National Dog Week celebrates with a gourmet Wellness TruFood truck

The city’s hottest new food truck is arriving this week! Featuring trendy ingredients like lamb, purple carrots and coconut oil, the Wellness TruFood Wagon could have dinner for – not you – but your pet! A farmer’s market food truck for the most epicurean of pets, the TruFood Wagon has made its way to the east coast after traveling across the U.S.

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A perfect way to recognize National Dog Week, the wagon features an agility course, samples of the new gourmet Wellness TruFood, a chance to win a year’s supply of pet food, prizes from a spin-to-win-wheel, a doggy drink station and more!

Pet parents can stop by any of the following events this week:

  • Friday, 9/18: Dog & Cats Rule, 3495 US Highway 1 South, Princeton, NJ, 3:00pm – 7:00pm
  • Saturday, 9/19: Bag of Bones Barkery, Mercerville Shopping Center, 364 NJ-33, Hamilton Township, NJ, 11:00am – 4:00pm
  • Sunday, 9/20: The Hungry Puppy, 1288 NJ-33, Farmingdale, NJ, 10:00am – 4:00pm
  • Friday, 9/25: Pet Central, 2643 Broadway, New York, NY, 2:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Saturday, 9/26: Pet Central, 247 West 23rd Street, New York, NY, 11:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sunday, 9/27: Atlantic Antic Street Festival, Hicks & Henry Street, 88 Atlantic Ave. & 339 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, NY, 12:00pm – 6:00pm
  • Friday, 10/2: New Rochelle Down to Earth Farmer’s Market, N. Ave. at Huguenot Park/Twin Lakes, New Rochelle, NY, 8:30am – 2:30pm
  • Saturday, 10/3: Central Park Conservancy’s My Dog Loves Central Park Fair, New York City, NY, 11:00am – 3:00pm
  • Sunday, 10/4: Bideawee’s 100th Anniversary Pet Adoption & Fall Festival, 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh, NY 1:00pm – 5:00pm

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Wellness TruFood is a brand new natural pet food made with whole foods such as whole prey protein, raw produce and antioxidant-loaded superfoods. Made with colorful ingredients you can see like chicken, beets, coconut oil, kale, pumpkin and live active yogurt cultures, TruFood recipes provide pets with the vibrant, natural nutrition they need to stay happy and healthy.

The Best For Your Pet; Get #InspiredByCrafted

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Ideal Balance® Crafted™, but Have Sippy Will Travel only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

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My son with our dog, Cooper.

Inspiration can come from some of the strangest places or even the most common.  One of these inspirations could be dog food. Have you seen the new Hill’s® Ideal Balance® Crafted™? This dog food is made of high quality ingredients, and is handmade. Making it this way gives the food a special old world feel, like the way things used to be. This served as inspiration to try to feed ourselves in a more natural wholesome way as well. If the dog is eating better, shouldn’t the people, as well?

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It is amazing to look a the labels of your foods and really know what is in them, then to try to make the same dishes at home in a more natural way. Fried chicken is easy and fun to make, as well as Italian dishes and other ethnic delights. Stepping out of the everyday and into something special is also the way the artists feel who are #InspiredByCrafted, be sure to check out their videos and how they brought their ideas to life.

#InspiredByCrafted is great fun. It is a way for you to express yourself in a crafty way and have a good time doing it. My son loves being crafty and creative- the messier and “cuter” the project, the more fun he is going to have making it. This is the general idea behind his crafts. He has made collages, stuffed creatures, clay dinosaurs, and even some pixelated skeletons, all of which he made with his own two hands and is always so proud of himself at the end. This is the way crafting should be.

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Sasha, available for adoption! Email me for more info and to fill out an application with the rescue.

Be sure to check out the new Hills Ideal Balance Crafted line of products near you. They are available now at pet specialty retailers and online as well.

Mail for your Pup #BarkBoxDay

This post is sponsored by BarkBox, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping to share our experience with BarkBox, but Have Sippy Will Travel only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. BarkBox is not responsible for the content of this article.

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Bark Box is the new subscription service where your pooch gets a box full of hand picked toys and treats every month for a low fee.  Subscription based services like this are quite fun, you never know exactly what you are going to get but the only thing you do know is its going to be lots of fun for your dog.  Our dog Cooper is a curious little guy and he knew as soon as the delivery man brought us the box there were treats inside.  Now you may be thinking, what happens if my dog doesn’t like anything in the barkbox?  Well that’s easy, simply let the Happy Team, happy@barkbox.com about your issue and they will quickly replace the damages or disliked items.
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Barkbox is full of enriching toys to keep your dog happy and healthy by stimulating their mind and creativity as well as their health with gnawing toys and bones.  What I liked about the Barkbox is that Cooper knew it was here.  Normally he doesn’t react to boxes being delivered, but this one he made a b-line to, it was quite funny.  While opening the box up Cooper was very interested in what he got in the mail, nose poking and sniffing trying to figure out what his new treat will be.  As you can tell from the photos, the dog was pretty interested.

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Barkbox also makes a great gift for  dog owner who seems to have everything, because you can never have enough toys for your dog, especially if they are chewers.

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If you check out Barkbox now, I have a special link to use to help you save 10% on a new subscription as well as free shipping to the US.  Keep in mind that the longer your subscription period, the more savings you get, one month at a time will cost $29 per Barkbox, while a full year subscription will cost only $19 per Barkbox.

HARTZ LAUNCHES YEAR-ROUND FLEA & TICK CONSUMER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN #NOFT

Hartz, experts in flea and tick solutions for over 55 years, announced the release of a national consumer ‘No F&T’ campaign to educate pet owners on the importance of year-round flea and tick protection.  Protect your pet all year long- and don’t wait until you sea fleas to make sure your pet doesn’t get them.  Remember- they can be super hard to get rid of, and you might have to “flea bomb” the whole house to kill them- which is really, really expensive and a pain to boot, not to mention that it is terrible for your pets.

The primary flea and tick season in the United States is April – September; however fleas survive throughout the year.  Hartz is committed to educating consumers that a consistently protected pet mounts a stronger defense against flea infestation; an infestation that cannot only pose a threat to the animals, but also to the home.  Hartz has a complete line of flea and tick products, including collars, shampoos, home and garden sprays, and its best prevention product; Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® Flea & Tick Drops for cats and dogs.

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“Only 5% of the problem is addressed when consumers treat the adult fleas they can actually see,” states Lance Hemsarth, Senior Director, Research & Development at Hartz. “That means the remaining 95% of larvae and eggs left untreated can cause re-infestation. It is our duty as a trusted pet care brand to educate families regarding the health benefits of consistent flea prevention treatment for their pets.”  Like personal health exams and smoke alarm battery checks, establishing preventative behavior aids in overall health.  Implementing interactive and engaging tactics to augment this behavior is the goal of this campaign.

Renowned veterinarian, Dr. Bernadine Cruz, will contribute to the ‘No F&T’ messaging through her practice based in Laguna Woods, California, as well as through her internet based radio show ‘The Pet Doctor’ heard on www.PetLifeRadio.com.  States Dr. Cruz, “I have a special interest in flea and tick care for dogs and cats.  When applied consistently, pet owners can safeguard their animals and their homes year-round; eliminating costly veterinary office visits for infestation and help protect the health of their pets and family. I am thrilled to be a part of this educational campaign.”
The ‘No F&T’ approach will target consumers with the hashtag #NOFT to create community among pet owners and establish a prevention lifestyle.  Digital ads and social media messaging, including monthly care reminders, will be communicated via Facebook starting this month.  For more information, please visit www.hartz.com/brands/hartzultraguard.aspx, and @HartzPets on Facebook.

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month #shelterpetlove

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We love our shelter pets- our last adopted dog, Chaac, was one of the great loves of my live until he died of cancer (and far too young), and our Cooper is as sweet as they come.  I can’t imagine a home without pets in it.  While we are not exactly “cat people”, since my son and husband are both allergic, we know that cats make great pets for the non-allergy-set, and would encourage you to head to your local shelter when you are ready to make a lifetime commitment to a four-legged-friend.  Yes, even if you have a baby, move, or if it get’s old- or grows bigger then a puppy or kitten.  Pets do that, grow up.  Pets are not disposable- that’s how many of them get to the shelter in the first place, humans that didn’t plan for them past a few months or a year.

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Have you met Sasha?  Our current foster, looking for her “forever” home.  If you are in the market for some love, kisses, and truly terrible fetching (she needs some work on this, LOL), she could be “the one”!

June marks a particularly active time for shelters and rescue groups, as it’s the peak of kitten season, when thousands of newborn homeless kittens join other cats available for adoption across the United States. There are cats for every personality in shelters and rescue groups right now, and with each adoption, the number of healthy and treatable pets who lose their lives in shelters each year declines. Currently, about 2.4 million pets still need to find a home each year.

The Humane Society of the United States, Maddie’s Fund®, and the Ad Council, to ask for your support during “Adopt-A-Cat” month.   Visit your local shelter, make a donation (like to Cotton!  She’s been through the ringer), and/or join the @ShelterPets twitter party this Friday, June 19, at 3 PM EST with the hashtag #GarfieldChat.
Visit TheShelterPetProject.org to see what shelter pets are available in their area.

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The Shelter Pet Project showcases the unique bonds between shelter pets and their adoptive owners, and reminds people that there are thousands of amazing shelter pets ready to meet them. These videos and other ads help break down misconceptions surrounding shelter pets and spread the word that pets in shelters are wonderful and loveable.

Millions of people are looking to acquire a pet within the next year. If just a small percentage choose to adopt, we could end the euthanization of healthy and treatable pets across the U.S. Why not adopt your new best friend, instead of buying love?

Don’t forget- Join me for the @ShelterPets twitter party this Friday, June 19, at 3 PM EST with the hashtag #GarfieldChat to spread the word!

Canine Flu Spreading in New Jersey

image via guardianlv.com

image via guardianlv.com

The Canine Influenza has been spreading throughout the continental United States, including New Jersey, so the American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA) has some information and tips to help dog owners better understand the virus. “What we need to keep in mind is that humans can physically transmit the virus – which can stay on our clothes for up to 24 hours- so it is important to be careful about interacting with any unknown dogs,” says AVMA spokesperson Dr. Aspros “With proper education, we can do our best to minimize the spread.”

What is canine influenza?

Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious infection caused by an influenza A subtype H3N8 virus first discovered in 2004.

What are common symptoms of the infection in dogs?

In the mild form, the most common sign is a cough that persists for 2-3 weeks. However, some dogs can develop signs of severe pneumonia, such as a high-grade fever (104°F-106°F) and faster breathing. Other signs in infected dogs include nasal and/or ocular discharge, sneezing, fatigue, and refusing food.

Is every dog at risk of infection?

All dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection.

How does it spread?

Canine influenza is spread from dog to dog through the air, contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and people interacting with infected and uninfected dogs. On surfaces, the virus is alive and can infect dogs for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on hands for 12 hours.

Can veterinarians test for canine influenza?

The most reliable and sensitive method for confirmation is serologic testing. Antibodies to canine influenza virus can appear in blood as early as 7 days after symptoms begin, and the virus may be identified in nasal or pharyngeal swabs during the first 4 days of illness.

Any treatment options?

In May 2009, the USDA approved the first influenza vaccine for dogs. Trials have shown that it can significantly reduce the duration of illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. Dog owners should consult with their vet to determine whether the vaccine is appropriate for their dog.

Can canine influenza infect people?

There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from dogs to humans.

For more information about canine influenza virus, visit https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx

Have You Met Sasha?

Have you met Sasha?  Our latest foster dog is looking for her forever home- if you think that could be you, email me for more info and I will send you the rescue agency’s adoption application.

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Sasha is 6 years old, likes long walks on the beach (or anywhere, really), and is quite the lady on her leash. She never pulls, and walks at whatever pace you are- this pup aims to please.  Clearly a beauty, she will bat her gold eyes and dazzle you with a smile that she flashes at anyone- she’s a flirt.

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Sasha is great in the car, loves belly rubs, and wants to be someone’s baby.  Just like any girly-girl, she likes to have her fur brushed.  She doesn’t love going up and down stairs (she’s a bit overweight), but will gladly play fetch in the backyard with you.  (By “fetch” I mean run wildly after that stick you threw and chew it to bits, or hold the ball in her mouth and show it to you.)

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This is the perfect dog for empty nesters. She loves to ride in the car, never makes a peep and lounges like she owns it.  Completely housebroken, Sasha knows her name, how to sit, and stay. Sasha has lots of energy, and is really strong- but she listens very well and is learning more commands.  She will beg for snacks if you have them- or stalk you- which some would find beneath them, but Sasha doesn’t care (as long as it ends with treats). 

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Canine Flu is Spreading — now in 13 States

Canine Flu is now in Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin and Texas

What You Can Do to Keep Your Pet Safe and Healthy

Flu season may be winding down for humans, but there have been thousands of reported cases of canine influenza in the last several months. To help dog owners better understand the virus, here are some key facts from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

What is canine influenza?

Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious infection caused by an influenza A subtype H3N8 virus first discovered in 2004.

What are common symptoms of the infection in dogs?

In the mild form, the most common sign is a cough that persists for 2-3 weeks. However, some dogs can develop signs of severe pneumonia, such as a high-grade fever (104°F-106°F) and faster breathing. Other signs in infected dogs include nasal and/or ocular discharge, sneezing, fatigue, and refusing food.

Is every dog at risk of infection?

All dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection.

How does it spread?

Canine influenza is spread from dog to dog through the air, contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and people ineracting with infected and uninfected dogs. On surfaces, the virus is alive and can infect dogs for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on hands for 12 hours.

Can veterinarians test for canine influenza?

The most reliable and sensitive method for confirmation is serologic testing. Antibodies to canine influenza virus can appear in blood as early as 7 days after symptoms begin, and the virus may be identified in nasal or pharyngeal swabs during the first 4 days of illness.

Any treatment options?

In May 2009, the USDA approved the first influenza vaccine for dogs. Trials have shown that it can significantly reduce the duration of illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. Dog owners should consult with their vet to determine whether the vaccine is appropriate for their dog.

Can canine influenza infect people?

There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from dogs to humans.

What can dog owners do to help protect their pet?

Some pet owners are steering away from dog parks and other areas where other infected dogs might gather.

For more information about canine influenza virus, visit https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx