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!
Showing posts with label cat toys cat treats honeysuckle woofles and meowz granville island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cat toys cat treats honeysuckle woofles and meowz granville island. Show all posts
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Cat grass..whats the deal.
This is something that almost all cat owners ask themselves, and a question which nobody, including vets, have a clear answer to. However, one thing is certain - grazing is something that comes naturally, not just to domestic cats but also to feral and wild cats.
Eating grass isn't for the nutritional value. Grass is pretty indigestible to cats, and low in nourishment anyway. Grass is mainly fibre and the cat's stomach doesn't have the enzyme needed to digest it. However, grass can help a cat's digestive process by inducing regurgitation of undigested matter. For example, feral cats might nibble on grass blades between mouse snacks. From a cat's point of view a dead mouse is a fiddly thing, and it is impossible for the cat to septe fur and bones from the meat. Therefore the cat gulps down the entire mouse. Once the meat has been digested the hair and bones remain in the cat's stomach. Eating grass makes the cat vomit, and this brings the grass back up, now neatly wrapped around undigested mouse parts. This is probably safer for the cat than passing spiky little bones through its intestines, which might get punctured or blocked.
Domestic cats, especially exclusively indoor cats, will seldom have the chance to digest live prey (your ankles don't count). But even these cats still will nibble on grass if it is provided - and it should be. Remember that cats groom themselves extensively, and their tongues are equipped with little hooks which scoop up loose hair. However, the disadvantage of this is that cats end up swallowing a considerable proportion of the hair they lick off their coats. Hair is not digestible and it can bundle up in the stomach to create a furball. Eating grass may aid in removing the furballs through vomiting before they become unmanageable. A furball on the carpet is no-one's favourite sight, but it is infinitely better than a blockage in the intestines which is painful and traumatic for human and cat and often needs surgical intervention to remove.
Those who make a profession of watching wild cats have noted that when prey is killed and ingested, the first bit of the carcass to be eaten is the intestine. The explanation often given for this is that the intestines contain lots of nutrients needed for good health. That may be also partially true for grass. Although mainly an indigestible fibre lacking almost everything the cat needs in its diet, grass does have a lot of moisture, some trace minerals and the vitamins A and D. Grass also contains chlorophyll, which before the discovery of antibiotics, was a remedy for pain, infection, ulcers, skin diseases, and anemia. Cats, like most other animals, are very skilled in controlling their needs for particular nutrients and finding healthy diet supplements, some of which can come from grass.
Finally, cats may nibble on grass blades for the same reason as country yokels do it. It is quite palatable, and they may enjoy the taste.
Some cat owners make the mistake of preventing their cat from eating grass. There are various reasons for this, one being that it makes their cat vomit. Since most cats make sicking up their stomach contents a major dramatic production, it is hard for the distressed human to understand that eating grass is done precisely to achieve this effect. It is actually highly advisable that cats have access to grass. Many florists and pet stores now offer grass in pots or as seeds which you can grow indoors. Outdoor cats will probably choose the garden lawn as their grass snack bar, so make sure that the grass does not have weed killers or other pesticides which might be harmful. Indeed it may be safer to have grass available in the house even if your cats are outdoor cats, so they have a source of healthy grass.
For whatever reason, or combination of reasons, cats like eating grass. If the cat can't get grass she may try your house plants for taste instead. This could be dangerous because some house plants and flowers are toxic to cats, whilst other sources of fibre, including fabric and wiring are also likely to case distress to human and cat alike. At the same time if a cat starts bingeing on grass followed by frequent vomiting, it is definitely time to consult the vet.
Eating grass isn't for the nutritional value. Grass is pretty indigestible to cats, and low in nourishment anyway. Grass is mainly fibre and the cat's stomach doesn't have the enzyme needed to digest it. However, grass can help a cat's digestive process by inducing regurgitation of undigested matter. For example, feral cats might nibble on grass blades between mouse snacks. From a cat's point of view a dead mouse is a fiddly thing, and it is impossible for the cat to septe fur and bones from the meat. Therefore the cat gulps down the entire mouse. Once the meat has been digested the hair and bones remain in the cat's stomach. Eating grass makes the cat vomit, and this brings the grass back up, now neatly wrapped around undigested mouse parts. This is probably safer for the cat than passing spiky little bones through its intestines, which might get punctured or blocked.
Domestic cats, especially exclusively indoor cats, will seldom have the chance to digest live prey (your ankles don't count). But even these cats still will nibble on grass if it is provided - and it should be. Remember that cats groom themselves extensively, and their tongues are equipped with little hooks which scoop up loose hair. However, the disadvantage of this is that cats end up swallowing a considerable proportion of the hair they lick off their coats. Hair is not digestible and it can bundle up in the stomach to create a furball. Eating grass may aid in removing the furballs through vomiting before they become unmanageable. A furball on the carpet is no-one's favourite sight, but it is infinitely better than a blockage in the intestines which is painful and traumatic for human and cat and often needs surgical intervention to remove.
Those who make a profession of watching wild cats have noted that when prey is killed and ingested, the first bit of the carcass to be eaten is the intestine. The explanation often given for this is that the intestines contain lots of nutrients needed for good health. That may be also partially true for grass. Although mainly an indigestible fibre lacking almost everything the cat needs in its diet, grass does have a lot of moisture, some trace minerals and the vitamins A and D. Grass also contains chlorophyll, which before the discovery of antibiotics, was a remedy for pain, infection, ulcers, skin diseases, and anemia. Cats, like most other animals, are very skilled in controlling their needs for particular nutrients and finding healthy diet supplements, some of which can come from grass.
Finally, cats may nibble on grass blades for the same reason as country yokels do it. It is quite palatable, and they may enjoy the taste.
Some cat owners make the mistake of preventing their cat from eating grass. There are various reasons for this, one being that it makes their cat vomit. Since most cats make sicking up their stomach contents a major dramatic production, it is hard for the distressed human to understand that eating grass is done precisely to achieve this effect. It is actually highly advisable that cats have access to grass. Many florists and pet stores now offer grass in pots or as seeds which you can grow indoors. Outdoor cats will probably choose the garden lawn as their grass snack bar, so make sure that the grass does not have weed killers or other pesticides which might be harmful. Indeed it may be safer to have grass available in the house even if your cats are outdoor cats, so they have a source of healthy grass.
For whatever reason, or combination of reasons, cats like eating grass. If the cat can't get grass she may try your house plants for taste instead. This could be dangerous because some house plants and flowers are toxic to cats, whilst other sources of fibre, including fabric and wiring are also likely to case distress to human and cat alike. At the same time if a cat starts bingeing on grass followed by frequent vomiting, it is definitely time to consult the vet.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Cat harnesses and clothes....why bother?!?
At Woofles and Meowz we spend alot of time chatting with other trainers, handlers and owners of dogs but the only interaction I have with Cat owners is to listen to what they like in the way of treats, equipment and toys so I can order for my store. In fact all the stock in my store for Cats is requested by my regulars who have 100% say in what I bring in. It makes my job a wee bit easier.
The oft asked question I get on one piece of equipment for cats is.."will my cat wear this?"
I always respond half jokingly........"what do YOU think?"
This usually gets the answer most people were looking for as the REAL question in the query is "will my cat take off my skin if I try to cram him into this $60.00 sweater and can you tell me that he will wear it having never seen my cat so to support my intent to torment my feline into wearing something even for the 5 minutes it will take to get the picture"
.....pretty much the truth in that.
"what do YOU think" always settles the matter.
This also goes for people who want to put Fluffy in a harness and go for a walk. Some will find it ok and most will not. The trick for harnesses is to put them on when they are kittens. It always seems far too foreign for older cats.
Bless all the little kitties in their own furry sweaters.
meowwwrrrrwwrwrw!
The oft asked question I get on one piece of equipment for cats is.."will my cat wear this?"
I always respond half jokingly........"what do YOU think?"
This usually gets the answer most people were looking for as the REAL question in the query is "will my cat take off my skin if I try to cram him into this $60.00 sweater and can you tell me that he will wear it having never seen my cat so to support my intent to torment my feline into wearing something even for the 5 minutes it will take to get the picture"
.....pretty much the truth in that.
"what do YOU think" always settles the matter.
This also goes for people who want to put Fluffy in a harness and go for a walk. Some will find it ok and most will not. The trick for harnesses is to put them on when they are kittens. It always seems far too foreign for older cats.
Bless all the little kitties in their own furry sweaters.
meowwwrrrrwwrwrw!
Dog Bakery ...is it necessary??
At Woofles and Meowz we are hard pressed to keep up with the manufacturing. It is the best problem to have trying to do all the baking that our four footed friends seem to desire and need.
Some people might ask..."NEED"?!?? The truth is a little more complicated than a smple yes or no. Does a dog NEED an organic, hand made treat with ingredients that most average people do not ingest? The simple answer is sometimes.
Sometimes the animal has developed internal problems that require dietary restrictions of certain ingredients.
Sometimes having a place that actually makes the recipes IN HOUSE lets people know what is in the treats.
Most times department store or grocery store brands are full of fillers (acceptable or not) whereas ours are not.
Sometimes people just want to be sure that what they are giving their pet will not make them barf at 3 in the morning.
Sometimes a well made treat with probiotics and/or good ingredients can add a healing component to the dog's diet.
Sometimes people just want a pretty, cute, well made, tasty looking, good for the pooch treat.
Most times it is really hard to find that elsewhere.
Organic cheeses, Lamb, chicken, vegetables etc are really NOT that more expensive to buy so I do and am happy to use them in our recipes.
Good stuff passed on to you and your dog and/or Cat in the case of our Signature Sardines (TM) and Shaved Smokin Tuna (TM).............mmmmmmm YUMMY!!!
woof!
Some people might ask..."NEED"?!?? The truth is a little more complicated than a smple yes or no. Does a dog NEED an organic, hand made treat with ingredients that most average people do not ingest? The simple answer is sometimes.
Sometimes the animal has developed internal problems that require dietary restrictions of certain ingredients.
Sometimes having a place that actually makes the recipes IN HOUSE lets people know what is in the treats.
Most times department store or grocery store brands are full of fillers (acceptable or not) whereas ours are not.
Sometimes people just want to be sure that what they are giving their pet will not make them barf at 3 in the morning.
Sometimes a well made treat with probiotics and/or good ingredients can add a healing component to the dog's diet.
Sometimes people just want a pretty, cute, well made, tasty looking, good for the pooch treat.
Most times it is really hard to find that elsewhere.
Organic cheeses, Lamb, chicken, vegetables etc are really NOT that more expensive to buy so I do and am happy to use them in our recipes.
Good stuff passed on to you and your dog and/or Cat in the case of our Signature Sardines (TM) and Shaved Smokin Tuna (TM).............mmmmmmm YUMMY!!!
woof!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Woofles and Meowz getting some print time!
Recently the fine folks over at the Province Newspaper did an article in the "money" section that covers small businesses. As most of my friends and customers were asking about it I thought I would show a link to it below.
http://www.theprovince.com/Life/Bakery+truly+project/1268606/story.html
Since this small article came out I have noticed a huge boost in our already large sales of organic treats and I got some very valuable feedback to what people are looking for in fresh made items.
One of the things that I was reluctant to make was Birthday cakes for dogs as the ingredients used were usually either second rate or simply ones that people could do up in their own kitchen(like the popular use of mashed potato for icing) for much less money that is being charged at other locals.
Now, I understand the benefit of time saved being money saved as well so I have decided to add to our line-up of hand made organic treats...a "BIG BONE BIRTHDAY COOKIE".
This is an item that we will be able to personalize with a half hours notice (we prefer a call the day b4) to say Happy Birthday Fido or something like this.
The cool thing about this item is the lack of mess and the ability to dole out only parts of it as needed and it will be much better priced.
Fresh, storeable, great ingredients, organic, and totally yummy!
One more item for the part of us that is the Woofles and Meowz dog bakery now I just have to figure out how to make a delish sardine roll for the cats!
http://www.theprovince.com/Life/Bakery+truly+project/1268606/story.html
http://www.theprovince.com/Life/Bakery+truly+project/1268606/story.html
Since this small article came out I have noticed a huge boost in our already large sales of organic treats and I got some very valuable feedback to what people are looking for in fresh made items.
One of the things that I was reluctant to make was Birthday cakes for dogs as the ingredients used were usually either second rate or simply ones that people could do up in their own kitchen(like the popular use of mashed potato for icing) for much less money that is being charged at other locals.
Now, I understand the benefit of time saved being money saved as well so I have decided to add to our line-up of hand made organic treats...a "BIG BONE BIRTHDAY COOKIE".
This is an item that we will be able to personalize with a half hours notice (we prefer a call the day b4) to say Happy Birthday Fido or something like this.
The cool thing about this item is the lack of mess and the ability to dole out only parts of it as needed and it will be much better priced.
Fresh, storeable, great ingredients, organic, and totally yummy!
One more item for the part of us that is the Woofles and Meowz dog bakery now I just have to figure out how to make a delish sardine roll for the cats!
http://www.theprovince.com/Life/Bakery+truly+project/1268606/story.html
Easter Eggs on Granville Island.
Woofles and Meowz is simply the coolest train caboose converted into one of Vancouver's first Pet bakery. Things have changed in the past few years as it was first opened as a Pet Deli that sold raw food for dogs and cats waaaaay ahead of the trend. Later it stocked toys and treats baked right here in the caboose and since I have bought it I have packed it with equipment, toys, treats, gifts and products for both cats and dogs. I love that we sell items for both cats and dogs as I sometimes think with all the purse doggies purchased in the past few years that retailers have forsaken our feline friends....not so here!
This morning another animal was busy at Granville Island and especially around the Kids Only Market and that was the EASTER BUNNY!!
As I left the parking garage to head to work I noticed a whole slew of easter eggs all over the island tucked into nooks and crooks. It was the most charming sight and one sorely needed on this very rainy day!
I could not help but open up one of these colorful toys so see that there was a wee sticker and a cute saying inside.
Whomever did the work for this project I have to say a BIG THANK YOU!!!! It was the sweetest thing and watching the young'ins laughing up a storm while searching for them was wonderful!
Happy Easter everybody from Woofles and Meowz.
This morning another animal was busy at Granville Island and especially around the Kids Only Market and that was the EASTER BUNNY!!
As I left the parking garage to head to work I noticed a whole slew of easter eggs all over the island tucked into nooks and crooks. It was the most charming sight and one sorely needed on this very rainy day!
I could not help but open up one of these colorful toys so see that there was a wee sticker and a cute saying inside.
Whomever did the work for this project I have to say a BIG THANK YOU!!!! It was the sweetest thing and watching the young'ins laughing up a storm while searching for them was wonderful!
Happy Easter everybody from Woofles and Meowz.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Cat toys, cat treats, cat equipment
Every once in a while I get someone in the store who is gonna take their cat for a walk on a lead and the cat is gonna like it, darn it!
I do sell harnesses for cats for those who are in the need of taking their cat out but there is a very distinct difference in who is walking whom when dealing with a cat.
A cat will only want to go as fast as they deem fitting...not you
Unlike dogs who are constantly in need of excercise and a place to piddle and poop, cats will never do so on command and rarely when you want them to so that option is out.
Puting a harness on the cat to tether them outside for fear of them running away is a good option as long as there is nothing to catch them up.
Most collars whether they are breakaway ones or not should be fitted properly so that will still allow the cat to slip out of them in the case of getting hung up..........a rare and often urban myth. I say often because I have only heard of it once. With a harness there is no possibility of slippage which is why one would want one I suppose.
We sell alot of the "breakaway" collars because someone, somewhere said "oh the cat will get hung up while climbing a tree"..........yeah cats are smarter than that.
As for toys the rule of thumb for our store is that a toy that your cat will play with is the right one for you.
Sometimes it is as simple as a rolled tinfoil ball that has some turkey fat that was originally on the thanksgiving bird, that will be Fluffy's favourite or some extravagant catnip laced, hand sewn pillow...you will never know!
As for treats......there is no such thing as a picky dog rather one who KNOWS that if he won't eat the hamburger you will give him filet Mignon...so more of an opportunist.
Multiply that attitude by 10 and thats a cat.
Trust me when I say....wait a good while when a cat will not eat a particular treat. Give it a few days. If then the treat is not eaten then they do not like it. Having said that I have to remind myself that cats I have had sometimes change their tastes as they grow.
So! the whole point to this blog???
Cats are VERY different, wonderful,loving, sometimes frustrating animals that are NOT dogs so ask yourself..."do I want a Cat or a Dog.............or maybe just a plant?
But I digress.
I do sell harnesses for cats for those who are in the need of taking their cat out but there is a very distinct difference in who is walking whom when dealing with a cat.
A cat will only want to go as fast as they deem fitting...not you
Unlike dogs who are constantly in need of excercise and a place to piddle and poop, cats will never do so on command and rarely when you want them to so that option is out.
Puting a harness on the cat to tether them outside for fear of them running away is a good option as long as there is nothing to catch them up.
Most collars whether they are breakaway ones or not should be fitted properly so that will still allow the cat to slip out of them in the case of getting hung up..........a rare and often urban myth. I say often because I have only heard of it once. With a harness there is no possibility of slippage which is why one would want one I suppose.
We sell alot of the "breakaway" collars because someone, somewhere said "oh the cat will get hung up while climbing a tree"..........yeah cats are smarter than that.
As for toys the rule of thumb for our store is that a toy that your cat will play with is the right one for you.
Sometimes it is as simple as a rolled tinfoil ball that has some turkey fat that was originally on the thanksgiving bird, that will be Fluffy's favourite or some extravagant catnip laced, hand sewn pillow...you will never know!
As for treats......there is no such thing as a picky dog rather one who KNOWS that if he won't eat the hamburger you will give him filet Mignon...so more of an opportunist.
Multiply that attitude by 10 and thats a cat.
Trust me when I say....wait a good while when a cat will not eat a particular treat. Give it a few days. If then the treat is not eaten then they do not like it. Having said that I have to remind myself that cats I have had sometimes change their tastes as they grow.
So! the whole point to this blog???
Cats are VERY different, wonderful,loving, sometimes frustrating animals that are NOT dogs so ask yourself..."do I want a Cat or a Dog.............or maybe just a plant?
But I digress.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Madonna in Vancouver
Well a BIG thanks to Madonna and her crew who flew into town to do a concert at GM place on October 30th.
It was a great show (not her best...the Girlie Show rocked) but as this was a Vancouver gig it was great not to have to travel.
The best part though is that almost EVERYONE in the store has been happy-go-lucky concert attendees.
I have the Madonna tunes rockin' and the conversation is flowing..."oh you paid how much for your tickets??".
Lots of people are in from Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Victoria etc and I send out a big thanks to those who extended their stay enough to stop by Woofles and Meowz here on Granville Island.
Everyone seems to be in a good mood and getting cool stuff that they may not be able to at home.
For those who stopped by a big thankyou goes out to all you groovin people and I invite you to stop by www.yelp.com and do up a review of any place you may have stopped by while you are here.
Thanks Madonna!
It was a great show (not her best...the Girlie Show rocked) but as this was a Vancouver gig it was great not to have to travel.
The best part though is that almost EVERYONE in the store has been happy-go-lucky concert attendees.
I have the Madonna tunes rockin' and the conversation is flowing..."oh you paid how much for your tickets??".
Lots of people are in from Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Victoria etc and I send out a big thanks to those who extended their stay enough to stop by Woofles and Meowz here on Granville Island.
Everyone seems to be in a good mood and getting cool stuff that they may not be able to at home.
For those who stopped by a big thankyou goes out to all you groovin people and I invite you to stop by www.yelp.com and do up a review of any place you may have stopped by while you are here.
Thanks Madonna!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Puppy Mills
One of the things we are fully against here at Woofles and Meowz is the purchase of live animals from stores. The following info and link is from www.shutdownpuppymills.com. There is some interesting info on the site that explains the pitfalls of animal purchases from pet stores.
As you can see from our store at www.wooflesandmeowz.com we never have or would have live animal sales here. There are way too many options with the pet rescue organizations and reputable breeders. Tips of the day for picking a reputable breeder are this:
1. If the breeder has been in business for a good length of time that is longer than the recent boom in dog ownership in the last 4 years.
2. The breeder has exceptional stock that is well known and "papered"....that is the dog is not a mixed breed dog that they decided to breed from theirs and a neighbors.
3. The breeder has adequate and professional facilities and equipment.
4. The breeder has a good relationship with a Vet that will give a referral.
5. Other pet owners that have got an animal from the same breeder can give a referral.
6. The breeder has a portfolio of whom the animals were sold to and some contact with at least a couple or few of the owners.
7. The VIBE...if you are wary and it seems like the dogs are handled in a poor manner or the breeder is not forthcoming with information....walk away.
.............and of course...do your homework. Always pick a dog or cat for that matter that will fit your lifestyle. I cannot stress this too much.
There is also a great television show that I like very much and find the trainer to have similar style of teaching to myself...perhaps a bit abrasive but the message must be made to certain people that "you must do the work now that you have committed to an animal" its only the right thing to do. Check out that show host :
Brad Pattison
Brad Pattison has been professionally remedying dog behaviour for over 15 years. Brad uses revolutionary techniques derived from his studies of domesticated dogs, wolves and coyotes.
Brad’s unique methods involve communicating with dogs in a way they understand – through body language.
Brad founded the first Dog Day Care Centre in Vancouver, creating the concept that is now used around the world. He created the first Street Safety training program, and runs courses that teach other dog educators his skills. His ‘Six Legs to Fitness’, a workout program involving owners and their dogs, has been featured on Discovery Channel’s ‘Daily Planet.’
During the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Brad mobilized friends and created the Pattison Canine Rescue Team. The team spent several weeks in Louisiana and New Orleans rescuing dogs from the floods. Featured on Discovery Channel’s ‘Daily Planet.’
Brad has appeared on CBC’s Venture, Lifestyle Network’s Gentle Doctor, PBS’ Sesame Street, and the upcoming Three Takes for Slice™.
Brad was the host of Yuppy Puppy, his own radio show and is a frequent guest on radio stations across the country. He has appeared in newspapers and magazines such as Dog World, Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
...................and the show at http://www.slice.ca/Shows/Host.aspx?Root_Title_ID=105200
WOOF!!!!
As you can see from our store at www.wooflesandmeowz.com we never have or would have live animal sales here. There are way too many options with the pet rescue organizations and reputable breeders. Tips of the day for picking a reputable breeder are this:
1. If the breeder has been in business for a good length of time that is longer than the recent boom in dog ownership in the last 4 years.
2. The breeder has exceptional stock that is well known and "papered"....that is the dog is not a mixed breed dog that they decided to breed from theirs and a neighbors.
3. The breeder has adequate and professional facilities and equipment.
4. The breeder has a good relationship with a Vet that will give a referral.
5. Other pet owners that have got an animal from the same breeder can give a referral.
6. The breeder has a portfolio of whom the animals were sold to and some contact with at least a couple or few of the owners.
7. The VIBE...if you are wary and it seems like the dogs are handled in a poor manner or the breeder is not forthcoming with information....walk away.
.............and of course...do your homework. Always pick a dog or cat for that matter that will fit your lifestyle. I cannot stress this too much.
There is also a great television show that I like very much and find the trainer to have similar style of teaching to myself...perhaps a bit abrasive but the message must be made to certain people that "you must do the work now that you have committed to an animal" its only the right thing to do. Check out that show host :
Brad Pattison
Brad Pattison has been professionally remedying dog behaviour for over 15 years. Brad uses revolutionary techniques derived from his studies of domesticated dogs, wolves and coyotes.
Brad’s unique methods involve communicating with dogs in a way they understand – through body language.
Brad founded the first Dog Day Care Centre in Vancouver, creating the concept that is now used around the world. He created the first Street Safety training program, and runs courses that teach other dog educators his skills. His ‘Six Legs to Fitness’, a workout program involving owners and their dogs, has been featured on Discovery Channel’s ‘Daily Planet.’
During the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Brad mobilized friends and created the Pattison Canine Rescue Team. The team spent several weeks in Louisiana and New Orleans rescuing dogs from the floods. Featured on Discovery Channel’s ‘Daily Planet.’
Brad has appeared on CBC’s Venture, Lifestyle Network’s Gentle Doctor, PBS’ Sesame Street, and the upcoming Three Takes for Slice™.
Brad was the host of Yuppy Puppy, his own radio show and is a frequent guest on radio stations across the country. He has appeared in newspapers and magazines such as Dog World, Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
...................and the show at http://www.slice.ca/Shows/Host.aspx?Root_Title_ID=105200
WOOF!!!!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Freeze dried dog treats
As a dog trainer here in Vancouver I get asked alot of times "what is the best reward for training purposes?"
Well...I usually say "as little as possible" as what you want to do is use the treats to start of the reward system and then it should be just for the patting and kind words that a dog will obey.
For the puppies...its a different story....like kids they can be bought!
I will often use a very simple freeze dried liver treat as it seems to be very gentle on the stomach and dogs can eat alot without getting the poops from them. If your dog is reactive to wheat proteins then this is a great alternative for them. There are several on the market and I carry a few lines from only the best suppliers here at the Granville Island store however there are alternatives...
A lovely customer of ours here at Woofles and Meowz makes her own treats with the liver doing both a dehydrated version and a freeze dried one.
For a great dehydrated treat you must start with either a good dehydrater or use the oven to dry out the product on a very low temp...almost baking the liver pate.
She says to take as much beef liver as you like and make it into a pate in a food processor. Some people will add salt and/or other ingredients to the pate at this time but it is not necessary.
Simply spread the mixture on a flat baking pan no more than an half inch high and bake at 275-300 degrees until the mixture has shrunk and completely dried out. You can not overcook this mixture too much as it is all about getting all the water out of the liver while the temp kills any bacteria. I have usually cooked it for 2-2.5 hours but your oven may vary. Just MAKE SURE the product is completely dry.
After it is done simply break up the dried pieces and keep in a freezer.
I am not sure on the length of time it can be kept as it only lasts a few days around here. Use your best discretion.
OH! and major tip....open ALL the windows in the house when doing this as it is a smelly project!!! fair warning!
The freeze dried method is:
Take any cow or calf liver and boil for 30-45 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool and cut into dice sized pieces and lay out on a flat baking pan and put in a very cold freezer. Often the freezer in your fridge may have to be made colder as they are not as cold as say..a deep freezer. There IS a difference and what you want is the DRY cold of a freezer set on the coldest temp. After a week or so the product will be dried out and you can test this by taking one piece out and letting it thaw. If there is any water in it you will see it leak out. Dont be afraid to see the liver turn white in the freezer..this is normal. Dont keep for more than a couple of months as it does get too dry and unappetising for even the biggest food-hound.
Hope this works and oh: Disclaimer of course...wash all utensils and hands after using with raw ingredients...dont keep product too long.....dont use old liver from dinner that had onions or other spices that may not agree with FIDO and use only fresh liver. If unsure there are a variety of packs her at the store!
Cheers! and enjoy your freeze dried dog treats
Well...I usually say "as little as possible" as what you want to do is use the treats to start of the reward system and then it should be just for the patting and kind words that a dog will obey.
For the puppies...its a different story....like kids they can be bought!
I will often use a very simple freeze dried liver treat as it seems to be very gentle on the stomach and dogs can eat alot without getting the poops from them. If your dog is reactive to wheat proteins then this is a great alternative for them. There are several on the market and I carry a few lines from only the best suppliers here at the Granville Island store however there are alternatives...
A lovely customer of ours here at Woofles and Meowz makes her own treats with the liver doing both a dehydrated version and a freeze dried one.
For a great dehydrated treat you must start with either a good dehydrater or use the oven to dry out the product on a very low temp...almost baking the liver pate.
She says to take as much beef liver as you like and make it into a pate in a food processor. Some people will add salt and/or other ingredients to the pate at this time but it is not necessary.
Simply spread the mixture on a flat baking pan no more than an half inch high and bake at 275-300 degrees until the mixture has shrunk and completely dried out. You can not overcook this mixture too much as it is all about getting all the water out of the liver while the temp kills any bacteria. I have usually cooked it for 2-2.5 hours but your oven may vary. Just MAKE SURE the product is completely dry.
After it is done simply break up the dried pieces and keep in a freezer.
I am not sure on the length of time it can be kept as it only lasts a few days around here. Use your best discretion.
OH! and major tip....open ALL the windows in the house when doing this as it is a smelly project!!! fair warning!
The freeze dried method is:
Take any cow or calf liver and boil for 30-45 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool and cut into dice sized pieces and lay out on a flat baking pan and put in a very cold freezer. Often the freezer in your fridge may have to be made colder as they are not as cold as say..a deep freezer. There IS a difference and what you want is the DRY cold of a freezer set on the coldest temp. After a week or so the product will be dried out and you can test this by taking one piece out and letting it thaw. If there is any water in it you will see it leak out. Dont be afraid to see the liver turn white in the freezer..this is normal. Dont keep for more than a couple of months as it does get too dry and unappetising for even the biggest food-hound.
Hope this works and oh: Disclaimer of course...wash all utensils and hands after using with raw ingredients...dont keep product too long.....dont use old liver from dinner that had onions or other spices that may not agree with FIDO and use only fresh liver. If unsure there are a variety of packs her at the store!
Cheers! and enjoy your freeze dried dog treats
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Ahhhh the "dog days" of summer all done with.
Someone recently mentioned the "Dog days" of summer being here as we just finished with a long stretch of misty weather. I wondered what that actually meant so my fingers did the walking most literally across the keys to find:
Dog Days is the name for the most sultry period of summer, from about July 3 to Aug. 11. Named in early times by observers in countries bordering the Mediterranean, the period was reckoned as extending from 20 days before to 20 days after the conjunction of Sirius (the dog star) and the sun.
In the latitude of the Mediterranean region this period coincided with hot days that were plagued with disease and discomfort.
The time of conjunction varies with difference in latitude, and because of the precession of the equinoxes it changes gradually over long periods in all latitudes.
I thought that was an interesting tidbit for y'all.
Thanks to all the great feedback that I got on the last blog entry which was (eek) last month just over a month.
We were pretty busy here on Granville Island and especially by the Kids Only Market especially when school is out.
I could lament the slower reatil day but the truth is that we are pretty bushed by it all and looking forward to the reprieve until the Halloween-Thanksgiving then Christmas rush hits.
We will be celebrating our one year anniversary on October 1st although "Woofles and Meowz" has been here many years and was the first "Pet Boutique" here in Vancouver.
It has been a booming year and thanks to all who have stopped by and dropped a coin or two for some yummy snacks and toys etc for their kitty or pooch.
The all natural pet soaps have been such a fantastic sell that we are hoping to expand the line with a few more items.
more blogs to come!!
WOOF!
Dog Days is the name for the most sultry period of summer, from about July 3 to Aug. 11. Named in early times by observers in countries bordering the Mediterranean, the period was reckoned as extending from 20 days before to 20 days after the conjunction of Sirius (the dog star) and the sun.
In the latitude of the Mediterranean region this period coincided with hot days that were plagued with disease and discomfort.
The time of conjunction varies with difference in latitude, and because of the precession of the equinoxes it changes gradually over long periods in all latitudes.
I thought that was an interesting tidbit for y'all.
Thanks to all the great feedback that I got on the last blog entry which was (eek) last month just over a month.
We were pretty busy here on Granville Island and especially by the Kids Only Market especially when school is out.
I could lament the slower reatil day but the truth is that we are pretty bushed by it all and looking forward to the reprieve until the Halloween-Thanksgiving then Christmas rush hits.
We will be celebrating our one year anniversary on October 1st although "Woofles and Meowz" has been here many years and was the first "Pet Boutique" here in Vancouver.
It has been a booming year and thanks to all who have stopped by and dropped a coin or two for some yummy snacks and toys etc for their kitty or pooch.
The all natural pet soaps have been such a fantastic sell that we are hoping to expand the line with a few more items.
more blogs to come!!
WOOF!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Honeysuckle, the new catnip!
As a cat toy and treat store we sell ALOT of yummy things for your feline friends and the new hit has been for a while...HONEYSUCKLE!!!
Most cats will respond to catnip though not all will do so in the same way and honeysuckle has one common trait that makes for an interesting response: coveting the toy.
Many people have told of how honeysuckle prompts a protective response with drooling and carrying of certain toys around the house like Linus's blanket from the Charlie Brown cartoons.
My friend's cat "Purzz" does just that...a small pillow filled with the wood chips of the honeysuckle plant gets carried around and slept on everywhere...not so much drooling (yay)
Wikepedia defines it as:
Honeysuckle
Cultivation and uses
Wood cuttings from the species Lonicera tartarica, native to Eurasia, are sold as cat toys. The wood contains nepetalactone, which is the active ingredient found in catnip. Many breeds of cats react to the scent of the wood and will paw, lick or rub against it.
Honeysuckles grow best in partial sun to partial shade.
Lonicera japonica and Lonicera maackii (Amur Honeysuckle or Bush Honeysuckle) are considered invasive weeds in the United States and in New Zealand. Honeysuckle can be controlled by cutting, flaming, or burning the plant to root level and repeating on two-week increments until nutrient reserves in the roots are depleted. Honeysuckle can also be controlled through annual applications of glyphosate, or thorough grubbing if high labor and soil destruction are not of concern.
Honeysuckle is also edible; removing the blossom, one may suck at the sweet nectar in the center.
Cordage made from honeysuckle was used in the construction of Seahenge.
Honeysuckle flowers can be used to flavor wine, syrup, sorbet, and other sweet dishes.
Another name for honeysuckle is woodbine; and eglantine is used in Milton's L'Allegro.
...........there ya go...we learned something new...well at least some of us did. Give it a try and see how it goes..and let us know your experiences!
Most cats will respond to catnip though not all will do so in the same way and honeysuckle has one common trait that makes for an interesting response: coveting the toy.
Many people have told of how honeysuckle prompts a protective response with drooling and carrying of certain toys around the house like Linus's blanket from the Charlie Brown cartoons.
My friend's cat "Purzz" does just that...a small pillow filled with the wood chips of the honeysuckle plant gets carried around and slept on everywhere...not so much drooling (yay)
Wikepedia defines it as:
Honeysuckle
Cultivation and uses
Wood cuttings from the species Lonicera tartarica, native to Eurasia, are sold as cat toys. The wood contains nepetalactone, which is the active ingredient found in catnip. Many breeds of cats react to the scent of the wood and will paw, lick or rub against it.
Honeysuckles grow best in partial sun to partial shade.
Lonicera japonica and Lonicera maackii (Amur Honeysuckle or Bush Honeysuckle) are considered invasive weeds in the United States and in New Zealand. Honeysuckle can be controlled by cutting, flaming, or burning the plant to root level and repeating on two-week increments until nutrient reserves in the roots are depleted. Honeysuckle can also be controlled through annual applications of glyphosate, or thorough grubbing if high labor and soil destruction are not of concern.
Honeysuckle is also edible; removing the blossom, one may suck at the sweet nectar in the center.
Cordage made from honeysuckle was used in the construction of Seahenge.
Honeysuckle flowers can be used to flavor wine, syrup, sorbet, and other sweet dishes.
Another name for honeysuckle is woodbine; and eglantine is used in Milton's L'Allegro.
...........there ya go...we learned something new...well at least some of us did. Give it a try and see how it goes..and let us know your experiences!
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