Interactive toys are designed to develop problem solving skills + more!

Houston Pavilions and Pup Squad Animal Rescue present the Puppy Love Yappy Hour, Thursday, February 11, 5pm-8pm, in the new Pup Squad Adoption Center at the Houston Pavilions.

Pup Squad is an animal rescue group whose goal is to rescue orphaned puppies, kittens and nursing litters from the streets and other life-threatening situations and match them with permanent adoptive homes, and to provide support and education to these adopters and the community at large.

Go to www.pupsquad.org for more information about animal rescue and adoption.

Cancun and nearby island Isla Mujeres, Mexico may be beautiful but they have an ugly secret. The government brutally murders thousands of dogs just so they’re not a sore site to vacationers. It’s called, “The Killing Season.” In stark contrast to the well-to-do tourists, local residents often earn under $400 U.S. Dollars per year. They can barely care for themselves, caring for strays is not on their radar. In America, dogs are considered man’s best friend. In Mexico, they’re a nuisance. Since people can’t afford to spay or neuter the canines they’re multiplying at an unprecedented rate. Packs run rampant. Children throw rocks at them. The dogs are hated, helpless.

Dogs can be fearful for many reasons. It can be an inherently skittish breed (Chihuahua), have suffered some kind of trauma, people around them do the wrong things when something that might be fearful occurs (such as coddling the dog when it shakes), or they have never been exposed to the world around it (living in a backyard its entire life). There are many extremes of fear which can result in aggression or health issues. It is important to remember that every dog put in the right situation can bite, but it is how we react to what the dog tells us if we will get bit or not. When working with fearful dogs, we always want to be careful not to trigger a bite. Once a dog bites it is easier to bite again. Especially if the person reacts incorrectly to the bite.

On February 13, Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue group will be at Animal Tales in Katy from 10 am – 1 pm for a Volunteer Open House and Meet and Greet, as mentioned in the January edition of Houston Lifestyles and Homes. Animal Tales has a wonderful supply of high-quality natural foods and treats, as well as leashes, dog beds and more. This is a great chance to shop for your special canines, to meet Golden Beginnings volunteers and learn about volunteer opportunities, or to meet some of our available dogs.

We all know that Wednesday is “hump” day…the day that we have to get through to get to the other side of the week and celebrate the weekend! Now, dogs can enjoy hump day too. Dogs may actually have a different meaning for “hump” day than humans but we won’t go there! Pet Paradise, conveniently located at both Houston airports, is offering a Wacky Wednesday special for your pet. Give your pooch a new meaning for hump day with an outing to Pet Paradise for a grooming bath and some fun!

The Humane Society of The United States & The Humane Society International came up with the concept of a photo contest where you donate money in order to vote. Your donation will help get animals spayed and neutered, thus saving their lives and ultimately decreasing pet overpopulation! I want to reach as many people as I possibly can. The more people I reach, the more money is raised for the animals! The minimum donation is $5, and that gives your favorite animal 5 votes in the contest.

Barkin Doggie Biscuits™ has recently launched their new business offering all-natural, preservative free treats.  Some of the flavors include:
Go Nuts!™: Your barkin’ doggie will go nutso over these extra crunchy peanut butter, molasses, and protein packed wonder biscuits that keep dogs strong and their joints in tip-top shape.
Pucker Up!™: Get up close and personal with your barkin’ doggie after these mint leaf, honey, and flaxseed biscuits help give it minty fresh breath and a shiny coat.
Get Pumped!™: Loaded with pumpkin, oatmeal, and cinnamon, this savory biscuit is sure to keep your barkin’ …

3 Puppies and their girls after Puppy Class.
Bite Inhibition and Socialization.
Preventing bad bite inhibition and poor socialization are the most urgent priorities when it comes to your new puppy.  These things need to be worked on before your puppy is 18weeks old.  Unfortunately, many owners don’t consider or think about training until the puppy is 5 or 6 months old.  This is actually a poor time to start training as the puppy is no longer a puppy, but an adolescent.  That’s right a teenager! The good news is that dog …

Dog day at the park returns April 11. Bring your pooch for the parade, contests and the big game against the Phillies!