Embrace Pet Community blog

Portraits of Greatness

I knew I was going to like this book when I saw the title, "Portraits of Greatness".  A tribute to a beautiful breed, photographer Claire Bow has captured the charming faces of some of the "great" dogs of Great Dane Rescue Inc.  70 bright and colorful pages of beautiful Harlequins and Merles.  You'll "ooooh" and "ahhhh" over those soft eyes and sweet ears.
 
The book is dedicated to the volunteers of the rescue.  Read more about the Portraits of Greatness Project and the rescue at www.TheDaneCampaign.com.

Paws to Save Pets Giveaway

Paws to Save Pets has raised over $3 Million and helped to save the lives of thousands of pets in just 3 short years.  From their website:

Through educational campaigns, online initiatives, charitable drives and donations, and, most importantly, the time and dedication of volunteers, Paws to Save Pets™ can reach out across America to help make a difference in the lives of companion animals.

(read more)

In celebration of their successful fund raising, Merial is giving away some of their Paws to Save Pets ribbon dog collars  (medium-large size) and a copy of their book, Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health to our readers.  So here's our first Embrace Pet Community Giveaway! 

To enter, just submit a photo of your rescued pet to hello@embracepetcommunity.com, with the e-mail subject "PAWS" and your name and address in the body of the e-mail.  The first three submissions will be awarded the prizes, and have your pet's photo featured in an upcoming blog post.

We can't wait to see the cute pet pictures!

Handmade 4 Hounds at Etsy

When you shop at the Handmade4Hounds Etsy shop every purchase supports greyhound adoption groups and other sight hound rescue programs.  Handmade items are donated from other Etsy sellers, to support Greyhound adoption.  There's products for people (like the Hound Cup Collar shown right) and their hounds (like the King of the Couch hand stamped tag).

It's fun to get handmade stuff that's supports artists and homeless Greyhounds!

Oy Vey! Yiddish for Dogs

This book will have you in stitches!  Yiddish for Dogs from author Janet Perr defines every word your canine needs to know.  The illustrations are a riot, and demonstrate real chutzpah!  Don't believe me?  You will once you read page 125 and see how a Pug might use the word Shvitz in a sentence.

Available at your popular online retailers, so you won't have to shlep to the bookstore.

Manuals and Maitenance logs now available

Every pet has a quirky habit or behavior that makes you wonder "why do they do that?" or more importantly "how do I get them to stop?".  Whether its your dog's insatiable appetite for the disgusting or your cat's knack for hiding mice in the laundry basket, your pet's behavior can make you wish your pet came with an instruction manual.

Well, Dr. David Brunner and Sam Stall have just the guidebooks you need to get past your pet's quirks.  The Cat Owners Manual and The Dog Owners Manual ($15.95 ea) include 'operating instructions', 'troubleshooting tips' and 'advice on lifetime maintenance'.

These books are not only extremely helpful, but the illustrations and 'diagrams' are a riot!  When you stop by QuirkBooks.com to pick up your copy, check out the maintenance logs ($12.95 ea.) they've made for you to log 'unit specs' 'medications and vaccinations' 'service provider visits' and 'financial expenditures'. You can also pick up the Dog or Cat Lover's Giftpack to get both books, plus 100 Dogs Who Changed Civilization or 100 Cats Who Changed Civilization and save 30% on all 3.

Found Dogs A Great Find

A friend once gave me a copy of Found Dogs by Elise Lufkin , and it's been a great book to read and re-read over the years. As the parent of any stray or rescued dog knows, there is a special bond between a human and an adopted pet, and this book chronicles just a few of those stories. 

Whether its a small terrier that finds a new home or a large mixed breed rescued from animal control, any adoptive pet parent is sure to find a touching story or photo in this book.

Already had the pleasure of reading Found Dogs? Try Second Chances: More Tales of Found Dogs. Both books are available at Amazon.com

The Ultimate Thanksgiving

Your pets are sure to be high on your "things to be thankful for" list again this year.  Who else brings you smiles every day of the year? 

And while you're gearing up to bake Christmas cookies and gingerbread men you wouldn't dare leave your best friend off the cookie exchange list. You need the The Ultimate Dog Treat ($10.19) and The Ultimate Cat Treat ($11.69) cookbooks, sure to keep your pet's happy this holiday season.  You'll be having so much fun using this set of dog cookie cutters (or perhaps a Mouse cookie for your kitty) that you'll make a treat for all the pets on your list.   

If you're not one to spend the day in the kitchen slaving over the oven, then you're in luck-Robbie Dawg already did the treat baking for you.  Thank your good dog for another good year with a Little Red Gift Basket, just $16.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Embrace Pet Community.

Take Your Pet on a Road Trip

Let's talk a little more about what you can do for your pet if you're travelling this holiday season...

If all else fails, and you aren't able to find your pet a sitter while you're out of town, (or you can't bring yourself to be away from your pet pal) you could always just take your pet along for the adventure

Motel 6 accepts pets in all of its locations, with just a few restrictions.  For instance, they'll only allow one pet per room, and the pet must be supervised at all times. 

They've enlisted the help of Jack Hanna, of the Columbus Zoo, to give traveling pet parents advice on how to help your animal enjoy the trip as well.  Hanna suggests planning your pet-friendly itinerary in advance, and take short day trips to help your pet become acclimated to travel before you take a major vacation.  He also emphasizes the importance of taking along your pets vaccination records, a spare leash or crate, portable water, and toys or treats that may be comforting to your pet.

If you're traveling with a canine companion, you may want to pick up a copy of DogFriendly.com's United States And Canada Dog Travel Guide to help you make your pet plans.  The book includes listings of dog parks, dog friendly beaches, and out door restauraunts, so you won't have to leave your four-legged friend out of the fun.

You and your best friend can get your kicks on route 66 together!  See our post on dog car safety.

Do you have any other suggestions on how to care for your pets while traveling?  Let us know at hello@embracepetinsurance.com, and we'll share your advice with other pet parents.

Your Own Cat House

Most anyone who has a cat has had someone ask them, "Have you ever heard of the Cats' House?"

Bob Walker and Francis Mooney began modifying their California home in 1987 to accommodate their feline family members.  Now, nineteen years later, it includes one hundred and forty feet of overhead walkway, cat tunnels, cat friendly artwork, and of course, quite a few cats.

Take a tour of the Cats' House at their frequently updated website, complete with pictures of the ongoing construction, as well as shots of the lucky felines enjoying their less than humble abode.  For ideas on how you can make some cat-friendly adjustments in your own home, you can pickup their book, The Cats' House, at Amazon for $12.89.

But, if you're not a handy cat fancier, here are three must have items to help you get started on your own cat house.   

First, you need the Zebra Zoo Kitty Gym, a six foot plus jungle gym, covered in carpet, rather than faux fur, for durability and style.  $399 at PlaytimeWorkshop.com

Second, you need functional cat art, like this Charisma Light Switch Plate, just $10 at FantasyCatArt.com

Lastly, pickup the Kitty Cat Circus.  Springy catnip toys will have your cat mesmerized.  Available at The Cat Connection for $24.99

Don't deprive your kitty of a kingdom fit for a cat!

Knitting for Dogs

Yes, it’s summer, and squeezing your schnauzer into a sweater is the last thing on your mind. But you wouldn’t want winter to sneak up on you, and leave your dog…well…naked.

Knitting for Dogs is Kristi Porter’s snuggly answer to do-it-yourself shawls, coats, and more. Available through Amazon.com for just $9.72, this book includes 20 contemporary patterns, ranging from super-cute, to ultra-useful.

Best of all, the book has instructions on how to adjust the pattern for your dogs size, so your Dane can wear a Dachshund sweater. Who says mini-mutts get to have all the fun?

             And, if your just not one with a knack for knitting needles, just go for the Granny Patch Sweater, just $70 at George, and your dog will never know.