Granville Island goes to the dogs.

Granville Island sees a lot of our furry friends on a normal day but since the Olympics have started there is a lot less traffic ( I think there is a rumour that Granville Island was closed or that there was no parking...both of which are not true) the walking traffic is starting to get pretty busy though and along with that comes all our doggy friends.
In this blog I have to tell you that there is a new hot toy on the market which is marketed by the name of Orka. This product is super tough but also has just enough give to prevent a tooth going through the product easliy. The thing is so tough that I tried to put a nail through it and there was almost like a self healing property to the material. This makes it a really good toy to use as a retrieval item.
As I have said before many times there is no such thing as a "chew toy" but there are toys that are routinely chewed in the course of play. This ORKA toy is one that works well in this regard.....come on by and check it out.
On the CAT TOY front there is big news in a new line that I have got in the store that is super popular and made rerally, really well by a lady on the Sunshine Coast. These products use sheep fleece, replaceable feathers and tisal fibres attached to smooth and safe bike wires. These products ROCK!!!...made by a lady named Linda Buckingham and very well!
We carry the whole lineup so ask for them when you come in.
WOOF and MEOW!

Olympics goes to the Dogs. or vise versa.

Opening a new store here on Granville Island called THE BUBBLES STORE has taken a bit of time and energy to say the least but it is all finished and in the same interest as Woofles and Meowz we have stocked "Bubbles" with organic and sustainable products of high quality with a focus on local suppliers. While Woofles and Meowz can get a bit.....uhh....fragrant when we bake the treats the Bubbles store always smells great with all the organic essential oils going on and NOT like some other stores where it assaults your senses.
Since the last entrt we have done several interviews with local and far reaching news organizations and I have been remiss in loading them up here on the blog but the following is one from Steffanie in Texas......
cheers and WOOF!!
www.examiner.com/x-35768-Dallas-First-Dog-Examiner~y2010m1d26-Vancouver-and-your-dog

Dog costumes for Halloween.

Well, folks they are here and FLYING out the door..literally. The dog costumes are so freaking funny and this year we at Woofles and Meowz have a great but quickly diminishing supply of:

The dinosaur
The Skunk
the Witch
The witche's hat with hair attached hanging underneath
The spider
The pig
...of course the HOTDOG outfit...too freakin' funny
The tuxedo outfit
The Lion
The convict...
......all too funny and all sizes being purchased.....come and get'em!

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR DOGS!!!

YAY!! the Halloween costumes are here for 2009 and we are stoked!

Now, a wee bit of backtracking in that I am not one to dress up dogs in a fluffy manner for everyday type walking around rather I like cold weather equipment used properly to keep dogs dry and warm when needed. Nothing to get in the way of the "smell test" of other dogs in my opinion but here is where I sound like a hippocrate because I really have fun with the dressing up of Fido for a fun night of Halloween.
There are some considerations to factor in with regard to safety and they are pretty important:
NO MASKS on the dogs that are made of plastic and could impede vision or safety....no dangly bits that could be caught up in anything or be swallowed when chewed.
If the dog is panting or distressed by the costume after wearing it for 5-6 minutes then forgo the option and maybe just throw on a fun bandana in a Halloween print...easy-peasy!
For those who have dogs that like the interaction and attention and dig the costume I offer the concept of themed duos.......Imagine Sonny and Cher with your dog in a black wig and moustache....you KNOW that long black wig is just waiting for you...........and ya KNOW you wanna!
Either way have a great time with the festivities!
Here at the Pet store Woofles and Meowz we have about 14 different types of costumes from Dinosaurs to Fellons and from Lions to Cheerleaders........different sizes and styles.
Stop by before October 31st for the best selection...........last year was an absolute blast.
Also check out the article in LOV Magazine theres always cool stuff in there!
Happy Haloweener dog!!
WOOF!

Rain coats for dogs.

Ok, yesterday or so I was looking out the window and fully expected an ARK to float by! It was not helped by the fact that the overhang of the KIDS MARKET was barely handling the rain pouring off the roof. It was pretty darn wet...a type of weather that we actually rarely get here on the coast.
It was the type of rain that I have experienced in Alberta or Ontario. Here when it rains it is that misty type stuff that unless you are wearing a fur coat it does not actually soak through......fur coat......nice segue huh?!??
Of the many people here in the pet store I would have to say that most were in the market for a good rain jacket for their dog.
We carry a variety of styles and from my searches around the other stores we carry a HUGE selection. Two of my favourites come from one of my favourite suppliers that make the METRO SLICKER (a rip-stop nylon shell with a rubber polymer coating that is both tough and flexible while being pretty stylish to....this one lasts forever and I know as I never, ever washed my dogs Metro slicker in several years and it looked pretty great! The other one is a fabric with Gortex type technology and a fleece lining......super warm and waterproof to cover all the bases for short haired animals or those is other provinces or in the interior.
We seem to be the main supplier for people from Edmonton and Calgary......literally 1000s of warm weather items go there from our store on Granville Island.........and we and the warm, dry dogs thank you for it!!

Woofles and Meowz Pet Bakery and LOV magazine

Recently we(well, me) here at the store were approached to do some editorial work for Living Out Magazine. (www.lovmag.com)
This magazine was looking for some insight into the Vancouver pet scene from someone on the inside and I try to do them justice in that arena. Check out the September issue entitled "A DOG BY ANY OTHER NAME".
It's a commentary on mixed breed dogs, purebreeds and the benefits of both.
In the next month we will talk about all the FUN of Halloween with your favourite four footed friend....stay tuned!

Granville Island and the oasis that is Woofles and Meowz.

Lately I have been experiencing severe tennis elbow in my right arm and was wondering what the heck the reason is.
It came to light recently when my sister mentioned that i am making thousands of biscuits, cookies and other treats in our organic fresh baked line here at the store.
What a lovely problem to have!
Added to the roster of biscuits this past month is one that I cannot keep in the store and make fast enough and that is the organic bison and bacon biscuits. Now, I admit that these smell pretty darn yummy when I am baking them so it is no surprise that they are going fast...almost too fast suggests the pain in my arm.
Again. a pretty nice problem to have. I am always looking for new directions and suggestions when it comes to the treats so if anyone has an idea I welcome the input.
Until then I will keep making the 20 or so menu items and wear the wrist and elbow brace...and try to not complain about it too much..
all my problems should be so deliscious!