Rawhide - What is it really?

Have you ever wondered what Rawhide really is?
Rawhide is the inner layer of the hide of any cleft-hoofed bovine livestock. The animal's skin is split into inner and outer layers. The tough outer layer is used for leather shoes, garments, and upholstery, while the softer inner layer is cut and formed into different shapes for dog chews.

Beef-Hide is premium rawhide made from cows raised for consumption. American Beef-Hide is derived from corn-fed cows within U.S. borders.

Collagen fibers link to make the animal's hide tough yet flexible. Human skin has the same basic structure but is much thinner. When collagen in the skin dries out, it becomes stiff. As your dog chews, the saliva moistens and softens the rawhide. Foreign rawhide is often sun parched while U.S. beef-hide is oven dried to prevent over drying.

The quality of rawhide is often related to its country of origin: We try to carry only American Beef-hide: Corn-fed beef raised in the U.S. supply a thick, palatable and high quality chew. American beef-hide is considered "The Source" of choice for premium chews.

Natural tendencies of wild canines and their predecessors was to sink their teeth into their prey and pull away on the hides stripping the skin and meat. Inherent in this feeding processes was the beneficial action of the tugging and pressure on the teeth and gums which served to toughen the gums and clean the teeth for a continuously healthy mouth.

Dental Benefits: As rawhide is chewed and moistened, it wraps around the teeth and rubs off plaque and calculi. Behavior Benefits: All dogs have an inherent desire to chew, especially puppies. Aberrant chewing can be a sign of lack of exercise or a vitamin deficiency, but it is most often a normal desire to chew. This drive can exhibit itself on furniture and clothing items. Beef-hide offers a dog a safe chewing outlet.

But are they safe for my dog? Not everyone is comfortable using rawhide, it is up to you to decide. Chews come in every size and shape imaginable. It is important that the chew be large enough and thick enough that your dog cannot easily chew off and swallow a large piece or the whole chew. Rawhide that requires more than 7 days to chew should be replaced due to dirt and bacteria buildup.

If your dog has gastrointestinal disease or is eating a therapeutic diet, you should seek a veterinarian's approval before feeding any chews. Dogs with beef allergies or that consistently swallow bones whole should probably chew unattended.

Hope Everyone Had a Great Thanksgiving

Are you prepared for the Holidays?

Now it's time to think about the next set of Holidays. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, it is great to include your pets in the celebrations.

Taking a photo to send to friends and family? Don't forget to get the family cat or dog involved. We carry Antlers, Santa or Elf Hats and holiday outfits for the pets. It definitely bringa a smile to everyone (well maybe not the cat or dog- but what a photo opp!)

If you don't have a pet, doing something for a friends cat or dog is often greatly appreciated as well. Going to a cookie swap with friends who have pets, bring along some bakery treats for the dog - everyone will comment on how thoughtful you are.

Gift Baskets filled with treats and toys for a business associate is one option if you don't know what to get them (of course this only works if they have a pet) - there are just so many bottles of wine or cheese baskets one can receive! At Cause to Paws we can put something together for you - or you can pick out items yourself and package them up. Either way people will really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Other things to keep in mind.

Be careful at Holiday Dinners - this is a great opportunity for dogs to seize half-carved turkeys, half-cut hams and semi-sliced roasts from the kitchen counter top - or eat things they shouldn't - like chocolate or candy. Even too many dog treats can be harmful, keep an eye out.

Which brings up another concern - Call your vet and check his or her schedule for the Holidays. Ask if there will be emergency care available. Your vet's office might be closed, so be sure to get the phone number and address of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. It's good to have this type of information on hand just incase. If you are going away this is information you need to give to whomever may be taking care of your pets. If you are in need of a pet sitter or walker- you better arrange this ASAP because often they book up early.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Holiday Season.

Salon time: How often should a cat be shampooed?

Tracie Hotchner, author of The Cat Bible states the following about cat grooming - thought I would share.

"In addition to rinsing with warm water regularly, a shampoo twice a month can really reduce the number of allergens on your cat. Use only lukewarm water (hot water can be counter-productive and stimulate more dander production) and a mild cat shampoo. Some of the cat shampoos on the market are even soap-free. Bathing every other week will condition the skin and hair while removing dander and saliva. Keep the water flow warm and gentle and eventually your furry friend may even look forward to bath time!"

At Cause to Paws we carry Bobbi Panter's line of shampoos.

All her Shampoos are SALT FREE. They do not use sodium chloride to thicken their product which is basically table salt and drying to skin, fur and eyes. No salt means no cheap filler, faster rinse time, faster drying time and all of the essential oils they use can actually penetrate the skin and fur!

The Ph is balanced to match the eyes.

It's CONCENTRATED "For 50% MORE WASHES PER BOTTLE". Although all her shampoos are safe for cats - we recently have added a cat specific version called Shaggy Cat.

Shaggy Cat Shampoo - is two products in one. A natural shampoo and conditioner that smoothes and detangles with Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera Gel. Shaggy Cat reduces shedding, dander and matting. Two products in one! Check it out.

Traveling? Need a pet sitter?

The Holidays are coming soon. Are you traveling? It can be stressful. If you have a pet that needs taking care of while you are gone can only add to the stress - especially if you need to find a pet sitter.

How do you find one?

It's easy if you have done this before but if it is the first time here are some ideas.

First you might consider starting with a friend, a very good friend! You might consider neighbor. If they can't help at least they may know who to refer you to. Ask for recommendations from your veterinarian, humane society or dog trainer. Even a Pet Boutique like ours, Cause to Paws, have a number of Dog Walkers and Dog and Cat sitters that we feel comfortable recommending

Make sure your chosen pet sitter is affiliated with a professional pet sitting organization or has solid references - don't be afraid to ask. Insurance is important as well, in case there are only problems. Once you have made a list of trustworthy and reliable sitters in your area, the next step is to call and interview candidates over the phone or even better yet in person. See how your pet reacts to them and vice a versa. Ask what they charge, how long the visits are, if they are bonded and insured, and if they have any special skills or veterinary experience.

When calling an agency, find out how many pet sitters they employ and their days of operation. Inquire whether they charge extra during the holidays.

Some sitters will take the dog or cat into their home. Others may want to stay at your home overnight so that the dog is in it's own surroundings.

Good quality pet sitters book up early so you need to consider finding one right now otherwise your travel plans may not happen.

Howl-O-Ween Dos and Don'ts

Here's hoping that you and your dog have a happy fun - and importantly - a safe Halloween. With a little preparation this should not be a problem.

Make sure to keep your Halloween decorations just out of reach. Cats especially love electrical cords. Pets are curious, anything that is shiny, crinkly twinkling is attention getting. Motion decorations can be hard to resist - but can also be scary for some dogs. I know that Kanji will definitely bark at any moving figures - it scars him (which I guess is the intention of those type of decorations.

Keep Halloween candy away from pets. Especially chocolate which is toxic to dogs and cats. Gum and candy with xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is known to be deadly. To be safe make sure you have treats for the pets around.

Candles in pumpkins can lead curious cats into dangerous situations - so maybe these are not such a good idea to have around. Teenagers can be especially cruel to animals during this time - acting out as pranksters or doing their devilish things. Don't leave your pet outside unsupervised (which is a good thing to do all year round), - better not to take any chances.

Every time the door bell rings Kanji goes ballistic - he is assuming someone is coming to visit him and he gets so excited. On Halloween you usually have a constantly ringing doorbell and a parade of strange costumed individuals. This can be overwhelming for some dogs and you may want to consider putting them in a room far away from the mayhem which might be happening. Give them a chew bone or a toy to try and distract them. If they get too stressed consider things like Happy Traveler or Rescue Remedy - natural remedies to relieve stress - we carry both at Cause to Paws.

If you are trick or treating with your dog (with or without a costume!) make sure they wear their collars and ID tags.

Have a Happy (and safe) Howl-O-Ween.

Shocking news: Electrical and phone cords are ticking time bombs

"Until you add a cat to your life you won't have realized how many cords there are in the average house. From curtain cords to lamps, computers, kitchen appliances, telephones, hair dryers or irons, they're everywhere. While cats all like to play with cords, kittens are especially vulnerable because they play with things by putting them in their mouth. If a kitten chews an electrical cord she can get burned or cause a house fire. If she gets tangled up in window blind cords she can get trapped and strangle. Make sure to always keep all types of household cords out of the reach of your little kitties."

by Tracie Hotchner, author of The Cat Bible

At Cause to Paws we often have customers come in and tell us how their cats are eating their computer wires - not realizing that cats like to chew. We have sold them little rubber bones, cat coils and even 3" bully sticks to help with their chewing needs. There are also lots of dangling teaser type cat toys which can take the place of the cords. Cats need to have play and interaction time, so it is important to have things available for them to play with, alone or with you. Our cat section is quite extensive to try and cover all these needs. We are constantly looking for new things to keep the cat busy - so they will avoid the household items.

Fling-Ama-String™…if cats had money, they'd buy one! Fling-Ama-String™ hangs on any standard door knob. It is battery-operated. One side of a long string is sewn to a flat elastic "conveyer belt' which is constantly rotating. The string flings in and out for kitty’s non-stop amusement. The toy has 2 speeds to satisfy the frisky or faint feline. Batteries not included.

Pull tips: Is your dog a puller?

Pull tips: Is your dog a puller?
by The canine experts at Dogster.com

"If your dog is a puller, don't let him pull you! As he attempts to pull you, don't let your arm extend all the way out, which is enabling him to pull. Keep your elbow bent and tucked in, and when he starts to pull, don't let the elbow straighten and pull back. If this is done enough times, it should help... it may not eliminate the pulling, but the dog will not pull as hard."

We work with a number of trainers and most of them highly recommend Premiers Easy Walk Harness for dogs that pull - from the Petite to Xlarge and every size in between. Lots of great feedback and I have seen it work miracles. It sort of looks like a martingale for the chest - as the dog pulls, you correct by pulling back which causes the harness to close and allows you to "steer" the dog - easily turning them left or right - getting them back on track in terms of walking beside you.

Another thing I like about them is even if your dog finds a way to chew the harness the company will replace it for the cost of shipping - (rumour has it it is usually because we, as owners, leave the harness in some tempting location and the dog sees it as a chew toy!). I have become quite the expert at fitting dogs. I have learned that there are some dog shapes that are not conducive to the harness so coming in for a fitting can be helpful.

And for even better news - the company now offers the harnesses made from recycled materials, in very green packaging. Every little bit helps the earth out.

If you need help in training - we can help out with some names in addition to the harnesses.

I'm Back and So is Kanji and Summer

Had a great week off in Michigan with good friends. Had my dog fix by going to a parade in Northport, MI - dubbed the Kentucky Dogby. Lots of dogs with little saddles and "jockeys" on their backs and others with roses around their necks. For a small town in northern Michigan they put on quite a shindig - their local celebrity turned out to march as well - Mario Batali - a great chef - wonder if he cooks for his dog(s)?

It was obvious when I went to pick up Kanji he was ready to come home and rest. He ran right to the car and wanted to get in (made me feel good!). I know he had a great time while he was at "summer camp" but I think he was exhausted from all the activity - he is not use to that much fun - 24/7 .

It is a scorcher out there today - Summer has decided to arrive in August - so make sure you continue to keep your pets hydrated and cool. It's a real hot one today. Make sure you keep your dog cool - Forget about leaving the dog in the car and cracking the window - check out http://www.mydogiscool.com/ for lots of great information.

Off on Vacation - Leaving Kanji Behind

I am off for a much needed vacation but I am depressed that I have to leave Kanji behind. The good news is he is staying with friends - whom he loves very much. He is basically going to summer camp. It's great to have a trusted friend with a great location (3 acres all surrounded by water). Kanji is free to run around with their Chocolate Lab - Woody basically 24/7.

Not everyone can be this lucky. If you need to leave your pet behind there are various options available - Kennels, Vets, Pet Sitters (in your home or theirs), Pet Hotels, etc. Whatever you do it is important to make sure you get references and check the places out. We have a lot of people coming into the store offering services - we tell them unless we have experience with them or know of customers that use them we can not really recommend them. We do have a list of "trusted" sitters, walkers, and places we feel comfortable recommending.

Whatever you do make sure you provide your pet with some comforts of home - their toys, bed, blankets, food, treats - and things with your scent on them. And when you come back make sure you bring them a special treat or toy so they know you were thinking about them while you were gone.

Feel free to come in and talk about your needs - we would love to help you out.

Squirt Bottles may be the answer

Squirt control: A bottle of water can break up a dog fight
by B.L. Ochman, Blogger, Pawfun.com


Always carry a bottle of water to the dog park or run. You can often break up a fight by squirting the two dogs. They'll stop long enough for you to pull your dog out of harm's way. It also works when dogs get nuts while playing and need a quick time out to keep the play from escalating.

Just came across this tip from Dogster - I was at a meeting of liaisons from the Green Dog Program in Brookline (an off leash program sponsored by the town) last night and a lot of the conversation had to do with aggressive dog behavior and what to do to help control the dogs. One person suggested Mace and the whole group erupted in rage with the consensus being to use a water bottle to squirt the dog - the shock factor does the job. Then today I found this tip and thought it was a good one to share with everyone. Hopefully you don't run into a lot of aggressive dogs - but just in case. If you have an aggressive dog this may just be the answer for you.

Hot weather tips from The Animal Rescue League

In addition to making sure you keep your dog well hydrated in warm/hot weather here are some additional tips I found on the Animal Rescue League site - check it out and keep your pets safe!

• Never leave your dog in the car even with the windows cracked. Although it may seem cool outside, the temperature inside your car can easily rise as high as 150 degrees in a matter of minutes. If you’re planning to run a few errands, it’s best to leave the pets at home.
• Make a point of keeping your pet on a leash to ensure that they don’t get lost and/or ingest anything that could make them sick.
• If your pet has light skin or hair, apply sunscreen to the animal’s ears and nose and allow them to rest in a shady spot regularly.
• Hot weather may encourage pets to drink from puddles, so be sure that your driveway and yard are free of any potential toxins. After a heavy rain, fertilizer, weed killer and other common lawn chemicals can contaminate puddles, and antifreeze poses specific hazards due to its sweet taste. Even small doses of these chemicals can be fatal. Puddles can also contain deadly bacteria called leptospirosis.
• Check your pet for insect stings and bites. Typically the affected area will be swollen, but take note of any other symptoms and monitor them. If the animal seems especially uncomfortable or if the swelling is excessive, consult your veterinarian to ensure that your pet isn’t having an allergic reaction.

Have fun but be careful on the 4th - Take care of the Dogs

We recently held a seminar presented by Vera Wilkinson on helping dogs who have issues with Fireworks, Thunder and Lightening. The 4th of July is right around the corner and it is the day that many dog owners fear. I recently came across a great write up that can help you (and your dog) better cope with the Firework issues. It's the biggest day for dogs to run away - the loud noises puts a lot of stress on some dogs.



I suggest that you check out the full article which provides lots of tips and ideas to keep them safe - especially if you're not going to be home with them.



http://www.dogtipper.com/tip/2009/06/keeping-your-dogs-safe-secure-on-july.html.

Summer is coming - Keep your dog well hydrated

Take it slow.

It is important for your dog to get daily exercise. But in the Summer you have to be very careful about the weather. Summer heat and dogs are not necessarily a good mix. Dogs aren't that efficient in cooling themselves. The dogs only option is panting and sweating through their paw pads. If you can, try taking your dog out in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Like people, dogs can suffer from heatstroke, so make sure your dog is not overwhelmed on hot days. Try starting with slower, shorter walks and gradually increase according to your pet's ability and health. Older dogs, along with dogs with short, pushed in faces, like Pugs, Bull dogs, Boxers and those dogs with dark coats, have a higher risk of suffering from heat stroke.

What else can you do?
It's also important to keep your dog hydrated. Bring plenty of water. There are lots of portable bowls and other water carrying approaches you can get to make this easier for you and your dog. It's good to be prepared. At Cause to Paws we carry a variety of options, one is sure to meet your needs (and your dogs)

MSPCA Walk for Animals

MSPCA-Angell Walk for Animals Sunday, September 13, 2009

Kanji and I will be participating in this years Boston MSPCA Walk. Help us AND the animals by going to http://www.mspca.org/goto/causetopaws

and donating to this great cause. Or you might want to consider starting your own team and joining us in the walk.

Fireworks and Dogs don't mix

If you're thinking of taking your dog outside to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July...think again.


Your dogs hearing is 10 times more sensitive then yours. Imagine the effect fireworks could have on the dog - increased anxiety, stress and fear. Not just the noise but the flashes and light can effect them as well. The same can be said for lightening and thunderstorms. My dogs react to both and it's not a pretty sight. Summer time is an especially bad for these types of events. You should be careful and know what to do to help them.


We will be having a lecture on Sunday, June 14th from 3-4 PM, at Cause to Paws. Presented by Vera Wilkinson, a certified dog behavior consultant and professional dog trainer , from The Cooperative Dog. She will provide some ideas and tips on things you can do ahead of time to prevent anxiety as well on the spot ways to calm a nervous pooch. Hope to see you there.

Fetch - Frisbee, Why? - Fun!

I am back from visiting my mother in Florida - where I am known as the Rain Queen. Seems it hadn't rained in 7 weeks and then I show up and it rained for 7 days straight. Good thing I didn't bring Kanji with me - rain and wet are not his favorite things. His stay at "summer camp" was great - good food (I think he gained weight - but so did I so I can not point that out to him) and lots of outdoor fun ( a lot more then was available to me). As with most dogs - Fetch - is his favorite game. Not sure the point of it but that doesn't seem to stop Kanji and his pal Woodie from wanting to be outside doing it 24/7. Which then brings up the question - What's the best thing to use for Fetching?

Most dogs do fine playing fetch with tennis balls. But, like all things in life, tennis balls have risks. Some dogs may actually swallow tennis balls whole, leading to intestinal obstruction. And, although tennis balls are generally durable, they occasionally come unravelled. Some dogs have a knack for breaking apart tennis balls and swallowing the pieces–leading to intestinal obstruction. Another common problem with tennis balls is possible damage to the teeth. Tennis balls are highly abrasive. Dogs that chew or grind excessively on tennis balls may suffer severe dental wear. The wear most often occurs on the canine teeth (fangs) and the teeth directly behind them. Neither Kanji or his pal Woody appear to be excessive chewers while they play fetch but a less abrasive option is a rubber ball. A warning about rubber balls, they may be less durable than tennis balls and some can deflate and dogs may swallow them and suffer intestinal obstructions.

Other Fetchable items include Frisbees and sticks (real or rubber). But is playing Frisbee safe? Although acrobatic leaps for frisbees may lead to injured knees, the running involved in fetching and frisbee catching helps to keep dogs fit, muscular and lean. And don’t forget that playing fetch or frisbee is fun. Having fun is part of the reason why people have dogs. Intense physical activity carries certain risks for dogs. But we all face risks every day. In most cases, the benefits of activities such as fetching or catching frisbees outweigh the risks.


Nothing in life is without risks so make sure you know your dogs habits and likes/dislikes.

At Cause to Paws we carry a variety of options in terms of balls, sticks and frisbees - soft, hard, rubber, fabric, floatable, recycled/recyclable, with and without squeakers - to make sure we have your dog covered.

Kanji is off to "Summer Camp"

I am going to visit my mother in Florida for about a week and leaving Kanji behind. This is always a tough decision with me - to bring him or not. My mothers condo complex allows dogs but now seems to enforcing the rule that it only allows dogs that live there full time - no visiting dogs. It's causing some issues that I don't want to exacerbate so I will be leaving him behind this time around. I will miss him but I am not sure he will be missing me.



He is probably thrilled because he is going to "Summer Camp"! - Well not really, but he is going to be staying with friends in Holliston who live on the "acreage" - basically a little island surrounded by water - where he can run free and be "abused" by their 2 year old chocolate lab. Well not really abused - more like molested. For some reason their dog is enamored by my little fluffy guy - can't get enough of his smell and seems to be drooling over him constantly. Kanji plays a lot of run away. Outside there is no problem but inside it is definitely a game of hide and seek. Either way he is basically in doggy heaven. My friends love him and the feeling is definitely mutual. Usually Kanji wants to follow me everywhere but when he is with them I don't exist - so I don't feel guilty leaving him behind with the molester. They feed him things I won't and play with him a lot more than I can - and despite the fact their dog is a molester, he has a full time playmate - what more can you ask for.

So I am off to Florida for a week, guilt free knowing my dog is well taken care of happy to be away from me for awhile, away from the store and at summer camp.

Later

So you think dogs can eat chocolate - Think again!

You should never intentionally feed your dog chocolate. But sometimes our 4 legged friends get into things they shouldn't - off our counters or out of our bags. Then what do you do?

If the unfortunate happens it's good to know how much is too much. There is a chocolate chart from National Geographic that can help you determine your dog's danger zone - requiring a trip to the vet or worse the ER. Using the cursor you can match your dog's weight in pounds (or kilograms), to the amount and type of chocolate to see the dangerous effects - everything from vomiting and diarrhea to death. For emergency reference purposes, be sure to bookmark this chart. And always be conscious of keeping chocolate out of your dog's reach.

Chocolate contains chemical substances from the same family as caffeine - the main problem chemical is theobromine. At Cause to Paws all of our bakery treats that look like they contain chocolate are actually made with carob - a safe alternative to chocolate. Carob is a legume that comes from the carob tree. In addition to not having the negative effects of chocolate, carob is very nutritious.

Just an FYI - Carob contains as much Vitamin B1 as asparagus or strawberries; as much niacin as lima beans, lentils, or peas; and more Vitamin A than eggplant, asparagus, and beets. It also contains Vitamin B2, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and the trace minerals iron, manganese, chromium, copper, and nickel. It contains approximately 8 percent protein and is a good source of fiber. Compared to chocolate, carob is three times richer in calcium, has one third less calories and seventeen times less fat. Carob also has therapeutic uses. It is known to halt serious cases of diarrhea in adults, infants, and animals.

I stop to smell the lilacs - and the dogs eat grass!

The store is closed on Mondays - and it was such a beautiful day that I took the dogs to the Arboretum in Jamaica Plain so I could see/smell the Lilacs which are usually in full bloom around Mothers Day. Well they were magnificent - should have brought the camera. The dogs could not get enough of the park - the problem was all they wanted to do was stop and eat the grass. This happens every Spring - they seem to go after the newly growing grass and flower tips. Then inevitably they throw up. What gives? Why do dogs eat grass? Lot's of opinions out there.

“This is one of the most common questions I get from dog owners,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM, who added, “Sometimes, it’s an indication of something else, like an upset stomach or a diet low in fiber, but it can also be due to something more simple – some dogs simply enjoy the taste of grass.”Read more: "Why is My Dog Eating Grass? Causes for a Canine’s Urge to Eat Grass Suite101.com" - http://dogs.suite101.com/article.cfm/why_is_my_dog_eating_grass#ixzz0FJcDeAey&A

On http://www.wisegeek.com/ - they say " Some dogs take a few nibbles (that is what Kanji does), while others eat quickly, barely chewing the grass (that's what Decia does). Unchewed grass often translates to near instant vomiting. Dogs that are careful grazers, on the other hand, may not get sick from grass. The latter case suggests that some dogs eat grass because they enjoy it.(I think that's Kanji). Most dogs don’t need it to supplement their diets, but because dog diets are primarily made up of herbivores, that grassy taste may be reminiscent of the cattle or lamb product they had for dinner.

Veterinarians still aren't sure if dogs eat grass because their stomachs are upset or if their stomachs get upset after they eat grass. However, many vets suspect it's the former, because dogs who are energetic and perky seem to be able to eat grass without getting sick afterward. It seems likely that there's something in grass that does stimulate the urge to vomit. Often this is the case with Kanji - is he Bulimic?

Bottom line: In any case, grass eating is basically a normal behavior, and is not of concern unless your dog does it excessively. It does make walking the dogs in the park a little difficult - but now the arboretum doesn't need to be mowed today!

Peanut Butter Carrot Cake

I wanted to make some special treats for a store event and found a great recipe for a Peanut Butter Carrot Cake - I made it as a cake the first time but since then I use mini cup cake holders and make bite size (one bite for the big dogs/a few bites for the smaller ones!). My customers keep asking me to sell these in addition to the bakery cookies I have in the treat case - but that's a whole other issue to deal with and I will leave that up to the professionals!

Recipe:
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 egg
Mix flour and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into greased 8" round cake pan and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Let cool. You can frost them or just leave them as is - I don't think the dogs care - they seem to love them either way.

Frosting: Puree cottage cheese in blender for icing (I sometimes add a little peanut butter to this - or you can add food coloring to make it more festive. Decorate with more peanut butter and carrots.

An alternative frosting: Cream Cheese Dog Treat Frosting
12 ounces nonfat cream cheese, room temperature2 teaspoons honey Directions: Beat with a hand mixer until fluffy. Frost cupcakes with a spatula or pipe using a pastry bag with a fine tip.

Kitten Necessities

Here's a quick list of necessities you should have on hand when getting a new kitten.

1. Kitten Specific Food
2. Litter box, scoop, litter (scented or unscented? some cats/kittens are highly sensitive to smells - where others don't mind - you may need to try several types before you find the right one). Placement is important - PUT IT WHERE THEY CAN FIND IT! otherwise????????
3. Kitten size bowls
4. Scratching Post - (the couch does not count!)
5. Kitten safe toys - wands, stuffed mice, crinkle balls....Kittens don't respond to catnip until they are 3 - 6 months old - it will do no harm but don't expect a reaction (and some cats don't have the gene to begin with and never respond - so don't worry if your cat is not a druggy).
6. Grooming brush and wipes - the more you groom the less your house will be covered - plus it's a good way to bond with your new acquisition.
7. Collar and tag - Breakaway, breakaway, breakaway - you don't want your cat to get HUNG up.
8. Cat bed or snuggle sack
9. Cat Carrier - get them use to this early so trips to the vet are not so traumatic.
10. Cat Tree/Condo - assuming you have room to put this - let them climb on this and not your curtains.

Other than food - we can help you out. Although not a cat owner I have learned a lot from our cat customers and continue to expand our cat offerings. Now if we can just find a bakery that will make decorated cat treats - we will be all set.

Smokers Likely to Quit for Pet's Health

Another great reason to stop smoking - your pet - it's bad for their health , too.

In a study at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, 28.4% of smokers said they were now motivated to stop because of the danger to their pets health - well it should be 100%. Just like for people, exposure to secondhand smoke has been linked to cancer, allergies, eye and skin diseases in dogs and cats.

Enough preaching for today - but pass it on.

It's me or Kanji and Kanji wins!

Came across this and had to share - since it is spot on - I need my hair cut and colored but Kanji needs to go to the groomer - only can afford one of us and guess who wins out!

Top ten reasons why it costs more to get your pet groomed then your own hair cut

10. Your hairdresser doesn't wash and clean your rear end.
9. You don't go eight weeks without washing or brushing your hair.
8. Your hairdresser doesn't give you a sanitary trim.
7. Your hairdresser doesn't clean your ears.
6. Your hairdresser doesn't remove the boogies from your eyes.
5. You sit still for your hairdresser.
4. Your haircut doesn't include a manicure or pedicure.
3. Your hairdresser only washes and cuts the hair on your head.
2. You don't bite or scratch your hairdresser.
1. The likelihood of you pooping on the hairdresser is pretty slim.

There's only one first time for everything!

First Facebook and now a Blog!

It is almost Four years since Cause to Paws doors opened. I decided it was about time to start blogging (is that really a word?). The intent of this blog will be to share Fun, Frivolous, inFormative and Functional Facts about our Furry Friends and yours.

10 green cat and dog tips ( I agree with these except for the one that says "Instead of buying plastic poop bags, reuse plastic bags from the grocery store to pick up dog waste." We believe in using Biodegradable poop bags for dog waste and sell a variety of options - scented, unscented, rolls with cores, coreless, cornstarch versions, ones shaped like mits.............

Looking Forward to Future sharing