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I took the plunge and registered my domain name.  It's a whole new world over at Wordpress, but I'm excited for what's to come! 

The new site will allow you to receive HDB updates via e-mail, leave comments without signing into an account (yes!), and link to your very own website (if you have one).  

Just click on Leave a comment and fill out your info! 

See you over at Her Dog Blog! 

Wubba Wubba

Teton is simply not interested in toys anymore.

I'll take that back.  He is interested in brand new toys.  For about 45 seconds.  And that might only be because I carry it around with me throughout the house for a good 2 - 3 minutes gooing and gaaing over it as if I'd just killed the evening meal with my bare hands.  

So, I admit that this toy review is on a (gasp) previously purchased item.  You don't want me to go broke, do you?  

The Kong Wubba 

Please note that TLB's Wubba was purchased in the Camo color, which is clearly more masculine. 

 Clearly.

The Kong Wubba is made of very tough nylon.  Pick one up in the store and you'll know immediately that (for most dogs) it's a durable toy.  

The top of the Wubba is a tennis ball and the middle is a rubber ball with a nice, loud squeaker.  Then, of course, we've got the "tail," which is made of wide strips of nylon. 

The Wubba tail is particularly fun for dogs who like to shake their "kill" around.  My friend's dog shakes this puppy around like there's no tomorrow.  I'm surprised she hasn't knocked herself out with it yet.  Go, Tatum! 

The KW is a great all-around toy.  Your dog's wait staff (that's you, my friends) can easily launch the KW a good 8+ feet by grabbing the tail (the Wubba's, not your dog's) and giving it a hearty chuck.  But, if you don't have a fetcher, never fear, because the KW is strong enough to withstand some chewing.  TLB either plays fetch with me (this only lasts a maximum of four minutes), plays fetch with himself (throws the ball into the air and runs after it = hilarious), or just chomps on the KW for a while.  

1.  Price - Around $10.  Very reasonable for a durable toy.

2.  Quality - Made from strong nylon.  TLB hasn't chewed the Wubba to bits, but I have seen some that have seen better days.  It all depends on your dog's chewing tendencies.

 

3.  Benefits -  Multi-faceted toy.  Good for fetch, self-play, and light chewing.

 

4.  Ingredients/Features - Strong, durable nylon.  Rubber ball with squeaker and tennis ball.  Some worry about the fuzzy green stuff on tennis balls harming your dog's teeth, but as long as the Wubba nylon isn't chewed through, this shouldn't be a problem. 

 

5.  T-Factor - Teton liked his Wubba the day that he got it.  But then the novelty wore off.  It's an okay fetching toy, but not his favorite.  

 

6.  Uniqueness/Fun - The design of the KW is great!  A good, classic tennis ball, a fun, squeaky rubber ball, and a bunch of long nylon strips to fling around. 

TLB isn't really a toy kinda guy.  However, we're going to rate the Kong Wubba for all of our other furry friends and their wait staff. 

 

The Wubba gets a seven out of 10.  Good price, strong material, and fun!  

'Night!

Training Treats: Part Deux

Did you guess what tonight's treat was from yesterday's photo?

It's Premier's Liver Biscotti!

Can I get a grande soy hazelnut latte extra hot with that?  No, I'm kidding.  I never did like biscotti much. 

This guy does, though!  I've been stuffing these little nuggets into my pockets when I'm at home for when training opportunities arise (which is all the time, my friends!) so The Little Blogger has been staying right by my side. 

Check it.  Similar in size (a teensy bit bigger) to Zuke's Mini Naturals. 

Yes, Premier, do tell.  What makes Liver Biscotti so great? 

If that truly is the ingredient list, well, we're wagging our tails for joy!  Oat and barley flour (no wheat = score!), beef liver, carrots, applesauce (yummy), parsley, and canola oil!  Y-E-S.

1.  Price - Between $6 and $8 for an 8 oz bag.  This little bag is packed to the brim.  Definitely worth the money.  

2.  Quality - Made in the USA!  No preservatives.

3.  Benefits -  Small size makes it a great training treat. 

4.  Ingredients/Features - Awesome.  No wheat or eggs, and on top of that, what it does have is wonderful for your furry friend!

5.  T-Factor - TLB likes Liver Biscotti a lot.  Of course, you are all going to think that this rating criteria is bunk because, when doesn't he like a treat, but I promise you, there aren't a lot of treats he'll follow me around the house for.  This is one of 'em!

6.  Uniqueness/Fun - Very, very crunchy.  Makes it a new eating experience for your pup.  Also, it doesn't get stale as easily as softer treats, which is especially helpful if you keep them in random coat pockets like I do! 

Ladies and Gentlemen...we've got another eight out of 10!  I think that might be a record.

 

This is a great treat.  One of our new favorites. 

 

 

I think this one seconds that. 

Night, y'all!

What's the best thing to do after a bath?

Snuggle up on the couch, of course! 

Tomorrow's review smells pretty tasty...

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Dog Book

Guess what came in the mail yesterday?

 

Not to offend anyone, but I'm not feelin' cover dog Rowdy.  He's cute and all, but I much prefer Hazzard, who is on the inside cover. 

Look at those wrinkles!  But remember folks, with wrinkles comes the lovely task of cleaning out wrinkles.  

I dig Hazzard's name, too.  Do you think his nickname is Hazzy?  His full name is a bit long for my taste.  Reminds me of a dog that we saw at the local dog park a few times.  His name was Aftershock.  No, thanks. 

Here's that darn "dog-proof" bedding that I've been dreaming about. 

Still pretty spendy.  I need it to go on sale immediately.

Betty White? 

B.W. is everywhere I turn. 

The only thing that would make this photo better is if her diamond necklace were in the shape of a dog bone. 

Well, I'll be busy for the rest of the night.  The Orvis Dog Book is 67 pages, after all. 

Happy Friday! 

Our Favorite Training Treat

Hello! 

Clearly I am not keeping up with my New Year's resolutions.  You may remember that one was to, and I quote, "blog more."  Whoops.  I never was one for resolutions. 

Tonight's treat review is on one of our favs: Zuke's Mini Naturals

You may remember that TLB got a two-pack of these in his stocking last year (it feels too soon to write that).

Mini Naturals come in salmon, chicken, and peanut butter.  We've never tried the salmon, but it sounds delish.  TLB's two-pack came in the peanut butter and chicken varieties.   

Here's something we love:

Great packaging, Zukes!  Why not call attention to all of the wonderful things about Mini Naturals right on the front of the packaging?  

No corn, wheat, or soy.  No artificial colors or flavors.  No added fat.  No by-products!  

Made in the USA!  

AND a portion of Zuke's proceeds goes to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund?! 

Sigh.  A treat after my own heart.  Too bad I don't eat dog treats.   Ok, at least not on weekdays.

 
Good thing it was a two-pack!  We're runnin' low, boss! 

Mini Naturals are teeny tiny.  That equals lots in the bag and notso lotso in the doggie waistline (only two calories per nibble!).  

Mini Naturals are moist and chewy, so they're great for dogs that have trouble with hard, crunchy treats.  This also means, however, that you keep them moist you have to seal the bag every time.  Trust me.  We've had some stale Zukies in our day. 

Kasey likes Mini Naturals almost as much as Teton. 

Down booties!  Let me tell you, these things are 1.5 millions times better than any ordinary slipper. 

By the way, here's the ingredient list.  For the Zuke's, not the down booties. 

Pretty good.  I've seen better, but no huge complaints. 

 1.  Price - $5.49 for a 6 oz bag, but I've seen anywhere from $4 - $7.  Not too shabby for how many nibbles you get!   

2.  Quality - Made in the USA without by-products, added fat, and artificial colors orflavors.

3.  Benefits -  Low in calories.  Small in size.  

4.  Ingredients/Features - Depends on what variety you get (salmon, peanut butter, or chicken) but for the most part the ingredient list is pretty good.  The peanut butter version boasts a nice list of ingredients like barley, oats, and rice. 

5.  T-Factor - TLB loves 'em!  He gets a few a night when we're working on tricks.  I think the fact that they're moist makes them smellier and tastier.  

6.  Uniqueness/Fun - I think the fact that this treat is small, low in calories, and moist makes it fairly unique in the treat market.

 

 

We give Zuke's Mini Naturals an eight out of 10.

 

I'm off to bake some salted fudge brownies.  Yes, please. 

Ostrich or Catfish?

Can you believe it's already February?!

A few weeks ago I promised some blog updating and, well, clearly I haven't stayed true to my promise.  I'm working on it, though.  Honestly! 

Tonight's treat review is on Fido's Best All Natural Catfish Treats.

I tested these on Teton and his Uncle Kasey.

I picked these up at my new local pet store hang out.  At first I had the ostrich jerky in my hands, but then I thought about the pet ostriches that my grandparents used to have (no lie!) and it made me a little sad.  I'm impressed that I knew the plural for ostrich, by the way. 

These treats were $6.59 for a 4-oz pack.  A little steep, I know, but I justified it because I found them to be pretty unique. 

Ingredients look pretty good, too.  Catfish, flax seed, barley, water, nonfat milk, whey, and a "special seasoning blend" make this treat smell quite pungent.  I barely touched the bag after TLB and Kasey had a nibble and they were at my feet whining.  Honestly, it smells like a fish version of human beef jerky. 

These are their best begging faces.

Some additional features that Fido's Best points out for their All Natural Catfish Treats:

1.  USDA inspected catfish
2.  No added preservatives or hormones   
3.  No corn, wheat, or soy 
4.  Great for skin and coat 

These strips of jerky are hearty and easy to break, so they could easily be used in small bits as training treats, should that be something you'd like to do. 

1.  Price - $6.59 for a 4-oz pack that holds just five jerky strips?  That's a bit high.  Subtract $1.50 and I'd be one happy blogger.

2.  Quality - Made with USDA inspected catfish!  It never crossed my mind that this would be a possibility, but I'm down with it!

3.  Benefits -  What's not to love?  Catfish is high in Vitamin D and contains Omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are grrrrrreat!  We've also got flax seed (lots of wonderful properties including a richness in both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids), barley (great source of energy and fiber), water, nonfat milk, and whey.   

4.  Ingredients/Features - This category is covered in the Benefits section because practically every ingredient has at least one benefit for your pooch.  In a word, fabulous. 

5.  T-Factor - Um...TLB is gaga over these treats.  He loves fish-based treats in general, but I don't know that I've seen him beg this much for a treat, well, ever. 

6.  Uniqueness/Fun - This treat is pretty unique because I don't know that I've ever seen another catfish treat on the market.

Taking all factors into consideration, TLB and I give Fido's Best All Natural Catfish Treats an eight out of 10.  Fido's Best nailed every category except for price, which is a bit steep at $6.59 a pack.

Maybe next time I'll get up the guts to try the ostrich... 

But I doubt it.  

Too Much?

Dear Universe, 

This week sucked.  Ok, yesterday and today sucked.  Tomorrow had better be an improvement because otherwise I might punch someone in the teeth.  

Yes, I got rear-ended last night, but no, no one was hurt and my car isn't totaled.  

If it were totaled, would it have been so wrong to get one of these?

 

Dog bone floor mats?

Built-in ramp?

Cute little paw print decal?

And did I mention the dog-print seat covers, the electric doggie fan, the built-in car kennel, and the doggie bed? 

Whaddya think?

Too much? 

I'll be in bed if you need me.  But I wouldn't push your luck.   

Quack?

Tonight's Treat review is going to be minimal.  Think doggie donut, but with an actual review.  I'm in a teensy bit of a funk tonight and that might have something to do with this minimalistic approach.  Let me know what you think, though.  Sometimes just the facts, m'am, is better than gobs of information.  

Plato Pet Treats (Duck Strips)

I'll admit, it took me a while to get over the fact that these treats are made with duck.  I like ducks.  They're cute and they eat slugs (I hate slugs) and they paddle around in lakes and rivers minding their own business and quacking at their ducklings and it's a little sad to think about feeding them to TLB.  So, for the sake of Her Dog Blog, I'll try to ignore my mushy feelings toward them.  

I think I ate duck once at the Melting Pot.

It was pretty good.  Then again, if you drench anything in that much cheese its got a fighting chance. 

I will be a vegetarian someday, I will be a vegetarian someday, I will be a vegetarian someday... 

1.  Price - $9.99 for a 6 oz. bag is just ok.  I guess these are unique enough to spend a little more...and the bag is pretty full.  Am I justifying? 

2.  Quality - Made in the U.S. (Indiana, to be exact) in Plato's own factory!  Music to my ears.

3.  Benefits - Hmmm...what are the benefits of a duck meat treat?  Plato points out the interesting fact that up to 20% of dogs have food allergies and duck is a great alternative for those who can't consume chicken, beef, etc.  Good point, Plato.  Duck is also a good source of protein and amino acids. 

4.  Ingredients/Features - It's safe to say that this is one of the few treats out there that lists duck as a main ingredients.  As I said earlier, duck is a great source of protein and amino acids.  The other ingredients in this treat include such winners as brown rice (B vitamins and fiber!) and rosemary extract (prevents against cancer!). 

5.  T-Factor - TLB has liked these treats from the minute I opened the bag.  They must smell wonderful.  While he does chew this treat well, he doesn't quite savor it.  I haven't tried it myself (hey, don't put it past me), but this treat seems like it would dissolve if you held it in your mouth for a while.  For that reason, I think he likes to gobble it up pretty quickly.   

6.  Uniqueness/Fun - Nothing really stands out here!   

Plato's Duck Strips earn a score of six out of ten.  While we like that they are comprised of good ingredients and that Plato has addressed the important issue of food allergies with this flavor, we would like a lower price point.

Also, this is a bit of a strange treat in terms of feeding guidelines.  It's not small enough to be a training treat, nor can it be easily broken to become such.  Thus, we use Plato's Duck Strips as a once-a-day type of goodie.  That's great, but you can only have so many just 'cause treats, whereas training treats are much more versatile. 

Check out Plato's website for more information.  They've got quite the range of treats!  I think we'll have to try some more...

Rave Light!

Howdy!

Cute doesn't even do this photo justice.  TLB was stylin' even at a young age.  Check out that Ruff Wear collar and Red Dingo tag.  I won't mention the obvious.  Puppy tent! 

I was MIA on Tuesday because I had a gnarly headache and went to bed at 8:30 PM.  Granny!  So, sorry 'bout that.  

I'm back with an Essentials review! 

Pet Blinkers from Flipo (in blue/white)  

I picked this safety light up about a year and a half ago at a local pet store.  Teton is completely black so it's almost impossible to see him when we're outside in the dark.  This is especially (potentially) dangerous during evening and/or early morning walks or when we're camping or hiking and he is off-leash.  

There are lots of pet safety lights on the market.  Not sure why I chose this one...maybe I was stupefied by the alternating, flashing colors?

 
This little contraption was $9.99!  I WAS ROBBED.  Keep in mind that this purchase was made:  1) in a rush (we had a camping trip that weekend and I didn't have time to order a safety light online) and 2) when I was a new Dog Mom and didn't blink an eye at ridiculous purchases/prices on pet items because, well, they were for my little dude.   

Yes, ladies and gents, Google Shop for this very item and you will see it for not $9.99, not $7.99, but $4.00.   

Yeouch. 

So, I learned my lesson.  

The Flipo Pet Blinker is fairly easy to use.  It comes with a replacement battery but since we use it only on evening/early morning walks or when we're camping, I haven't had to bust it out yet.  

To turn the Pet Blinker on, simply press the black, squishy dot on the side. 

Mesmerizing, isn't it?

I like that the Pet Blinker has a clip that makes it easy to remove and attach.  And I think that the alternating blue and white colors are great.  

We call TLB's Pet Blinker his rave light.  Once he's old enough to stay out past nine he's planning on hitting up some sweet raves.  

I always feel a little more at ease when TLB wears his rave light  on early morning and evening walks.  It's definitely a must-pack-item on camping trips, too.  Honestly, though...I'm looking into upgrading to a bigger, brighter safety light.  TLB just has too much fur for this little Pet Blinker to be effective. 

So, on to the rating!  

1.  Price - $9.99 is way too high for this item.  It's tiny and the quality is not worthy of that kind of price tag.  

2.  Quality - It feels a little on the cheap side (sorry, Flipo!).  Sometimes the on/off button sticks and other times you have to push it just right for the light to come on.  

3.  Benefits - Obviously, the benefits of this item are huge.  Safety is so, so important (especially when you have a dog that is difficult to see in the dark!). 

4.  Ingredients/Features - I think that the Pet Blinker's main feature is that it blinks in alternating colors.  This is awesome in my opinion because it draws more attention to the area surrounding your pet.  

5.  T-Factor - The Pet Blinker doesn't bother TLB.  That, to me, is a win.  A lot of pet safety items are big and bulky or uncomfortable and this item is none of those.  

6.  Uniqueness/Fun - If you thrive on compliments surrounding your pet and enjoy discussing pet products with other dog owners (oh, not everyone likes talking about the latest trends in pet products?), this is a good product for you!  This safety light is different from others on the market because it blinks in two different colors.  I've been stopped a few times and asked about it or been complimented on my using it for TLB.  

Taking all elements into account, TLB and I give Flipo's Pet Blinker a score of five out of 10.  Shocked?  I am, too.  But price and quality aren't everything, people.  In this situation, the benefits of the Pet Blinker outweigh the hefty price tag.  And, the reality is that if you are interested in this particular type of safety light, you can find it for much cheaper online.  

Like I said, I'm in the market for a new safety light for Teton.  My criteria?  Under $15, blinks in either alternating colors or a bright white, can be easily removed/attached to his leash, collar, or harness, and is not bulky, heavy, or cumbersome.  Any suggestions, pet product junkies?

Until next time...

Walkies and Blue Vanilla

Every weekend should be a three-day one.  Does anyone ever really feel completely rejuvenated after just two days?  I know I don't.  It's only mid-afternoon on the final day of my weekend so I have plenty of time to get lots more done and relax before the work week starts.  

This morning my mom and I took the dogs (TLB and his Uncle Kasey) for a nice, long walk.  It was freezing.  I guess I got a little cocky this weekend just wearing light jackets.  We both froze our heinies off and totally regretted not wearing gloves.  The walk was entertaining, though, because we put the dogs on one of those dual-leash-attachment things and they looked like they were mushing in the Iditarod.  

Pretty cool invention, though.  We'll see how it goes with the boys and let you know in a review later down the road. 

I guess this post is all about Mom 'cause she introduced me to the treats on the docket for today.  Thanks for lookin' out, Ma!

Blue Vanilla Bakery's Peanut Butter Sammys!    

This TREAT is made locally at the Blue Vanilla Bakery in Des Moines, WA.  That's Washington, people.  Not Iowa.  

One bag of eight treats was  $4.00.  

Curious as to how Peanut Butter Sammys got their name?  This is probably my favorite naming story ever.

There's a story behind how we named each of the treats: In our neighborhood, we have lots of dogs and every evening several of us go walking together. It's a chance for the people as well as the dogs to socialize. The dogs in the walking group are Samson (Sammy), Brady, Allie, Cody, Bear, Blossom, Roslyn (Ros) and, of course, Henry. There is a treat named for each of them. The last treat – Olive O’s – was named for Henry’s cousin, a little black cocker spaniel who we loved dearly. She left us on September 4, 2010.

Henry's Honey Biscuits
Peanut Butter Sammys
Brady Bones
Allie Cats
Cody Crackers
Brown Bears
Blossom Bits
Ros Straws
Olive O's 

http://www.bluevanillabakery.com/dog_treats.php

Awesome, right?  It makes me want to not only buy all of the different treats, but meet all of the dogs behind them!  

Mom knows TLB well.  He loves him some peanut butter!

Ingredients? 

We're lookin' at whole wheat flour, cornmeal, oats, water, canola oil, peanut butter, and eggs.

Ok, so not a huge fan of the flour and cornmeal since many dogs have allergies, but I'm down with all the other ingredients!  Canola oil, egss, peanut butter, and oats all have great benefits.  

Both Kasey and Teton like these treats a lot.  Mom is keeping them in the fridge since they don't have any preservatives (yes!) which makes them nice 'n crunchy.   

Let's do this thing! 

1.  Price - $4.00 for a bag of eight fairly large treats is a pretty darn good deal if you ask me!

2.  Quality  - These treats are made locally in a family-owned bakery.  All you have to do is read the story of how each flavor was named and you'll know that these treats are made with love! 

3.  Benefits -  This treat has ingredients that are beneficial to your dog's daily health.  However, it is a basic, crunchy treat so I wouldn't say that the overall benefits are outstanding.  This is a for fun treat. 

4.  Ingredients/Features -  Blue Vanilla is pretty much spot-on.  Peanut butter, eggs, and oats?!  I think those are some of TLB's favorite things!  Teton hasn't demonstrated an allergy to whole wheat flour or cornmeal, but many dogs out there have.  Lose those two ingredients (but keep the rest!) and I'd be one happy blogger. 

5.  T-Factor -  He's not doing cartwheels (must YouTube cartwheeling dog), but he liked 'em.  

6.  Uniqueness/Fun - With a naming story like theirs, how can my heart not get all squishy when I think about these treats?  What a fun concept.

Taking into account all six rating elements, we give Blue Vanilla Bakery's Peanut Butter Sammys a seven out of 10.  They scored high on Price, Quality, Ingredients, and Uniqueness/Fun.  Like I said earlier, I would classify this as a for fun treat, so the Benefits piece isn't necessarily going to be there. 

Thanks for sharing your story, Blue Vanilla!  

And, yes, I did YouTube cartwheeling dog. 

    

Have a great evening!    

A Bit-O-Luv

Tomorrow is Friday!  Thank goodness.  And, for those of us who have Monday off next week, that means a three-day weekend is in sight!  

Today's review is on Bit-O-Luv's Bistro Beef Recipe treats!  

Keeping in line with my new reviewing guidelines, this product falls under the TREAT category and will be reviewed on the following elements:  price, quality, benefits, ingredients/features, T-Factor, and uniqueness/fun. 

Ignore the random "H2102" sticker on the bag.  Not sure why that's there, but it might have something to do with the fact that the FedEx guy at my old company got these treats for free somewhere and gave them to Teton.  We miss the FedEx guy.  

Let's check out the ingredients...

We like that the first two ingredients are beef and chicken.  Also, Bit-O-Luv doesn't use any by-products, artificial colors or flavors, or wheat.  We're not too jazzed about the sodium nitrate and potassium sorbate, though. 

Someone's being downright tortured!  (Bet you can't guess where the treats in the close-up above were laying...) 

Since TLB got the hook up with these treats, we obviously didn't buy them.  My research indicates that one 4-oz bag of Bit-O-Luv Bistro Beef Recipe treats is about $4.99.  

In that last photo, TLB is giving me the look.  It says, "Ok, lady.  I'm not messing around here.  Drop the treat and no one gets hurt." 

So, let's rate these bad boys! 

1. Price - $4.99 for a 4-oz bag is a decent price.  These treats are easily broken to become training nibbles and/or can be given in full form as a little extra somethin' somethin'.

2.  Quality  - Ok, so I'm still figuring out this new rating system, but I would say that, going off of what is on the Bit-O-Luv packaging, the fact that this product is made in Oregon (AKA - is made in the United States) with some good ingredients means that the quality, at least on the surface, is decent. 

3.  Benefits -  I don't see any real benefits in this product.  It doesn't clean TLB's teeth, it doesn't mentally stimulate him, etc.  

4.  Ingredients/Features -  I can see that this element is much like Quality, so I may have to re-evaluate.   I'm on the fence with Bit-O-Luv's Bistro Beef Recipe ingredients.  It's about 50/50 in my opinion.  

5.  T-Factor -  TLB likes these treats.  They remind me of human beef jerky and they have a pretty distinct aroma, so I think that may contribute to the fact that I haven't opened the bag in 45 minutes but he is still laying at my feet gazing up at me longingly.  

6.  Uniqueness/Fun - I'm not going to take this element into consideration because I don't feel like Bit-O-Luv has it.

Drumroll, please...

Taking the new elements into consideration, we give Bit-O-Luv's Bistro Beef Recipe treats a five out of 10.  Of the six different elements, this treat hit Price, Quality, and T-Factor.

As I said earlier, I'm not so sure that the Quality element is going to work with some products, but I'll stick with it for a while and see where it takes us. 

Thanks for sticking with me while I perfect this rating system! 

A side note before I jet:  One of my awesome readers asked where dog clothing will fit into product categories.  Props for thinking of something that I didn't give enough thought to!  For now, we'll put dog clothing into the Essential category with the caveat that I will (probably) never review actual dog clothing such as sweaters or tiaras.  Rather, a clothing item in the Essential category will likely be something like snow boots or a raincoat.  We'll see how it goes! 

Have a good night, y'all!