Affiliate Links Chloe Polka Dot Kissesphoto courtesy of Candice Katayama YouTube did it. I have no idea what I was searching for, but I saw this precious, bright-eyed little Yorkie face and clicked “Play.” That was my first introduction to Chloe Polka Dot, and it hooked me forever. I say polka dot kisses, because Chloe’s mission is to be an ambassador for creating smiles (like little puppy kisses) around the world. And, she’s succeeding. How does she do it? The cutie pie face does draw you in, but with… [Continue Reading]

Affiliate Links Bathing Sophie is a necessity, not really a joy for either of us. Maybe you feel the same way. She shakes; I’m stressed. I worry about getting soap in her eyes and that she’s stressed. But, I’ve found a fantastic tool in my dog grooming arsenal in celebrity groomer, Jorge Bendersky’s new book, DIY Dog Grooming: Everything You Need To Know, Step by Step. This book, unlike many you might find on the shelves, is made for us, the dog owner. Maybe taking our baby to a professional groomer is too… [Continue Reading]

Affiliate Links Who wants to even think about it. According to statistics, 9 dogs out of 10 are expected to have an emergency in their lifetime. Jeez. When I read that, and started exploring  information on emergency dog care, how unprepared I am made me very nervous. So, I’ve vowed to get ready, just in case the unthinkable happens. I want to share with you what I’m learning/doing, so we can be prepared together. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 25% more animals could be saved if just one Pet First-AID… [Continue Reading]

I may be weird. I kinda like Sophie’s doggy breath. I know people always talk about puppy breath and how sweet it is. But, Sophie’s 4! Must be total body and soul love, on my part. But there are times when even my undying love for little Soph can’t overcome some really bad breath. So, I figured I’m not the only one, and maybe it would be helpful to pass along a product I found that worked. If you too are saying, ‘My dog has bad breath: what do I do?’, then hopefully, this will help. … [Continue Reading]

Safe Humane Chicago’sLifetime Bonds ProgramIn Action Labs are big in the service dog arena. A good friend of mine and owner of a gorgeous black lab named Finn, told me about an organization she’s involved with who takes lab pups, specially selected, and has prisoners train them to become military dogs and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder service dogs for veterans. The program is called Puppies Behind Bars, and it’s amazing. My husband and I attended their annual fundraising gala last fall, and got to see, firsthand, the veterans these dogs are helping and the woman who… [Continue Reading]

Sophie is one lucky girl. With her mom working in the pet world, she gets to try some truly fun and amazing products. PawNosh (pronounced like panache, but with a “paw”) is one. I came across the PawNosh Cubby Bowl while I was researching pet bowls for a story I did on Bark and Swagger. It immediately grabbed my attention, because it looked so substantial and it’s a great shade of blue. I decided to reach out to the company to get more information. What I found is pretty cool. The PawNosh Cubby Bowl is a post-consumer recycled glass dog… [Continue Reading]

Tango tabledat Westminster Woke up bright and early Monday morning, excited to cover the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Westminster competition at the Pier. This was their first time competing at Westminster; the breed had just been added last year by the AKC. And, with Sophie being a little Podengo herself, I was over the moon about supporting the breed. David Frei, the Director of Communications for theWestminster Kennel Club, was kind enough to give me a media pass to cover the event for Bark and Swagger, and I wasn’t going to miss it for the world! When… [Continue Reading]

Hangin’Sophie, Potter & Tango Today was such an exciting day for us! If you don’t know by now, Sophie is a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno and, this year, the Podengo Pequeno makes its debut competing at Westminster. That, in and of itself, is exciting, and Bark and Swagger will be there to cover the Podengo competition and the Hound Group results. This may sound silly, but there’s only one other Podengo I know of in all of New York City, and Sophie and I haven’t been able to connect with Norman (that’s his name), although we’ve tried.… [Continue Reading]