Affiliate Links   Waggy tails, big grins…it’s exciting stuff going on a ride in the car. But, are we protecting them? With children, we don’t think twice. In their car seat or buckled up in the seat belt they go. Most of us don’t extend that kind of protection to our dogs. We’re in a hurry, they don’t like to be restrained, etc. I learned that there’s no excuse for allowing our dogs to roam freely in a car, unrestrained or restrained unsafely. I’ve had to stop short in that situation, and it’s scary. And,… [Continue Reading]

Piranha Banana in his Pawz Bootsphoto courtesy of www.piranhabanana.blogspot.com Bark & Swagger readers, heads up! I want you to know upfront that this is a sponsored post, which means that I received a small compensation for writing it. As with any sponsored posts I do, I only accept the ones for products I love and feel will solve a problem or help make our lives easier. This post reflects my own opinion and is in my own words. And, it’s a pretty cool product, to boot (no pun intended) :-). Did you ever see something and… [Continue Reading]

Affiliate Links Eye gunk. It even sounds icky. And yet, as pet parents, we sometimes have to deal with eye discharge in dogs. I’ve learned it contains bacteria and yeast, both items we want to remove from our dog’s faces on a regular basis to avoid any real infections setting in. What I was doing was washing out Sophie and Jasper’s eyes each night with a sterile, isotonic buffered solution from the vet, as part of our evening grooming ritual. And, it worked ok, but it didn’t address the area under the eye or their… [Continue Reading]

Affiliate Links My babies, Sophie & Jasper Pet theft is a very serious subject, but how we protect our furry friends can be fashionable and fun. July is Lost Pet Prevention Month, and a great time to find that fabulous ID tag as fashion statement meets full coverage protection. There are companies now making stylish tags in every color imaginable, blinged out or more subdued. The one I like, because it condenses everything I’d need to keep Sophie and Jasper safe, as well as offers me great resources if they get… [Continue Reading]

Affiliate Links Eight million companion animals enter the shelter system each year. Some are reclaimed by their owners and some are euthanized. For those waiting for that special someone to stop by their cage and say, yes!, you’re the pet for me, every little leg up helps. Sometimes, it could be as simple as doing a dirty dog makeover, so each animal’s inner beauty can shine through. That’s why I love the Dirty Dogs Program and Before & After Gallery that grooming industry leader, Wahl, in conjunction with GreaterGood.org have launched, and I encourage you… [Continue Reading]

Affiliate Links Lace Ruffled Dresses w/attached Necklace “I wanted to dazzle them; make them look gorgeous!” That was the inspiration for Madelaine Saia to start her successful custom dog apparel and accessories brand, Diamonds in the Ruff Ruff. Over the past two years of the company’s existence, what started as beautiful  jewelry for dogs, has expanded into luxury dog clothing, accessories, spa products and stunning beds. Each item is designed by Saia, and is made by hand in New York. And, because Madelaine (Maddy) began with stones, she understands… [Continue Reading]

Affiliate Links Vicki Rae Thornephoto courtesy ofEarth Heart “I fell head over heels in love!” exclaimed Vicki Rae Thorne, founder, master herbalist and aromatherapist of Earth Heart, describing her introduction to essential oils. Thorne had suffered a car accident that left her with painful fibromyalgia. Her five year old son was on and off antibiotics for chronic ear infections and she was looking for a better way. An aromatherapy class presented itself and she took the plunge. That was 22 years ago and Vicki has never looked back. From… [Continue Reading]

Excited to announce we have a winner in the Bark and Swagger Animal Planet Dog Easter Basket Giveaway! Victoria Carter scored the most points and took the prize. She’s be surprising her four pups, Willow, Chloe, Hank and Putt-Putt with Easter goodies, including toys, treats and fun grooming products. Congratulations, Victoria! Willow, Chloe, Hank& Putt-Putt   Thank you Animal Planet for sponsoring the giveaway and providing an Easter Basket to the winning contestant. Thank you, Bark and Swagger readers, for entering. Couldn’t do it without you! 🙂 I’ve just launched a great, new giveaway to win… [Continue Reading]