Hartzer Puppy Blog

Top 10 Cities in the United States to Vacation with Your Dog

Bill — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:43:39 +0000

DogFriendly.com has introduced their list of the most “dog friendly cities to visit” in the United States. I’m assuming that this means that it’s great to visit those cities with your dog (we prefer to bring our labrador retrievers), but not live there. In the list, they talk about visiting these cities, not actually living in those cities. It’s a technicality, but nonetheless, here is the list of the top 10 cities to visit with your dog:

1. San Francisco, California - Luxurious hotels. Plenty of pet-friendly patio dining. Many off-leash beaches and areas. Ride the cable car, walk the Golden Gate.

2. Austin, Texas - Dine in outdoor cafes. Visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens. See the Congress Street Bats. Many off-leash parks.

3. Boston, Massachusetts - Tour Boston harbor by boat. Walk the Freedom Trail and explore many National Historical Sites. Your leashed dog is welcome on the subway.

4. Northern Virginia - Enjoy a yappy hour or dine in dog-friendly Alexandria. Take the Canine Cruise. Visit outdoor monuments and nearby Washington.

5. Portland, Oregon- Enjoy off-leash areas and the famous Rose Gardens. Visit the Saturday Outdoor Market. Have a drink at the Lucky Lab.

6. Charleston, South Carolina/strong>- Take a ghost tour or walking tour. See the grounds of the Magnolia and Boone Hall Plantations. Visit the beach.

7. Chicago, Illinois - Visit Navy Pier. Ride the Canine Cruise. See Buckingham Fountain, take a walk in Oak Park. Many dog-friendly patio restaurants.

8. San Diego, California - Visit fabulous dog beaches. Shop at dog-friendly Otay Ranch with its dog park. Dine outdoors and hike many parks.

9. New York - Stay in a fine hotel. Take a walking tour of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Shop at Time Warner Center. See the Balto Statue and Central Park.

10. Ann Arbor, Michigan - Visit Nichols Arboretum, rent a dog-friendly canoe. Visit nearby gardens and farms. Visit many local parks.

Honarable mentions went to Dallas, Texas, Madison, Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Seattle.

According to Dogfriendly.com, they actually compile this list for those “who want to take their dogs with them on vacation”. Makes sense to me.

Spot the Warning Signs of Cancer in Your Labrador Retriever

Bill — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:58:18 +0000

November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. So, I thought it would be helpful (and appropriate) to talk about the warning signs of Cancer in your labrador retriever. Cancer in your dog is, in fact, more common than you think.

Unfortunately, cancer is the number one natural cause of death in dogs and accounts for nearly 50 percent of pet deaths each year. Some dog breeds are especially susceptible to cancer.

Although the leading cause of death in older dogs, cancer also is the most treatable disease when compared to life-limiting diseases such as congestive heart failure, renal failure and diabetes. An educated and dedicated veterinary health care team is essential to caring for cancer-stricken pets.

The commons signs of cancer that you need to watch out for include:

— Unexplained bleeding or discharge
— Loss of appetite
— Oral odor
— Abnormal swellings or swollen lymph nodes
— Drooling or difficulty eating or swallowing
— Changes in exercise or stamina level
— Lameness
— A sore that does not heal
— Chronic weight loss
— Change in bowel or bladder habits

The best treatment for cancer in your labrador retriever is prevention. We recommend feeding a high-quality, balanced diet with low amounts of simple carbohydrates and high amounts of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. You also need to ensure that your lab gets exercise regularly…and it’s also helpful to limit their exposure to industrial chemicals and tobacco smoke. Talk to your veterinarian to determine what’s best for your lab.

The California Veterinary Medical Association is the largest state veterinary medical association in the United States, with more than 6,200 members. For more information, go here.

A Pet Urn - Perfect Resting Place for Your Labrador Retriever

Bill — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:30:25 +0000

There comes a time when our labrador retrievers are not lab puppies anymore. When your labrador retriever gets older, the inevitable will happen, they will go on to a different place. We recently had to put down one of our beloved labrador retrievers, and we chose a beautiful pet urn from Perfect Memorials.

At Perfect Memorials, there are some interesting options for your labrador retriever. There is a chocolate labrador retriever pet urn, a yellow labrador retriever, and a black lab laying down pet urn. If a pet urn is just not right for you and your family, you might even consider a labrador retriever memorial statue (pictured below):

Perfect Memorials has a great article about choosing a pet casket if you want to read up a bit more about it. Keep in mind that you will most likely need to choose your burial location wisely: you’re probably going to run into some City & County Burial Regulations if you don’t live in a rural area. If your vet is going to be keeping your labrador retriever for a day or more make sure you let your vet know your plans for a burial. This will allow them to properly position the legs, allowing for easy placement into the casket. Also, when performing a burial the most commonly recommend depth is at least 18″ below ground surface. In areas with high levels of water we encourage digging deeper to ensure water tables do not unearth the casket over time. We strongly encourage individuals to use a depth of 24″ or deeper to help discourage any curious wildlife.

I know that our labrador retriever lived a happy life with us for her 14 years; and we will always remember her for years to come.

Canine Cancer Campaign Customized Dog Tag - for Your Labrador Retriever or as Piece of Jewelry

Bill — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 02:51:52 +0000

Here is a unique gift for Valentine’s Day: a canine cancer campaign customized dog tag–either for your Labrador Retriever, or as a beautiful piece of jewelry for your special human. The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) is offering a Canine Cancer Campaign pet tag if you contribute $50 or more to the Morris Animal Foundation canine cancer cure research effort.

You can get an additional engraved tag for each $50 contribution. Each tag can be personally engraved with your dogs name and information or any other special message. The tag celebrates and commemorates the life of our “best friends” of today and those that have left this life.

The dog tag can also be worn by you, the pet owner, as a distinctive piece of jewelry. Go here to make a donation and order your MAF Canine Cancer Campaign tags.

Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to funding research that protects, treats and cures companion animals and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals in some 100 countries, spanning all seven continents on earth. MAF has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado.

36 Labrador Retriever Calendars and Books to Buy Right Now

Bill — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 01:58:02 +0000

We love our labrador retrievers. We even love to have pictures of them and beautiful calendars hanging around our home. Here are 36 labrador retriever calendars and books that you could buy right now.

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Labrador Retrievers

$15.90

Labrador Retrievers includes detailed grooming instructions and tips, as well as suggestions for how much exercise and food these dogs require.

Labrador Retriever

$6.99

Labrador Retriever

Sticks For Brains (Labrador Retriever)

$0.89

Sticks For Brains (Labrador Retriever)

Labrador Retriever

$5.99

Covers every aspect of dog care, including a full profile of the breed, day-to-day welfare, training, grooming, and exercise.

Training Your Labrador Retriever

$8.99

The author takes readers step-by-step through her method of training the typical Labrador, focusing on the distinctive traits of the breed in regards to basic obedience, retrieving and walking on a leash. Color photos.

The Labrador Retriever

$12.97

Here’s a fascinating series that’s both educational and fun to read. Each book highlights the physical characteristics, demeanor, history, and special features of popular breeds of dogs. A chapter on pet care offers hands-on information. Beautiful full-color photographs and high/low features support struggling students and lead them to success in reading. This series explores and supports the standard The Living Environment: Diversity of Life, as required by the Benchmarks for Science Literacy: Project 2061.

Labrador Retrievers

$7.99

The Labrador Retriever is a strong and well-balanced companion. Learn the best methods for the proper care of this resilient breed, including which food choices are recommended for the active Lab.

The Retriever: Its Points; Management; Training & Diseases (Labrador, Flat-Coated, Curly-Coated)

$29.99

The Retriever: Its Points; Management; Training & Diseases (Labrador, Flat-Coated, Curly-Coated)

The Essential Labrador Retriever

$5.99

Owning a Labrador Retriever is rewarding and fun! Get all you need to know about feeding, training and caring for your dog’s health in The Essential Labrador Retriever. Special features include professional color photos and expert tips on how to make your dog a wonderful addition to the family. Learn how to have a great relationship with your pet with The Essential Labrador Retriever.

Labrador Retrievers

$5.99

The docile, friendly, affectionate Lab makes a fine household pet and is very good with children. Here is sound advice on feeding, training, grooming, and much more. Heavily illustrated with vivid color photos and instructive line art, Barronas Complete Pet Owneras Manuals show and inform pet owners regarding proper care of dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small caged animalsavirtually every creature that is kept as a pet. The books give advice on purchasing and otherwise acquiring a pet, feeding it nutritiously, keeping it in good health, and where applicable, grooming and training it. Each book in this large series is individually written by a specialist, and though the information is authoritative, the text is clear and straightforward, easy for every pet owner to understand.

The Fun-Loving Lab: An Entertaining Look at Everything Labrador Retriever

$13.30

Lively text and scores of photographs, artwork, and cartoons provide a look at the Labrador breed’s history, use and development, characteristics, and personality. Full color.

Labrador Retriever

$10.13

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

$6.99

Labrador Retriever

The History of Retrievers (a Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic - Labrador - Flat-Coated Retriever - Golden

$29.99

The History of Retrievers (a Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic - Labrador - Flat-Coated Retriever - Golden

The Everything Labrador Retriever Book

$7.99

A complete guide to raising, training, and caring for your Lab.

Complete Idiot’s Guide to Labrador Retrievers

$9.66

How to raise a healthy and happy Lab. Now Lab owners and those who want to join their ranks can learn about the breedas special needsamedical, nutritional, and emotionalaas well as the basics on keeping, training, medical care, and nutrition. In this new edition, readers will find the latest on clicker training for Labs, up- to-date information on genetic diseases and medical innovations, travel needs, and how to guard against acquiring an overly inbred Lab. -Labrador Retrievers are an extremely popular breed -Includes an eight-page, four-color insert, as well as four-color IFC and IBC elements -More than a third of the photos in the book are new -An updated training section that includes clicker training

The History of Retrievers (a Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic - Labrador - Flat-Coated Retriever - Golden

$38.99

The History of Retrievers (a Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic - Labrador - Flat-Coated Retriever - Golden

For the Love of Chocolate Labrador Retrievers (2008 Wall Calendar)

$9.48

For the Love of Chocolate Labrador Retrievers (2008 Wall Calendar)

Biography of a Bird Dog, a Labrador Retriever in Wyoming

$16.17

Many photos add to this heartwarming story, making it a memorable experience for any dog lover.

For the Love of Black Labrador Retrievers (2008 Wall Calendar)

$9.48

For the Love of Black Labrador Retrievers (2008 Wall Calendar)

Labrador Retriever

$8.99

Dog breeds, both familiar and exotic, are profiled in this series offered by Kennel Club Books. The lavishly illustrated, hardcover volumes feature information on the breed standards and the special needs of each type of dog.

Labrador Retrievers for Dummies

$9.94

An informative and fun guide to America’s number one breed, this reference collars all the important facts about the Labrador Retriever. Information touches on nutrition, socialization, exercise, finding a breeder, and health concerns. 8-page color insert. Photos & illustrations.

For the Love of Yellow Labrador Retrievers (2008 Wall Calendar)

$9.48

For the Love of Yellow Labrador Retrievers (2008 Wall Calendar)

Labrador Retriever Puppies (2008 Wall Calendar)

$8.80

Labrador Retriever Puppies (2008 Wall Calendar)

Art Poster Wood Framed Print - Labrador Retriever - Artist: Claire Pur

$99.00

Art Poster Wood Framed Print - Labrador Retriever - Artist: Claire Pur

The Labrador Retriever Handbook

$7.99

This guidebook to the Labrador Retriever offers detailed information on how this breed adapts as a work dog, hunter, or house pet. Includes advice on purchase, nutrition, health care, and more. Color photos.

The Labrador Retriever: An Owner’s Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet

$8.73

Ranked number one in 1994 AKC registrations.

The Labrador Retriever

$11.99

From the pet publisher dedicated to the care and well-being of companion animals for over 50 years comes an exciting new series of dog breed titles, each accompanied by a bonus DVD. Written by professional pet writers who are also experts on the breeds, each book is filled with valuable information on a variety of topics that are essential for cultivating health and happiness in a canine companion. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed in America. What makes these dogs so popular? Discover how to bring out the best in these friendly, versatile dogs.

Art Poster Metal Framed Print - Labrador Retriever - Artist: Claire Pu

$80.00

Art Poster Metal Framed Print - Labrador Retriever - Artist: Claire Pu

Retrievers and Retrieving - With Notes on Field Trials (a Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic - Labrador

$38.95

Retrievers and Retrieving - With Notes on Field Trials (a Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic - Labrador

What about Labrador Retrievers?

$7.99

Millions of owners adore their lovable Labs. The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed registered with the American Kennel Club for almost a decade. But are Labs the best dogs to own just because they’re so popular? This fact-filled book guides new and prospective owners through the process of the hows and whys of choosing a Labrador Retriever, and what to expect from Labs throughout their life.

Labrador Retrievers

$6.99

Labrador Retrievers includes detailed grooming instructions and tips, as well as suggestions for how much exercise and food these dogs require.

Retrievers and Retrieving - With Notes on Field Trials (a Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic - Labrador

$33.70

Retrievers and Retrieving - With Notes on Field Trials (a Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic - Labrador

Art Poster Metal Framed Print - Labrador Retriever - Artist: Claire Pu

$53.86

Art Poster Metal Framed Print - Labrador Retriever - Artist: Claire Pu

Art Poster Wood Framed Print - Labrador Retriever - Artist: Claire Pur

$65.96

Art Poster Wood Framed Print - Labrador Retriever - Artist: Claire Pur

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Top 10 Items Surgically Removed from Pets

Bill — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:30:15 +0000

When your dog, cat, or lab puppy ingests a household item, it can be very costly. And in many cases, it will require very expensive surgery. Most likely, by the time that you and your vet realize the cause of your pet’s digestive problem, it’s too late for a cheap solution.

Veterinary Pet Insurance is the United States’ largest and oldest provider of pet health insurance. Veterinary Pet Insurance has compiled a list of the most common items that have been surgically removed from pets’ gastrointestinal tracts.

Most Common Surgically Removed Items

1. Socks
Perhaps because they smell so bad and Rex the labrador retriever loves smelly socks so much, I bet that the socks that are removed are always dirty and haven’t come out of the laundry recently.

2. Underwear
Underwear is most likely also on the top of the list because it’s been taken off and just left on the floor for the dog to get ahold of. Or maybe it’s on the floor because of a particularly heated moment last night? Whatever the case, I’m sure that it’s that horrible smell that drew Fido to that pair of smelly underwear.

3. Panty Hose
Why are dogs so fascinated with panty hose? I’m not sure, but perhaps again it’s the smell.

4. Rocks
Perhaps rocks make for some interesting chewing, or perhaps some of the rocks are the size of a tennis ball. My seven year old son particularly likes to pick up and throw rocks for our dogs; there’s one labrador retriever we have that will retrieve just about anything, even a rock.

5. Balls
Our labrador retrievers love to chase tennis balls. They could run after them for hours on end. Unfortunately, some tennis balls aren’t made that well–and a dog can easily swallow parts of a tennis ball if they’re able to “pop” it or skin it. This study doesn’t indicate whether or not it was entire balls that were surgically removed, but I would guess that it’s most likely parts of balls. Or maybe they were smaller than tennis balls. I couldn’t imaging a dog swallowing a tennis ball. Could you?

6. Chew Toys
Sure, that makes sense. The pet chews on a chew toy all day long…and is going to have an accident and swallow it every so often.

7. Corn Cobs
Even though a corn cob is organic, you’d think a dog or pet could digest it. I don’t make it a habbit of giving my dogs corn cobs; perhaps because I’m giving them to our chickens instead.

8. Bones
Again, like chew toys, this is probably a no-brainer. Dog chews on bone. Dog chews most of it up. Dog swallows pieces of bone.

9. Hair Ties and Ribbons
I have a feeling pets are swallowing them because they’re just left around or they fall out of little Sally’s hair. And since they smell so nice the family cat or dog chews on it and swallows it.

10. Sticks
I personally would have thought that this would be higher up on the list. But again, dogs tend to chew sticks up quite nicely..and then there are a lot of them that just like to chew and don’t end up actually swallowing the stick.

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance, this list of things that pets swallow only scratches the surface of their list of things that pets ingest. While the most common items are our own personal belongings, other frequently ingested objects include nails, sewing needles, and nipples from baby bottles.

Veterinary Pet Insurance’s claims adjusters have received medical records for pets that have swallowed pagers, hearing aids, pieces of drywall, snail bait, batteries, rubber bands, toy cars, and sand with bacon grease poured on it.

The best thing that you can do to prevent having a costly vet bill because of something that your pet ingested is to keep a clean living space. Make sure that your personal items are not left on the floor or within easy reach of your pet. Stay aware of your pet’s chewing habits and what they like to chew on. Certain things appeal more to some dogs or cats than others. Knowledge of your pet’s tastes and tendencies can help you be cautious when letting your dog near things that could be accidentally swallowed.

Table scraps might contain excessive grease, bones, or other things that they can’t easily digest.

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation’s oldest and largest pet health insurance company. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet WellCare Protection(SM) for routine care is also available.

More than 1,600 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or go to petinsurance.com.

15 of Our Favorite Labrador Retriever Calendars

Bill — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 19:29:13 +0000

Every year just have to purchase new labrador retriever calendars for the upcoming year. I have one in the kitchen, one in the office, and one on my desk. And then there are all the labrador retriever calendars that I buy for all my friends and family. Here is a list of 15 of my favorite labrador retriever calendars that you should buy right now.

366 Days of Black Labrador Retrievers 2008 Wall Calendar (Closed: 12" x 12"; Open: 12" x 24"; Square Wall Calendar)

$12.99

These gentle, affectionate dogs love people. They love to play. They love to swim. They love life! To boot, they’re intelligent and easy to train. What a companion the Black Labrador Retriever makes! Make a new Black Lab friend every day in 2008 with this fabulous 366 days calendar. The 366 Days of Black Labrador Retrievers calendar (Leap year alert, 366 days in 2008!) is a square wall calendar featuring an extra large two page monthly grid with a photo for every day of the year.

366 Days of Chocolate Labrador Retrievers 2008 Wall Calendar (Closed: 12" x 12"; Open: 12" x 24"; Square Wall Calendar)

$12.99

The Chocolate Labrador Retriever has a beautiful brown or auburn coat. Sturdy and athletic, this strong and playful dog loves to swim. Sweet, gentle, and patient, a Chocolate Lab is a friend for life. Make a new Chocolate Lab friend every day in 2008 with this fabulous 366 Days of Chocolate Labrador Retrievers calendar. The 366 Days of Chocolate Labrador Retrievers calendar (Leap year alert, 366 days in 2008!) is a square wall calendar featuring an extra large two page monthly grid with a photo for every day of the year.

Labrador Retriever Puppies 2008 Wall Calendar (Closed: 12" x 12"; Open: 12" x 24"; Square Wall Calendar)

$12.99

There are no words to express how adorable these puppies are. With their warm, pink bellies, soft fur, and beautiful faces, they can bring out the sun on the foggiest day. Enjoy all the curiosity and clumsiness of these energetic puppies with this wonderful 2008 Labrador Retriever Puppies calendar.

Yellow Labrador Retrievers 2008 Deluxe Wall Calendar (Closed: 14" x 12"; Open: 14" x 24"; Deluxe Wall Calendar)

$13.99

Franz Kafka once wrote, "The totality of all questions and answers is contained in the dog." This statement rings especially true for the Yellow Labrador Retriever. These devoted companions are eyes for the blind, ears for the hearing impaired, and hands for the disabled. This 2008 deluxe edition calendar captures the true essence of these intelligent, beautiful, and gentle dogs. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this calendar will be donated to the PETCO Foundation.

Black Labrador Retrievers 2008 Boxed Calendar (6" x 5"; Boxed Calendar)

$13.99

With its shiny, shorthaired coat, sweet face, silky-soft ears, and jaunty "otter" tail, the Black Labrador Retriever is a beautiful dog that loves to be with people. It is a gentle, devoted dog with considerable athletic prowess and an outstanding swimmer. Black Lab guardians will definitely appreciate this fantastic 2008 boxed calendar. This boxed calendar is 6" x 5" with a page size of 5.25" x 4.25". The pages are mounted on a sturdy plastic stand. Boxed calendars contain 313 pages, one page for each weekday and a combination Saturday/Sunday page for each weekend of the year.

Chocolate Labrador Retrievers 2008 Boxed Calendar (6" x 5"; Boxed Calendar)

$13.99

The Chocolate Labrador Retriever has a beautiful brown or auburn coat. Sturdy and athletic, this strong and playful dog loves to swim. Sweet, gentle, and patient, a Chocolate Lab is a friend for life. Plan your business and your time off with friends with this 2008 Chocolate Labs weekly engagement calendar. This boxed calendar is 6" x 5" with a page size of 5.25" x 4.25". The pages are mounted on a sturdy plastic stand. Boxed calendars contain 313 pages, one page for each weekday and a combination Saturday/Sunday page for each weekend of the year.

Black Labrador Retrievers 2008 Deluxe Wall Calendar (Closed: 14" x 12"; Open: 14" x 24"; Deluxe Wall Calendar)

$13.99

The Labrador Retriever is very eager to please. A loving pet, the Black Lab is a trustworthy, devoted companion. Playful, gentle, intelligent and alert, they are perfect for families with children and can be trained to perform a variety of helpful services. If they’re not working in some capacity, though, these energetic dogs need lots of exercise. This 2008 deluxe edition calendar honors the beautiful Black Labrador Retriever. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this calendar will be donated to the PETCO Foundation.

The Essential Labrador Retriever (92 Pages; Labrador Retriever)

~~$7.95~~  $6.99

Owning a Labrador retriever is rewarding and fun! Get all you need to know about feeding, training, grooming and caring for your dog’s health in The Essential Labrador Retriever. Special features include professional color photos, helpful sidebars and lists and expert tips on how to make your dog a wonderful addition to the family. Learn how to have a great relationship with your pet with The Essential Labrador Retriever.Contents include:Getting to Know Your Labrador RetrieverHomecomingTo Good HealthPositively NutritiousPutting on the DogMeasuring UpA Matter of FactOn Good BehaviorResources

Royal Canin MAXI Canine Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever 30 (35 lbs.)

$60.99

Royal Canin MAXI Canine Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever 30Wholesome and natural nutrition recommended for adult Labrador Retrievers over 15 months of age.Muscle Toning & Weight Control: Reduce the calories while preserving the muscle tone of the Labrador Retriever adult.Labrador Retriever dogs are know for their natural tendency to put on weight. To prevent excess weight gain and return to an ideal weight, they need a low-calorie food that is still just as tasty. The food should be rich in proteins to enable the dog to lose weight while preserving muscle mass.The reduced fat content (13%) and high protein content (30%) help limit weight gain while maintaining muscle mass. L-carnitine, an amino acid found in meat protein, may play an active role in metabolization of fat reserves and may help to prevent additional weight gain. The high fiber content (oatmeal, rice, and barley) helps fight against the intestinal laziness that frequently occurs in less active dogs and gives them a feeling of fullness.Coat Health & Condition: Provide for the hair and protect the skin of the Labrador Retriever adult.Labrador Retriever dogs have a unique coat structure. They have strong, short, but very dense hair that protects their body from cold and water. A specially formulated food may help to protect the natural qualities of your dog’s coat.Borage oil (from the borage herb) and fish oil, as sources of omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids are combined with biotin (a B vitamin), vitamin A, and zinc to help maintain a shiny coat and a skin in full health.Joint Maintenance: Help protect the joints of the Labrador Retriever adult.The Labrador Retriever dog’s heavy build combined with their active temperament puts their joints under stress day after day.A food rich in the antioxidant vitamins E and C associated with natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin help protect the joints.100% Wholesome and Natural NutritionNatural, wholesome ingredients like chicken, rice, and oatmeal have each been carefully selected for their superior nutrient values (protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals). Every Royal Canin diet is formulated to provide the optimal combination of these nutrients to provide the best possible nutrition and exceptional palatability.

Chocolate Labrador Retrievers 2008 Deluxe Wall Calendar (Closed: 14" x 12"; Open: 14" x 24"; Deluxe Wall Calendar)

$13.99

Senator George G. Vest once said, "The only absolutely unselfish friend a man or woman may have is his or her dog." This statement clearly applies to the Chocolate Labrador. Affectionate, devoted, and easily-trained, this smart dog is a magnificent companion. Take a Chocolate Lab swimming, and this already happy dog is in heaven. Those who love these special dogs will treasure this 2008 deluxe edition For the Love of Chocolate Labrador Retrievers wall calendar. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this calendar will be donated to the PETCO Foundation.

366 Days Yellow Labrador Retrievers 2008 Wall Calendar (Closed: 12" x 12"; Open: 12" x 24"; Square Wall Calendar)

$12.99

The Yellow Labrador Retriever is capable of endless play and hours of exercise. Strong, intelligent, trustworthy, and devoted, this dog is a wonderful friend. They are gentle yet energetic, making them the perfect family pet. The 366 Days of Yellow Labrador Retrievers calendar (Leap year alert, 366 days in 2008!) is a square wall calendar featuring an extra large two page monthly grid with a photo for every day of the year.

For the Love of Chocolate Labrador Retrievers 2008 Calendar

~~$13.99~~  $9.48

For the Love of Chocolate Labrador Retrievers (2008 Wall Calendar)

For the Love of Yellow Labrador Retrievers 2008 Calendar

~~$13.99~~  $9.48

For the Love of Yellow Labrador Retrievers (2008 Wall Calendar)

For the Love of Black Labrador Retrievers 2008 Calendar

~~$13.99~~  $9.48

For the Love of Black Labrador Retrievers (2008 Wall Calendar)

Labrador Retriever Puppies 2008 Calendar

~~$12.99~~  $8.80

Labrador Retriever Puppies (2008 Wall Calendar)

New Pet Lovers Community PetLoversNation.com

Bill — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 14:10:52 +0000

There’s a new on-line niche community called PetLoversNation.com. Pet Lovers Nation is for any type of pet lover, from dogs, cats to reptiles or farm animals. It’s a site that will help you share their passion for your pet. You can create a FREE account as an enthusiast, a breeder, pet store or any other service you have.

Pet Lovers Nation is for people from the age of 16 and up.

Pet Lovers Nation has many different search options and features. Even if you’re a pet shop or a breeder or service provider, such as a dog walker, you can open up a FREE profile and talk about your service and promote yourself to the general community or threw a targeted area.

Pet Lovers Nation is the fourth addition to Community Nations portfolio which brings their total membership just over 250,000 total members.

Nation’s Largest Pet Insurer Reveals Most Popular Dog and Cat Names

Bill — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:35:35 +0000

For the fifth year in a row, the name ‘Max’ is the top name for both dogs and cats. Molly, Buddy, and Bella are also popular.

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the United State’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, Max is the most popular dog and cat name for the fifth consecutive year in a row.

The following are the 10 most common dog and cat names based on a recent analysis of VPI’s 450,000 insured pets:

Most Popular Dog Names
1.Max
2.Molly
3.Buddy
4.Bella
5.Lucy
6.Maggie
7.Daisy
8.Jake
9.Bailey
10.Rocky

Most Popular Cat Names
1.Max
2.Chloe
3.Lucy
4.Tigger
5.Tiger
6.Smokey
7.Oliver
8.Bella
9.Sophie
10.Princess

Few of the names on the top 10 dog and cat names list are traditional pet names. In fact, some of the top 10 names, or close variations, appear on the Social Security Administration’s list of most common baby names. Jacob (Jake) is the top name for boys, while Isabella (Bella) is No. 4 for girls, and Sophia ranks ninth on both the SSA’s list and VPI’s cat name list. Ironically, Max is far from the top at No. 160.

Each of this year’s top 10 dog names appeared on last year’s list. Bella made the most impressive jump, going from No. 8 to No. 4, while Bailey fell from No. 2 to No. 9. For the cats, Simba, Angel, and Shadow dropped off this year’s list, making way for Princess, Sophie, and Bella.

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation’s oldest and largest pet health insurance company. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet WellCare Protection(SM) for routine care is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 1,600 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

Zootoo.com User-Generated Web Site for Pet Lovers Launched

Bill — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:01:35 +0000

Zootoo.com, a new website community for pet lovers, has launched. Zootoo.com is the first unbiased user-generated website designed to help other pet lovers rate and review pet products and services.

Richard Thompson, founder of Zootoo.com and ex CEO / Top Cat of Meow Mix Company, recen tly said: “Zootoo will create an entirely new proactive pet community. We intend to raise the bar for the pet industry and help pets and the people who love them by rating and reviewing products and services. Users will help other pet lovers make the right choices for their pets and Zootoo will identify issues — like tainted pet food — before manufacturers announce a recall.”

On Zootoo, you can earn “Zootoo Points” that add up to cash awards contributions to animal shelters. Zootoo is also going to have an event that will be announced in August of 2007. Zootoo is also registered as Zootoo House Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to aiding needy animal shelters.

Zootoo is the first and only user-generated Web site for lovers of all pets — from dogs and cats to horses, iguanas, fish and more. Zootoo’s features include a local service finder, a program to match volunteer skills with the needs of animal shelters and Zootoo TV, showing user-generated videos and the daily “Zootoo News” featuring what’s happening in the world of pets.

Zootoo’s local service finder is populated with thousands of local vets, breeders, shelters, clubs, groomers, boarders, walkers and other services. You can click on the Zootoo.com map and locate necessary services, and the site lists virtually every pet product — from basic foods to exotic beauty aids — all waiting to be rated and reviewed.

Check out the site here.