I’m a winner – sorta

On Saturday I drove up to Blue Ridge with my mama, grandma and uncle Ozzy to participate in Paws in the Park, an annual celebration of all things animal. I was dressed as a bumblebee.

The day started off on a shaky note as Uncle Ozzy pooped in the middle of the street and I did not want to keep on my bumblebee antenna. Luckily, the parade started at 10 AM and we marched two blocks – I was very popular! No less than 14 people stopped to take my picture. I thought I was a shoo-in for the costume contest, and I did win a prize in the parade – Most Unusual! (My prize was a ribbon and a toy I picked out … fun!)

I then had my picture taken with Mama and Uncle Ozzy, before the blessing and the costume contest. I did very well in walking across the stage, but sadly I did not place. I definitely did not have the best/most creative costume there, but Mama was thinking I could get fifth or fourth place. Alas, it was not meant to be.

We then went to Wendy’s, where I dined on french fries before we went back home. Then I proceeded to projectile vomit said french fries all over my mama’s bedroom.

It was a fun day!

Shop Review

There’s a place I go that nobody knows in downtown … Blue Ridge, Ga.

Actually, many people know about Love Dogs & Cats Too!, a charming boutique next to Hallmark on East Main Street. I made my first adventure there over the weekend, and give it the following grades:

1. Service – A+: Despite my surliness, the love shop owner gave me a treat and took time to get to know ME, the real dog behind the Silly Dog. I tell you, sometimes it gets lonely.
2. Toy Selection – B: The toys were fine, but selection was small. Too many gifts for Mama, not enough gifts for ME. And we all know that it’s really all about me.
3. Treat Selection – A+: This shop has everything from the basic, packaged cookies to gourmet, seasonal treats.
4. Human Gifts – A+: Plenty of gifts for Mama (see Toy Selection), including artwork and apparel.

I loved this store, and can’t wait to go back … I even plan on making a trip next weekend!

Do you have any favorite local pet stores in your area?

Crate Training

I am a huge advocate of crate training – not only to minimize the amount of accidents on the carpet, but to also for safety reasons and to maintain/improve comfort levels. I stay in my crate whenever my mama is gone for over an hour – I have a comfy blanket with fresh water and a favorite toy to keep me company.

Here are some simple steps to introduce the crate to the silly dog in your life:

• Start early. A dog that has not been introduced to a crate in his early life will have a more difficult time adjusting.
• Not too big or too small. A silly dog should be able to get up and turn around comfortably – if the dog is cramped or if there is too much room to walk around, the crate won’t be as effective.
• Don’t use as punishment. The crate is mimicking a den – it should be a place of comfort. If your silly dog needs to be punished, do not throw him in his crate.
• Don’t use it all the time. Silly dogs need to run around and play! Don’t keep him cooped up all day.

Does your silly dog use a crate? What have been the challenges you’ve faced?