tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82042394290222542732024-03-14T03:57:46.256-04:00(over)budget pet"You have exceeded your monthly budget for Pet."Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-42197531547849686782014-01-06T12:07:00.000-05:002014-01-08T13:51:20.439-05:00$40.00 [Kurgo Wander Bed]We have one of each type: a "hot" dog (<a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html"><b>Betelgeuse</b></a>) who wants to sprawl out on a cold hard floor and a "cold" dog (<a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html"><b>Lulu</b></a>) who is constantly looking for somewhere soft to curl up and snooze. Traveling with our hot dog is easy -- she'll sleep anywhere -- but we needed a good compact travel bed for the cold dog.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4Zh7WbOd40/Usv5jLIVj4I/AAAAAAAAC2Y/8OJRBN_iAeY/s1600/kur-082_1z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4Zh7WbOd40/Usv5jLIVj4I/AAAAAAAAC2Y/8OJRBN_iAeY/s1600/kur-082_1z.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A few years ago, we purchased the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003L760IU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003L760IU&linkCode=as2&tag=overbudgepet-20">Kurgo Wander Bed</a>
(Medium, <b>$40.00</b>), and it's gone everywhere with us since then. Two features make it different (and better) than most of the other travel dog beds on the market:<br />
- It rolls up like a sleeping bag, secures with velcro, and has a handle, and<br />
- It has a waterproof bottom, and it's thick enough to stay warm even if the ground is cold.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zW87-zPlTKI/Usv5wMjf3UI/AAAAAAAAC2g/-ziHyglur2g/s1600/kur-082_2z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zW87-zPlTKI/Usv5wMjf3UI/AAAAAAAAC2g/-ziHyglur2g/s1600/kur-082_2z.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Great for camping, for car rides, and for visiting family and friends where dogs are not allowed on furniture -- a rule my dogs cannot even begin to comprehend. We're in Vermont now, and the Wander Bed is a nice place for both pups to get comfy in an otherwise bare-bones room where they can't get up on the beds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlQ05FngJcc/Us2E9J0uF9I/AAAAAAAAC2w/JSaPpNj8vbQ/s1600/IMG_8336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlQ05FngJcc/Us2E9J0uF9I/AAAAAAAAC2w/JSaPpNj8vbQ/s1600/IMG_8336.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because even our "hot" dog needs a warm bed in Vermont during the Polar Vortex of 2014. It is -14 degrees Fahrenheit outside!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A bonus for us: even the medium size is big enough for everyone (two dogs and a human baby).<b> $40.00 </b>for a solidly constructed dog bed for the perfect mammal pile!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-52881911654591950512012-09-01T17:41:00.000-04:002012-09-01T17:41:00.601-04:00$0.02 [Toxoplasmosis]Cat butts on door knobs. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtH7KzJhuGM/T1ENRiQpkWI/AAAAAAAACao/6Oo3_vRAeQ4/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtH7KzJhuGM/T1ENRiQpkWI/AAAAAAAACao/6Oo3_vRAeQ4/s320/IMG_0880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I see photos like this, I can't believe I didn't test positive for a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasmosis"><i>Toxoplasma</i></a> infection. I have had ample opportunity to become infected. One life could not possibly have been filled with more cat poop.<br />
<br />
I requested a toxoplasmosis screening test from my doctor because, wait for it, I'm pregnant! Yep, we're expecting a little human sibling for <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lola.html"><b>Lola</b></a>, <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html"><b>Betelgeuse</b></a> and <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html"><b>Lulu</b></a> in less than six weeks.<br />
<br />
If the tests results were positive, it would have meant previous exposure and immunity, so the baby and I would not be at risk for contracting toxoplasmosis <i>during</i> my pregnancy. (A first exposure to toxoplasmosis during pregnancy = <a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/toxoplasmosis">really really bad news</a>.) But I tested negative, so I have spent most of this year being ever vigilant in fighting feline fecal matter. Lola may not carry <i>Toxoplasma</i>, but this is another one of those better-safe-than-sorry pregnancy rules. <a href="http://gastrobubbie.wordpress.com/">Kyler</a> had to assume full responsibility for scooping the litter box and all cat and dog poop from the backyard (<a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2011/11/000-world-wide-litter-box.html">Lola's actual litterbox</a>), which, I'll admit, hasn't been so bad for me. But I also had to be careful when spending time in the backyard or gardening -- no fun -- and extremely diligent in cleaning surfaces in our apartment. Because, let's face it, when you live with a cat, cat poop can be anywhere. See photo above. The proof is in the pudding/the cat butt on the door knob.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-30850960135962175852012-08-30T16:57:00.000-04:002012-08-30T17:04:09.549-04:00$11.00 [A Dog Toy the Size of Your Dog]<a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html"><b>Betelgeuse</b></a> has (finally) fully recovered from <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2012/08/42825-hemorrhagic-gastroenteritis.html">last week's sickness</a>. Thank you for your get well wishes!<br />
<br />
* * * <br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, we shared a room at <a href="http://www.lq.com/lq/index.jsp">La Quinta Inn</a> in Virginia Beach, Virginia with my brother, his lovely girlfriend, and their dog, <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2012/01/rigel.html"><b>Rigel</b></a>. My puppy nephew has gotten so big!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72ZFMFcdZtU/UD_VDqZiOII/AAAAAAAACnA/VtWxk3hC-Lk/s1600/Rigel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72ZFMFcdZtU/UD_VDqZiOII/AAAAAAAACnA/VtWxk3hC-Lk/s400/Rigel.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Rigel had this big plush squeaking bunny dog toy that he just loved. He would squeak it, shake it, hold it, hump it. I had never thought to get my little dogs such a big toy, but it was super cute to see Rigel and a Rigel-sized bunny locked in an embrace. So on our way out of town, I stopped into a pet store to purchase Betelgeuse her own big plush squeaking bunny. Only this pet store didn't sell big plush squeaking bunnies, so I got her a big plush squeaking blue dog instead.* She loves it, guys.<br />
<br />
And so now we have three dogs (<b>$11</b>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ib_OZMgYSIM/UD_QUZccQgI/AAAAAAAACmY/z9yr9pvqWqw/s1600/dogrug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ib_OZMgYSIM/UD_QUZccQgI/AAAAAAAACmY/z9yr9pvqWqw/s320/dogrug.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">* I can't for the life of me find a link to the blue dog on the Internet. It is difficult to come up with Google search terms for a dog toy that is also a dog. Let me know if you come up with anything.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-30424669098621823822012-08-23T21:00:00.000-04:002012-08-23T21:51:05.190-04:00$428.25 [Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis]Despite my love for them, my animal companions are constantly trying to find new and more costly ways to die.<br />
<br />
In the last 48 hours, <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html"><b>Betelgeuse</b></a>, my three-year old 12 lb. spitz, came down with a case of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, more affectionately known by those in the field as "HGE." I would rank this death attempt in second place behind last year's <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2011/08/29000.html">rat poison consumption</a>.<br />
<br />
Spoiler Alert: Betel is feeling much better now. (Not all dogs are so lucky, RIP <b><a href="http://www.hemorrhagicgastroenteritis.com/">Ansel</a></b>.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQv5gNW8d8s/UDbWNMQbu_I/AAAAAAAAClU/3-mqTr6cttw/s1600/IMG_4693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQv5gNW8d8s/UDbWNMQbu_I/AAAAAAAAClU/3-mqTr6cttw/s320/IMG_4693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><b>Our timeline: </b></u><br />
<i>00:00 Hours</i>. Out of nowhere, Betelgeuse threw up her dinner in our bed. We cleaned it up. Then she threw up in the bed again. And again. And then on the floor. And then again. <br />
<br />
<i>08:00 Hours</i>. We woke up for the day, although I'm not sure that we actually slept. For every sip of water Betelgeuse would take, she would throw up three times. <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html"><b>Lulu</b></a>, our control variable, was fine. Kyler and I reluctantly went to work. I checked in on Betel every hour or so on the <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2011/12/4000-animal-cam.html">webcam</a>. <br />
<br />
<i>16:30 Hours</i>. Kyler got home from work. Betel refused to eat anything, including tasty things like cooked chicken.<br />
<br />
<i>18:30 Hours</i>. I got home from work. Betel drank some water and threw up several times. And then she had bloody diarrhea. For those of you new to animal companions or stumbling on this page from a Google search, <b>in the event of bloody diarrhea, seek veterinary care immediately</b>.<br />
<br />
<i>19:00 Hours</i>. At the vet. Blood work (<b>$35.00</b>) and x-ray (<b>$145.00</b>). X-ray was fine, but blood work revealed an elevated hematocrit level, which is how Betel got her HGE diagnosis. She was given subcutaneous fluids for dehydration (<b>$45.00</b>), a cerenia injection (anti-nausea medicine) (<b>$47.00</b>), and a famotidine injection (an H<sub>2</sub> blocker, which decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach) (<b>$35.00</b>). We were told to monitor her overnight, and we made a follow-up appointment in the morning for additional blood work and more subcutaneous fluids.<br />
<br />
<i>32:20 Hours</i>. More bloody diarrhea, right outside the vet's office. I took a picture of it with my iPhone to show the vet, which offended my husband. I will spare your eyes and not post it here, but you can <a href="mailto:overbudgetpet@gmail.com">email me</a> <span class="text">if you want to see it. (And I know that some of you want to see it since "bloody diarrhea" is the search term that brought you here. Note that in my email response to you, I will advise you to seek veterinary care immediately.)</span><br />
<br />
<i>32:30 Hours</i>. At the vet again. Blood work (<b>$35.00</b>) and subcutaneous fluids (<b>$45.00</b>). Betel's hemocrit level was lower, although still slightly elevated. The vet said she could be treated on an outpatient basis and gave us medication for the next several days -- cerenia (anti-nausua) (<b>$25.00</b>) and flagyl (antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain
parasites/anti-diarrheal) (<b>$16.25</b>). Kyler and I played with Leo the ferret and stunk for the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncAB_EQnenE/UDbW15CB4nI/AAAAAAAAClc/tU9csB4jzJg/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncAB_EQnenE/UDbW15CB4nI/AAAAAAAAClc/tU9csB4jzJg/s320/IMG_4732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>34:00 Hours</i>. Betelgeuse ate boiled chicken and white rice. I decided to work from home. Betel proceeded to sleep all day. No vomit. No diarrhea. <br />
<br />
<i>41:00 Hours</i>. She retrieved a ball from somewhere and tried to get me to play. When I refused on account of work, she groomed Lulu. She was clearly feeling better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-le4SW6EDAaU/UDbcQ_3axEI/AAAAAAAACl4/u-nELSPS-uc/s1600/B+and+L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-le4SW6EDAaU/UDbcQ_3axEI/AAAAAAAACl4/u-nELSPS-uc/s320/B+and+L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>42:00 Hours</i>. She ate more boiled chicken and white rice with no adverse side effects. She got her first at-home doses of the cerenia and flagyl.<br />
<br />
<i>45:00 Hours.</i> We are still waiting on a bowel movement from Betel. And in the meantime I decided to blog about HGE in case any other pet owners out there are faced with these same sudden, inexplicable gastrointestinal symptoms.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * </div>
<br />
<u><b>Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis ("HGE")</b></u><br />
<b>Symptoms:</b> Sudden, profuse vomiting,
bloody diarrhea, anorexia, depression. Elevated hemocrit levels in blood, but no fever and a normal
white blood cell count.<br />
<b>Causes:</b> Uncertain. <br />
<b>Contagious:</b> No.<br />
<b>Treatment: </b>Intravenous fluid therapy to replace lost fluid volume. Symptomatic treatment of vomiting and diarrhea. Antibiotics targeting <i>C. perfringens</i>.
<br />
<b>Level of seriousness:</b> The progression of HGE is so rapid that hypovolemic shock and death can occur within 24 hours if untreated. Mortality is high in untreated dogs. Less than 10% mortality with treatment.<br />
<b>Recurrence: </b>10-15% of cases will recur.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * </div>
<br />
We could have saved $145 if we turned down the x-ray, but at that point I wasn't sure that Betelgeuse hadn't eaten something weird that was lodged in her intestines. I wasn't sure of anything. But whatever. With the help of our <a href="http://www2.vhvetgroup.com/">trusty veterinarian</a>, and for a mere <b>$428.25 </b>(ugh.), we thwarted another death attempt and can rest easy. For now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-28690142119786829852012-08-19T18:43:00.000-04:002012-08-23T19:58:55.917-04:00$12.50 [Wagatha's Organic Dog Biscuits]My childhood dog, <b>Patches</b>, would go nuts over <a href="http://www.milkbone.com/products/originalbiscuit">Milk Bones</a>. He liked them so much that it made me want to taste them just to see what all the fuss was about <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiaZXUmxWzw/UDQF6uhEEFI/AAAAAAAACiI/xH74GJqlsgA/s1600/Milk+bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiaZXUmxWzw/UDQF6uhEEFI/AAAAAAAACiI/xH74GJqlsgA/s200/Milk+bone.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
<br />
Do you know what my current dogs <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html"><b>Betelgeuse</b></a> and <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html"><b>Lulu</b></a> will do if you offer them a Milk Bone? They either (1) sniff at it and refuse to accept it at all or (2) take it in their mouths and then spit it out -- yes, they will open their mouths and let the Milk Bone fall right off their tongues. And it's always some well-meaning small business owner or family friend offering the Milk Bone, so it's just embarrassing that my spoiled little Brooklyn dogs are so unapologetically, <i>Thanks, but no thanks, we're too good for a Milk Bone</i>.<br />
<br />
New York did the same thing to <a href="http://gastrobubbie.wordpress.com/">my husband's</a> and my taste buds, but we will graciously accept and eat the bland boxed mashed potatoes you offer us and then complain about them later when we're alone. We don't refuse or spit them out. In any event, we're supposed to have refined tastes because we're human.<br />
<br />
So what is the (over)budget pet version of a Milk Bone, then? Easy -- it's <a href="http://www.wagathas.com/biscuits/coconut-grove-biscuit-16-oz-bakery-bag.html">Wagatha's Coconut Grove Organic Dog Biscuits</a> (<b>$12.50</b> for 16 oz.). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hY9UZr7cuv4/UDQJNI4VUDI/AAAAAAAACiU/Ec-ynYdSGkY/s1600/coconut16_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hY9UZr7cuv4/UDQJNI4VUDI/AAAAAAAACiU/Ec-ynYdSGkY/s200/coconut16_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
These wheat-free bone-shaped biscuits are made with human-grade certified organic ingredients, including coconut and tart cherries. My dogs love these things! Wagatha's biscuits also come in <a href="http://www.wagathas.com/biscuits/little-bites-coconut-grove-8-oz-bag.html">Little Bites</a> (<b>$7.00 </b>for 8 oz.) and in a <a href="http://www.wagathas.com/biscuits.html">host of other flavors</a>, big and little, none of which Betel and Lu have tried.<br />
<br />
I like to give each pup a biscuit or half a biscuit when I leave for work in the morning. It's a little routine we've developed that seems to make my daily departure easier on all of us. Betel and Lulu used to stand right by the door, holding onto a final hope that I was not in fact going to work but rather was about to grab the leashes so we could all go somewhere awesome together. And then I would close the door in their little doggie faces. Now, they settle down happily on the rug with a biscuit as I leave. Sure, Milk Bones would be cheaper, but these two are worth every penny of that <b>$12.50</b>.<br />
<br />
Bon appétit!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-37367365906501348952012-05-05T17:39:00.000-04:002012-08-23T20:15:16.071-04:00$0.02 [Happy Adopt-irthday, Lulu!]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Cinco de Mayo marks the one-year anniversary of our official adoption of <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html">Lulu</a></b>.<br />
<br />
It
took us months of fostering to decide whether to keep her, and now we
cannot imagine a life without her.<br />
<br />
Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone! And now, some of the many faces of Lu...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GroPvV97KUM/UDa7rCs3UFI/AAAAAAAACjA/Kyqc_4VhX9Q/s1600/IMG_4353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GroPvV97KUM/UDa7rCs3UFI/AAAAAAAACjA/Kyqc_4VhX9Q/s320/IMG_4353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGFwv1Ah-ms/UDbBFwK8KlI/AAAAAAAACkg/0OrgSn-TUL0/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGFwv1Ah-ms/UDbBFwK8KlI/AAAAAAAACkg/0OrgSn-TUL0/s320/IMG_3057.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4qHew4LcdA/UDa-qAKU1OI/AAAAAAAACj4/l-DS9Q-SBLQ/s1600/P1100282_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4qHew4LcdA/UDa-qAKU1OI/AAAAAAAACj4/l-DS9Q-SBLQ/s320/P1100282_2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0wMafLAuYU/UDa7xNuBTAI/AAAAAAAACjQ/nUNVQNS9Hpo/s1600/IMG_4154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0wMafLAuYU/UDa7xNuBTAI/AAAAAAAACjQ/nUNVQNS9Hpo/s320/IMG_4154.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rkTUVn0OO_g/UDa7vdiA93I/AAAAAAAACjI/umjd9r_N75E/s1600/IMG_4436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rkTUVn0OO_g/UDa7vdiA93I/AAAAAAAACjI/umjd9r_N75E/s320/IMG_4436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dT6MxmStqp8/UDa-uJiVkaI/AAAAAAAACkA/fXexVxtAPP0/s1600/IMG_3817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dT6MxmStqp8/UDa-uJiVkaI/AAAAAAAACkA/fXexVxtAPP0/s320/IMG_3817.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGH8M3EGZAI/UDbBCUq6i8I/AAAAAAAACkQ/eF3vog4a1Sc/s1600/IMG_0969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGH8M3EGZAI/UDbBCUq6i8I/AAAAAAAACkQ/eF3vog4a1Sc/s320/IMG_0969.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwJdNntyRes/UDa-vBLGZAI/AAAAAAAACkI/PWNh6qUt1pc/s1600/IMG_4135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwJdNntyRes/UDa-vBLGZAI/AAAAAAAACkI/PWNh6qUt1pc/s320/IMG_4135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m12KHZr1nr4/UDbBIMPw11I/AAAAAAAACko/IXqcL_Ug9No/s1600/IMG_2945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m12KHZr1nr4/UDbBIMPw11I/AAAAAAAACko/IXqcL_Ug9No/s320/IMG_2945.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvS_sNWNWBY/UDbBDgkCyiI/AAAAAAAACkY/RlBMZWUeK9Q/s1600/IMG_3345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvS_sNWNWBY/UDbBDgkCyiI/AAAAAAAACkY/RlBMZWUeK9Q/s320/IMG_3345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrLd_O3CCt0/UDbBKTYxDLI/AAAAAAAACkw/Ji2wvyPLmPI/s1600/IMG_2454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrLd_O3CCt0/UDbBKTYxDLI/AAAAAAAACkw/Ji2wvyPLmPI/s320/IMG_2454.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-er2SnABe02c/UDbBNQZTXRI/AAAAAAAACk4/V7Zy4U3TrlI/s1600/IMG_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-er2SnABe02c/UDbBNQZTXRI/AAAAAAAACk4/V7Zy4U3TrlI/s320/IMG_1283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-25382998297981742642012-03-12T12:00:00.000-04:002012-03-12T12:22:44.473-04:00$0.02 [Happy Birthday, Betelgeuse!]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html">Betelgeuse</a></b> is three years old today!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJgolUOFFwc/T11pnFyYZZI/AAAAAAAACbU/6sCgwSH35k0/s1600/2009-07-25+10.31.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJgolUOFFwc/T11pnFyYZZI/AAAAAAAACbU/6sCgwSH35k0/s320/2009-07-25+10.31.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is actually unbelievable. Little Betel Bailey with her puppy years well behind her. She's turned out to be such a great dog, a friend to all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXxncUtXZtc/T11qMkBZuCI/AAAAAAAACbc/3AHavPTTGqo/s1600/IMG_2818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXxncUtXZtc/T11qMkBZuCI/AAAAAAAACbc/3AHavPTTGqo/s320/IMG_2818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy Birthday, Bebe! And don't think I forgot -- I've got a <a href="http://www.wag.com/dog/p/lazy-dog-the-original-happy-birthday-pup-pie-274268?site=CI&utm_source=cse&utm_medium=cpc_W&utm_term=LDC-015&utm_campaign=googleproductsearch&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=LDC-015">Lazy Dog Happy Birthday Pup-PIE</a> (<b>$8</b>) in my bag for you and <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html"><b>Lulu</b></a> to share tonight when I get home from work. <3Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-48603574048473271692012-03-11T22:43:00.002-04:002012-03-11T22:45:07.932-04:00$0.02 [Happy Birthday, Lola!]My sweet little orange lady cat <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lola.html"><b>Lola</b></a> is nine years old today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5JZL_Lx3P_o/T11hjoDA1GI/AAAAAAAACa0/Epobnn1YlMM/s1600/2003-06-20+Lola+Cutie+Pie+Pink+Collar+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5JZL_Lx3P_o/T11hjoDA1GI/AAAAAAAACa0/Epobnn1YlMM/s320/2003-06-20+Lola+Cutie+Pie+Pink+Collar+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8UusX5HLFM/T11hv_p2qmI/AAAAAAAACa8/zSrkiT3wRUI/s1600/2003-06-16+Sleeping+Lolita+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8UusX5HLFM/T11hv_p2qmI/AAAAAAAACa8/zSrkiT3wRUI/s320/2003-06-16+Sleeping+Lolita+022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We built a fort / put a cardboard box on the floor to celebrate the big zero nine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdKCApDEQDY/T11h4UvxIFI/AAAAAAAACbE/n3pNjalN95o/s1600/IMG_2501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdKCApDEQDY/T11h4UvxIFI/AAAAAAAACbE/n3pNjalN95o/s320/IMG_2501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy Birthday, Lola. We love you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-77319161124282639172012-03-02T13:08:00.000-05:002012-03-02T13:08:08.388-05:00$4.50 [Collars]Collars. The mark of domestication.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7K0-QaBh36Y/T1DYUfLXZPI/AAAAAAAACZM/ZzeuRuMrVwU/s1600/red+dingo+collar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7K0-QaBh36Y/T1DYUfLXZPI/AAAAAAAACZM/ZzeuRuMrVwU/s320/red+dingo+collar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I
gave collars a lot of thought during our recent vacation in Costa Rica.
There were dogs everywhere -- running loose in the streets (or on the
sidewalks), sleeping outside in shady spots, or hanging out in most bars
and restaurants. The only thing that distinguished these domesticated
dogs from their feral cousins: collars. Some wore traditional collars,
others just wore bandanas or swatches of fabric, but they all wore some
type of collar. No tags, no leashes, just collars. Collars alone won't
prevent the pup from getting lost or help him get home in the event he's
found, but they're just a pretty effective way to signal that this dog
is no stray, he's got a human.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTpkgbn50yA/T1D0WH70htI/AAAAAAAACZU/4VBXPkkkC0Y/s1600/IMG_3065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTpkgbn50yA/T1D0WH70htI/AAAAAAAACZU/4VBXPkkkC0Y/s320/IMG_3065.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This
is a dog who came to visit our villa at Playa Avellanas. His human was
nowhere in sight, but we knew there was a human somewhere because -- yep
-- collar. He refused to cross the threshold into the villa. (We later
learned that while dogs in Costa Rica are valued for their protection of
people and property, they generally are not thought of as members of
the family and are often not even allowed in the house.)<br />
<br />
I always keep a collar on my cat <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lola.html"><b>Lola</b></a>.
She even has a bald ring around her neck from where her collar rubs. It
serves as a vehicle for her tags in case she gets lost, plus it's cute.
She currently sports a <a href="http://www.reddingo.com/products/cats/collars/classics/">Red Dingo Classic Cat Collar</a> (<b>$4.50</b>) in dark blue, pictured above. It looks almost purple against her orange fur. That little plastic fish clasp kills me. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>A quick tip: </b> When choosing a cat collar, you may be tempted
to look at the selection for small dogs, but a breakaway collar is very
important -- cats get into tight spots and the breakaway collars
prevent Mr. Cuddles from getting snagged somewhere or, much worse,
asphyxiated.<br />
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiPGz53D6Ws/T1D1lE3U2cI/AAAAAAAACZc/J2a_wGXXEIk/s1600/IMG_2395.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiPGz53D6Ws/T1D1lE3U2cI/AAAAAAAACZc/J2a_wGXXEIk/s320/IMG_2395.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8mqHrFwCTg/T1D11eIIWUI/AAAAAAAACZo/Xb78tEF-4Uo/s1600/IMG_0066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8mqHrFwCTg/T1D11eIIWUI/AAAAAAAACZo/Xb78tEF-4Uo/s320/IMG_0066.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AFNzAMQXhI/T1D22nsot1I/AAAAAAAACZw/fHvep30d1sg/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AFNzAMQXhI/T1D22nsot1I/AAAAAAAACZw/fHvep30d1sg/s320/IMG_1861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lola used to wear a <a href="http://www.coastalpet.com/products/product_output.php?Item_Number=7001">Coastal Pet Products Safe Cat Adjustable Breakaway Collar</a> (<b>$6</b>)
in light green, which you can see if you click on her name in the above paragraph. I
love that these collars say "Safe Cat" -- it brings to mind images of
animals in flotation vests or wearing crossing guard uniforms. The light green Safe
Cat collar was retired because after several years part of the clasp
broke. <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/kitty.html"><b>Kitty</b></a> wore one in orange, which is in <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2011/08/9800.html">her urn</a> with her ashes (sentimental much, AEB?) <br />
<br />
My pups <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html"><b>Betelgeuse</b></a> and <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html"><b>Lulu</b></a>
usually do not wear traditional collars. They used to wear them all the
time, but they have such full Pomeranian-esc manes that the tight
collars end up matting their fur. These days they wear bandanas instead,
and their tags are on their harnesses when we go out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vG6q286m3O4/T1D4fwQrRlI/AAAAAAAACaE/SZKiAYSjU5Q/s1600/IMG_6178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vG6q286m3O4/T1D4fwQrRlI/AAAAAAAACaE/SZKiAYSjU5Q/s320/IMG_6178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylrLM4pkPn4/T1D4Jkcy0uI/AAAAAAAACZ4/7yqnOM3YUOs/s1600/IMG_3056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylrLM4pkPn4/T1D4Jkcy0uI/AAAAAAAACZ4/7yqnOM3YUOs/s320/IMG_3056.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SecgCOkktdU/T1D4-pp8AfI/AAAAAAAACaM/qZyeexga6fA/s1600/IMG_5499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SecgCOkktdU/T1D4-pp8AfI/AAAAAAAACaM/qZyeexga6fA/s320/IMG_5499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWEDZQ6adlA/T1EJMfTEBlI/AAAAAAAACag/4pQ4E8xnDrg/s1600/IMG_3242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWEDZQ6adlA/T1EJMfTEBlI/AAAAAAAACag/4pQ4E8xnDrg/s320/IMG_3242.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In case you had a question, yes, in that last photo, Betelgeuse is wearing a bandana featuring a
sexy marijuana leaf in a bikini (an <a href="http://andrewjeffreywright.com/">Andrew Jeffrey Wright</a> creation that came into my possession in Baltimore). I came home from work the other night to discover that <a href="http://gastrobubbie.wordpress.com/">Kyler</a>
had accessorized the dogs. If she gets lost wearing this bandana,
people will know she is domesticated and that has a human (or two), but
I assume they might re-think giving her back to us. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-3570232842276217842012-02-28T17:29:00.003-05:002012-02-28T17:34:22.646-05:00$20.00 [Don't buy me this.]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwW46NjJrNo/T01LIu4q7sI/AAAAAAAACYw/baYsO9_UqE8/s1600/butt" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwW46NjJrNo/T01LIu4q7sI/AAAAAAAACYw/baYsO9_UqE8/s320/butt" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you didn't already know, I HATE shit like this. This being a dog butt towel holder (<b>$20</b>). I will not validate this product with a link, although I should give credit to <a href="http://www.pawesome.net/2012/02/butt-seriously-dog-end-towel-holder/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Pawesome+%28Pawesome%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Pawesome</a>, which is where I stumbled across this terrible thing.<br />
<br />
Nobody buys this sort of crap for themselves. It's always a gift from someone else, and then you (you usually being ME) end up with a dog butt towel holder in your apartment. Maybe you actually put it up on your wall because the gifter is a regular guest in your home or maybe it's hidden away in a box until enough time has passed that you don't feel guilty anymore when you donate it to Goodwill.<br />
<br />
Well, here is a tip for the next time you are shopping for an animal lover: <b>Do not buy her anything with a dog butt on it.</b> She has too much interaction with dog butts already, so it's just not funny. The same goes for cat butts. Someone actually bought me cat butt magnets (<b>$5</b>) in the past. I don't speak to this person anymore -- not on account of the cat butts, but I should have taken that as a warning sign.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_rJCWJtg0c/T01MghRSdGI/AAAAAAAACZA/PHuhLzeJbGI/s1600/stickers" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_rJCWJtg0c/T01MghRSdGI/AAAAAAAACZA/PHuhLzeJbGI/s320/stickers" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
These cat butt stickers are currently out of stock on most websites. This post is already too little too late.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-15437159185402619062012-02-23T11:55:00.003-05:002012-02-23T11:55:58.637-05:00$5.95 [Cloud Star Soft & Chewy Buddy Biscuits]The humans and animals were reunited yesterday following the humans' return from Costa Rica. And this particular human immediately commenced with guilt-induced post-vacation spoiling of said animals. (Yes, this is different from my normal non-guilt-induced everyday spoiling of said animals.)<br />
<br />
For the cat: I gave <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lola.html"><b>Lola</b></a> a good brushing with the <a href="http://www.furminator.com/hairball-solutions/tools">Furminator</a> (<b>$32</b>), which she loves. She just rolls around on the floor meowing while I remove enough fur to construct a second Lola. I did not, however, give Lola any treats because she's got a weigh-in at the vet on Saturday, and she's looking a little plumper following her week with the cat sitter. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_6a_ubiwm8/T0ZozJcrj0I/AAAAAAAACYM/_jDh8ccu0qA/s1600/photo%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_6a_ubiwm8/T0ZozJcrj0I/AAAAAAAACYM/_jDh8ccu0qA/s320/photo%281%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lola trying to break in to the Costa Rican beer and coffee.</span></div>
<br />
For the dogs: I took <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html"><b>Betelgeuse</b></a> and <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html"><b>Lulu</b></a> on a long early morning walk today, and we stopped by <a href="http://unleashbrooklyn.blogspot.com/">Unleash Brooklyn</a> and picked up some <a href="http://www.cloudstar.com/prodcat/soft-and-chewy-buddy-biscuits.asp">Cloud Star Soft & Chewy Buddy Biscuits</a> in the most junk-foodie flavor of all, <a href="http://www.cloudstar.com/prodcat/soft-and-chewy-buddy-biscuits.asp">Bacon & Cheese Madness</a> (<b>$5.95</b> for 6 oz.).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RN8WXU1YuxM/T0ZpSUeBMyI/AAAAAAAACYU/GnwupUdHA3A/s1600/buddybiscuits" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RN8WXU1YuxM/T0ZpSUeBMyI/AAAAAAAACYU/GnwupUdHA3A/s320/buddybiscuits" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cloud Star treats are great. They're all natural and my somewhat picky dogs love them, and, if that wasn't enough, the company donates at least 10%
of its net profits to
non-profit organizations that benefit animals, women, children, and the
environment. [Cloud Star also makes <a href="http://www.cloudstar.com/prodcat/grooming-items.asp">grooming products</a> that we've never tried but that have received positive reviews online.] The dogs got treats in exchange for doing all the tricks in their repertoires -- which it turns out equals a lot of treats.<br />
<br />
And then we commenced excessive cuddling on the couch, while the other human in the clan, <a href="http://gastrobubbie.wordpress.com/">Kyler</a>, got ready for work. His vacation is over, but I have another few days before I return to land of the law firm, and I plan to make the most of it by spending all my time and money on the creatures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0vGgGUj_Zk/T0Zsj2PhN6I/AAAAAAAACYc/gLUlBK33ymg/s1600/photo%283%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0vGgGUj_Zk/T0Zsj2PhN6I/AAAAAAAACYc/gLUlBK33ymg/s320/photo%283%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJZv0H0yky0/T0Zsnhdr8fI/AAAAAAAACYk/zH7rV_OZbSE/s1600/photo%284%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJZv0H0yky0/T0Zsnhdr8fI/AAAAAAAACYk/zH7rV_OZbSE/s320/photo%284%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-995258182772836572012-02-14T17:00:00.000-05:002012-02-14T17:00:03.372-05:00$150.00 [Animal Vacations]Note: A version of this post may have previously shown up in your RSS feed, although it was deleted from this blog. If so, please excuse the re-post.<br />
<br />
* * * * *<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By the time this post goes live, <b>(1) </b>the human members of the clan will (finally) be in Costa Rica, and <b>(2)</b> it will be the right time to wish you a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY from us here at (over)budgetpet! ♥♥♥<br />
<br />
We're missing the animals, especially on this day celebrating love, but the three creatures are currently enjoying alternate vacation accommodations better suited to their tastes than Costa Rica.<br />
<br />
Our dogs <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html"><b>Betelgeuse</b></a> and <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html"><b>Lulu</b></a> are vacationing in Long Island with <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/icky.html"><b>Icarus</b></a>. Long walks and romps in nature, cuddling, treats, etc. They love getting out of the city, and they love Icky and his humans. I dropped them off on Saturday in Long Island, and they were not the least bit sorry to see me go. Since then, I got word that Icky harnessed his inner wolf and took down a deer while my glorified dog-cats relaxed inside.<br />
<br />
Our cat <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lola.html"><b>Lola</b></a> is staycationing at our apartment in Brooklyn with the cat sitter. I am paying the cat sitter $150 to sleep in my bed -- and this is a good deal in New York. I scattered Lola's catnip toys around the house since the dogs aren't here to chew them up and break them open, and she's been having a blast. She's spending Valentine's Day high as a kite on catnip and purring her little heart out.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what this blog will look like during the remainder of our trip. Maybe a guest post or two? Maybe a photo of me hangin' with monkeys? In any event, Happy Valentine's Day and best wishes from the rainforest. And until the next time my wallet opens for an animal who needs a home or a cute outfit, some portraits of my crew:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JDysvhNzxA8/TzmV0HIBIjI/AAAAAAAACXw/QkxDU89wyQU/s1600/IMG_2818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JDysvhNzxA8/TzmV0HIBIjI/AAAAAAAACXw/QkxDU89wyQU/s320/IMG_2818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7la3ajCfmxU/TzmV16qiqvI/AAAAAAAACX4/OlUnbf7aruk/s1600/IMG_2980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7la3ajCfmxU/TzmV16qiqvI/AAAAAAAACX4/OlUnbf7aruk/s320/IMG_2980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVz1srk2De8/TzmV4OMgmdI/AAAAAAAACYA/p_fdUk2CTbs/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVz1srk2De8/TzmV4OMgmdI/AAAAAAAACYA/p_fdUk2CTbs/s320/IMG_3057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Easy St, Los Pargos, Costa Rica10.226747929013509 -85.83600997924804710.21112192901351 -85.855750979248043 10.242373929013509 -85.816268979248051tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-80700130154973086672012-02-01T16:24:00.000-05:002012-02-01T16:24:42.300-05:00$0.02 [Puppy Fight Club]1st RULE: You do not talk about FIGHT CLUB.<br />2nd RULE: You DO NOT talk about FIGHT CLUB.<br />3rd RULE: If someone says "stop" or goes limp, taps out the fight is over.<br />4th RULE: Only two dogs to a fight.<br />5th RULE: One fight at a time.<br />6th RULE: No shirts, no shoes.<br />7th RULE: Fights will go on as long as they have to.<br />8th RULE: If this is your first night at FIGHT CLUB, you HAVE to fight.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="369" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bQ5fAnar5wI?rel=0" width="500"></iframe></div>
<br />
If I didn't already have a billion useless tags, I would tag this "Helena Bonham Carter."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-84333571045422866892012-01-31T16:17:00.000-05:002012-01-31T16:18:42.698-05:00$499.99 [iPad]I've blogged about the iPad (<b>$499.99</b>) before, but some new uses for the device have come to light in recent days.<br />
<br />
It turns out that not only can my dog <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html">Betelgeuse</a></b> use the iPad to FaceTime with cat cousin <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/future-cat.html">Future Cat</a> </b>[post <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2011/09/49999.html">here</a>], she can also use it to FaceTime with Future Cat's new puppy brother, <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2012/01/rigel.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Rigel</a>. It shrinks the 700+ miles between Brooklyn, New York and Columbia, South Carolina to almost nothing. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/business/ieconomy-apples-ipad-and-the-human-costs-for-workers-in-china.html">Human</a> and <a href="http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/apple-electronics-and-environmental-ills/">environmental</a> costs aside, the results couldn't be cuter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-IYYb33o6s/TyhSJGfq1pI/AAAAAAAACWc/mjKLDutB3Yc/s1600/IMG_2642.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-IYYb33o6s/TyhSJGfq1pI/AAAAAAAACWc/mjKLDutB3Yc/s400/IMG_2642.PNG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Betelgeuse: Seriously, Rigel, you gotta try the cat food.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What else is the iPad good for? Well, it makes a great puppy length and width measuring device.</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNhu5guVdxE/TyhUm0tuWGI/AAAAAAAACWk/DHduacTjPwM/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNhu5guVdxE/TyhUm0tuWGI/AAAAAAAACWk/DHduacTjPwM/s400/photo+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Yes, he's smaller than an iPad.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For measuring puppy weight, however, the iPad won't help you. You'll still have to use a traditional scale. I would recommend using the biggest scale you can find.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0ANt0HFNyA/TyhU6eoLO2I/AAAAAAAACWs/FLCHNyUz7SY/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0ANt0HFNyA/TyhU6eoLO2I/AAAAAAAACWs/FLCHNyUz7SY/s400/photo+(3).JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">2.9 lbs. of cute.</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-22772308681659278242012-01-31T14:53:00.000-05:002012-01-31T16:21:17.821-05:00$9.99 [World's Biggest Bully Stick]This past weekend was a busy one for the clan. We had a rotating cast of house guests [when don't we?], and Sunday was a day full of fun homebrew events [have I told you that my <a href="http://gastrobubbie.wordpress.com/about/">S.O.</a> is both an animal lover AND an <a href="http://gastrobubbie.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/brooklyn-brewsers-holiday-party-homebrew-alley-6/">award-winning brewer</a>?].<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I digress. After all, this isn't a blog about humans, it's a blog about the money this human spends on animals. And although I almost made it to the end of the month, I officially exceeded January's pet budget by buying a gift for our canine house guest, <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/icky.html">Icarus</a></b>. What did I buy that broke the threshold? A <a href="http://www.bestbullysticks.com/home/bbs/page_27/full_bully_stick_cane_28_36_inches.html">Full Bully Stick Cane, 36"</a> (<b>$9.99</b>).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BjqqNpIku8E/Tyg9hLhlBJI/AAAAAAAACVo/HwF-YXcj8O4/s1600/th2_36_Inch_Bully_-_72_ppi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BjqqNpIku8E/Tyg9hLhlBJI/AAAAAAAACVo/HwF-YXcj8O4/s320/th2_36_Inch_Bully_-_72_ppi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Full Bully Stick Cane is so much bigger than your average bully stick -- in fact, a full 30" bigger than your average bully stick. And for just under $10.00, it's a pretty good deal on a cost-per-inch basis. Oh man, it's the best joke. After I bought the Bully Stick Cane at <a href="http://www.petontherun.com/">Pets On the Run</a>, I carried it home like it was my royal staff -- yes, I'm the kind of royalty that proudly parades large intimate parts of bull carcasses around the five boroughs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Bully Stick Cane was (literally) a big hit with Icarus. The first thing he did was grab one end of the stick with his mouth and jump up on the recliner, almost knocking over the lamp with the other end of the stick. I was delighted. Then he got down to business, really stinking up the living room.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQtO9UvTILA/TyhC4XBafzI/AAAAAAAACWM/gw7JrDBjgn8/s1600/IMG_2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQtO9UvTILA/TyhC4XBafzI/AAAAAAAACWM/gw7JrDBjgn8/s320/IMG_2591.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
A boy and his magic pipe. <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html">Lulu</a></b> wanted in on the action, too. She eventually had the Bully Stick Cane all to herself -- it was nearly three times her body length. Her radiant happiness (and filthy mane, featuring bits of the bully stick) was captured by <a href="http://www.justineure.com/">Justin</a> in the photo below. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--qpAMKBVjh0/TyhDOITeIuI/AAAAAAAACWU/ZNCl0fTSB78/s1600/P1090529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--qpAMKBVjh0/TyhDOITeIuI/AAAAAAAACWU/ZNCl0fTSB78/s320/P1090529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lulu was also featured chewing on the Bully Stick Cane in a raw, uncut horror movie filmed by Justin at our apartment. Release date T.B.A. Leave your kids at home.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-22995747964919351152012-01-28T18:29:00.000-05:002013-04-30T14:30:35.416-04:00Rigel<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Introducing the newest member of my extended animal family!</div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccuLlJNiqSQ/TySBhoz4T0I/AAAAAAAACU8/WE_h5HG7TPM/s1600/IMG_2634.JPG"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccuLlJNiqSQ/TySBhoz4T0I/AAAAAAAACU8/WE_h5HG7TPM/s400/IMG_2634.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Name:</b> Rigel<br />
<b>Alias: </b>Little Piggy, Piggy, Markus, Pomegranat, Wau Wau, Puppy Boy<br />
<b>DOB: </b>11/18/2011<br />
<b>Genus/species:</b> Canis lupus familiaris<br />
<b>Breed: </b>Small Spitz or Pomeranian<br />
<b>Color: </b>Black and white parti<br />
<b>Sex:</b> Male<br />
<b>Weight:</b> Close to 13 lbs.<br />
<b>Likes:</b> Little pink tennis ball, sleeping in the bed, collecting and carrying more
than one stick, his bunny toy (he <i>really</i> likes the bunny toy), the park in his Columbia, South Carolina neighborhood, Mum and Dad
and <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/future-cat.html">Future Cat</a><br />
<b>Dislikes:</b> Medicine (heart-worm or ear drops), wearing a seat belt in the
car, honking noises, loud noises, getting his paws touched, the grooming place<br />
<b>Special Facts:</b> He fell asleep while eating.<br />
<br />
Rigel is my puppy nephew. This little spitz was adopted by my brother, Wayne, and his wife, Eva, on January 28, 2012, when Rigel was just a little over two months old and weighed barely two pounds. He had been surrendered by a backyard breeder and taken in by a rescue organization in Ocala, Florida. I found him on Petfinder and sent the link for Rigel to my brother with text "Baby Betel." Wayne and Eva couldn't say no to this face.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zajhIMp76E/TyMcpGCnW5I/AAAAAAAACUk/R3Ol64GkC2s/s1600/Rigel02.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zajhIMp76E/TyMcpGCnW5I/AAAAAAAACUk/R3Ol64GkC2s/s320/Rigel02.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
And now he's a part of our (growing) animal family. He is currently living with Wayne, Eva, and <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/future-cat.html">Future Cat</a> in Columbia, South Carolina.<br />
<br />
Rigel was named after the brightest star in the Orion constellation -- Orion's left foot. For the non-astrologic among you, my dog <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html">Betelgeuse</a> was named after the second brightest star in Orion -- the Hunter's right shoulder (or armpit, depending on who you ask). The two pups clearly share a common ancestor, so it is natural that they would be named for stars on opposite sides of Orion's Belt.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOWePdHOHbk/TyMbHqDvizI/AAAAAAAACUU/8Ru6mOHZrj8/s1600/orion.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOWePdHOHbk/TyMbHqDvizI/AAAAAAAACUU/8Ru6mOHZrj8/s320/orion.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm officially a puppy aunt and couldn't be more excited. Expect TOO MANY posts about Rigel in the coming years as he grows up.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZHB68kPK7E/TySCNOoojHI/AAAAAAAACVE/0HyCoaX039U/s1600/IMG_2631.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZHB68kPK7E/TySCNOoojHI/AAAAAAAACVE/0HyCoaX039U/s320/IMG_2631.jpg" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-72672286229978222652012-01-26T14:14:00.000-05:002012-01-26T14:18:07.851-05:00$7.99 [Lamb Chop]<a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2012/01/1399-ware-scratch-n-television.html">I nailed it again</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1H5XXwgjyuE/TyF6DWnjFYI/AAAAAAAACSk/sRz6xRiRKWM/s1600/lamb+chop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1H5XXwgjyuE/TyF6DWnjFYI/AAAAAAAACSk/sRz6xRiRKWM/s400/lamb+chop.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
<br />
Lamb Chop (<b>$7.99</b>), purchased at <a href="http://unleashbrooklyn.blogspot.com/">Unleash Brooklyn</a>. Think she's <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2011/11/1647-chewed.html">just another sheep toy</a>? Think again. <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html">Betelgeuse</a></b> went completely nuts for her. Squeaking her, carrying her around the apartment. It's unclear whether it was love or love to hate, but either way, Betel was really into her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPlrSanfTGc/TyF6R3Ki2aI/AAAAAAAACSs/mdoYTF41CMg/s1600/IMG_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPlrSanfTGc/TyF6R3Ki2aI/AAAAAAAACSs/mdoYTF41CMg/s320/IMG_1994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jRySzP89pE/TyGDCowzQDI/AAAAAAAACS8/cdPZta7hcFw/s1600/IMG_1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jRySzP89pE/TyGDCowzQDI/AAAAAAAACS8/cdPZta7hcFw/s320/IMG_1936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/icky.html">Icarus</a></b><span style="text-align: center;">, who visited while Lamb Chop was in rotation, also went nuts for the little puppet. Icky even took her out in the backyard to toss her around. Unfortunately, Icky also ate some cat poop while he was in the backyard tossing her around, so poop-stricken Lamb Chop ended up in plastic bag quarantine pending a trip to the lau</span>ndromat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Js1FwW0B4mg/TyGm3BWdiGI/AAAAAAAACUM/udteLpLe_Ug/s1600/Plastic_bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Js1FwW0B4mg/TyGm3BWdiGI/AAAAAAAACUM/udteLpLe_Ug/s320/Plastic_bag.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
After Lamb Chop was washed and dried, she went back into the dog toy box. Betel dug through the box, scattering other plush toys and chew toys to the side, to retrieve Lamb Chop.<br />
<br />
Some more squeaking. Some more carrying her around. And then the most amazing thing that can happen to a dog . . . Betel punctured Lamb Chop's exterior and out came some stuffing. Her eyes lit up. I wish you all could have been there. Betel was just totally manic -- squeaking and pulling out stuffing and throwing Lamb Chop around. The more stuffing that came out of the toy, the happier Betel became. She made the same little Joker face that she makes when she sees a Frisbee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KnwgM6rkLL4/TyGKGLeCYmI/AAAAAAAACTs/vYYsX2ST6XU/s1600/peensy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KnwgM6rkLL4/TyGKGLeCYmI/AAAAAAAACTs/vYYsX2ST6XU/s320/peensy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then even <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html">Lulu</a></b>, who only plays with toys secretly and rarely squeaks them, got in on the action once the stuffing was out -- pouncing on Lamb Chop and biting and squeaking her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EhCEGsTnzvg/TyGIDLIZaWI/AAAAAAAACTU/-RsSVFWjSK4/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EhCEGsTnzvg/TyGIDLIZaWI/AAAAAAAACTU/-RsSVFWjSK4/s320/IMG_2559.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://gastrobubbie.wordpress.com/">Kyler</a> aptly observed, "I hope they never actually get a hold of something dead."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5g3HGGa8qW4/TyGKtLaGIMI/AAAAAAAACT8/RZEsXlfXVqs/s1600/IMG_2553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5g3HGGa8qW4/TyGKtLaGIMI/AAAAAAAACT8/RZEsXlfXVqs/s320/IMG_2553.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So true.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-41684122465984475562012-01-25T16:30:00.000-05:002012-01-25T16:30:34.721-05:00$43.00 [Paw Pads v. NYC Sidewalk Slush]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcAlJumrRfM/TyA9H0LTzVI/AAAAAAAACQw/mxR666ZUB7s/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcAlJumrRfM/TyA9H0LTzVI/AAAAAAAACQw/mxR666ZUB7s/s320/IMG_0320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Below freezing temperatures and snow this weekend -- a brief interlude from our otherwise unseasonably warm winter weather. As circumstances would have it, we were also dog sitting the rescued Peruvian Hairless puppy, <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/cheska.html">Cheska</a></b>, during the weekend's winter storm.<br />
<br />
My understanding is that it gets quite cold in at least certain regions in Peru, but maybe the hairless dogs weather the inclement weather (pun <u>intended</u>) in a warm cave deep in the Andes. Cheska was NOT made for the snow. Even a full-body onesie + coat is not enough to stop her from shivering and protesting any outdoor activities. Ever watched a puppy stage a full-on poop strike? Poor Cheska.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZVnAZEKNXE/TyA9TXrqoYI/AAAAAAAACQ8/-_sW-N397bo/s1600/IMG_2376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZVnAZEKNXE/TyA9TXrqoYI/AAAAAAAACQ8/-_sW-N397bo/s320/IMG_2376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Poor poor Cheska.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjIxi-AXStk/TyA9aYbeC9I/AAAAAAAACRE/fIRBXHHWdbo/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjIxi-AXStk/TyA9aYbeC9I/AAAAAAAACRE/fIRBXHHWdbo/s320/IMG_2505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My dogs, <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html">Betel</a></b> and <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html">Lulu</a></b>, come with their own fur coats...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXfnBKiYD9A/TyA9lB6vEeI/AAAAAAAACRM/XlVq7oBPtBY/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXfnBKiYD9A/TyA9lB6vEeI/AAAAAAAACRM/XlVq7oBPtBY/s320/IMG_1770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just not their own boots. They do fine walking through snow, but if it's slush (or even better, special NYC sidewalk slush, which is mixed with salt and chemicals to become SUPER cold), the pups spend our "walk" hopping on three legs while trying to defrost a frozen paw in their mouth. And even after all the slush has melted, the lingering salt and de-icing chemicals on the sidewalk can irritate their paw pads and cause dryness and painful cracking. There are two products in my arsenal that help protect the bubs' paws in winter:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>[1]</b> <a href="http://musherssecret.net/">Mushers Secret</a> (<b>$14 </b>for 60 grams), which is a wax that forms a semi-permeable shield on the pups' paws to protect them from snow (including ice build-up between paws), salt, chemicals, grit, rough terrain, and other paw pad irritants. Apply once a week or more often. All three pups had their paws waxed this weekend.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAz1_qvT_iQ/TyBaPpueRCI/AAAAAAAACRc/j1MDLUkM9Hs/s1600/musherswax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAz1_qvT_iQ/TyBaPpueRCI/AAAAAAAACRc/j1MDLUkM9Hs/s200/musherswax.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>[2]</b> <a href="http://pawzdogboots.com/">Pawz Natural Rubber Dog Boots</a> (<b>$14</b> for X-Small, i.e., Lu, <b>$15 </b>for Small, i.e., Betel), which are disposable (but reusable!), biodegradable waterproof dog boots. They're thick rubber balloons that slide right on the pups' feet. They come in seven sizes (from <a href="http://pawzdogboots.com/size-chart/">"Tiny" to "X-Large"</a>) and there are twelve boots to a package. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfK7sL7EW1s/TyBcQJjPM3I/AAAAAAAACRk/uAPWFDOo4HM/s1600/pawz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfK7sL7EW1s/TyBcQJjPM3I/AAAAAAAACRk/uAPWFDOo4HM/s200/pawz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The dogs walk funny when you first put them on (videos of Betelgeuse from last winter in our old apartment below) but then they forget they're even wearing them. They don't need Pawz on every snowy or icy walk -- these boots are made for those terrible slushy days or if you're going to be out for a long time in the cold. As a bonus: these boots protect their paws from even coming into contact with salt, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea when licked. Yuck.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw8Fw15e0sXu1knZZ20GHuGlWvhxrA6hdgFRHn32-ISoGrR1hZ8sDTfUQJDtuAJP5SumMXQiMzqrvY_LOHh' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxIj1QxIY56_lO08iz8qgLKjkYNvQSlOYc9hr2LOXMD96o41yp6jUfZ0ooreq8lwd4ynndeSn8Y1mrHxW1Z' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
After our one frozen weekend, we're back to sunny skies and mild temps in New York. So I've stored these winter goods again. If you don't already own Mushers Secret wax or Pawz boots, you may want to hold off on buying -- they may be rendered obsolete by global warming.<br />
<br />
I'm sure Lulu won't mind.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWuSDfMu0ho/TyA9rh2PiVI/AAAAAAAACRU/JZMamrTggCQ/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWuSDfMu0ho/TyA9rh2PiVI/AAAAAAAACRU/JZMamrTggCQ/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-82238849666777109472012-01-18T18:44:00.000-05:002012-01-24T20:57:52.302-05:00$99.00 [Found My Animal Rope Leashes]<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leash upgrade! </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rq2_g4_1mdY/TxcMz9H-kJI/AAAAAAAACP4/_ETw5O-ZVb4/s1600/leash+chair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rq2_g4_1mdY/TxcMz9H-kJI/AAAAAAAACP4/_ETw5O-ZVb4/s320/leash+chair.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blew the remainder of my January pet budget on new leashes for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html">Betelgeuse</a></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html">Lulu</a></b>. Their old leashes were frayed and nasty because we like to "drop the leash" and let the dogs run free at parks and on back streets and the <a href="http://www.nywaterway.com/IndiaSt-Greenpoint.aspx">India Street pier</a> at night. So for 2012 (and thereafter), I invested in two seriously awesome durable leashes made right here in Brooklyn.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://foundmyanimal.com/">Found My Animal</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>leashes are made out of all-weather, UV-resistant marine-grade rope (the rope is handmade by professional New England rope-makers). The ropes are hand-spliced to withstand thousands of pounds of pull -- in case I need to walk a GIANT Pomeranain -- and, for added durability, the ends are "whipped" (an old nautical term) -- i.e., NO MORE FRAYING! The metal hardware is all marine-grade as well, and the leashes are hand- and machine-washable.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rbuw9liPoWo/TxcNJJazO-I/AAAAAAAACQA/haK2TMu1B40/s1600/img-thing.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rbuw9liPoWo/TxcNJJazO-I/AAAAAAAACQA/haK2TMu1B40/s1600/img-thing.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://foundmyanimal.com/">Found My Animal</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>makes both a standard and adjustable version of its rope leash. I like the adjustable leash, which has two solid brass o-rings and two solid bronze clips. The adjustable leash is more expensive than the standard one but offers a lot of versatility. You can change the length of it when using it as a hand-held leash, meaning one leash does the job of two: make it short for walks on narrow NYC sidewalks or long for strolls through the woods. You can also hook it around your waist, over your shoulder, or across your chest, so on cold nights, you can keep your hands in your pockets or around your hot cocoa. Running into a coffee shop? Quickly clip your pup to a fence, tree or post, and don't worry about the security of your knot<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i>untying the knot with a coffee cup in your hand. You can even clip your dogs to each other (a great joke).</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NlsWy7Q8Mo/TxcLTrX_MPI/AAAAAAAACPg/ClbTV-5Dnzk/s1600/leash+uses.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NlsWy7Q8Mo/TxcLTrX_MPI/AAAAAAAACPg/ClbTV-5Dnzk/s320/leash+uses.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The leashes come in a variety of thicknesses from S (1/4") to XL (1/2"), which you select from based on the weight of your pooch. I like the look of the thick rope leashes, but that would be too much leash for Betel and Lu.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Betel, the Adjustable, Hand-Spliced Rope Leash (solid brass + natural rope), 7 ft., size S (1/4" rope diameter), <b>$56</b>, purchased from <a href="http://unleashbrooklyn.blogspot.com/">Unleash Brooklyn</a> during an all-day Saturday stroll around Greenpoint and Williamsburg -- it's been so unseasonably warm this winter, and we've been taking advantage of it.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_apm9n_3JY/TxcLZPqh6iI/AAAAAAAACPo/37TExp8TN2w/s1600/betelleash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_apm9n_3JY/TxcLZPqh6iI/AAAAAAAACPo/37TExp8TN2w/s320/betelleash.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Lulu, the Adjustable, Hand-Spliced, 100% Recycled P.E.T. Rope Leash (solid blass + black rope), 7 ft., size S (1/4" rope diameter),<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>$43</b>, purchased from<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.ps9pets.com/">PS9 Pet Supplies</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>on the same stroll. The recycled P.E.T. rope is lighter than the natural rope for the smaller pup, although the brass hardware is still a bit heavy for such a petite creature.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n609yY_dOjc/TxcLdJ6vh_I/AAAAAAAACPw/SmoDFy7TMZM/s1600/blash+leash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n609yY_dOjc/TxcLdJ6vh_I/AAAAAAAACPw/SmoDFy7TMZM/s320/blash+leash.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These leashes seem a bit pricey, but they also seem like they will last. We've gone through quite a few cheaper standard nylon leashes -- they end up frayed, knotted, and filthy. My 2012 philosophy: pay more, but buy it just once. These leashes are beautiful, high-quality, and locally made and purchased. If that's not enough: Found My Animal <a href="http://foundmyanimal.tumblr.com/">does so much for rescued animals</a>. And lest you forget who was rescued...</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh9CrI98xcE/TxccfTDvaWI/AAAAAAAACQc/YRMqxsDEgiw/s1600/IMG_2241.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh9CrI98xcE/TxccfTDvaWI/AAAAAAAACQc/YRMqxsDEgiw/s320/IMG_2241.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh man. Lulu.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-60002083276109803992012-01-16T09:54:00.000-05:002012-01-16T09:54:57.800-05:00$39.00 [In almost every picture #9]<div class="tr_bq">
A book that is not in my library but that should be: <a href="http://www.bruil.info/book-in-almost-every-picture-9">In almost every picture #9</a> (<b>$39</b>). I have a thing for all-black-everything dogs and cats <u>and</u> photographs of animals (other people's and my own), so a collection of found family photographs of a black dog who never quite finds his light is sort of my dream book.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyTahvndl5M/TxQ2-Eg2xqI/AAAAAAAACPI/pl5ILv2vfGM/s1600/cover_in_almost_every_picture_9_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyTahvndl5M/TxQ2-Eg2xqI/AAAAAAAACPI/pl5ILv2vfGM/s320/cover_in_almost_every_picture_9_0.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.kesselskramerpublishing.com/">In almost every picture #9</a><br />
Collected & Edited by Erik Kessels. Text by Christian Bunyan.<br />
Color / back & white, 122 pages, soft cover.<br />
A review and slideshow <a href="http://www.lensculture.com/kessels_2">here</a>.<br />
<br />
The description:<br />
<blockquote>
In almost every picture #9 is the latest addition to the long running series of found photography. This time around, we are presented with the peculiar story of one family's attempts to photograph its black dog. "Attempts" being the operative word. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Unfortunately, their camera's limitations mean that the canine appears, time after time, as only a vague black blob. The all black dog shape is seen posed in all kinds of domestic situations, usually with his owners as part of a tableaux of homely contentment. But while these contexts make it clear that the silhouetted pooch is an integral part of this family's life, it's equally clear that there's no situation capable of providing the requisite amount of light.</blockquote>
I should have put this on my wishlist <i>before</i> Christmas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-85538067920114303972012-01-10T10:59:00.000-05:002012-01-10T13:42:18.768-05:00$30.00 [Doggie Daycare]I dropped the pups off this morning at doggie daycare at <a href="http://unleashbrooklyn.blogspot.com/">Unleash Brooklyn</a>. Doggie daycare is such a New York thing -- if you don't live in New York and you're reading this, you are correct in thinking that New York dog owners are crazy. Our dogs wear clothes and have birthday parties and <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2011/11/5447-happy-halloween.html">parades</a>; they ride the subway, <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2011/12/002-holiday-gift-guides.html">get their photos taken with Santa</a>, <a href="http://g.co/maps/jpq43">go out to bars with us</a>, and attend doggie daycare. Welcome to New York.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html">Betelgeuse</a></b> used to attend doggie daycare twice a week as a puppy, but she has less energy now and she also lives with her favorite playmate in the world (who she can play with for free), <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html">Lulu</a></b>. Lulu lived at Unleash for awhile when she was first rescued and pregnant. (<a href="http://doghabitat.org/">Dog Habitat Rescue</a> operates out of Unleash Brooklyn, so many of the rescues spend their first few days or weeks there before they are fostered or adopted.) Lulu doesn't really enjoy daycare -- she seems to think of Unleash as a homeless shelter -- we're not dropping her off for daycare, we're leaving and never coming back. She was particularly dramatic about being dropped off this morning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5Aut5v79zI/TwoHoS0UYCI/AAAAAAAACKU/9lXVgWxhIRA/s1600/272677_241740575852934_192543954105930_980980_91127_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5Aut5v79zI/TwoHoS0UYCI/AAAAAAAACKU/9lXVgWxhIRA/s400/272677_241740575852934_192543954105930_980980_91127_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In any event, whatever their feelings, I like for Betel and Lulu to attend doggie daycare at least once a month -- usually during a super busy week when we have less time to exercise them. This week is one of those weeks. <a href="http://gastrobubbie.wordpress.com/">Kyler</a> left the apartment even earlier than me this morning -- today is the first day of his life as a celebrity brewer (more on that at another time).<br />
<br />
Daycare is great! The socialization with new dogs and people is good for our pups, and after a day at Unleash, they sleep for the next two days. In addition, we sometimes <a href="http://unleashbrooklyn.blogspot.com/p/gallery.html">board them overnight</a> at Unleash, so I want them to feel comfortable with the environment and employees. I like to support the owners of Unleash Brooklyn, Rob and Bea, who also own <a href="http://www.districtdog.com/">District Dog</a> -- they do so much for the Greenpoint dog community (including the <a href="http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/mcgrmcgolrickpark/facilities/dogruns">McGolrick Park dog run</a>) and the rescued pups of Dog Habitat (e.g., Lulu!). And finally, perhaps most importantly, Unleash keeps <a href="http://unleashbrooklyn.blogspot.com/">a blog with photos of the dogs at daycare</a>. You already know that <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2011/12/4000-animal-cam.html">I like to spy on my pets while at work</a>, so I really enjoy the blog. The photos are hilarious.<br />
<br />
I've collected some of my favorite daycare photos to share with you. Betelgeuse always looks completely insane, and Lulu is always lurking in the shadows and blending in with the floor. In the photos below, the red arrow identifies Betel, and the blue arrow Lu. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SoDFvinK34/TwoJk2swHqI/AAAAAAAACMM/5SQJmcDwJv0/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SoDFvinK34/TwoJk2swHqI/AAAAAAAACMM/5SQJmcDwJv0/s400/doggiedaycareblog_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You think this photo is about Betelgeuse but it's about Lulu not having any fun in the background. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ7vhEblXRw/TwoJlXj-rsI/AAAAAAAACMU/6mBFURytESI/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ7vhEblXRw/TwoJlXj-rsI/AAAAAAAACMU/6mBFURytESI/s400/doggiedaycareblog_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Great photo bomb, Betel.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhIKh_xcILM/TwoJnF9RAKI/AAAAAAAACMk/I3u-ZtDNrWo/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhIKh_xcILM/TwoJnF9RAKI/AAAAAAAACMk/I3u-ZtDNrWo/s400/doggiedaycareblog_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, Lulu, lurking. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQFcA1u2KhU/TwoJn3Y1wgI/AAAAAAAACMs/0cbemXTzUz8/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQFcA1u2KhU/TwoJn3Y1wgI/AAAAAAAACMs/0cbemXTzUz8/s400/doggiedaycareblog_05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Betelgeuse is bigger than Lulu, so I sometimes forget that she's still smaller than almost every other dog. And then I see a photo like this and can't believe that she's real.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_BY6sbPxgNQ/TwoItoDWOhI/AAAAAAAACKs/sjY7EJdRioQ/s1600/222046_10100534441641549_8845381_61033737_4210446_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_BY6sbPxgNQ/TwoItoDWOhI/AAAAAAAACKs/sjY7EJdRioQ/s400/222046_10100534441641549_8845381_61033737_4210446_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two peensies on a bench.<br />
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iw4YrH0OsJY/TwoJoVV0FJI/AAAAAAAACM0/RmWp7ocaGqU/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iw4YrH0OsJY/TwoJoVV0FJI/AAAAAAAACM0/RmWp7ocaGqU/s400/doggiedaycareblog_06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those two dogs in the back are about to start some crap, and the rest of the dogs -- Betel included -- are just waiting for it to happen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lMg8xH8aPw/TwoJo1nfCsI/AAAAAAAACM8/RKQ6r0TZHOQ/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lMg8xH8aPw/TwoJo1nfCsI/AAAAAAAACM8/RKQ6r0TZHOQ/s400/doggiedaycareblog_08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I brightened this photo and surprise! Lulu was back there. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeMAOxedS3k/TwoJp4-F-VI/AAAAAAAACNE/9QdGSjJG32g/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeMAOxedS3k/TwoJp4-F-VI/AAAAAAAACNE/9QdGSjJG32g/s400/doggiedaycareblog_07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That other dog's name is Howie. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diG85xxoW84/TwoJqN8IlrI/AAAAAAAACNM/a4cOGZJ-rVI/s1600/doggiedaycare_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diG85xxoW84/TwoJqN8IlrI/AAAAAAAACNM/a4cOGZJ-rVI/s400/doggiedaycare_09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is one of my favorite photos. Just two litte blobs sleeping in a row of dogs. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKSKmKGMURw/TwoJq5F1RzI/AAAAAAAACNU/PPPej8RNfMw/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKSKmKGMURw/TwoJq5F1RzI/AAAAAAAACNU/PPPej8RNfMw/s400/doggiedaycareblog_10.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Butt sniffing -- Betel's m.o. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4WZztn-RVI/TwoJrSgOjNI/AAAAAAAACNc/bNYqKikQ1do/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4WZztn-RVI/TwoJrSgOjNI/AAAAAAAACNc/bNYqKikQ1do/s400/doggiedaycareblog_11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love the chaos of this photo.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFEwWPBbwL0/TwoJr9TXIkI/AAAAAAAACNk/6z2fbAtp-JQ/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFEwWPBbwL0/TwoJr9TXIkI/AAAAAAAACNk/6z2fbAtp-JQ/s400/doggiedaycareblog_12.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hanging out with all their dog friends while we go to work and do other things.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2mJUpFaTeo/TwoJswDXVpI/AAAAAAAACNs/OqYfhjYKa6k/s1600/doggiedaycare_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2mJUpFaTeo/TwoJswDXVpI/AAAAAAAACNs/OqYfhjYKa6k/s400/doggiedaycare_16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fluffy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5n2SvGUMz1w/TwoJuPwC8KI/AAAAAAAACN0/t51FbMy6BRs/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5n2SvGUMz1w/TwoJuPwC8KI/AAAAAAAACN0/t51FbMy6BRs/s400/doggiedaycareblog_13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I assume that Lulu is just headed toward Betelgeuse here. This is the only photo of her without Betel.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGF1XtaIGck/TwoJulh8Y6I/AAAAAAAACN8/08G3QBW73Ww/s1600/doggiedaycareblog_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGF1XtaIGck/TwoJulh8Y6I/AAAAAAAACN8/08G3QBW73Ww/s400/doggiedaycareblog_14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two blobs in the back.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-883MC7HBKe4/TwoJvQpE5uI/AAAAAAAACOE/y8yuhRVYnak/s1600/doggiedaycare_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-883MC7HBKe4/TwoJvQpE5uI/AAAAAAAACOE/y8yuhRVYnak/s400/doggiedaycare_15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moving through the crowd.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nonoEaUD9_s/TwoIrk6s16I/AAAAAAAACKc/RQi3hWSEug0/s1600/205695_10100534437614619_8845381_61033663_4962529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nonoEaUD9_s/TwoIrk6s16I/AAAAAAAACKc/RQi3hWSEug0/s400/205695_10100534437614619_8845381_61033663_4962529_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someone I don't know kissing my dogs.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_z_0nyYOb-0/TwoIs0yV0sI/AAAAAAAACKk/21HZenrqSwA/s1600/215486_10100534436382089_8845381_61033645_3608638_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_z_0nyYOb-0/TwoIs0yV0sI/AAAAAAAACKk/21HZenrqSwA/s400/215486_10100534436382089_8845381_61033645_3608638_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again. It's cute, but Betel is kind of whatever about it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgA-zipoxJk/TwoIuUvWuqI/AAAAAAAACK0/Xf0q9bNNbzA/s1600/224894_10100544472544539_8845381_61156322_325163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgA-zipoxJk/TwoIuUvWuqI/AAAAAAAACK0/Xf0q9bNNbzA/s400/224894_10100544472544539_8845381_61156322_325163_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pokemon.</div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">A full day of daycare costs </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">$30</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">, and a half day (6 hours) is </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">$20</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">. There is a 10% discount for siblings. But since Unleash Brooklyn loves Lulu so much, and because we fostered her and other Dog Habitat pups in the past, Lulu's daycare is free. Thanks, Unleash!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-47830173142943738532012-01-08T23:56:00.001-05:002012-01-09T00:03:15.591-05:00$0.02 [Dogs Inside]I love this tumblr: <b><a href="http://dogsinside.tumblr.com/">http://dogsinside.tumblr.com/</a></b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/abby.html">Abby</a></b> would be my contribution:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OK9ywlYM82Q/Twp0gwNgUII/AAAAAAAACOs/n3W5kp4fZ80/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OK9ywlYM82Q/Twp0gwNgUII/AAAAAAAACOs/n3W5kp4fZ80/s320/IMG_0514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-68143298417828272792012-01-08T13:15:00.000-05:002012-01-08T13:15:35.788-05:00$0.02 [My Stats]I finally got around to looking at this blog's stats today. Thought I should get a better handle on my audience. Much to my surprise, people come from all over the world to read about -- wait for it -- litter boxes. Yes, litter boxes. It will be my legacy.<br /><br />I'd also like to share with you some other keyword searches that direct people to this blog: <div>
<blockquote>
"worlds most expensive persian cats" </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"bag with holes in for a dog head" </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"dog bag hole for dog head" </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"dog carrying bags with head hole" </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"slippery stuff on floor could it be cat anal gland release"</blockquote>
My job here is done.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-50746659286407261692012-01-07T20:16:00.000-05:002012-01-07T20:16:44.405-05:00$13.99 [Ware Scratch-N-Television]Have you ever bought a gift for someone and knew that you nailed it? <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It happened to me twice this past holiday season: first, with my boyfriend's mom, who I bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CT89IA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=overbudgepet-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004CT89IA%22%3ETemp-tations%20Old%20World%20Figural%20Chicken%205-pc.%20Measuring%20Set">Temp-tations Old World Figural Chicken 5-piece Measuring Set</a> (nailed it), and second, with my nine-year-old cat <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lola.html">Lola</a></b>, who I bought a <a href="http://www.waremfginc.com/c-detaildisplay.aspx?itemno=12004">Ware Scratch-N-Television</a> (<b>$13.99</b>).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xOwc07ZupWk/TwOgcwqPvjI/AAAAAAAACIg/7BkYNVlPxcI/s1600/IMG_1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xOwc07ZupWk/TwOgcwqPvjI/AAAAAAAACIg/7BkYNVlPxcI/s400/IMG_1295.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Ware Scratch-N-Television is a corrugated cardboard scratch pad inside of a cardboard box "television." The "television" has an open square on the front (the screen) and a hole on the side (which I assume is another entry point for the cat). It also comes with catnip to sprinkle onto the scratch pad. And, as if all that wasn't enough fun for <b>$13.99</b>, the antenna features a dangling poof.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Below is the promotional image for the Ware Scratch-N-Television -- you can see the hole on the side and the antenna in this image. I like that Ware used a bigger cat instead of a tiny kitten for advertising. I'd love to know his back story. He has a face made for TV.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0riL6lV5W8k/TwSAlYs7K-I/AAAAAAAACIs/aRn61s10NsI/s1600/wa12004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0riL6lV5W8k/TwSAlYs7K-I/AAAAAAAACIs/aRn61s10NsI/s320/wa12004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lola just loves the Ware Scratch-N-Television -- she scratches it, sleeps in it (with part of her head hanging out of the hole on the side), rubs her face and body all over it. And of course I'm getting a kick out of seeing her on TV. We've previously discussed <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/search/label/boxes">Lola's love of cardboard boxes</a>, but who knew I could love them too if they were just made to look like something cute. This isn't trash that needs to be taken out to the recycling bin -- this is a toy television, and my cat is inside of it!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There is a whole range of products in this cardboard-boxes-made-to-look-like-something-cute category. For example, the <a href="http://www.suck.uk.com/products/catplayhouse/?category=life">Suck UK Cardboard Classics Cat Playhouses</a> in Firetruck, Airplane, Tank or Cadillac (approx. <b>$34.95</b> each). These do not come with a scratch pad inside, but you can <a href="http://www.wag.com/cat/subcat=Scratchers-10044/pricefrom=0/priceto=9.99">buy a scratch pad for less than $10.00</a> to use as a base inside the box for added cat appeal.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5889fkQLPqw/TwSIjApXaUI/AAAAAAAACI4/2upIm1lGhqQ/s1600/738767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5889fkQLPqw/TwSIjApXaUI/AAAAAAAACI4/2upIm1lGhqQ/s400/738767.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Also, the <a href="https://us.loyalluxe.com/the-native-american-teepee.html">Loyal Luxe Native American Cat Teepee</a> (<b>$24.00</b>). All this cat needs is a feather headdress, and this image would be perfect. Same note as above that there is no scratch pad inside.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaXNk4Ab9C8/TwSLL23MvQI/AAAAAAAACJE/LrqCj10lgDM/s1600/cats_tipi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaXNk4Ab9C8/TwSLL23MvQI/AAAAAAAACJE/LrqCj10lgDM/s320/cats_tipi.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not a box, but, whatever, this is a cardboard scratch pad that turns your cat into a DJ(!!!): the <a href="http://www.suck.uk.com/products/catscratch/?category=life">Suck UK Cat Scratch Cat Playhouse</a> (<b>$23.00</b>).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu8pj6oXmv0/TwSLW6UVNFI/AAAAAAAACJQ/-_h-cZBVoOI/s1600/11835_catscratch-with-cat1-750x589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu8pj6oXmv0/TwSLW6UVNFI/AAAAAAAACJQ/-_h-cZBVoOI/s320/11835_catscratch-with-cat1-750x589.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There's also the <a href="http://www.catabove.com/snhappe.html">Cat Above SnoozePal Cat Hammock</a> (<b>$34.95</b>). This is a twist on the cardboard cat furniture -- rather than being a cardboard box masquerading as something cute, it's a hammock masquerading as a cardboard bankers box. <a href="http://gastrobubbie.wordpress.com/">Kyler</a> saw the SnoozePal Cat Hammock in <a href="http://www.ps9pets.com/">PS9 Pet Supplies</a> and really liked it for Lola. He even pushed hard on the hammock to make sure it could support her (it supports up to 20 lbs., so it's actually sort of close). I like it in "calm camel." I'm a broken record, but I would definitely put a scratch pad on the bottom and make it do double duty -- we have precious little floor space in our apartment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ouv7DfFANh8/TwjszLP7wsI/AAAAAAAACKM/mMs3XV2stDQ/s1600/cat+hammock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ouv7DfFANh8/TwjszLP7wsI/AAAAAAAACKM/mMs3XV2stDQ/s320/cat+hammock.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Alternatively, if you're crafty and/or really really bored and/or insane, Martha Stewart shows you how to <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/cardboard-cat-playhouse#slide_0">make your cat playhouse</a> out of cardboard boxes (<b>$0.00</b>). [If your cat is a chewer, I would recommend against using a hot glue gun to construct your cat house.]</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Of all of these products, I think the most bang for your buck is the Ware Scratch-N-Television. You can <a href="http://www.wag.com/cat/p/ware-scratch-n-television-114607">buy it for your cat at Wag.com</a> for <b>$13.99</b> and tune into the kitty channel 24-7. Yep. Nailed it.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204239429022254273.post-46753427911721854132012-01-05T21:56:00.000-05:002012-01-05T21:56:56.482-05:00$141.25 [Kong Squeaker Ball to the Eyeball]You know those 2" Kong Squeaker Balls that <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/betelgeuse.html">Betelgeuse</a></b> is so fond of [previous post <a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/2011/05/2424.html">here</a>]? Well, it turns out that she's not so fond of them being kicked at her eyeball.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfWB4SoHrnM/TwT03oyXUPI/AAAAAAAACJc/qmd-mseuSvI/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfWB4SoHrnM/TwT03oyXUPI/AAAAAAAACJc/qmd-mseuSvI/s320/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On Tuesday night, she took a Kong Squeaker Ball to the eyeball, yelped in pain, ran to me for comfort, and spent the rest of the evening being pathetic and refusing to open her left eye. Yesterday morning, she was opening her eye, but still squinting, and the vet recommended that I bring her in to check for any scratches on her cornea. Even though I could have waited to see if the eye improved on its own, I kept thinking about the beagle I met in South Carolina who lost his eye after being hit by a golf ball (oh geez, can you imagine?), so I just went ahead and made the vet appointment.<br />
<br />
I was home sick yesterday with a gnarly cold, and <a href="http://gastrobubbie.wordpress.com/">my boyfriend</a> had taken the car to his work, so I just packed some tissues, threw Betel in a bag, and hopped on the subway to our vet's office in DUMBO (<b>$2.25</b>). The veterinarian wet Betel's eye with a stain that glowed yellow in the black light (<b>$35.00</b>) and examined her eye for scratches (<b>$65.00</b>). Her eye looked just fine in the black light. No corneal scratches for my little raver.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53XiLl7a8zs/TwT3YMZ4lDI/AAAAAAAACJ0/lwQYcqg1ATo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53XiLl7a8zs/TwT3YMZ4lDI/AAAAAAAACJ0/lwQYcqg1ATo/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Betel also got her overdue Bordetella Injection Booster (<b>$35.00</b>). (I'm helping my veterinarian pay off her student loans.)<br />
<br />
For our trip home, I remembered that we could take the <a href="http://www.nywaterway.com/AboutERF.aspx">East River Ferry</a> (<b>$4.00</b>) back to Greenpoint. I wish I had thought of it for the initial leg of the trip -- it's faster than the subway and way more fun. It was Betel's first time on a boat, and she did great. She is so calm and patient when commuting in a bag (doesn't matter if it's a train, plane, or whatever). Everyone riding the ferry wanted to talk about Betelgeuse riding the ferry. She needs business cards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9K6zhPvuLE/TwT5AftBMZI/AAAAAAAACKA/ExcJYAQewIQ/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9K6zhPvuLE/TwT5AftBMZI/AAAAAAAACKA/ExcJYAQewIQ/s320/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
When we got back to the apartment three hours and 141.25 dollars later, <b><a href="http://overbudgetpet.blogspot.com/p/lulu.html">Lulu</a></b> was so unbelievably happy to see us. The two pups are rarely apart these days, and I'm pretty sure Lulu thought we were never coming back.<br />
<br />
Even though it turned out that nothing was wrong with Betelgeuse's eye, I don't regret taking her to the veterinarian. It's kind of why I work at a law firm -- so I don't have to make difficult decisions like whether I will take my dog to the vet for a busted eyeball or pay my electricity bill. (Although that past isn't very far behind me.) I'm just glad she's okay. <br />
<br />
And FYI -- she's still into the Kong Squeaker Balls, even the pink one that hit her in the eye. She's awesome.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0