crystal rivets going completely around. Because it’s limited edition, it is available in a medium: 1.25″ wide x 12″ – 16″ long. If you need another size, you can find contact info on this page.

18K Gold & Diamond
Pendant

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Paw Print Pendant for People

This is a gorgeous way to celebrate your love for your dog and/or dogs in general. Made by Lisa Welch Designs, this custom-made 18K yellow gold and diamond paw print pendant contains .25 carats t.w. of dazzling diamonds. Also can be created in platinum or in sterling silver. Note to self: move to top of list for husband.

Monacle Rescue Dog Necklace for People

Monocle Rescue
Dog Necklace

I so love this gift. It’s my favorite one. The Monacle Rescue Dog Necklace celebrates a group of rescues out of Los Angeles with heartwarming stories – Lardell, Roy, Quizzie, Myles, Ollie-Pie, Lefty, Daffy, Maize, Hope & Happy. Not all of them are still with us, may they rest in peace, but they all now have love in their lives or experienced love before they passed. If you find a story that moves you, you can wear that dog’s photo in honor of his or her  struggle and, ultimate renewal. A custom photo of your own dog is also an option for an additional cost. The necklace features a 34″ brass chain that holds either a brass bolt a rhinestone halo, with a monocle pendant, where the photo resides. This is a custom-made piece.

Little Man’s Neck-“Tie up my Heart”

Little Man Hearts
Neck Tie

Can you just imagine? You little guy strutting his stuff, looking dapper as all get out in this Valentine’s Day neck tie. Red and pink hearts pop on a creamy white background and the whole effect is one of a slight sheen. Very natty! I feel like he should be heading out to pick up a date for dinner…. Size: 10″ – 17″ neck x 4″ long x 2″ wide.

Bee Mine
Tutu Dress

Bee Mine Valentine’s Dress

This little cutie features a whimsical pink print with bumble bees and the word “mine” for a purely Valentine’s Day message. A perky black tulle tutu adds a touch of prima to an already fun flirtation. It’s fully lined and comes with a welded D ring and velcro closures. Sizes XXS – M.

La Petite Mansion
Colonial Custom House

La Petite Mansion Custom Dog House

Fellas, if you’re in the doghouse this Valentine’s Day, it’s this doghouse you’ll want to occupy. The style I’ve highlighted is the colonial, but you can get anything you want as the house is completely customized to fit your dog’s (or cat’s) size and your tastes. They can even replicate your own home, including custom wallpaper,  flooring and decor. Only the best for the pampered pet, and there’s a great chance no one else in the neighborhood will have it. Be prepared to dig deep into thy wallet.

Valentine Hearts on a Rope Toy

Hearts on a Rope

This is a cute tug toy from Petco‘s Valentine’s Day Shop, with a series of plush Valentine’s hearts embroidered with sweet messages and a squeaker, on a red and white striped tug rope. Fun play with the squeaker/rope tug mix.

Valentine Conversation Medium Heart Dog Treat Box

This box of yummy peanut butter treats each feature a different Valentine-themed message. Think the classic Necco Conversation Heart candies for people. Super cute and comes in a 9″ x 6.5″ clear lid gift box. Ingredients include: peanut butter, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, oats, honey, eggs, and canola oil. Each treat is decorated with yogurt and/or carob chips.

Conversation Hearts

In Summary

Hope you enjoyed my Valentine’s Day gift suggestions and that I sparked some conversation and, hopefully, ideas. Whatever you find for your little or big ones, the important thing is to let them know how much you love them and to spend time that day doing something they enjoy.

What will you be doing with your dog on Valentine’s Day?

Send me a picture and I’ll post a round up of the Bark and Swagger Community pups! Look forward to hearing from you!

Until next time…

(Disclosure:  If you choose to purchase any of the suggested items in this post, I will receive a small compensation from the company, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the monthly donations I make to animal rights and rescue organizations. Thank you for helping out!)

Bath Time…woo hoo!!!
photo courtesy of WEtv

Dirty dogs, muddy dogs, city dogs, country dogs…listen up! Are you tired of your moms, dads or friends of your mom or dad turning away ever so slightly when you get close? Maybe feigning a yawn to strategically place hand over nose? Are you just sick of overhearing conversations that start like, “Sorry if my dog smells. I bathed him last week but he just can’t seem to stay clean!” Quick, get your moms and dads; help has arrived! And in a gorgeous package, too.  (deeper issues of diet, dental problems or illness should be checked out with your vet)

My Experience

Sophie & her new
favorite skin lotion

Dog Fashion Spa entered into my universe when Sophie really needed help. I couldn’t find a product I liked to help with her dry skin and pads. She was taking fish oil and I brushed her every night to distribute her natural oils on the skin. But she’d still get some flaking and her pads were rough and dry. I didn’t like the waxy-based paw products. They are good to protect pads as much as possible from snow melting salts and hot pavements. But as an everyday paw conditioner, they were greasy, messy and not very effective. Elena Volnova, one of the co-founders of Dog Fashion Spa, was kind enough to send me some samples of her products, among them, their roll-on, that’s right…roll-on! nose & paw conditioner. It contains essential oils infused with vitamins and isn’t at all greasy. And the roll-on applicator is pure genius! After using that for a week, lo’ and behold,  her pads were smooth.  First product to do that for us.

They also offer skin lotion in two scents,  which we tried on Sophie’s chest and belly – rilassante and semplice. I personally loved the rilassante scent, but I’m told it’s about a 50/50 preference between the two. Again, non-greasy. I tried it on Sophie about 2x/week for a couple of weeks and the flaking went away. And when I tried it on my own hands, it worked like a charm! At this point, I was two for two, so I wanted to learn more about this company.  I set up a call with Elena and her partner, Domenico Ponti, and discovered a great story.

Elena & Domenico’s Story

Elena and Domenico are living the American Dream. Elena was born in Moscow and Domenico, in Sicily. They met working in corporate America at a large fashion company. She is a marketing, retail, finance and e-commerce expert. He is a branding and visual design artist. He’s a neat freak. She couldn’t care less. She is passionate about marketing. He is all about design. Together, it clicked, and over a glass of wine and some cocktail napkins, the germ of  the idea for Dog Fashion Spa was born.

Why Dog Fashion Spa? Elena and Domenico are both dog lovers. Frustrated with the quality of grooming products on the market and experiences with friends’ smelly dogs compelled them to find a fashionable solution.  But just putting grooming products out there wasn’t what they envisioned. They wanted to create something very special, to promote treating your dogs as well as you’d treat yourself (for some of us, that translates into “even better”). 🙂 The company motto is Quality Life For Dogs, and that says it all. They spent a lot of time experimenting with the right formulations and the right packaging. And it’s paying off. Dog Fashion Spa is rapidly becoming a company people want to be involved with. Professional groomers, dog fashion events, retailers globally and individual customers, like us. There’s nothing too good for our little princes and princesses.

Their initial collection provides a complete grooming hygiene routine for dogs:

* a shampoo and conditioner that are sulfate, paraben, synthetic dyes and GMO free. What they do have are all organic ingredients, vitamins, herbs and essential oils, which promote a healthy, shiny coat and have a calming effect on dogs at bath time.

* the skin lotions I mentioned, also containing essential oils and nutrients, which alleviate dryness and smell great, helping you stretch the period between baths

* the nose/paw moisturizer I mentioned, although I would recommend using one for just the nose and one for just the paw pads. Don’t think you’d want to pass germs from the feet to the dog’s nose.

* eye pads, especially great for dogs who tear and who collect what I like to call gunk in the corners. Not healthy. Not pretty.

* male (maschio) and  female (femmina) perfume scents. We tried the femmina and, while Sophie is not really a perfume kind of gal, it smelled nice.

* everything you’d need for a completely toxic-free dog mani/pedi, including nail files, base coat, top coat,  very cool polish colors, nail brush & polish remover

They even have adorable I ♥ My Dog wrapping paper!

But, How/Where Are the Products Made, Why is Proper Grooming So Important & What Does Elena Having a Masters Degree in Positive Psychology Have to Do With Any of This? Read on to the interview!

BaS: Elena, how/where were the products formulated?

EV: We partnered with talented chemists and people who’ve been developing dog products for years. We wanted to take it to the next level so we told them, ‘Don’t think about the price.’  We weren’t looking for a $1 jar. If something costs $1, I just walk away, because if I want natural ingredients, if I want the best quality ingredients and it’s not coming from China, it’s impossible to make it for $1. Our products are made in California, where I think the best products of this type come from. Organic and natural ingredient products, likes ours.”

BaS: Talk to me about the packaging. I’m sure you hear all the time how it looks like a human luxury item you’d find at Bergdorf’s or Neiman’s. Wow! Domenico, did you design it?

DP: I started with a vision and refined it, but after a while, you become tunnel visioned,  so I asked Elena what she thought. I came up with multiple choices and we poured over them, slept on it, came back the next day, taped it on the walls, on the bathroom mirror until you come out with the right product.

EV: At some point, it just felt right. Sometimes it hurts us because people don’t believe it’s for dogs. But it goes back to our philosophy about Quality Life for Dogs.

BaS: Why is proper grooming so important for our dogs?

EV: As dog parents, we shouldn’t compromise the quality of our lives and we should extend that to our family members. Washing them, cleaning around their eyes, making sure their paws and nose aren’t dry or cracked, that’s an important part of being a good dog parent, a responsible dog parent. It’s not hard to put together that if you don’t clean your dog’s paws after walking and they sleep in bed with you, that you will have more germs in your bed and around your house.

Bonding with your baby

DP: Let’s add, ‘Do you have a dog? Do you have children? Do you have elderly people in the house? Just think about that. What’s around your dog’s eyes? Yeast. You don’t think the baby is going to touch your dog’s face and then touch her own or put her fingers in her mouth? Of course, she is!

EV: Also psychologically, it’s a great way to bond with your dog. When you bathe them, you can spend time massaging the dog and connecting with him or her. It reduces stress and it’s good for us and for them.

BaS: On a much lighter note, mani/pedi kits for dogs?

EV:  This is one of our fun products! You’d be surprised, but it took us a year to find a formula that was non-toxic for dogs. I was obsessed with matching the dog’s nails with my nails. So, I wanted something that was good for me and good for the dog. The existing polishes we found were water-based and you couldn’t really paint your own nails with them and look fashionable. We found a formula that worked well being used on European runways with the colors we wanted. It’s great for holidays, Halloween and, these days, a lot of dog parents choose to color their dog’s nails and put a smile on other’s faces when they see them.”

BaS: To me, I think it requires a certain kind of dog to carry something like this off, but on those dogs, it looks great. But, are we going too far?

DP: I think you’re right. You may not want to put nail color on a Pitbull, but if you desire that,  that’s ok, too.  I do want to add that when dogs are dressed up or have their nails painted and people stop them on the street and give them lots of positive attention, they know what’s happening and love the attention. They feel good about it and we help give that to them.

BaS: How many colors are you offering at this point?

DP: We have six colors and a base and top coat.

BaS: Domenic, us girls know you have to have a base coat and a top coat!

DP: (Laughs) That’s right, if you’re going to go, go all the way, and we went all out!

BaS: Tell us about your fragrances.

EV: We put a lot of thought into our fragrances. We wanted them to be special and affordable. I believe if I spend close to $100 on my own fragrance, and my dog is important to me, I want to spend something for a quality fragrance for them, too. Our fragrances are $55.00, they’re made in the U.S. and we spent time developing a unique smell for her and a unique smell for him. The bottle comes from Italy. Our fragrance is luxury wrapped and it looks like a human fragrance. People are constantly making that mistake.

BaS: A lot of professional groomers use Dog Fashion Spa in their shops. What are the most frequent comments you get from them regarding what makes your products so good?

EV: They love the smell of the products, the results they are getting with the shampoos and conditioners on their clients. And they love the packaging. They also love the glass nail files we have. They’re imported from Europe, where the best files are made. You can actually see how much of the dog’s nails you’re taking off, they last forever, you can even put them in the dishwasher; you just can’t drop them.

BaS: Elena, you have a master’s degree in positive psychology. What is that and how does it fit into Dog Fashion Spa?

EV: In positive psychology, as opposed to traditional psychology, we believe that the past is overrated. It concentrates on the present and on the future. It’s about how we react to things that happen to us, how we handle them, and how we build resilience.

I believe in the bond between dogs and humans. And I believe dogs contribute immensely to our wellbeing. But it’s important to develop that kind of a relationship with them, because if you build a negative relationship, I can’t imagine being one of these people who abandon dogs but, look at how many shelters we have. Positive psychology has all kinds of applications in the corporate world, in education, in healthcare, you name it. But I apply positive psychology to educating dog parents about better, healthier and happier living with their dogs through our philosophy – Quality Life for Dogs – and our products.

You can find more information on Dog Fashion Spa here.

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Until next time…

(Disclosure:  If you choose to purchase any of the suggested items in this post, I will receive a small compensation from the company, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the monthly donations I make to animal rights and rescue organizations. Thank you for helping out!)

Silverman’s such a cool girl. We know she’s smart. We certainly know she’s funny. A guy’s girl, too. But her Obit for her much-loved rescue, Chihuahua Pug mix, Duck, was so starkly sentimental, in the best possible way, that it hit me over the head like an anvil. She wrote about how Duck was her longest relationship (at 14 years), her best friend, her constant companion and night time spooner. About how she cradled him as the vet put him to sleep, after he’d stopped eating and drinking and was wasting away. I was crying over the keyboard.

Sarah and her
beloved Duck

And, Sarah has chosen to open her heart again. She’s recently adopted another dog into her family. Mary is a cutie; a delicate-boned, black short hair, with a lovely white stripe down her chest. Hard to tell what’s in the mix, but something with ears. Cute. Long. Ears.  Mary has begun her stroll on the walk of fame,  making appearances on @SarahKSilverman and on Sarah’s WhoSay page. Sarah’s posted, ” I told Mary I loved her and then there were some awkward beats of silence, but we’re fine now.” She also posted a video on Instagram of Mary on her balcony, looking out over her LA neighborhood.

I found these cute pics; especially like the one in the bath tub. Sarah seems like a very loving dog mom and I, for one, am happy for her to have another pup in her life. Welcome, Mary!

Gettin’ Clean

Out & About

Until next time…

photo courtesy of
Stubby Dog

That exciting day has arrived. You’re going to the shelter to pick out a dog. You’ve thought a lot about it; decided you are ready and can create the time to properly care for it. As you walk through the aisles of cages, your heart is breaking. You wish you could take them all home. But all of a sudden, you see this face, gazing at you intently. The eyes are tentative, filled with some fear, but the tail starts slowly wagging as you walk over. And, as the pup sniffs your hand through the bars, you feel the gentlest lick. This could be the one. So what now? There’s important information you need to know to make a conscious choice. When it comes to dog shelter adoption, I’ve researched 10 good questions ask the staff before you take your new friend home.

1) How long has the dog been at the shelter?

This can tell you whether it’s been days, weeks or months that the dog has been living in a cage and subject to the stresses of being in a shelter. Hopefully, it’s a shelter where the staff try to make the dogs as comfortable as possible and they get out for exercise. Even if the dog has been there for awhile, with patience, love and guidance, they can blossom into an amazing member of the family.

2) What kind of personality has the dog exhibited?

This is critical and the more you can find out, the more educated a choice you can make. It’s important to know what kind of dog suits your own personality and your lifestyle. Are you looking for a very affectionate dog or is a quiet and reserved dog more your style?  You can also get some insight into whether the dog has exhibited any aggressive behavior, is fearful or is an open, friendly dog.

3) What’s the dog’s history?

Another critical piece of information to garner, if possible. Was there abuse involved and what could that mean in terms of behavior? Or did the dog have to be given up by a family who loved her? Generally, puppies, because they are still so young, can overcome a negative environment. Older dogs may take more time, patience and work and some never fully recover. It depends on what you want, and are prepared to give. Opening your heart and home to a dog in need is a beautiful thing. You want to make sure it’s as good a fit as possible.

4)  What is the approximate age of the dog?

Although shelters can only give you a general age range because, usually, shelter dogs are found not brought in by families who know them well, they can still give you a pretty good idea. If you’re interested in getting a puppy, or giving a senior dog a home, this piece of information will be important.

5) What is the medical condition of the dog?

If the shelter is aware of any health issues the dog has, you will need to consider vet bills and the care that goes with managing whatever that condition may be. Again, giving a dog most wouldn’t adopt a home is a wonderful thing to do. Just go into it with eyes wide open. Sometimes, adopting a dog who needs you even more than a healthy dog would, can create an even deeper bond.

6) Is the dog very active or not?

This, again, is a lifestyle issue. If you’re looking for a quiet dog, you don’t want to get home and find the dog is bouncing off of the walls. Either way, I’m sure there will be an adjustment period. The dog may be nervous or anxious when going into a new home with what is, essentially, a stranger. So, if you’re told the dog is calm by the shelter, I would give the dog a chance to settle down. That could take weeks or a couple of months, but I think as time goes on and the dog gets into your routine, you’ll see exactly what kind of dog you have.

photo courtesy of
Itchmo News

7)  Is this dog good with kids and other pets?

If you don’t have children or any other animals at home, this isn’t as much of an issue. But it is still an important piece of information to know. Because dogs come into contact with so many other dogs and cats in shelters, aggression towards other animals should be something the shelter can discuss with you. Does the dog interact well with others? Is it friendly? Is it fearful? Has it come from a family with kids or other dogs or cats? Find out as much as you can.

8) Is the dog spayed or neutered? 

Usually, if the pup came from a family, it would’ve been. But, if not, sometimes the shelter will do the procedure. Sometimes, they will give a discount on it or refer you to a veterinarian.

9) Has this dog been trained at all?

The shelter handlers usually see what, if anything, the dog knows in the way of commands. So they should be able to tell you if the dog has been trained. This will give you a good idea how far along they are, and what you’ll need to do moving forward.

10) What is the shelter’s return policy?

While most people don’t go into adopting a dog with the intention of returning it, sometimes the dog’s personality, activity level or needs aren’t, ultimately, a good fit for a particular person or family. It’s a shame, but the dog deserves a loving home where it is not only accepted, but cherished.

In closing, a suggestion would be, through the entire process, to observe, observe, observe. If you’re watching closely, there’s a lot you can tell. Good luck! When you find “the one”, what a blessing it will be to have each other.

What questions would you ask? Would love your thoughts and comments.

Until next time…

Bay Topaz Collar

I used to have this favorite western belt when I was a kid. It had decorative carving in the leather, was two-toned and had the coolest pewter buckle with a cowboy riding a bronco. I loved that thing. So when I came across Heritage Brand‘s western style dog collars, and saw how the company had taken the look to a whole other level, I was intrigued.

I talked to co-owner/designer Jessica Crouch on the phone the other day and asked what any fashion lover worth her salt wants to know: how are you inspired to make these beautiful dog collars? Here’s what I found out.

Washed Rose Collar

Heritage Brand is a family business. Jessica’s husband, Jim, is her partner in business, as well as life. Jessica handles the designing, and Jim does the  sales and marketing. It’s a good fit. They’re high school sweethearts who left other careers to work in their passion. They are also both also rodeo riders. Jessica barrel races and has placed in many shows. Jim is a professional team roper, also placing in shows. So it’s no surprise the inspiration for the company came from the rodeo.

Jessica loved how irreverent rodeo fashion was, so ornate and theatrical; there were no rules. In 2002, she’d just recently started Heritage Brand with her mother, also a leather artist. They were building horse tack at that time. One day, she got this crazy idea to pair a silver concho, a staple of Western style gear, together with some crystals, which no one had yet done in the tack industry. Little did she know, she’d just started a trend. “It was very provocative at that time because rodeo horse tack had been pretty traditional until that point, ” Crouch explains. “There was a lot of scuttle about it when we first started making stuff because no one had seen anything like it.”

We love trailblazers! Heritage Brand is doing some of the most cutting edged Western-inspired design out there, so much so, that companies are already copying their style. Creatively using semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, conchos and studs as embellishments, the collars are made from the finest Argentinian hides which are sturdy and wear well. She achieves special effects with acid washing or embossing the leather to give it the look of alligator, all to great effect as you can see from the pictures of some of their collars here.

Black Bay Siam

As the business grew, Jessica needed more help and Jim made the move from a successful construction career to join her. That’s love, ladies!  Around this time, Jessica noticed that many of the rodeo folks also had dogs, and were just as interested in dressing them up as they were themselves and their horses. And with that, the dog collar part of their business began. Jessica described that first collar as, “very plain compared to the things you see now. It had some hair on hide and just a few crystals on it, which was kind of stepping out there at that time.” Fast forward to the present. What was her most outrageous design? “We recently did a piece for a customer that lives in Italy, and it is a show collar for a wolf hound,” she says. Jessica  goes on to describe, “It was probably 5″ wide and had hand-carved, hand-scalloped, hand-boxstitched, hand rim-set crystals, it was like a 6 or $700 collar, and more like a piece of art.”  Amazing!

Crouch says she and her team come out with a new style every year and some of that inspiration does come from the fashion world. Their business, which still very much includes horse tack, as well as handbags and other accessories, continues to grow. And with their success, she and Jim believe in giving back, devoting 6% of their revenue to charity. They have a special softness for children and families in need, due to illness or a loss of some kind, and are presently custom building a complete horse tack set and halter at cost for a woman who lost her husband in Afghanistan. It will reflect the stars and stripes in gold to represent the Wounded Warrior’s Project, which she became an ambassador for after his death. And it will have his name inscribed, in remembrance.

Heritage Brand are becoming celebrities in their own right for their unusual and, now popular, designs. They’ve been written about in every horse and rodeo magazine, and their dog collars and tack are featured on the new A&E show, “Rodeo  Girls.”

This could be that great special gift for either your dog or the dog of someone close. You can buy one of the limited edition styles of Heritage Brand collars here. After all, Valentine’s Day is coming up. 🙂

Arabian White Collar

Until next time…

(Disclosure:  If you choose to purchase any of the suggested items in this post, I will receive a small compensation from the company, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the monthly donations I make to animal rights and rescue organizations. Thank you for helping out!)

Yesterday’s games clinched the deal. It’s now official. The Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks will face off for Superbowl XLVIII on February 2nd, right here in my hometown of NYC! And it’s getting crazy already! Barricades are up around Times Square, preparing for the masses that will descend upon our already teeming city. But it will be exciting. Families huddled around the tv in their favorite team’s jerseys, rooting them on; Superbowl parties; much-anticipated commercials. I’m so there! But, wait! Who’s left out in the corner? No! Not your dog! Listen…if you’re a fist-pumping, card-carrying Broncos fan, Fido is too. He just can’t tell you. If you’re soooo Seattle, so is Fifi. She just can’t say. She’ll love hanging with the family, wearing team colors (or, maybe, pink). And, they’ll have so much fun just being a part of the party. There’s still time for your Super Bowl dogs to get in gear. Here are some fun and pretty cool choices (in no particular team order, fans). 🙂

Denver Broncos

What’s the most important part of getting ready for the Super Bowl? No, not the beer. No, it’s not the food. It’s having the right Jersey, silly! And, here are some very smart-looking Broncos jerseys for doggies, in two of their  signature colors, navy and orange.

Maybe your prince or princess doesn’t like to wear a jersey? They can still show team spirit with a bandana. Check out this cutie one, complete with a little bronco on it.

Is your dog a Peyton Manning fan? After all, the guy is pretty smart and funny. Tell him (or her) not to fret. Here’s an adorable Peyton Manning dog t to wear on the big day (Yorkie not included).

If rockin’ team colors inside your four walls isn’t enough, you can let everyone know where your allegiances lie with this Broncos leash  and collar. Just think, if they win, you can show this baby off for a good month or two. 

Seattle Seahawks

If you’re a Pacific Northwest fan and a member of the 12th Man, then you’re going to want Fido to rock the black, silver and green.

The jersey is the staple, and here’s a really fierce-looking one for your little man or lady. If your little princess just insists on wearing pink, there is an option for her, too.

And, OMG, there’s even a little doggy Seahawks cheerleader outfit! If your dog is awesome enough to wear this, she must learn to cheer! Pom poms not included, but check out Chloe Polka Dot, who could teach us all a thing or two.

Here’s a very cool  bandana. I love the Seahawks icon and the bright stripes running through it. Very fashionable!

If Denver fans are going to have one, Seahawks fans must, too. I love the collar…the leash? Not as much. Not sure I like them together but, separately, looks cool. Then again, it depends on how insane a fan you are. Listen, I won’t say anything… 🙂

OK, your pupster is now fully integrated into the Superbowl-celebrating family. And, let me tell you, he’s relieved. He told me he thought you were going to sideline him, and he wasn’t too happy about it. Now, all you need are the fixings…some frosty beer or chilled wine,  great food (no, I’m not a chicken wings girl, sorry), and great company. And really, that’s the most important thing. Great friends make Superbowl Sunday complete. Enjoy and may the best team win!

What do you think about dogs wearing Superbowl gear? Share your feelings on this below.

Until next time…Sharing is Caring!

(Disclosure:  If you choose to purchase any of the suggested items in this post, I will receive a small compensation from the company, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the monthly donations I make to animal rights and rescue organizations. Thank you for helping out!)

In one of the more bizarre stories to hit the news, Tori Spelling’s dog Dizzle, a gorgeous white pit bull, has gotten a reprieve from death. The Grim Reaper came in the form of Claudia, Spelling’s former dog walker-turned Dizzle boarder. The savior? Much Love Animal Rescue. 

Apparently, three years ago, Tori asked Claudia to board Dizzle because she was concerned about having a rambunctious large dog around her young kids. Claudia obliged, but charged an astronomical $525 a month. Fast forward to the present. Spelling is having a much-publicized devastating time after finding out her husband, Dean McDermott cheated on her, and is trying to figure out what she wants to do and how, if possible, to save her marriage.

Dizzle

Nothing like kickin’ a girl when she’s down! It was reported that Tori didn’t pay Claudia for one month, and her response was to threaten to bring Dizzle to a kill shelter and have him euthanized! Have you ever heard of anything so incredible?  When Spelling learned what Claudia intended, she went ballistic and tried to reach her to get the dog back, but Claudia ignored her frantic texts.

You might know that Tori and her mom, Candy,  are big animal lovers. It’s been reported over the years that Tori has given a home to pets of all shapes and sizes, including chickens, pigs, goats and bunnies…Oh My! She’s gotten a rep as being a bit kooky about it. Candy is an active board member of the American Humane Association.  I met her around my work with AHA as a National Leadership Advisory Board member. She’s talked with me about how animal crazy Tory and the Spelling clan are. And while we never know what another’s true circumstances are, I’m giving Tori the benefit of the doubt regarding giving up Dizzle. I don’t think she would have made that decision frivolously.

TMZ.com, who broke the story (of course, they did!), has found out that Dizzle’s life is safe. Much Love Animal Rescue offered to take him in and find a good home for him. Good for them! I’m sure it’s not easy for a non-profit to feed and house another animal, but they are the heroes of this story.  There are all kinds of crazy people in this world. And yes, Spelling paid her bill.