Yesterday afternoon I was on my way to Aldi's but about two blocks before I hit my destination, I came across a stray Pit Bull running around in traffic. Concerned that her frolicking between cars was not smart, I did was most of us "dog people" do: I parked the car, put on my blinkers and got out. She made eye contact, I opened the hatch and asked her if she wanted to go for a ride. Girlfriend jumped right in my car.
I'll spare you the rest of the details, long story short, while I was in the shelter talking to the folks she had an accident. And then happy danced in it. And then jumped all over all of my car seats. It was like finger painting...but awful.
My first thought: Go get the SpotBot from the office. I'd just been reviewing it last month, so it was still handy. I took it home, loaded it with the oxyclean and water, and set to work with the hose feature. 2 hours of spraying and scrubbing and vacuuming later--but the SpotBot spared me a $150 car seat shampoo and helped me suck the water back up to get the seats dry so that it was ready to drive the next day. It only took two refills on the water reservoir to clean the entire fronts of all four seats.
It's one thing for me to test the SpotBot on a single accident on industrial carpeting. It's another to put this machine to the test on car upholstery, complete with grooves, crevices and embroidery. Rarely will I re-review a product, but this was one of those times when I realized just how much a lifesaver this little 'bot can be.
P.S. The shelter was only a short distance from where she was found and does not discriminate against Pit Bulls. This dog will be in good hands until her owner claims her or until she's adopted to a new family.
With Lyger turning 11 recently we switched him over to a new brand of food, opting for Blue Buffalo senior dry food. I'd heard so many good comments about it from pet parents that I talk with on the phones here that it seemed worth a shot. Then, when Kayden showed up from Best Friends, he came with Blue Buffalo too. Knowing that such a dedicated organization was down with this line was a good sign.
When I visited PetSmart with Kayden back in October we checked out the food selection and I came to realize that Blue Buffalo has foods for large and small breeds as well as options for seniors and those with weight issues. Their new line, Wilderness, also offers a grain-free alternative, perhaps a bit more like what a dog in the wild might opt for, which is something I'm all about.
So, the guys have been fully and completely switched over for about two months now. To be honest, at first, I was reluctant to review the food, because they both had horrible gas for about 3 weeks. This can happen with any food transition, but I was surprised at the magnitude at which it happened. Kayden was earning himself a reputation as a real bomb-dropper, if you get my drift. But, I haven't heard or smelled any signs of intestinal distress for a few weeks now, so I think everyone's over it, and we're continuing with the food.
The plus side: I get frequent comments about how shiny my dog's fur looks, even though I know they just went mud-sliding in the yard. Both boys look fit and strong on just two and a half cups a day, keeping the price of the product pretty competitive with other high-quality foods out there. And, both guys chow down readily come breakfast and dinner, so taste preference is no problem!
And, after talking with our groomer, she mentioned that Blue Buffalo has a frequent buyer program, good for a free bag after every 10 purchased. Just turn in the UPCs. It can't be redeemed at PetSmart, Petco, or any other large chains, but I believe your local shop would have info on this program. A little UPC clipping is worth the equivalent of 10% off, wouldn't you say?
PetSmart also carries Wellness brand foods, which I've heard good things about too. (I know Lyger LOVES their treats--so much he stole a bag off the counter once.) Do you have any experience with Wellness?
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:
LikeEmbrace 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.
"Forever faithful"--such a little phrase so perfectly describes my relationship with Lyger. For good or bad, he's always by my side, ready for a nuzzle, always sharing a smile. Of course, I'm sure this describes the relationship you have with your pup too. What loving pet parent doesn't feel "forever faithful" to their dog?
Paw Promise offers high quality handcast sterling silver jewelry in just this thinking, offering two ring pendants for people and pets. One, the Forever Faithful signature ring can also be partnered with the collectible and customizable ring, suitable for a short phrase or your dog's name.
Smaller rings start at $130 and the Forever Faithful are $180. Chains and rings are optional and additional costs. 10% of proceeds go to pets looking for their "forever faithful" homes. Artisan Kate Holmes is now taking orders for Christmas gifts.
While I was chatting with our new friends at Bissell, it came up that I've been using a shop-vac to suck up the Lyger hair that collects on my hardwood floors. (Forget about rugs!) They took pitty on me and sent me a Lift-Off MultiCyclonic Pet Vacuum. Talk about a game changer!
The 15" cleaning path and seven surface height settings make cleaning my floors FUN! Yes, Vacuuming is FUN! That's a strong testament coming from someone that's spent 11 years constantly chasing of tumble-Lygers. (Notice in the pic on the left that Lyger is eyeing his nemesis. He hates vacuums!)
The photo right shows the unit in the process of being assembled, which took all of five minutes, but actually helped me to understand more about the unit's features and attachments:
The canister is detachable, which is EXCELLENT for carrying up the stairs and getting in those little corners. The canister is small enough to rest on your stair, so you don't have to hoist it up the entire time.
There are multiple brushes, including the Pet Hair Eraser and a combo-tool brush, both of which can be used with the telescoping want. (Telescoping wand may be my favorite feature!)
It's got a HEPA filter to catch danders. Whew!
It's bagless, which means no buying specifically sized refill bags.
Let's focus on the "pet" specific part of this product, the Pet Eraser. This attachment is part of the extension and has a spinning rubber brush to pick up extra tufts left about. While it didn't do very well on the velour upholstered chair (which might as well be embroidered with dog hair) but it did a great job on my sofa upholstery. It sucked the hairs up even though it's a ribbed fabric that is hard to clean.
More importantly, it did a good job on my floors. The height adjustment made it easy to get under sofas, entertainment centers, etc. It glides nicely, and even after being used to a heavy duty suction, this had the suction needed to get the job done.
After my good response to the SpotBot, this vacuum hasn't let me down. Lyger's going to have to deal with it--the MultiCyclonic Pet Vac is here to stay! $179.99 at Amazon.
There are the occasional days where Lyger is home alone for a long night with the dog door, which he doesn't mind at all. Frankly, I'm sure he'd prefer it to being crated and toted places when we have quick over-night trips. Rather than bring a neighbor in just to feed and medicate him while we're away for 20 hours, we wanted to try a pet feeder.
We put it to the test for the two days before the Thanksgiving holiday when we'd be away for about 30 hours, just to give it a dry run. It's a bit tedious to program, as you must program each feeding for the next 7 feedings, rather than just telling it to feed at 7am and 5pm every day. Additionally, I don't quite grasp why the device allows you to program 7 feedings but has only 4 rotations. (The first feeding is available as soon as you set it down, so I don't count that as 5 feedings while you're away from home.)
But, once it's programmed...what do I have to say about it. I set it up for AM and PM feedings, it fit his 1 cup easily and I just popped his arthritis pill in a pill pocket so he'd scarf it up. It worked, just as expected, on a few big batteries.
I like the convenience and comfort that I don't have to bother neighbors to come learn his food and medication needs just for a one or two off feeding. The feeding tray is dishwasher safe and compact.
But, this particular device has a lot of drawbacks in the programming department. I'm still not sure if the device will restart its cycle at the end of it's 7 pre-programmed cycles, and it doesn't mention it in the instructions. My biggest complaint is that you have to program each individual feeding instead of just telling it what times the dog eats and having it figure out the math on its own.
But, the item was on sale at PetSmart for $39.99 (normally retailing for about $47.99), and that allowed me to go spend the holiday with my in-laws a few hours away and relax, without needing to bring someone else in over the holiday. Of course I came home and spoiled my boy, but it's given us a new freedom to come and go without inconveniencing our guy. I think this would be ideal for these sorts of situations, or perhaps other pets that need scheduled feedings or medications daily. If it helps people help their pets, that's not something I can complain about.
It's finally here--the much anticipated Bissell Spot Bot giveaway!
Accidents are to be expected, especially when it comes to a pet friendly office. Embrace's hub is no exception. Our blue carpet has seen better days. So, we were thrilled when the Bissell SpotBot came to our rescue.
Here's the how-to: It's an all-in-one unit, so you just fill the clean water reservoir with a little water and a bit of the Pet Stain and Odor cleaning formula that is included. Set the brush head over your stain and press the magic button:
The unit runs for a few minutes (with an acceptable amount of noise) to clean the area, then a *beep* signals that you've got a clean spot. As you can see in our photo, the brush area wasn't able to cover the entire stain, but never fear--there is a manual brush attachment option that you can use to get the excess cleaned up. Look how nice the clean center area is compared to the stained area, or even the not-so-stained area around it. The area that was cleaned is clearly cleaner than any spot around it.
I was able to get about three cycles of automatic cleaning out of one batch of mixture. I'm guessing we'll probably use the entire 16oz bottle of cleaner in about four or five refills. Fortunately, you can get a 32oz bottle for $16.29 at Amazon. The dirty water is stored in a easy-to-empty resevoir, so you never have to get your hands dirty.
The SpotBot is so fun that I actually came in EARLY one day just to clean up carpets. It got up several unidentifiable stains, including one that looked to be grease or oil based. My co-workers came in and said, "Oh, the floors got cleaned?" Yes, the SpotBot was on it!Whether your cat had an upset tummy or the housebreaking went awry, this tool is going to save you a ton of work!
Thanks to Bissell, you too can get a SpotBot to clean your blemished carpets. They're sponsoring our Clean up Your Pet's Act Contest!
To enter: Go Like Bissell on Facebook and tell them that Embrace sent you. Hit up our Facebook wall with a photo of your cat or dog being a little naughty--did they get into the trash can or unroll the toilet tissue? Show us! OR Comment here with your pet's best bad behavior--share the story that's *almost* too shameful to tell.
Better yet, comment and post a photo to double your chances! We'll select the naughty pet prize on December 28 and Bissell will send you a SpotBot!
The SpotBot and other rockin' Bissell products are available at Bissell.com. I think you'll be wow'd by how many products they offer--so there's something for every clean-up need.
Comments or photos submitted before 12/27/11 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
Embracer Kate has been testing the Quinzee insulated coat from Ruff Wear:
I had a pretty good feeling about this coat based on friends’ recommendations and comments on Ruff Wear products in general. So, it was no surprise when my expectations were met and exceeded with this well-made dog coat. Right from the start the helpful sizing guideline on the Ruff Wear website helped me select the right size coat for my, German style Doberman, Beau. He has a very deep chest and that’s exactly what Ruff Wear instructed me to measure. Our friends at Ruff Wear sent us the large in the Red Rock color and it fits Beau perfectly.
The material is so high-quality that I almost want to wear it myself! Ruff Wear says it’s weather resistant and you can tell that’s true by feeling it and seeing it exposed to rain. So far the weather in Ohio has been cold and rainy but not snowy yet, but I’m eager to put the coat to full use in the snow shortly. The soft, weather resistant material is on both sides which is fantastic and let me tell you why. I’ve seen other dog coats with white fleece on the inside and you’re thinking “Oh how nice, it’ll keep my dog warm and is so soft” but the reality is that it gets dirty so fast and naturally holds a ton of dog hair. Trust me, you want a dog coat with high-quality material on both sides.
I’m a big fan of the easy-on, easy-off side buckles with elastic straps and the reflective areas on the back for when walking in the dark. Another subtle but important detail is the fact that the side buckles and the front zipper are sheltered, meaning the weather resistant fabric covers them. This seems like it will help the hardware last longer when exposed to crummy weather.
The pocket for stowing the coat seems like a nice feature but I doubt I’ll actually use it. I plan on hanging Beau’s coat up in the closet next to mine for easy access and because seriously, how cute is that?
One last awesome and probably the most important detail here is that … Beau did not pee on the coat! If you’ve ever bought the wrong size coat or a “fashion coat” you understand how frustrating it is when it looks good one minute only to have your dog peeing on it (or into it!) the next.
I truly can’t say enough good things about this high-quality coat. My goal of being an objective reviewer, pointing out the good and the bad, is failing here because I honestly can’t find anything I don’t like about the coat. A+ in my book!
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!
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
Now until Midnight: Hounds Around Town is offering BOGO on their Hooligan Gear Backpack. Blue or green, it fits medium sized dogs best.
Lyger and Kayden have a backpack--usually it's Kayden carrying his poop bags, a treat, whatever. It's uber-helpful on long walks when I might want to take off gloves or carry, say, something we buy at a dog event. He actually walks much better with the pack on.
