Editor’s Note -- from Tammy

Happy Holidays and special thanks for your support this past year.

Philanthropy makes the heart grow! I have been blessed with wonderful rescue dogs throughout my life… six years ago we adopted Mr. Figgliggy “aka Finnigan,” who turned 17 years old on November 11th.

Sadly, we lost our sweet 12-year-old, sunshine gal, Pixie, from cancer at the end of February this year, just three short years after we adopted her on February 7th, 2012. Both Finnigan and Pixie helped heal our broken hearts after our beloved senior gal Casey passed away at Christmas in 2011. I miss Pixie terribly but know that she had three fabulous years with us and lived out her final years in an affectionate, playful and loving home with us.

Since saying goodbye to Pixie left such a huge, painful hole in my heart, I moved forward and adopted two more Bichon Frise gals in the Spring – six-year-old Lilly and seven-year-old Tilly! We are blessed with so much dog love in our house. Please know that you will never regret adopting an older dog. They have so much love to give and years of life to share with you. ‘Tis the season to make a donation to a rescue organization near and dear to your heart.

It’s so important to support organizations that save dogs from kill shelters and abusive or neglectful homes and work to help rehabilitate them so they can be adopted by loving, caring families. All dogs deserve to live out their lives in a safe environment with love and affection. This year we have added Thank Dog I Am Out Dog Rescue Society to our list of charities to support. Many of these groups, such as Paws for Hope, also work tirelessly to stop the retail sale of animals in pet stores, all of which come from puppy mills.

Shelters and groups do such wonderful, heartwarming work and are in need of your help. Donations of dog food, blankets and towels are always needed and if you can find it in your heart, and your wallet, to make a cash donation, it will be gratefully accepted.

If you are looking for an organization to support and want a recommendation, please call or e-mail us for further information and suggestions.

Happy holidays -- give your doggies a big hug and kiss and tell them how much you love them every day.

Cheers,
Tammy Preast -- Alpha Dog
Love on a Leash Trusted Dog Care Services

Thanks for Visiting Santa Paws!

As always, Santa Paws Comes to Town was a lot of fun. It was wonderful to see familiar faces come back year after year because they love our seasonal display plus the quality of our photos, and our totally pawsh doggy gift bags chock full of goodies thanks to Tisol Pet Supply & Nutrition, Love on a Leash Trusted Dog Care, Modern Dog magazine and The Sequoia Restaurant Group. Siegel’s Bagels provided lots of goodies for the humans to enjoy along with their hot mulled cider and RubyC and her amazing team at Modern Romance Photography really did a fabulous job with their on-site photography and printing of the photos. 


Volunteers went above and beyond the call of duty, taking great care of the hundreds of dogs, six cats, five bunnies and a hedgehog who came through to help us celebrate the true meaning of the holiday this year... GIVING! Our own adorable 17-year-old Bichon guy, Finnigan, even made it out to see Santa again this year and we donated $1,000 to Thank Dog I Am Out Dog Rescue Society today.

The eight raffle prize winners were:

Debbi & JiaJia

Tisol Gift Baskets

• Teisha Focker and Max the Golden Doodle
• Bruce & Pat Cox & Ralph the ShebaInu Mix
• Tony Castellanos & Tigi the Cat
• Debbi King and JiaJia the Sheltie 
• Cindy Padgham and Koma-Inu the ChowChow
• Jesse Roberts and Cartman and Lucy the Greyhounds

Love on a Leash Grand Prize Winners:

• Sabrina Cornish Shartau and Liam the Terrier cross (at right) won the $260 small dog basket donated by Love on a Leash
• Doreen Lang and Sam the Golden retriever mix and Molly the Border Collie mix won the $350 large dog basket donated courtesy by Love on a Leash

See all the fun on our Facebook page where you’ll see all the photos by Modern Romance who just knocked it right out of the park. This is a very sharp and professional outfit. They are an award-winning, full-time photo and video studio based in Vancouver, BC. “A team of passionate photographers and videographers; we shoot in photojournalist style with a traditional touch and love to capture anything from pets to weddings.”

Ruby is a photographer who loves dogs. Cedric loves them too, along with all kinds of other animals, and bugs. Both are avid scuba divers who love the aquatic flora and fauna. Having trained with military dogs, worked at a pet store, and volunteered for animal-welfare activities, they then embarked on the exciting and fulfilling world of pets and animal photography.

They not only have the patience of working with animals, but also an understanding of developing a connection with them, and capturing their special moments in a good light.

Together with their devoted team, keen instincts, and an impeccable eye(s) for detail, they will ensure that you and your beloved pets look fabulous.

Holiday Dog Cookie Recipe: Salivatin’ Cinnamon Apple Nips

“Now the furry little apple of your eye will have yet another reason to love you.”  From Cooking the Three Dog Bakery Way by Mark Beckloff & Dan Dye, Broadway Books, New York.

Apples and whole oats are sweetened with a touch of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon will definitely get your pooch’s full ears-up attention.  They make a great reward for your pup just for being so darn cute!

Salivatin’ Cinnamon Apple Nips

1 cup all-purpose flour1 cup quick rolled oats1 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. cinnamon½ cup canola oil1/3 cup honey2 eggs1 cup cored & diced apple 

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Grease two baking sheets with nonstick vegetable spray.

Stir together the flour, oats, baking powder & cinnamon in a bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, stir together the oil and honey until well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring to combine. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and stir to form a smooth dough.  Fold in the apples.

Drop the dough by the rounded teaspoonful, 1.5 inches apart, on the baking sheets.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden.

Cool to room temperature before serving.

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or wrap well and freeze for up to two months.  (Thaw before serving.)

Holiday Season Tips From A Professional Pet Sitter

Tis the Season when we dog sitters become inundated with last minute requests for pet sitting. Please keep pet sitting requirements in mind when you are making your vacation plans. I highly recommend you book peak vacation times (Christmas, Spring Break, Easter, etc.) as far in advance as possible to ensure your favorite sitter is available to care for your pooch.

Before you go away on your next business trip or family vacation, remember to speak to your family vet and forward an “Absent Owner Consent” form or ensure you have filled out the one we keep on file at Love on a Leash. In the event of an emergency your wishes will be met and your pet will receive proper care administered immediately.

• The following list helps ensure your dog receives the best of care while you are away:
• Ensure all your dog’s daily requirements will be met – food, water, medication, walks, kisses and hugs.
• Inform your family vet you are away and who your pet sitter will be.
• Discuss your pet’s current health concerns with your vet & your wishes regarding the care of your pet while you are away.
• Ensure your pet-sitter has the following information:  your contact information, vet contact details, pet emergency preferences, and adequate supply of medications & full disclosure of your dog’s health history & concerns, plus financial information for emergencies.

Remember that all pet sitters are not the same. Ask for references and credentials. Ideally your pet sitter should be licensed with the city they are working in, as well as bonded and insured. Your pet sitter should be certified in pet first aid and belong to a professional organization such as Pet Sitter’s International or the All Canadian Pet Sitters Network. Also, your sitter should have a web site posting information and rates in a professional and concise manner.              

As an accredited pet sitter, I can tell you that we take our job seriously and will do everything in our power to ensure your dog’s stay with us is as comfortable, safe, fun & loving as possible for your dog.

At Love on a Leash we truly adore our doggy clients and they love us right back!  Drop by our web site to see what our customers are saying.

All I Want for Christmas... Great Gifts for Your Dog this Christmas

Who can resist an adorable little sweater or coat for their dogs? And don’t all dogs adore treats? This Christmas I will give my kidlets sweaters and coats (really for me) and treats and toys (really for them) from a variety of wonderful retailers in Vancouver and around the Lower Mainland who offer such a fabulous selection of fun, adorable and unique things for your pooch.


1) A new dog bed is always the perfect gift. Bowser dog beds, available at Bowwow Haus and Tisol, are super stylish and contemporary beds made of upholstery-grade micro-velevet fabrics in dozens of fabric options. Durable, comfortable, completely washable and best of all, Canadian made! Another option for stylish, snuggly, well made dogs beds is Bailey & Bella, also available at Tisol locations.

2)  “RC Dog Boots Pawks,” “Canada Pooch Wellies” and “Paws” booties to protect your dog’s precious paws. When it gets cold, these little boots save your precious doggys’ feet from the salt and chemicals used to de-ice the sidewalks. “Paws” reusable and disposable booties look like balloons, and do the job of protecting tender tootsies as do Pawks designed for both indoor and outdoor use by RC Pets. Pawks are doggy socks with non-slip pads for better traction indoors, ideal for older pets who scramble on hardwood, while their Sport Pawks are meant for  outdoor use and are rubber coated for traction & protection. Tisol and Bowow Haus both carry a selection of this doggy footwear.

3) Slip a most “pupular” peanut butter personalized stocking cookie, wrapped and ready to go with a gift tag, into your dog’s stocking. Three Dog Bakery has been capturing the hearts and tummies of people and their canine companions since 1989. All baked goods are carefully crafted to ensure the best quality for your loyal friend. They are known for fresh-baked personalized celebration cakes, as well as a variety of gourmet goodies in the display case, plus packaged dog treats and cookies like Roll Over Rewards, Classic Cremes, Be-gals & Biscuits to name a few, sure to make your dog sit up & beg. This dog bakery always gets two paws up! Locations in Vancouver and Port Moody.

4) Barking Babies in Yaletown has the best selection of “High Fashion-Haute Couture” coats and sweaters in the city. For the ooh-La-La and wow factor head over to Barking Babies for cashmere sweaters by Louis Dog, around the world fashion ensembles by Touchdog, leather jackets by Hip Doggy and NHL Sports Jerseys. If you are out in the Fraser Valley, pop by Waldo & Tubbs in Fort Langley for a great selection of holiday print sweaters for your pooch by Tug’O’War. Their “tacky” holiday sweaters are truly adorable! Looking for more affordable sweater options for your pooch this season? Check out Tisol’s Grandview Highway location.

5) Ellen Ho, of Hong Photography, has made a name for herself as one of Vancouver’s premier pet photographers because she is amazing at capturing your beloved dog on film! Ellen not only has a huge soft spot in her heart for dogs, but she is also a certified trainer and a pet sitter, too, and would love to help you capture your beloved pooch as an everlasting keepsake. Gift certificates are available. Contact her at ellenho@hong-photography.com

6) Vancouver company, RC Pet Products, carried at Tisol & BowWow Haus
Stores throughout Vancouver, manufacture one of the best selections of functional and stylish canine outerwear for dogs of all sizes. Puffy vests and raincoats protect your pet from inclement weather while looking great with styles aptly called “West Coast Rainwear,” “Yaletown Slicker” and “Robson Rainwear” and many are fleece lined or PVC coated and are waterproof which is mandatory on the West Coast. We are partial to their newest fabric, Pink Buffalo Plaid! Their matching leashes and collars come in a spectacular assortment of eye catching colors and patterns which are fun, fashionable and affordable. While shopping at Tisol, you can stock up on their excellent assortment of packaged treats and goodies to stuff your dogs’ stocking at reasonable prices!

7) Dogs love squeeky toys and Lambchop is still one of the favorites out there. Tisol amd Bowwow Haus have plush versions of “Lambchop” Toys. Bigger dogs need tougher toys – try the Kong Brand of toys guaranteed to survive your dog’s rough play, available at Tisol. Plush puzzle toys that engage your dog's natural instincts to search, stalk and capture are de rigueur. Find a selection of these toys available at Bowwow Haus and help challenge and develop your dog’s problem solving skills while keeping them entertained for hours. Pork, beef or chicken sandwich anyone?  Bowwow Haus Broadway has a great selection of cute toys waiting to stuff your pooches holiday stocking. Finally, award-winning, durable PrideBites dog toys come in a variety of fun designs & they float, making them an ideal toy for dogs who love water. Available at Bowwow Haus on East Broadway.

8) Fruitables “Love life Together.” Calorie Smart Dog Treats are 100 per cent natural containing delicious, healthy ingredients like pumpkin, banana, apple, cranberry, organic oatmeal, pearl barley, cinnamon and molasses, plus their newest line of amazing jerky style treats, too. Blue Dane Treats is another Canadian company highly regarded by dog aficionados. All treats at Bowwow Haus Broadway are corn, soy & wheat free with most treats in stock sourced locally. The Tucker Chicken Breast Jerky is new to them and already a big hit with the pooches. A great little stocking stuffer for your pooch. These treats are available at Woof, Tisol, Bowwow Haus and Barking Babies in Vancouver & Uptown Dawg Spa in Port Moody.

9) Designed especially for dogs, Vancouver designed & manufactured, ZUKA Pooch collar jewellery uses only the best quality Swarovski crystals, Czech glass and pewter components. ZUKA Pooch Charms are available in two styles, paw print or clusters of cute doggy charms, and are purely fun for the fashionista in your pooch. These delightful sparkly collar charms sell for $10. ZUKA Pooch is for the dog about town, one who loves to stand out and be noticed.

10) One last doggy jacket we can highly recommend as a big favorite is Teckelklub’s designs. Easy to put on, great quality and made locally here in Vancouver. Jackets are fully waterproof and the fleeces are cuddly warm for the cold and wet days of West Coast winter.

Santa Paws is Coming to Town!

Love on a Leash Trusted Dog Care is pleased to host a dog-friendly fundraiser with net proceeds donated to Thank Dog I Am Out, Saturday & Sunday, Dec 5th and 6th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Tisol on Grandview Highway.

Renowned pet photographer, RubyC, of Modern Romance Photography will be on hand to capture professional portraits of beloved pets with Santa Claus himself, amid a winter wonderland backdrop, complete with festive holiday décor and a pooch friendly Santa on his throne.

The two days will feature delectable baked goods and mulled cider for the humans and lots of doggy treats and socialization for the pooches while raising funds & awareness for this amazing local animal rescue organization.  Special gift bags to the first 75 photos each day, a raffle with great prizes to help raise funds, and lots of “mixing and  mingling” to get you into the holiday spirit. $20.

Holiday Safety Tips for Your Pet

The holidays are a joyous time. Sadly it can also be a dangerous time for our pets. A little preparation can go a long way to making your home holiday ready for your canine pals.

The biggest safety hazard consistently witnessed by pet sitters during the holidays is a pet’s access to dangerous materials in the home that can be easily ingested. Other hazards are electrical appliances left on in the home, a pet’s access to dangerous plants, holiday food and decorations and issues related to weather.

Here are some of the most frequently recommended holiday cautions for pets:

• Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty scraps, bones from pork and poultry, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and other sweets and candies can be harmful or toxic to pets.
• Pine tree water can be poisonous, so be sure to cover open tree stand bases. The tree should be secure to the wall with strong wire or twine because a toppling tree can cause serious injuries to dogs and cats.
• Keep these poisonous holiday plants away from pets: the berries of the mistletoe, holly, hibiscus, Christmas roses and the poinsettia.
• Many holiday decorations are hazardous to pets. If decorations are not pet-friendly, keep them, as well as lights, out of a pet’s reach.  House fires increase considerably during holidays.
• Remember, the most common pet-related emergency that occurs over the holidays is the consumption of human pharmaceuticals. Make sure all prescription and non-prescription drugs are safely stored.

What to Look for in a Dog Care Provider: Tips From A Professional Pet Sitter

A pet sitter is an invaluable contact in a dog lover’s life. Not just anyone is qualified to care for your precious pooch. Your dog is a living being and looking after him or her is not anywhere near the same as looking after someone’s home or garden or plants while they are away. This is something we keep near the top of our minds at all times at Love on a Leash. Your pets -- our clients! -- are precious. And as with many areas, not all dog-related services are on the market. We visited some, then put together some information on what to look for in a dog sitter and basic qualifications every pet sitter should have under their belt.
Please keep pet sitting requirements in mind when you are making your vacation plans. The good pet services fill up fast! I highly recommend you book peak vacation times (Christmas, Spring Break, Easter, Long Weekends, etc.) as far in advance as possible to ensure your favorite sitter is available to care for your pooch!

Before you go away on your next business trip or family vacation, remember to speak to your family vet and forward an “Absent Owner Consent” form or ensure you have filled out the one we keep on file at Love on a Leash.  In the event of an emergency your wishes will be met and your pet will receive proper care administered immediately.

In addition, the following list will help ensure your dog receives the best of care while you are away:
• Ensure all your dog’s daily requirements will be met – food, water, medication, walks, kisses & hugs.
• Inform your family vet you are away and who your pet sitter will be.
• Discuss your pet’s current health concerns with your vet & your wishes regarding the care of your pet while you are away.
• Make sure your pet-sitter has the following information:  your contact information, vet contact details, pet emergency preferences, adequate supply of medications and full disclosure of your dog’s health history and concerns, plus financial information for emergencies.

Remember that all pet sitters are not the same.  Ask for references and credentials.  Ideally your pet sitter should be licensed with the city they are working in, as well as bonded & insured.  Your pet sitter should be certified in pet first aid and belong to a professional organization such as Pet Sitter’s International or the All Canadian Pet Sitters Network and your sitter should have a website posting information and rates in a professional and concise manner.    
           
As an accredited pet sitter, I can tell you that we take our job seriously and do everything in our power to ensure your dog’s stay with us is as comfortable, safe, fun and loving as possible for your dog.

At Love on a Leash we truly adore our doggy clients and they love us right back!

Pet Safety Guide

Though I certainly love MY pets more than bottled water and coffee combined, I have to admit I was a little surprised to read it goes way, way beyond me. From Expertise.com:

In total, Americans spend more than $50 billion per year on pets, mostly on food and health costs. That’s more money than what’s spent on coffee and bottled water combined! In the midst of all that care and cost, many pet owners don’t think to look to the risks that exist for their pets in their own home. If you love your pet enough to invest in their care in so many other quarters, you shouldn’t let the space they spend their days be the thing that could cause them harm.

With that in mind, Expertise.com has created an extensive Pet Safety Guide. Check it out for advice to keep your furry friend out of harms way.

The Expertise.com Pet Safety Guide is here.