Facebook page for Woofles and Meowz

So as I step into the blinding light of the new ages I see just how fast technology moves especially in the marketing arena.

Yeh I know that it sounds like a cliche.."everything is moving forward so fast" but I am not without a few skills in knowing what is cutting edge or at the very least semi sharp.

Lately I have discovered that there are some interesting ways to get people onboard the caboose.

One way is to pinpoint marketing towards your target buyers and I have found that most of my shoppers are completely computer savvy and navigate around a keyboard like nobody's business.

I have placed our address at http://www.yelp.com/ to add a completely unbiased review site as well we did up a new facebook page at the link below...if you like it become a "fan"...we'd love ya forever!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vancouver-Pet-Bakery-Boutique-Woofles-And-Meowz-Granville-Island/35776272241

Pet Euthanasia ...what can you say?!??

Putting them to sleep...Pet Euthanasia...putting them down...anyway you say it, it can be a trying experience to say the least.
Recently I had the experience of watching my partner Cameron go through the ordeal of having to put his cat "Sandy" down.
One of the many, many questions people have to ask themselves before getting a pet of any kind is "Can I afford to care for this animal if they get hurt, ill or chronically sick?" or "What is my limit financially as to what I can realistically afford to pay to a Vet in the case of a problem with the animal?"
The first question is a simple one as any person who may be thinking of getting an animal should have some resources to care for an animal in case of emergency. There should be no question about it actually. If you have no money "in case" then you simply cannot....CANNOT afford to have an animal in your care.
It is only fair to the animal as harsh as it may seem to hear or read especially in this day of interbred dogs and poor backyard breeders that propagate sooo many dogs that almost immediately need some vet care.
These are not simple bills either.
Just walking into a Vet's office can cost you several hundred dollars for a minor checkup.
The second question is a very different one as situations change during the course of someone's life and a person's ability to pay for Vet care can change.
I am one who thinks that there should definitely be a set amount of money that one should be prepared to spend and not be swayed in the moment of stress and grief to go way beyond their means to sustain an animals life ...especially if it means the animal may not be in good health or life a compromised existence simply to passify an owner.
I know of a few people who have paid thousands and tens of thousands of dollars to help animals that were so far gone and sick that they are still paying for it years after the animal has passed.
I will undoubtedly hear from people who say "I'll pay anything for my baby...there should be no limit to save an animal"
ummmmm wrong. There is a limit when you don't have it. People should not lose their homes over the bills incurred from pet healthcare. Any smart owner should know this and I will go on record to say that MY limit is probably more than 90% of people out there but there is still a limit. 'nuf said.
Cameron did have a limit and unfortunately he did go past it in the efforts to find out that his cat did have cancer in several places in her body which was making it very uncomfortable and almost impossible to pass food and get any kind of nutrition.
This poor cat lost so much weight so very fast it was obvious she was pretty sick however Cam had a 'limit" and had her tested to find out what was wrong in the event that she could be helped.
This was not to be the case however and it was decided that after 14 years living a very healthy life she was now living a painful life and it was time to be a good owner and do the right thing.

Cam decided that it would be best to have his cat put down at home and not in a sterile environment like the Vet's office so he contacted a local Vet Dr. Joseph Martinez who was available to come to the apartment to administer the Euthenasia.
It is with utmost respect when I say that I would recommend this person in the event one needs to have an animal "put down".
Joseph was very respectful and careful in his instruction on how the procedure would progress. He allayed fears and was aware that some people would need to grieve in private and allowed a simple process to happen without fuss or stress to the animal and the owner alike.
Sandy was administered her meds and fell asleep without any unforseen circumstances...she was finally without pain and hunger and allowed to be peaceful. After a short time alone with his cat Cam allowed Joseph to take her away in her travel box to be cremated.
Today, her ashes were brought back into the store in a lovely little urn urn accompanied with a lovely card and poem.
The process could have been much, much more painful and it is with thanks that we pass on his contact information at http://www.untilwemeetagain.ca/
or you can email him at greencrossvet@yahoo.ca
Should you find that you are considering the options on your pet's healthcare I offer a simple test to ask yourself.
Ask yourself: What would be in the best interest of everyone concerned..pet and owner. If you ask the question with only one being being considered (the owner or the pet) then the other one always suffers.
All the best!!!!
WOOF!

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!!!!

Tainted Dog Food.

Many people have been asking me about the possibility of tainted dog food coming back on the market especially with the Melamine scare in processed milk items from China and distributed products using such milk.
I always go back to the rule of thumb that "if you'd eat it then you can feed it to your dog...however SHOULD you is another story".
This means that if you would not eat it then nor should your dog..ingredient wise. If you shouldn't be eating it but you do anyway...then your dog should not be eating it too.
I only carry here at Woofles and Meowz food products that are either locally made or manufactured in Canada or the USA. I only carry food items that have ingredients that I can readily identify.
Right now..if it is from China..I just don't carry it...no apologies made here as the proof is in the pudding as the Brits would say...tainted pet products and tainted food products destined for child consumption. It doesn't take a detective to deduce the problems.
Keep to local and always...always add a variety of fresh food to any reputable dog food whether it be kibble or raw based.

Halloween dog costumes

So THIS year I brought in a whole slew of costumes for Halloween for the pooches and a few items for the cats as well. Mostly for the cats I have collars that are festively adorned with tule cut in leaf and bat shapes and witches hats with or without scary hair attached...FUN!!
For the dogs I HAD to bring in the ever faithful "hotdog" costume which is nothing more than two soft buns that run the side of the dog's body with either a mustard or red "ketchup" along the back...tooooo funny.
Last year I thought "nahhhh nobody is wanting costumes for their dog and I may be stuck with them"....WRONG!!!! I was asked almost every hour from October 1st to the end of the month.
This month the shelves at Woofles and Meowz offer the Dinosaur...the skunk...the spider...the tuxedo and the cheerleader costumes.....plus a few other goodies.
I offer apologies to all cats who will be tormented mercilessly while Aunt Margerie tries to take the picture while they balance the witches hat on their furry head. OR
to the dogs who will be dragged through the neighborhood wearing a costume that will make even the most ferocious dog look like the skunk "Pepe LePew" from Warner Bros cartoon fame........TRICK OR TREAT!!!!

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

Fall in Vancouver and Granville Island.

Ahh the leaves are changing and the air turns a bit clearer this time of year. Walks and talks and wrapping your hands around a nice cuppa something while you try to not spill it on the woolens you pulled from the closet are the things to do this time of year.
Woofles and Meowz sits pretty much at the entrance to our much visited Granville Island here in Vancouver and is often one of the first stops people will make while on those walks.
Often they are accompanied by one or more four footed friends in tow...or if we are baking here in the caboose just the other way around.
This is also the time of year when many people start thinking about some weather protection for their dog.
There are a few tips that I like to share regarding clothing for dogs:
1. If your dog is a purse-pooch who is used to wearing clothing for the fad and fashion of it then you are now at the time where warmth is the need and you will not notice so many smirks when taking FIFI for the morning constitutional.
2. Athletic people who take their dogs on extended walks and hikes need be aware that they will be clad in Gortex and fleece but REX wont be and a simple coat that keeps the wet off their back can make a world of difference.
3.As often as I talk to people about doggy shoes there are many times that I talk people OUT of buying these items for their dog. Dog shoes are great for those people who play in the snow or walk in areas where salt and calcium derivatives are used on roadways. This can be great protection against freezing paws and most sled teams use them in high snow/running areas but not so great if you are just running around the yard in mild temperatures.
4. Dogs lose their heat on their back so a simple coat can keep them warm even if not fully covering all areas.
5. There is a reason that many dog clothes dont cover the legs and lower extremities in that when wet a dog will get colder than if he can simple shed off the water instead of it being clad to his body from a hanging coat.
6.keep in mind that for some dogs an article of clothing will seem foreign and it may take a few times of wearing it inside for a few minutes to aclimate to it.
7. At Woofles and Meowz we like to ask about what the wee pooch is gonna DO while wearing said item so as to get the best use out of it.
8. Puppies and older dogs will benefit from a bit more protection than midlife dogs.
9.Clothing items that have some form of reflective or lighting in the make-up are well suited for running around the ever increasing darkening streets as the days get shorter moving toward winter.
........and finally......many dogs are imported here from very warm climes (like Chihuahuas) so clothes work well...while others simple can use their OWN fur coat if its just cold and not wet.