Pop Art Pet Unleashed

As you take steps to stay healthy this cold and flu season, remember to do the same for your dogs and cats, since our furry friends can be susceptible to the same sniffles, sneezes, coughs and runny noses as humans.

Here are some tips to keep those noses wet and those tails wagging:

• Keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date.
• Try to limit your pet’s exposure to extreme weather.
• If your home is dry, put a humidifier in the area your pet most frequently occupies. Keep your floors as clean as possible. Remember, airborne irritants settle where pets tend to live.
• If you notice your neighbor’s animal looking a little under the weather, you may want to re-think a friendly get-together between pets. While your animals can’t get you sick, they can become infected from animals of the same species.
• And if pets exhibit unhealthy symptoms, be sure and schedule a visit to your veterinarian. In many cases, antibiotics can help your pet make a full and rapid recovery.

These simple steps should help you and your pets have a healthy and happy new year!

For dogs and other pets nationwide, 2007 promises to be a good year, ushering in new legal protections designed to keep them healthy and happy.

Starting Monday in California, tethering a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours will be illegal, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Before, animal control officers would have to stake out a tethered dog for days to prove it was being kept in inhumane conditions. Now, with a three-hour limit they will be able to intervene more quickly.

Also, leaving pets unattended in vehicles in extreme weather or without food and water will also become a crime. This gives animal enforcement officers have new authority to break into cars quickly when animals are suffering. Previously, they had to call in local police or other authorities or risk legal complications if they acted on their own.

A third new law in California, written in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, requires the state to create a plan for evacuating pets in case of a disaster.

In 2007 Ohio will become the 35th state where pet owners can establish trust funds for their pets in the event the owner dies or becomes incapacitated.

And Maine is the first nation in the country to enact a law which would protect animals in cases of domestic violence where partners are leaving abusive situations. Often there has been no penalty for destroying an animal which the law deemed as mutually owned property. The new law allows the person leaving to take the pet or come back to the residence and retrieve it.

Animal welfare advocates say they sense growing support for their issues largely due to Katrina when people saw graphically on tv that people were willing to risk their own lives to protect their pets. We say, it’s about time!

Some say that getting a pet for the holidays is a bad idea. But a lot depends on who is getting it. And when.

Getting a pet to give as a gift is a bad idea, especially if the pet is a surprise. That’s one thing animal experts agree on. Pets are living, feeling, intelligent creatures that are meant to be lifelong companions. They’re not toys that one outgrows or tires of and tosses aside, although they often are treated that way.

They also are not cheap, even if they’re acquired through “free to a good home” ads (which, to digress for a moment, are a dangerous way for people who care about the fate of their animals to unload unwanted pets; such giveaways can end up in research facilities, puppy mills or dog-fight training pits).

There is no such thing as a free pet. In its first year, a small dog will cost its owner $810 in care and feeding, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A medium dog will drain $1,190 from the budget, and a large dog will eat up $1,580 in expenses.
Here are a few other first-year costs of common pets to consider, again, courtesy of the ASPCA:

— Small bird: $195
— Fish: $235
— Guinea pig: $645
— Cat: $715
— Rabbit: $911

Cheap to give? Perhaps. Not necessarily cheap to keep.

Even if the recipient can afford a gift that keeps on costing, a gift pet still is like a bad mail-order mate. Not only may it not be a good match, it may not have been wanted in the first place.

Even those who are hoping for pets as presents should not be given a terrier in a carrier to open on Christmas morning. It’s better to opt for a gift certificate or homemade coupon promising to cover the cost of the animal companion of their choice — not your choice — from a shelter, rescue group or breeder. Combine the gift certificate with a plush pet or with pet bowls and toys so there is something to unwrap. But save unwrapping a real pet until after the holiday.

Introducing a new animal amid the noise and commotion of Christmas Day puts too much stress on a pet that is already stressed by the change in environment. And as other treats and surprises vie for attention, even cute, cuddly kittens and puppies can be forgotten.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s can be a good time to welcome a new animal companion into the home, especially if family members are off from work or school and can give the pet the attention it needs.

Now can be a good time, too. There is always a plentiful selection of pets at area shelters, and some come with special price tags this time of year to increase their chances of finding a home for the holidays. If you check out this week’s Pet Calendar, you’ll notice several special pet adoption events this weekend.

Some words of caution, though: Now is not a good time to get a puppy or a kitten unless you are fully aware of what you’re getting into and are willing to take on the responsibility that comes with such a choice.

Animal babies, like human babies, need a lot of extra attention and care. They especially need attention when they’re adjusting to a new home. Curious kittens can get into trouble even without the hazards of holiday decorations. And shoe-chewing puppies that need to be house-trained require more patience than many holiday-haggard homeowners have to spare.

Also, beware of pet stores, which cater to impulse shoppers and people who want quick, easy transactions. The Humane Society of the United States cautions that many are staffed by employees who have limited knowledge about pets and pet care and who “will tell you what you want to hear” in order to move their inventory.

Kelly Iams, vice president of the Gateway American Pit Bull Terrier Club here, urges people “to avoid pet stores that sell puppy-mill dogs. Most puppy mill dogs are horribly inbred and come with a ton of health issues,” she says.

“Adopting from shelters and rescue groups saves live,” Iams says.

According to the HSUS, puppy mills “often hide behind the ‘legitimacy’ of a neighborhood pet store.” The organization also cautions that most dogs sold on the Internet come from puppy mills.

Remember that one out of four shelter dogs is a purebred. The percentage would be higher if the designer dogs, which are so popular now, were purebreds. But they aren’t. At best, they’re hybrids. At worst, they’re mixes with high price tags.

Iams says: “People in the market for a purebred dog really need to research what kind of breed they want before they buy.” Too many people get the wrong kind of dog because they didn’t do their homework first.

Iams worked at an animal shelter in the metro area for three years. She says that “within three weeks of the holidays, pets that are given as gifts start showing up at local humane societies. Shelters get more purebred dogs after Christmas than at any other time.”

That sounds like a good reason to put off getting a new animal companion until after the holidays, especially if you want a purebred pet at a bargain price. Shelter dogs come with a clean bill of health, they’re spayed or neutered, up to date on their shots, and even microchipped, Iams says.

Instead of giving or getting a pet for the holidays, perhaps it would be better to give or get a book on how to choose a pet.
Source: STLtoday.com

Order a Pop Art Pet Gift Certificate thru Wednesday, December 20th and get free express delivery!

By giving a gift certificate for our custom pet portraits, you are allowing the recipient the creative freedom to choose the style they like best and to submit their favorite photo for us to work with to design their pet’s personal masterpiece. Our Gift Certificates are adorable and are printed on our artist-grade canvas so the recipient knows exactly what to expect, and they come in a gift pack that includes a personalized gift card, colorful stickers, and an adorable magnet!

Just be sure and order by December 20th and enter the voucher code “Free_Ship” when you check out!

Or, if you’re interested in having us create proofs for you time for Christmas, please check our Holiday Ordering Information page.

If it’s new duds on your dog’s wish list this Christmas you can make sure he or she celebrates in style with any of these fashionable finds.

Million Dollar Mutt has a selection of sophisticated sweaters and coats like this dapper plaid or pretty pink depending on your pet’s personal preference.

Trixie and Peanut provide canine trend-setters with the latest styles like their Hipster Club Coat.

Fido Fleece also knows that animal prints look best on animals so they have this furry faux leopard coat.

Finally, Glamor Dog will have your party animal looking appropriate whether they’re going downtown, in their black satin monster jacket, or uptown in their saucy mink(like) coat!

No we’re not talking about roasting chestnuts or caroling, we’re talking about something way more festive & fun… pet pictures with Santa!

It’s always a big day for Fido & Fluffy, not to mention poor Santa. And it always produces the most entertaining pictures of the year. So we just did a quick search on the internet and these were some of the best presented for your holiday amusement!

But here’s our favorite, and we’re not at all biased..

It’s Kylie with Santa! Isn’t she the cutest darn thing? We took her to her favorite place, Pet Outfitters here in Denver where they had  Nicole Howard photography on hand. She did a fantastic job! If you’re in the Denver area check out her website, she even offers photo shoot field trips! I’m sure she’ll be seeing more of Kylie in the future.

This is a wonderful time of year, but make sure it’s a wonderful time for your pets, as decorations, food and festivities can be a source of stress or sickness for your companion animal. Here are some tips and warnings from the American Humane Society to help you avoid potential problems for your pet.

Christmas trees

Hang breakable, glass ornaments well out of reach. The small glass and metal fastenings can be stepped on or even swallowed by your pet.

Keep tinsel, ribbons, and garland out of reach of pets, especially cats that are intrigued by them. These can become lodged in their intestines and cause obstruction and lead to surgery or death.

Clean up pine needles frequently. They can be toxic when eaten by your pet.

Prevent your pet from drinking water in the tree stand if you have added preservative chemicals. These can be poisonous to pets. Also, stagnant water can contain bacteria, which may lead to vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.

Holiday house plants

Although they add a warm touch, many plants can harm your pets. Keep these potentially dangerous bloomers well out of reach.

Lilies can be deadly to cats, and many types can cause cats to have kidney failure. Poinsettias, although not as toxic as people often think, can upset your pet’s digestive system. Mistletoe, especially the berries, is highly toxic, can cause stomach upset, and has the potential to cause fatal heart problems. Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and lethargy.

Certain types of Ivy, such as English Ivy, can also cause severe harm. Amaryllis can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Hibiscus can cause diarrhea.

Lights, candles, and fragrance

Keep lights and extension cords safely secured or covered to deter chewing, which can lead to electric shock or even electrocution. Better yet, invest in pet-proof extension cords, or spray with products such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop.

Candles can be fragrant and enticing to pets. But they can be a fire hazard if knocked over by an exuberant pet, and the fumes can be harmful to birds.

Liquid potpourri and sachets, popular during the holidays, can be very dangerous. Exposure can cause skin or oral damage to your pet and may cause illness or death.

Food

Chocolate can affect the nervous system and cause urinary system and heart muscle damage in your pet.

Onions are toxic. They inhibit an animal’s ability to coagulate blood.

Grapes and raisins can lead to loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and acute renal failure in dogs resulting in death.

So be sure and keep holiday treats and gifts of food out from under the tree and out of reach of your pets to avoid temptation.

Source: Daily Herald

While searching for more unique and interesting gifts for pets and pet lovers, we came across this great website. Actually it’s more of a web service called this next, and it’s fantastic! It’s a network of recommendations from consumers and experts and very experienced shoppers. As they put it they’re “Real Recommendations From Real People” for great products, so of course they provide gift guides as well, and have an extensive collection of unique pet products!

For example, Snackshotz treat launcher! This is sure to provide hours of fun for you and your dog, as you shoot some “Discos” flying dog treats across the room and watch your dog go nuts! It’s so coool! Check out the demonstration on their official website. Also, check out Chewgars, for the sophisticated canine.

Then there are the Grinning Lips by Fetch Art for your dog which will give your dog a perpetual smile and you a good laugh every time he plays with it!

And because we didn’t want to forget the kitties, there’s the hip and hi-tech “Ba Da Beam Rotating Laser Cat Toy“! Aim it at the wall, aim it at the floor. Laser beam circles, pauses, circles again. Perfect for those times when catnip mice and crinkly balls are just too dull for your jaded pet. These laser light toys are sure to pique your pet’s interest in play.

It was then that I scrolled down the page a little bit and got a big surprise! Look what else they recommend for pet lovers on thisnext.com:

I promise, we had no idea, but we are pretty excited and proud to be on the list!

By the way, we have extended our deadline for holiday orders just a little bit. You can still order a rolled or flat portrait thru this Friday with no rush fee and we will guarantee delivery by Christmas! Visit our updated holiday ordering information for details and DON’T WAIT - the deadline is subject to change.

The Top Tag™ pet ID tag is a tiny USB stick that when plugged into a computer instantly launches Rex’s complete profile including his name and home address, diet and medical needs, and it doesn’t stop there! This dog tag even stores what words and commands Rex understands, a photo album, and a function to print the data for records. And because the Pet ID tag has 64 MB, Rex can carry with his favorite tunes, word docs, any anything else he finds essential. t comes enclosed in a clear rubbery plastic mold that snaps together to keep out dust, water, drool and hair. $39

Just in time for the holidays, rapper Snoop Dogg is launching a clothing collection for dogs! The rapper’s pooch-wear features gangster-style hoodies that read “The Dogg Father” and animal print faux fur coats. The apparel is just part of a Snoop Dogg complete line of pet products including toys like squeaky, plush boomboxes and headphones, and oh yeah, wrist bands (umm, dogs don’t have wrists). The launch of the collection - which will be available for pre-order on Amazon.com from November 21.

Your dog can take on Manhattan in this fun NYC Taxi dog bed. Let your pup dream about his adventures in the big city. Zoom up to Central Park, take a ride down to the Washington Square dog run or grab a tasty treat from a hotdog vendor, your dog can go anywhere he dreams in the NYC Taxi bed! Also available, a sleek black “Furcedes” and sassy red “Rurari.” $249 from barkslope.com

The Company Store exclusively allows you to spoil your dog with the luxurious warmth of cashmere. Their cashmere dog sweater is 2-ply 100% cashmere in pink & ruby for girls and blue & green for boys. Add free monogramming for an absolutely fabulous gift! (Kylie is definitely getting one of these!) $39