Embrace Pet Community blog

Show Us The Love! Canine Cupids Giveaway

Love is in the air, but what else is new when you're a pet parent, right? 

We're calling all of you doggie moms and dads to send us photos and "show us the love".  We want pics of you snuggling, cuddling, hugging, "embracing" and smooching your pup.  Need inspiration?  

How about Roscoe, the handsome Basset, and his mum Ilene:

Is there anything cuter than kids and puppies? Sarah's new puppy, Rocky, is a super snuggler!

Dog people, now's your chance to participate in the "Show us the Love" giveaway!  Post photos of you and your canine cupid to our Facebook wall.  We'll pick one dog photo at random to win a crunchy rawhide heart from PetSmart. What are you waiting for?  Start snuggling!

Contest details: Photos submitted to Embrace's Facebook wall during February 2012 will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor. Embrace staff and families not eligible to win. Must not have won within last 90 days. Good luck!

Show us the Love: Good Cat Giveaway!

My cats caused as much trouble around the house as my dogs ever did.  I'll never forget waking up to find my birthday cake half eaten by my childhood cat, George.  Our Russian Blue was food aggressive--he'd growl and stash his canned food in a room off of the kitchen. I won't even go into the stories I hear about litterbox issues and cats scavenging on the counter tops.

Feline behavioral problems are far from rare--quite the opposite.  While we seem to hear so much about canine training, it's refreshing to see that nationally renowned animal behaviorist Steve Dale is here to help cat folks too.  His new e-book, "Good Cat" tackles all of the pesky issues I just mentioned, plus:

• Feline aggression toward people and other pets
• Feline anxiety
• destructive scratching behaviors

The book offers practical advice and insight into your cat's logic, helping you to train your cat through reinforcement and enrichment.

Our giveaway copy of "Good Dog" was a hit, so now's your chance to get a free e-copy of "Good Cat". 

We want to see how you "show the love" to your "good cat".  Post photos of you and your cat snuggling, snoozing and sunbathing to our Facebook wall.  We'll pick one cat photo at random to win the e-book. 

We're anxiously awaiting your photos!  (Don't worry dog people--your turn is coming tomorrow!)

Contest details: Photos submitted to Embrace's Facebook wall during February 2012 will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor. Embrace staff and families not eligible to win. Must not have won within last 90 days. Good luck!

 

 

Clean Slate Contest: Bissell SpotBot Giveaway!

We had a tremendous (and sometimes funny!) response to the Bissell SpotBot Giveaway last month. Congrats to our winner, Ragan B. who wrote:

"Oh Bissell! I have double the trouble with my bad boys, Elvis and Vegas! They are 3 year old twin shepherds who find it their purpose in life to get a bath and find the closest muddiest spot possible to run through and then leave evidence of their "fun" all over the house. Their cuteness might keep them out of the "dog house" so to speak (let's be real...these 2 don't even know what a dog house is they're so spoiled!) but it certainly doesn't clean up their messes...can you!?"

Good luck with that one, Ragan! Now, to give you all a second chance:

To enter:
Step 1: Go Like Bissell on Facebook and tell them that Embrace sent you.

Step 2: Hit up Embrace Pet Insurance's Facebook wall to tell us how you plan to start your pet's year off with a clean slate! Are you grooming her daily? Taking her for more walks? Scheduling more time at the doggie spa? Share!

We'll select the winner on February 1st and Bissell will help you get 2012 off to a clean start.

We use our office SpotBot weekly, *ahem*. I think some dogs are having accidents just to give us a chance to play with the cleaning robot! The SpotBot and other nifty Bissell products are available at Bissell.com.

Comments or photos submitted during January 2012 will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor. Embrace staff and families not eligible to win. Must not have won within last 90 days. Good luck!

Warm and Cozy for the Winter Wonderland

I was secretly sort of happy when I realized that Kayden would need some winter wear.  He's got very little hair and equally little body fat, so he shivers at the first sign of snowflakes.  Yes, even big athletic Pibbles need coats.  So, of course I was gleeful when PetSmart wanted us to try out the Martha Stewart Christmas sweater. 

The large fit him just perfectly!  It covers from collar to bum without being too short.  The sides close with these classic wooden buttons, two buttons per side so it's secure, but allows for enough room that the sweater won't tear or pinch if he gets wound up.

I think Kayden is ready to tag along when we go Christmas caroling or riding in a one horse open sleigh! Now, your pup can join in on the winter fun too!

Now until NOON on Wednesday 12/7, PetSmart is sponsoring a quickie contest to giveaway one sweater and one PetSmart holiday toy.  To enter:

Like Embrace and PetSmart on Facebook.
Comment here and tell me what holiday activity your dog would like to partake in!  Making snow angels?  Sipping hot cider?  (You must log-in with your e-mail address to qualify.)

We'll draw a winner at 12:00pm ET on 12/7, so let's get this party started!

Comments submitted before 12:00pm ET on 12/7 will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days.

Premier: Linkables

We've been testing the newest product from Premier, Linkables!  It's a spin on the old canine intelligence toys, with three join-able rubber toys.  You can combine them into one big blast or have three mini adventures. 

We tested it out with the Linkables treats first, but I think these treats might be too small, because they all fell out (even past the little tabs) right away.  But, with bigger treats my dogs really have to get to work tipping and turning this bad boy.

Be forewarned, as soon as Kayden offloaded the treats he set to chewing this thing, but it's not built for chewing.  It's definitely a toy that needs supervision.

Premier would like to put a Linkable in your pet's holiday stocking, so we've got one Linkable to share.  To enter:

• Like Premier on Facebook and tell them Embrace sent you
• Comment here and tell Embracer Santa why your pet has been "naughty" or "nice" this year.

Comments submitted before 12/10/11 will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days 

 

 

Wonderdog NYC: Fall Fashion Giveaway

Embraced pup Hazel received a lovely dog collar from Wonderdog NYC, the Jardin in aubergine.  When we unpackaged the collar we all said, "pretty!"  It's the epitome of girly and feminine, yet perfect for fall, the bright colors looking lovely on Hazel's tan fur.

The embroidery is top notch--not painted on or part of the fabric, yet the webbing is soft and strong.  It's got the sturdy swivel hook and designated d-ring for the lead, and it's remarkably adjustable.  The lead is a bit shorter than some might be used to, but honestly, when walking Hazel, shorter is better.

 Wonderdog NYC has a fantastic Fall Fashion Giveaway for our readers.  They're giving away a matching collar and leash! It's a free for fall!

• Visit their collar and lead page
• Comment here(with your e-mail login) to tell us which collar and lead best suits your dog's personality.

We'll pick one lucky winner on 12/1 and get the item shipped out to you!  Get browsing!

Comments submitted during the month of November will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days 

Safe Paw Ice Melt: Giveaway from Dog.com

We're looking at some pretty harsh winter claim stories at the Embrace Pet Insurance blog.  We get a number of small claims for paw pad irritation from rock salt, as well as some bigger claims for pets falling or getting cut on ice.  (I can only imagine the human medical bills for people slipping on the ice while walking the dog.)

To help keep our Embraced pets (and people) safe this winter, Dog.com is giving away an 8 Lbs. jug of Safe Paw ice melter. Safe Paw is safe for kids and pets, not harmful to skin or eyes because it contains no corrosive salt.  It's 2-way non-corrosive time-release action won't harm your lawn, concrete or deck either, and it's been awarded the PTPA Green Product Seal.  It was even the official ice melter of the Vancouver Winter Olympics.  Who knew?

To win a jug of Safe Paw:

• Visit our Facebook page and upload a picture of your pet enjoying the cooler temperatures
• Stop by Dog.com's wall and tell them Embrace sent you

Photos submitted during the month of November will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days 

Planet Dog Holiday Goodies

Our office dogs have loved testing the pack of toys that Planet Dog sent over.  The Bulb with Treat Spot might be my favorite (see Cooper's test here) because they're festive and show the good humor that a dog toy deserves.  The downside-the silver part got chewed off in seconds flat by master-chewer, Henry the beagle.  It's rated 3 out of 5 chompers, but be cautious in this case, especially if your dog is prone to swallowing bits they bite off.

The SnowBall (right) is a fun one too--last week, I was checking under desks looking "for the snowball".  It's got the realistic appearance for people with the bounce and resiliency that dogs like.

We like the Planet Dog goodies because not only are they well designed, made in the USA, often eco-friendly, but they also  donate 2% of every purchase to Planet Dog Foundation to support canine service programs across the country. Helping more dogs help more people in need is a great mission.

We've got a festive fun pack to make one pup's stocking extra stuffed.  Planet Dog is giving away:

Two bulbs, a mini and a large
An Orbee Tuff Mint! (Read how much I love Orbee Tuff stuff!) It's minty and adorable and I'm totally jealous of whoever gets this!

***Note--both are rated 3/5 chompers--Lyger loved his Orbee Tuff, but Kayden gnawed the top off in the first try.  Please don't give these to tough chewers--our claims Embracers don't want any unexpected foreign body claims this holiday season.

To enter:

• post a photo on our Facebook, telling us your dog's holiday wish
• stop by Planet Dog and tell them Embrace sent you

Photos submitted during the month of November will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days 

Smart Halloween Tips from SmartBones

Trick-or-Treating Tips for Families with Dogs
Provided by Dr. Martin Glinsky of SmartBones

Halloween can be a fun time for families with dogs, especially when taking the dog along for Trick-or-Treating.  But, there are some important safety tips families should keep in mind on Halloween:

1. Dogs should be kept on short leashes when out Trick-or-Treating so little ones have less of a chance of tripping over the leash.
2. While Trick-or-Treating, pet parents should make sure their dogs are under control at all times and kept away from loud noises or ruckus. This may frighten dogs and cause them to run away or bite.
3. Although dogs may look cute in costumes, pet parents need to keep their dog’s comfort, safety and ability to see properly in mind when choosing a costume.
4. Pet parents who are staying home with their dog and handing out candy should keep their dog in a separate, closed room with a TV or radio on to keep the dog calm.  This will prevent the dog from becoming spooked by Halloween costumes and possibly running off or jumping on Trick-or-Treaters.
5. If homeowners would like to hand out treats for Trick-or-Treating dogs, rawhide-free dog chews are the best option.  Treats such as SmartBones contain no rawhide, are 99% digestible and are available in a “mini” size appropriate for all dog breeds.
6. After Halloween festivities are over, it’s important to keep dogs, and other pets, away from candy because it may be very bad for pets’ health.  Pet parents should keep SmartBones dog chews on hand so their dogs can enjoy a healthy, vitamin-and mineral-fortified Halloween “treat” with the family.

As a thanks to our readers, SmartBoneswould like to give away a SmartBones prize!  To Enter:

1. Like Embrace and SmartBones on Facebook
2. Comment here (using a login so we can contact you) and tell us what your dog's perfect halloween costume would be.

 

Comments submitted during the month of October will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days.

Halloween Costume GIVEAWAY!

Finally, the day we've all been "counting" down to.  Mwahahaha!  It's time for our Halloween Costume Giveaway from PetSmart!  Your scary canine could win a costume, like our Guizmo and his Dracula costume from Martha Stewart Pets! 

To enter stop by our Facebook page and upload a photo of your dog doing something spooky or scary!  Tell us about the scary faces they make, the frightful mess they got into, or the eerie way they know when it's bath time.

We'll pick a winner at NOON on Wednesday 10/19, so get to posting ASAP!  Make your entry "count"!

Prize fullfillment by PetSmart.  Costume selection may depend on sizes available from sponsor.