Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! Have a safe and awesome time with your loved ones this Thanksgiving weekend! Here's some good Thanksgiving safety tips from ASPCA.

FYI - Our store will be closed this Thur and Fri (11/24~11/25).  

DIY French Bulldog Baby Costume

Ok, how cute is it to dress up your baby to look like your dog? Very unique idea!

via designinit

Frisbee dogs are so awesome

This was the Skyhoundz Disc Dog European Championship competition in Budapest, Hungary. Amazing dogs!

See more via Metro

Pandas!

Do pandas need professional grooming?  I wonder if they're as cuddly soft as the way they look. :)

 

Panda cubs in Chengdu, Sichuan province September 27, 2011

Cuteness overload...

Run! It's Godzilla!!

Our phone service is down...

Update - Ok... we're back!

oh AT&T...

Dog balancing treats

Wow... now this is a real cool trick to teach a dog.  I wonder how many bags of cookies I'll need just to stack 2 cookies?  My dog is a pig.

Enrique Iglesias is Jet Skiing with his Dog

Fabulous.

9/5 - We are Closed for Labor Day

Enjoy your day off!

Rent-a-Chicken

Did you know that you can rent two chickens for $250?  Yup, I can't believe it's an actually business... I remember having cute yellow baby chicks as pets when I was little, but I'm pretty sure I didn't learn anything about urban farming.  BTW, chickens poop a lot!

Kids Up North: Rent-a-Chicken in Traverse City Makes Urban Farming Child’s Play - My North - May 2010 - Northern Michigan

Abandoned piglet is lost and Giant farm dog adopting it as one of its own

It's an old story but animals are still AWESOME!

via dailymail.co.uk

Wanna go for a walk?

Night Night Jasper

That's hilarious, he knows how to tuck himself in.

Dog Climbs Fence Like a Boss!

I saw this video on Tosh.0 the other day. This dog is pretty smart & freaking awesome!  I guess buying a pet gate to prevent this puppy from leaving the house for a stroll would just be a waste of money...

Starving dogs survived on owners' remains

So... the Saskatoon SPCA found 7 dogs alive after the elderly pet owners had died in their home for 2~3 weeks.  The police later found out that the dogs were able to stay alive by eating the remains of their owners!!  (When I found out 5 of the dogs are Shelties, I was like... ewwwwww.....). 

The Saskatoon SPCA now has to determine if the dogs can be adopted or need to be put down (which is sad because the dogs were just acting out of their survival instincts).

I seriously hope they can help these dogs find new homes.  I know this may sound all gross and weird, but I rather be dog food than maggot food...

See complete story via Starving dogs survived on owners' remains - Saskatchewan - CBC News

Granny & loyal dog fight off knife-wielding robber

The footage here captures the moment a 6-year-old hero dog helped his 55-year-old owner fight off a knife-wielding robber – by biting him in the CROTCH!!  So freaking awesome! 

Good job Cane!!









via swns.com

Monkey steals camera to snap himself

A macaque monkey (extremely rare and critically endangered) in Indonesia took a camera from a wildlife photographer before snapping himself in a variety of poses.  Hahahahaha... he's so cute in a funny way. :)

via telegraph.co.uk

Smudge the cat opening a door

This cat is pretty smart. My dog knows how to open all the doors in our apartment but I've never seen a cat do something like this.  Like!

4th of July Schedule

We will be closed on Monday, July 4th.

The hard working puppies @ Furry Tales are ready for a chillaxing weekend.

Please be safe as you celebrate this festive holiday.  Here are some general safety tips:

• Make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag or is microchipped.  Fireworks can freak out some animals and cause them to run away.
• Keep alcohol and human foods out of your pet's reach.  Alcohol, onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, salt and yeast dough can be toxic to animals.
• Keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pet’s reach.
• Do not play with firecrackers or sparklers around your pet (especially if you have children).

Rocky playing with Friskies Cat Fishing iPad app

I wonder how many people out there got an iPad just for their cat?

Best Dogs for Men...

Well, according to GQ anyway...

1. Outdoor Man: Australian Shepherd
2. Badass Man: Bullmastiff
3. Popped Man: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
4. Downtown Man: Brussels Griffon

what?! I can't believe Poodle didn't make the list! ;)

via: How to Choose Your New Best Friend The Rest of Your Life: GQ.com

Cat Gets Stuck In Catflap

Hahahaha!  Poor kitty... may be he was just bloated that day.  :)

Dog shows up in CA 1.5 years after running away in CO

This adventurous dog (Buster Brown) somehow traveled from Colorado to San Francisco (1,300 miles from home), then showed up 1.5 yrs later at the Salinas Animal Shelter!

Buster Brown looks pretty healthy from the video, so I'm guessing he's got some amazing survival skills! (Wouldn't it be so awesome if there was a video camera on him this whole time?)  Well, Buster Brown will be on a flight back home later this week to be reunited with his owner.

See full story via 9News.com

ASPCA to provid grant to the Joplin Humane Society in Joplin, MO

The $100K grant will support disaster relief and recovery efforts following the May 22 tornado that killed 130 people and displaced some 850 animals.

Joplin Humane is working hard to keep its web site up to date, uploading photos of all the pets brought to the shelter in the aftermath of the disaster. To see the animals, or to report lost pets or rescue needs, please contact the shelter at 417-623-3642.

via dogster.com

Memorial Day Weekend Schedule

We will be closed on Monday, May 30th.

"Can't wait to enjoy some Muttgarita and yummy BBQ under the sun!"

Tornado Dog Crawls Home with Two Shattered Legs...

I don't know how I feel about this story... 

A dog (Mason) who was carried away by a killer Alabama tornado in late April had such a will to make it home that he crawled back to his house with two shattered front legs. It took the terrier mix more than two weeks to get there (I cried....).

Well, Mason's owners were shocked to see him on the front porch of their home, they thought that he'd be dead by now.  So, with all the distress Mason’s owners had been through themselves because of the tornado, they sent Mason to the local animal shelter because they couldn't deal with the expensive medical care Mason would need.  (I totally understand the stress they've been through, but I also can't imaging giving up my injured dog after finding him on my front porch.  I'm not judging... it's been beyond terrible for people affected by tornadoes.)

Fortunately Mason is being well cared for at the Birmingham-Jefferson County Animal Control shelter, and at the Vulcan Park Animal Care Clinic.

“This is probably the most dramatic we’ve seen as far as an injury in an animal that’s survived this long,” said the shelter’s Phil Doster. “For an animal to go through what he’s gone through and not to be ugly, to be happy for any companionship is remarkable. We’re honored to be part of his recovery.”

via dogster.com

Beagle Plays Catch

This Beagle pup is pretty awesome!  I wonder if I can get Mickey to catch a ball in his paws?

Pig Ear Pet Treats Recalled - FYI

May 17, 2011

The pig ear supplier, Keys Manufacturing, issued a recall this month after a dog in Missouri was reported sick.

Pets with salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may show only a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.

Products recalled:  

• The Boss Pets Products recall includes Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear pet treats, which were distributed from November, 2010 through April, 2011 in Montana, California, Washington, Oklahoma, Tennessee, New York, Kansas, Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Oregon, Utah, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Minnesota.  The treats were sold in bulk in boxes of 100 (UPC 0-72929-00038-6); shrink wrapped in boxes of 50 (UPC 0-72929-99120-2); in two-pack bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC 0-72929-99504-0); four-pack bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC 0-72929-00227-4) and eight-pack bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC 0-72929-99584-2).

• Blackman Industries of Kansas City, KS is recalling its PrimeTime brand 2-count and 5-count Premium Pig Ears and all KC Beefhide brand 20-count Premium Pig Ears. Read the FDA release here.  The pig ears were distributed in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota and sold through many of the following retailers: Price Chopper Stores, Hy-Vee Stores, Hen House Markets, Bag N Save Stores, Dahl's Food Stores, Baldwin City Market, SunFresh Food Stores, Apple Markets, Brookside Market, Franklin Food Stores, No Frills Food Stores, Alps Food Stores, Big V Food Stores, Country Mart Food Stores, Thriftway Food Stores, County Fair Food Stores, Super Saver Food Stores and Russ's Food Stores and Feldman's Farm and Home Stores.

Those who bought Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear pet treats can direct their questions to Boss Pet at 1-800-445-6347 during the 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST) business hours or visit their website at www.bosspet.com.

Consumers who purchased PrimeTime or KC Beefhide products and have questions may contact Blackman Industries at 1-913-342-5010 Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Pet owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if a pet consumed the recalled treats or is experiencing any of the above symptoms.




via FDA.gov

CVM Updates FDA Issues Caution to Pet Owners with the Use of an Unapproved Pet Shampoo Product

May 13, 2011

The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is alerting pet owners to use caution with the use of an unapproved animal drug product, Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo (0.1% phytosphingosine), distributed by Sogeval Laboratories, Inc. of Coppell, Texas after recently receiving a report of the death of a woman associated with the use of the product on her dog.

The March adverse event report describes a woman with severe, preexisting asthma who had a sudden, severe asthma attack and died while bathing a dog using the product, Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo. A few days later, another asthmatic family member bathed the dog using the same product and experienced a mild asthma attack but recovered.

FDA is advising consumers with asthma or other respiratory conditions to consider consulting with their physicians prior to use of this product.
FDA is currently investigating this serious issue and will provide additional information as appropriate.

via FDA.gov

Military Dogs

Did you know that dogs have been fighting alongside U.S. soldiers for more than 100 years?  Here are some military dogs in action, demonstrating their pure awesomeness!

 

Above: U.S. soldier and his dog leap off the ramp of a helicopter during water training.

Above: U.S. Navy SEAL and his dog jump from 30,100 feet. (Wow!!)

Above: U.S. sergeant and his bomb-sniffing dog search for the explosive. 

 Above: U.S. Marines relax with their bomb-sniffing dogs.  (Awww...)

Via foreignpolicy.com

Dog Fetch Machine

Where can I get this machine?  My dog so needs this so he can play fetch by himself all day long.  LOVES it!

Happy Earth Day!

Please be kind to animals. :)

Some Spring Flowers Could Kill Your Pet

Spring is here = my allergy nightmare...

Just a reminder, there are a lot of blooming plants that could be very toxic to your animals if ingested.

Did you know that Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats? All parts of the lily plant are considered toxic to cats and consuming even small amounts can be life threatening.

Here's a list of Toxic and Non-Toxic plants from ASPCA.

* Pay attention to your dog at the parks, especially if  the your dog has a tendency to eat grass/plants.

Aerobics with Jesse the Jack Russell Terrier

Got a chubby dog? Well, this dog can teach your pup how to get in shape!

Ok... he's one of the coolest dogs. EVER!

Cat Plays With Dolphin

Awww... too cute for words!!  I'm guessing this cat only eats Dolphin safe tuna.  :)

Yeah! The rain finally stopped!

Now I just need some warm & fuzzy pictures to brighten up the day. 

 

 

 

 

My BFF :)

Another rainy day in San Francisco... so over it!

Rainy day = catching up on paperwork day.

Mickey is working on donating a portion of our sales this month to support some of these Japan Earthquake Relief efforts & National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.  It makes us sad knowing so many people & animals are left helpless from the disasters...

Here are more organizations that are helping animals in need in Japan:

• Animal Refuge Kansai
• World Vets
• World Society for the Protection of Animals
• American Humane Association  
• Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support Group

Looking for an adorable puppy?

4/15/11 update - Peaches went to a good home. Yeah!

Name:Peaches
Breed:Terrier Mix
Color:Fawn
Gender:Female
Age:~7 months

About Peaches:  She currently lives in a foster home here in San Francisco.  Peaches weights about 2 lbs now, probably won't get bigger than 10 lbs.  I just met her this morning, she has a sweet face + great temperament.

If you’re interested in adopting Peaches, please email Julie.

World's Most Expensive Dog - A Tibetan Mastiff

Let me just empty my pockets and see if I can find $1.5M for a red Tibetan Mastiff!! Do they even offer life insurance for dogs?  Does this dog need to travel with bodyguards?  Does he poop gold?

"Big Splash," or "Hong Dong" in Chinese

Tibetan Mastiffs are huge and fierce guard dogs that have stood watch over nomad camps and monasteries on the Tibetan plateau for centuries.

They are thought to be one of the world's oldest breeds, and legend has it that both Genghis Khan and Lord Buddha kept them.

More recently, however, they have become highly-prized status symbols for China's new rich. The dogs are thought to be a pure "Chinese" breed and they are rarely found outside Tibet, giving them an exclusivity that other breeds cannot match.

Accordingly, prices have risen from around 5,000 yuan a puppy five years ago to the hundreds of thousands and even millions.

Big Splash, or "Hong Dong" in Chinese, is 11-months-old but already stands nearly three-feet-high at the shoulder and weighs more than 180lbs, according to his breeder, Lu Liang.

via telegraph.co.uk & huffingtonpost.com

Dog Stands By Injured Friend...

Would you do the same for your friend?

3/16/11 UPDATE: CNN and the UK Telegraph have both reported that the dogs have been rescued since the footage aired, and are both receiving veterinary care; the more seriously wounded dog is at a clinic in the city of Mito, while the protective spaniel-type dog is receiving care at a shelter in the same town.

Cat trying to survive... waiting to be rescued on a wall :(

It's heartbreaking watching all the sad news about Japan's multiple disasters :( :( :(

Hang in there Japan!!

via dheenaaoi.tumblr.com

Dog Reunited With His Owner In Japan

Tears...  going to hug my dog now...

via buzzfeed.com

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

It is just devastating watching all the news about Japan! One disaster after another...  For those who can help - here are some of the organizations that are working on relief and recovery in the region.

Also, some wonderful canine heroes are also out there helping with the search and rescue efforts.  The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is a non-profit organization, partnering rescued dogs with firefighters and other first responders to find people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters. To help turn a rescued dog into a rescuer and bring this crucial resource to the nation - see SDF site for more info.

FYI - Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Pig Ear Dog Chews Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 8, 2011 - Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL is recalling 2705 boxes of Pig Ears because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears were distributed in CT, IA, IL, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NJ, NM, NY, PA,VA, WA, and WI. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between September 15, 2010 and November 2, 2010 where they were available for purchase.
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 2pk bag with header card–item upc 741956001047 lot 2420
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 100ct box-box upc 741956001139 lot 2490, 2560, 2630, 2700, 2840, 2910, 2980
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 50 ct box-box upc 741956001504 lot 2490, 2840
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 25ct box-box upc 741956001467 lot 2700
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001146 lot 2700, 2840, 2420
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 10pk printed bag-item upc 741956001405 lot 2420, 2560, 2630, 2840
Blain’s Farm & Fleet Pig Ears 10 pieces bag-item upc 741956001405 lot 2560
Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001511 lot 2630
Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001146 lot 2420
Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 12pk bag-item upc 741956001245 lot 2910
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Washington State Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has no product left in inventory from this batch of pig ears.
Consumers who have purchased any of these pig ears are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-481-2663.


Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Pig Ear Dog Chews Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk via FDA.gov

Dog heists highlight need to keep a short leash on your pets to prevent thefts

via sfexaminer.com

Salley Chan left her beloved dog Lola in her car last Tuesday while she grabbed a quick bite to eat in the South of Market neighborhood, when Salley and her boyfriend returned to their car (parked near Bryant and Eighth streets), they found the rear window smashed and the 9-pound animal missing.  Read full story...

I can't even imagine how devastated Salley is!  Have you seen Lola?  Please help them reunite!

Here are some helpful tips from Petplaces.com on how you can guard your pet from abduction:

• Don’t leave your dog outside when you’re not around.
• Never leave your dog unattended. It takes only a moment for someone to untie him and lead him off.
• Be aware, and make sure your neighbors are aware, of the problem of pet theft.
• Never allow your dog to roam free in the neighborhood, for everyone’s sake.
• Never leave your dog unattended in a car.
• Always make sure he wears a collar with ID tags. You might want to consider implanting a microchip under his skin.
• Keep recent photos of your dog, taken from different angles that clearly show coat type and coloring, close-ups of the face and any exceptional physical characteristics.
• Keep all your proof-of-ownership papers (adoption, breeding contract, bill of sale) in one place to prove ownership.

FYI - Wellpet LLC Voluntarily Recalls Certain Lots Of Canned Cat Food

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 28, 2011 - WellPet LLC announced today it has voluntarily recalled certain lots of Wellness® canned cat food.

While recent laboratory testing found that most lots of Wellness canned cat food that were tested contain sufficient amounts of thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1), some of the lots listed below might contain less than adequate levels of thiamine. However, out of an abundance of caution, WellPet has decided to recall all of the lots listed below.
Cats fed only the affected lots for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurologic signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. If your cat has consumed the recalled lots and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.
The lots involved in this voluntary recall are:
Wellness Canned Cat Food (all flavors and sizes) with best by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13;
Wellness Canned Cat Food Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 or 17NOV13 best buy dates.

See complete info from the FDA here.

What's for dinner? Stuffed Mushrooms!

Since we're having Spaghetti with Meatballs at home tonight, I thought I'd use the extra ground meat to make Mickey some Stuffed Mushrooms for dinner.

Here's our yummy recipe (Mickey approved). This meal actually only took me 5 min. to prepare so it's quite simple, if you already have the ingredients handy.  (Please adjust portion size according to your pet's body weight).

1. Mix stuffing ingredients - ground organic chicken (or other meat of your choice), parsley, spinach, carrots, and peas in a stainless steel bowl (I usually buy the frozen veggies, it's a lot easier and still nutritious).
2. Using a little spoon, fill each mushroom cap (washed and stems removed) with the mixed stuffing.
3. Place some Bonito flakes on top of each stuffed mushroom (it adds a lot of natural flavors to the meal),  then place them in the 350 degrees F preheated oven.
4. Bake for 15~20 minutes, or till the stuffing is fully cooked.
5. Make sure to let the food fully cool down (hot food can cause upset stomach).

When ready to serve - I topped each stuffed mushroom with some organic low-fat cottage cheese (optional), sprinkled some parsley, and drizzled some cod liver oil.

Voila!  Dinner is ready :)
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