November 3rd 2009 3:12 pm
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Winterizing your home and Pet!
By Wendy Diamond, Pet Lifestyle Expert, Animal Rescue Advocate
When Jack Frost "nips" at your nose, he really bites hard! Certainly you
don't want a sick puppy best to prepare your four-legged loved ones from the
winter cold.
1. If your dog sleeps outside, a weatherproof dog-house is a must! Your
furry friend's home should be able to retain heat, be well insulated and
stay dry. No one wants to wipe a runny dog nose!
2. It's Freezing! During extremely low temperatures, all pets should be
brought indoors.
3. If your dog's hair is groomed short, let it grow a bit longer in the
winter to keep them warm. They were fortunate enough be born with their
very own fur coat... they should use it!
4. They say people gain a few extra pounds during the winter months, but
dogs actually need to! How sweet is that for them! Dogs need more calories
in the winter to produce body heat, so increase the amount you feed your
pet. Your pooch will definitely be pleased, but please do this responsibly -
we don't want any chubby puppies!
5. Make sure your pet always has a full water bowl outside. Check outdoor
bowls often when it's below freezing because the water can freeze. Break
the ice because you don't want your little puppy's tongue to stick to it!
6. Keep your pet away from chemicals used to melt snow and ice because it
can irritate paws and be deadly. If they come in contact with it, wipe their
paws with a wet cloth immediately. You may have to gently remove ice from
between your pooch's paw pads!
7. A cat may crawl under your car near the engine for shelter and warmth.
It is possible for them to get caught in the fan and seriously injured. Honk
the horn or slam a car door before starting the engine to wake any animal
sleeping that may be hiding.
8. Time for Dress up! Yes, it's ok to put a sweater or cat on your dog
without feeling embarrassed during the cold winter months! Certain breeds
have less fur and need to be kept warm!
For more information about keeping your pet warm this winter check out
www.animalfair.com
October 29th 2009 10:00 am
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The biggest newsmakers of the year were out in full force! Host Lucky Diamond "floated" in as the infamous "Balloon Boy," Fox News' Lauren Sivan and Rick Leventhal earned their wings as hero Captain "Sully" Sullenberger and his flight attendant, with their little dog, Spanx, as the pesky bird that caused the plane to go down. Even Eli the Chihuahua, dressed as the Pope, "blessed" us with his presence!
Everyone from Scooby Doo to Princess Fiona to Elvis had a tail-wagging good time at Animal Fair's 9th Annual Howloween Costume Party, which benefited the Humane Society of New York. What could be better than having a dog-gone fun party while helping a good cause? Chasing cats and digging in the yard comes close, but no cigar.
The celebrity judges who gave paws up or paws down were the "Rescue Ink" crew, Ramona Singer of The Real Housewives of New York City as a pirate alongside her dog, Coco, Lauren Sivan, Rick Leventhal, Ainsley Earhardt as a cat (better be careful dressed like that at a dog party!) and Courtney Friel and her Stoli, of Fox News, who marched in as a proud soldier, Z100's Skeery Jones and Miss Teen U.S.A. Stormi Bree Henley.
The big winner of the night was a little dog dressed as an army recruiter, fully loaded with his own little army base, aviator sunglasses and a "don't ask, don't tell" sign! This little G.I. Pup was one of the most talked about canines of the "pawty!"
Even Michael Jackson made an appearance just in time for the release of "This Is It!"
Some of the other big winners this year included a doggie duo dressed as Snoopy and Woodstock, who made a big entrance in a little airplane, a 70's Guido dog who took the "honor" of "Most Tasteless," Jane Pontarelli's little Maltese was a "diva dog" dressed in a $1000 bright red Kleinfeld's dog wedding dress that could rival Mariah Carey, a "baby" being carried in a pouch by his "daddy," a flashy showgirl - I should say showdog and Luigi, a tiny punk rocker, complete with a little pink Mohawk, who arrived with his parent, Mary of "Rescue Ink".
We were also treated to an appearance by Marie Antoinette and her yummy doggie "cakes," as well as Stephanie and Ira Churnick with their pup as a Native American family, going the whole nine yards with headdresses and moccasins. Also getting cultural was Caroline Lieberman and her furry friend, Maharajah Mumbai as an Indian prince and princess. The fashionable dog arrived decked out in a traditional Indian tunic, pants, jewelry and even a turban!
The winner of this year's raffle was a pint-sized pooch named Porsche and her human parent, Grace Foster, both decked out as Shrek's bride, Princess Fiona. They both seemed to have an "ogre"-whelmingly good time!
Lucky Diamond was not qualified to win the costume contest, as her mom, Wendy Diamond was the "arresting officer" and chairperson of the event. However, the charismatic Maltese did win Honorable Mention as the high-flying Balloon Boy (or dog in this case)!
Wendy Diamond's Howloween Pet Costume Tip - On a budget? Grab some old hangers, Reynolds wrap, tape, and you have Balloon Boy! Total cost is only $5.oo, top that Martha Stewart! For more fun ideas, check www.animalfair.com.
October 12th 2009 9:00 am
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This Halloween, as we humans are stuffing our faces with licorice and Skittles, let’s take a moment to think about our canine pals. Here’s what our sweet pooches should keep their paws away from!
Chocolate: Code red! Dogs and cats should avoid chocolate like the plague! Chocolate contains Theobromine, which can cause heart, nerve and circulatory problems in our furry pals.
Candy Corn: It may be the quintessential Halloween candy, but it can make for a very bumpy – and messy – ride if your pet gets a hold of some. Candy corn will not kill your pup, but all that sugar and corn syrup will cause a great deal of discomfort. Your canine companion will most likely have a very bad belly ache, start vomiting or have diarrhea. Let your pet rest and make sure he or she has fresh water.
Hard candy: Things like lollipops and other hard candies are no-no’s for dogs. They can break their teeth, hurt their jaws or choke on those little suckers. As if that were not enough, all the sugar can cause high blood pressure and heart problems in pets. Notice a pattern?
Nuts: Most types of nuts can be toxic for dogs, especially Walnuts and Macadamia nuts. The effects can lead to hyperthermia, paralysis or even death. Mixed with chocolate, nuts can be even worse, so try to resist the Goobers and Almond Joy this Halloween.
Peanut Butter: Peanut butter, believe it or not, is actually fairly safe for your dog. Hooray! Since it technically does not come from a nut (peanuts are legumes), peanut butter can be a little treat that your pet can enjoy without the risks. However, some dogs may be allergic, so consult your vet before feeding your dog any PB. And as always, know your limits. Since it is high in fat, dogs can eat a little bit of peanut butter as long as it is a once in awhile treat.
When October 31 rolls around, ghosts, goblins and monsters are not the only things you should protect your pet from. Keep your pooch away from the ultimate enemy – sugar. If you want to treat man’s best friend to some Halloween fun, pick up some animal-friendly treats at your local pet store and remember to have a fun and safe Halloween!
If you want to help homeless animals this Howloween don’t forget to log into animalfair.com to attend the GREATEST Halloween pet costume party to help the Humane Society!
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