Hot Dog in the City!

2010-04-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh. Spring has arrived, as well as the tender and new grass that my dogs love to eat (and then vomit up). The early bloomers are in full swing and the garden centers are stocked and full of customers.

If you have pets that don't feel the need to put everything in their mouths, good for you. Really, good for you. I am not one of those. My dogs think if it's in their house or their yard, that it was put there for them. So, I have to be very careful about what kinds of plants I bring in as the list of toxic ones, and those that just make your pet sick, is longer than you think. Any plant, or other object, that is not in a pet's normal diet can potentially make them sick. But, some plants can cause trips to the Vet. and some, trips to the ER facility with hospitalization, or worse.

The big ones are Lillies, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Sago Palm, marijuana (seriously), Tulips, Narcissus bulbs, Azalea, Rhododendron, Oleander (very deadly), Castor Bean (also very bad), Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Yew, Crysanthemum, English Ivy, Peace Lily, Pothos and Schefflera.

The ASPCA has a great list of toxic plants with pictures.... www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

and an extensive list of the toxic plants with their various names and those that are not harmful as well... www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/plant-list-dogs.html?print=t

The two other big things realted to spring that are worth mentioning are Cocoa Mulch (bad, bad, bad--it has the same ingredient in chocolate that can be deadly) and rat poison which can also be fatal to pets and children in small amounts.

Notice to all residents of German/Merion Villages:

2010-04-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

You may know that I work part-time at the German Village Veterinary Hospital. I've worked there for almost 12 years and I live Merion Village. Needless to say, I personally know a good portion of the 4 legged residents on the south side of the city.

One of our clients at the Vet. hospital recently found 2 rather neatly constructed portions of meat in her back yard and because of the way it was wrapped (bone with hamburger and ham around it tied with a rubberband), decided to have it analyzed. She took it to the Dept. of Agriculture and later found out it had rat poison in it. Her dogs are on medication and are okay, but I wanted to bring this story to the attention of as many people as possible in the area. This client lives in the northeast corner of German Village.

According to petcaresuite101.com and dogsymptomscure.com, here are some signs of poisoning:

-fatigue or excitement

- drooling

-muscle tremors/incoordination

- depression

- anorexia

-distended abdomen

- difficulty breathing

- pale gums or bruising of the gums/inner ears that resemble spiderwebs

- vomiting or diarrhea

- bleeding

Here is a link to the story that 10TV did...

www.10tv.com/live/content/video/10tv.html?referralObject=ka:988794

EVEN BIGGER SALE (seriously)

2010-04-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

For a limited time, all toys, apparel and accessories are 40% off. That's right, 40% off! We really do love helping you pick out the perfect toy for your pet, so stop in and take advantage of this fantastic deal. Plus, spring is a great time for a new collar and leash right? We have some very cool harnesses from Doggles that are made out of recycled bottles and come with a car seatbelt attachment too. We also have a few coats and sweatshirts left and those are 50% off while they last.

HUGE SALE!

2010-03-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

All toys, accessories (collars, leashes, Gentle Leaders, etc.) and apparel are 25% during the month of March! Plus, all of the coats and sweatshirts are 40% off--we have a few of the Fido Fleece left and Wag Dog coats left and these are great for those little guys while we're still having cold nights and mornings. Unfortunately in Ohio, that could last until at least May. But, come out and enjoy today's beautiful weather and stop by. Pets are always welcome here!

February is National Pet Dental Month

2010-02-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease by three years of age. Periodontal disease is what leads to bone loss and is caused by bacteria. Bacteria adheres to a tooth and other bacteria and forms plaque. The plaque hardens over time and becomes calculus, that thick and brown chunky stuff which causes tissue destrcution and ultimately, bone loss. Dental disease can also cause kidney, heart and liver problems as well.

Nasty stuff, yes. even more disgusting is that an estimated 64% of pet owners let their pets kiss them on the mouth! So with February being Pet Dental Month, Lots to Wag About has put all of our dental products on sale at 25% off! Brushing is the ultimate in preventive care for your pets, but there are other options that may be a little easier to do and to remember.

Ark Naturals makes a great line of treats called Brushless Toothpaste and a water additive, both of which help to break down the bacteria that leads to plaque. We also have loofah chew toys that help to scrub the teeth while the pets play. Plaque-Off is another great product that goes on the food daily--how easy is that?!? We also have a number of breath freshening products that we're including in the sale this month.

So, 64 percenters, stop in and we'll help you keep that mouth clean, fresh and kissable!

Columbus Alive's Best of Columbus issue

2009-12-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. Take a few minutes to show some love to all of your favorite Columbus eating/drinking/shopping/playing spots and make sure to vote for Lots to Wag About as your favorite pet store. We appreciate it. Here's the link...

www.columbusalive.com/live/content/special_sections/bestof/vote/2009_voting.html

Lots to Wag About is a collection site for donations of food for the pets of Columbus' homeless.

2009-12-15T11:31:00.001-08:00

It is estimated that between 5 and 10% of the homeless have pets. In some areas that number is as high as 25% (http://www.petsofhomeless.org/). Pets represent a number of different things for the homeless. They are their friends, their family, a source of warmth (literally and figuratively) and in some cases, they're all they have. Sometimes, they had the pets when they became homeless. In some cases, they met on the street after the dog or cat was abandoned and they found they have a lot in common. There are families that are without housing as well. What parent wants to take away their child's pet after having just about everything else taken away from them?

At Lots to Wag About, we care about not just our customers' pets, but about all of the animals in our community. So, we've started taking donations of dog and cat food to be distributed to the pets of Columbus' homeless. We are working with The Open Shelter (http://www.openshelter.org/) to make sure the food gets to the pets that need it. We're doing this year round as well. So if now isn't a good time for you to make a donation with the holidays coming up, please remember us in the upcoming year.

We actually got a call from a man named David today. He was given our number from a Veterinarian in West Jefferson who got our info. off of the Feeding Pets of the Homeless website. He had recently lost his home and was living with his dogs in his van. We directed him to The Open Shelter and he called back before he headed out to the shelter to say thank you. So, to everyone who has donated and to everyone who may be thinking about it, a really big THANK YOU!

The Holidays and Stress

2009-11-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

We get stressed during the holiday season for various reasons: a.) there's not enough time to get everything done that we need to get done b.) family or c.) family. Maybe that's just me. But, our pets experience stress during the holidays too, just for a whole different set of reasons. Here's a few things that maybe you hadn't thought of and if you think about it ahead of time, it will save you and your pet a lot of anxiety.

Everyone I know with children says that kids make the holidays. Everything's new and exciting and it rubs off on the adults. That's great, but a gaggle of screaming kids running back and forth because they're hopped up on cookies and candy, can make the pets a little anxious. Strangers in the house, or even just a large number of people regardless of whether your pets have met them before, can be stressful. If there's an area of the house or if your dog has a crate that they feel safe in, use it. Leave a TV or radio on for them. Homeopet makes a great line of herbal remedies that might be useful in these situations.

Supervision is important if your pet is out and about. Multiple people coming in and out of the house can cause issues if your dog or cat is a runner. The trash can also be a huge temptation for a lot of animals so make sure that's out of reach. I can speak for myself in that even though you've asked people not to give your pets table scraps, they still do it. Why not? They don't have to deal with my dogs brauling over crumbs, or when they vomit, or even better, have diarrhea in the corner. There are a number of foods that are bad for animals starting with the biggie, chocolate. Chocolate ingestion can be fatal. It takes different amounts of different kinds of chocolate, so just avoid it all together. Raw dough, walnuts, onions/garlic, bones, fatty foods, alcohol and foods made with xylitol are a few other things to never give to animals. If your pet ingests any of these things call your local ER facility to see if they need to be seen. (MedVet @ 846-5800 or OSU @ 292-3551) Not a great way to spend a holiday, so just avoid giving human food to the pets all together.

I have dogs that require a fair amount of physical and mental activity or they let me know they're bored. If I know there's going to be something going on that could potentially freak them out, I'll make sure they've had plenty of exercise that day. Dog parks are popping up around Columbus and some daycares offer holiday drop off and pick up.

Animals are creatures of habit. Try to keep everything as routine as possible. With so much to do on and around the holidays, don't forget to spend quality time with your pets. It's important for them and it'll relax you too.

I just like this quote...

2009-11-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

"Never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way" -- Martin Luther King Jr.

The Right Toy for the Right Pet

2009-11-10T12:01:00.001-08:00

So, we've extended our Toy Sale through the month of November which we're really excited about! I'm a big advocate of using interactive toys to combat boredom (ie. misbehaving) in pets. A lot of times, when pets misbehave, it is because they are bored or frustrated. They need mental stimuli as well as physical.
Some breeds of dog are more high strung than others. Anyone who's ever spent 5 minutes with a Weimeraner or a Jack Russell can attest to that. Boredom can manifest itself in a number of ways--chewing, barking, digging, etc.. If you have a puppy or a dog that's never been taught what is appropriate to chew on and what's not, it can be really frustrating. Recently, we adopted a 9 year old Beagle who had been an outside dog her whole life. She found that coming inside wasn't as exciting as being in a yard with dogs walking by and people and cars to bark at. So, she found other things to entertain herself while we were at work--she chewed up a number of books and DVD's before we realized that we needed to start pretty much from the beginning, and puppy-proof the house.
Dogs need things to do. They hear people outside. They see other dogs walk by. Birds and squirrels taunt them from just beyond their grasp, outside the window. To some dogs, this isn't a big deal. They don't move from that comfy spot on the ouch. But to others, it's frustrating and an invitation to destroy.
Premier makes a great line of interactive toys that dispense food in a variety of ways, some more challenging than others. The "Tug a Jug" will keep most dogs entertained and is definitely the most popular toy at Lots to Wag About. The "Squirrel Dude" is similar to a Kong but has prongs to make it a little more difficult to get the treats out and therefore takes longer for them to become bored with. "Buster Cubes" dispense food as they roll around and can be used to slow down fast eaters too. Most dogs, once the food is gone, so is their attention. If you do find your dog chewing on something that is inappropriate, remove that object with firm "No" and give them something they can chew on. Don't give them toys that look like other things they can't have like the stuffed toy that is the same texture as the couch or the toy that looks like a shoe--whose idea was that?!? They can't tell the difference between that and your $100 gym shoes!
Digging often stems from boredom as well. It is very important for dogs to get good exercise on a daily basis. Standing outside in the yard is not exercise. Most dogs need 30-60 minutes of hard exercise everyday. Daycare or dog parks are a good way to tire out social dogs. If your dog doesn't play well with others, toss a ball around or take up jogging. Providing your dog with an appropriate digging area is an option. A sandbox with toys hidden in it can be useful, but please cover it so it doesn't turn into a litterbox for stray kitties.
In cats, most often times you'll see clawing or inappropriate urination. Cats claw for a number of reasons--to remove the outer layer of the nail, to mark territory and for exercise. But, it may not be acceptable on your couch or speakers. Some cats like to claw vertically, some horizontally. Find out what your cat prefers, get a scratching post and sprinkle some catnip on it. Hanging toys toys like the "Cat Dancer", a treat ball like play n' Squeak's "Ball of the Wild" or a motion-activated "Rainbow Light Ball" will help keep kitty busy. There's also a really good website called the Indoor Cat Initiative with some great tips. www.vet.ohio-state.edu/indoorcat.htm
If your cat is urinating out of the box, please see your Veterinarian. There are many reasons why cats do this--litter preference, intimidation from another cat, inconvenient placement or not enough boxes. But, a urinary tract infection or crystals in the urine can be a reason as well. So please talk to your Vet. before assuming it's behavioral.
Having dealt with dealt with Separation Anxiety in one dog and Simone, the 9 year old puppy, I most definitely have an appreciation for interactive toys and of course toys that are just plain fun. I love helping friends and customers find the right toy for their pets. All of the toys in the shop are 20% off through November, so now's a good time to find the right toy for yours.

German Village Halloween Pet Parade

2009-10-28T12:46:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday was the annual Halloween Pet Parade in German Villgage. It was a pretty big turn out. Hot Dog in the City, Saffron, did not attend because she was feeling a little under the weather. Her canine sis Simone went in her place as "Miss October".

We saw friends, Sydney and Bourbon there, as well as a number of other pups who've been to the shop who weren't as cooperative about having their picture taken.

Gresso's had their Pups on the Patio Halloween costume contest last night and it rained. Booo!

This Saturday as part of the Short North Highball Halloween, there will be a pet parade on High St.. It starts at 5:30pm.. Look for Saffron or Simone all dolled up and strutting their stuff!

Halloween and Your Dog.

2009-10-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween. I always have. Loved going out as a kid (and young teen) and I still dress up every year. Last year I was Reagan from the Exorcist and this year I'm going as Medusa. But, this post isn't about me. It's about our dogs.
Some dogs do like clothes. So a costume for them may not be a big deal. But, then you get the dog who freezes in their tracks and doesn't move until the sweater comes off. So, a Halloween costume may not be a great idea for them. Costumes on people can be a scary thing for dogs too. Seeing one of their family members dressed as a pirate with a sword and an eye patch is enough to send some dogs flying under the bed. Remember that scene from E.T.? So, here's some tips on how to make my favorite holiday a little easier on your pets...
Well, I touched on the first point--costumes. Use discretion in dressing up your dog. Maybe try one piece of the ensemble at a time. If they show signs of anxiety or fear, don't press it. Taking a dog trick-or-treating can be regrettable as well. Some fearful dogs can become aggressive, so maybe leave the dog at home.
If you're staying at home with your dog and the sound of the doorbell drives them nuts, hang outside with your candy and a warm coat or blanket. On my street, everyone sits outside anyway, exchanging candy and making ourselves nauseous (that's part of Halloween right?). Most of us know that chocolate and other candies (esp. ones made with Xylitol) are bad for animals, but make sure your kids know too. If you can't be outside, restrict your dog's access to the front door and make sure their I.D. is current just in case. Halloween is kind of like July 4th--dogs get scared and when they're scared, they run. Keep a TV on or music--something to drown out the squealing kids and make them feel more comfortable.
The one thing that always upsets me about Halloween is the fact that some people do bad things to animals, for whatever dimented reason. Working at a Vet. hospital, I've seen it with cats mostly. But please don't leave your pets unattended on or around Halloween. I won't go into details, just keep them inside.
And lastly...Fire bad. Candles or jack-o-lanterns and wagging tails do not mix.
Have a great Halloween! Send me some pics and I'll post them.

Rosie and Wellington!

2009-10-14T10:52:00.001-07:00

TOY SALE!

2009-10-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of year again. The holidays are right around the corner--can you believe it?!?! Get a head start on your shopping (we know we're not the only ones who buy gifts for our pets!) at Lots to Wag About. All toys are 20% off during the month of October.
We have toys for major chewers, plush toys for dogs who can actually keep a toy for more than 5 minutes including organic, recycled and toys made in the U.S.. We have toys for tuggers, slobberers and fetchers too. We also have some great cat toys--flashing ones, shaking ones, catnip ones of course, and ones that make noises like field mice.
Come on in and find the perfect toy for your perfect (or not so much) pet. We want to help you find the RIGHT toy that will last and make your pet happy.

Chicago trade show and NEW STUFF!

2009-10-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, there was a lot of new products to peruse this past weekend at the Backers show in Chicago! Some impressive things make from recycled materials which I'm looking to bring into the shop. I love the interactive toys--ya' know things to keep bored dogs from tearing up the house (or is that just my dogs?) and I liked the Canine Genius line quite a bit. So I've got a lot of materials to go through this week to decide what new items we'll be bringing in. If there's anything in particular anyone would like to see, let me know!

I wasn't supposed to take pictures there, but I couldn't resist this cat. His name is Tony (yes, I said Tony) and he just hung out in his stroller, like you would think a cool cat named Tony would do.

SEPTEMBER'S SPECIAL!

2009-09-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Natural Balance limited ingredient diets (Venison, Duck, Fish and Potato and Vegetarian) are on sale. The 15 and 17# bags are $5 off and the 28 and 30# bags are $9 off! Our kitty Duck and potato is a 5# bag and it is $3 off. Also, our 15# bags of Canidae (All Life Stages, Platinum and Lamb/Rice) are $5 off too! We still have a few of Solid Gold's Cinna-bone one pound jars which are $2 off while they last.

Our now annual Holiday Toy Sale is coming up too, so keep that in mind :)

Disaster Preparedness for Pets

2009-09-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'm the first to admit that I don't generally think about disaster preparation. But, when I watch the weather and the meteorologist mentions an impending hurricane or the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina rolls around, it definitely earns a place on my To-Do List.

I know I speak for most of us, who watched in horror while video crews filmed those lucky enough to escape the wrath of Mother Nature four years ago. It was heartbreaking, and the images of those who were forced to give up their pets or leave them behind are not ones that I will never forget. On a side note, the book "Not Left Behind" which benefits the Best Friends Society is a fantastic visual account of the just some of the wonderful people who went to New Orleans and the surrounding areas and the animals they rescued after Katrina--good, but sad, stuff. There have been a number of changes to laws and policies that hopefully will prevent another disaster like that one. A lot was learned from that debacle, unfortunately at the expense of many.

So on that note, we here in Ohio probably don't have to worry about hurricanes (unless you count Ike last year--how weird was that?). But, it's always a good idea to have an emergency kit which comes in handy for medical emergencies too. As far as an evacuation is concerned, you need a plan. Where will you go? How will you get there and is there room for all of your pets in your vehicle/vehicles? If you and the rest of your family aren't together at the time of evacuation, you need a place that's been established for you to meet. Motels/hotels that except animals are sometimes hard to find, but Red Roof Inns and Days Inns generally except pets. But they are franchised. So not all do. Check http://www.petswelcome.com/ for a city-by-city list. If no one is home when disaster strikes, is there a neighbor who can help? Plan this stuff beforehand and know it.

Current ID and microchip are essential for all pets including cats. Collars come off. Low-cost microchipping is available at various clinics and events. Have copies of your pets' medical records, supplies of medications, food and water. Records should be in a water-proof/fire-proof box that you can grab in a hurry. Tell your family where you keep it. Have pics of your pets (don't we already?) and maybe some toys to keep them calm if things get crazy. Extra leashes, harnesses, bowls, litter, litterboxes, poop bags (you didn't think about poop did ya'?)carriers and food dishes are good to have on hand too.

Ok, the emergency kit...I have one for medical emergencies that I check it every now and then to make sure nothings expired or depleted and you would want to have it available if there's an evacuation. I am a Vet. Tech so you might think some of this is overkill, but it's come in handy for me, a number of times. OK, here's a list that I've compiled. Many resources may recommend more or less, but here it is: a muzzle (injured pets may try to bite you, even if you're the love of their life), a thermal blanket, eye rinse, Benadryl (ask your Vet for a dose for your specific pets before you actually need it), a baby dosing syringe, Hydrogen Peroxide (consult your Vet. on how to induce vomiting), a card like a credit card works for removing bee stings, bandage roll, bandage tape, gauze squares, non-stick pads, scissors, tweezers, a cooling blanket or vest, alcohol (applied to the foot pads during heatstroke), a thermometer, lubricant, a penlight, a nylon slip leash, cotton swabs and balls, pedialyte, Karo syrup (for hypoglycemia) and something that can be used as a makeshift stretcher. There are pre-packaged pet emergency kits available and books on how to handle such situations as well. I found a great one at the Capital Area Humane Society called "The Pet Emergency Pocket Guide" a few years ago. You also want to have the phone number and directions to the nearest animal emergency hospital as well as the number to poison control (the ASPCA's is 888-426-4435).

We may never have to implement our disaster plans and I hope we never do. But, planning ahead for your pets makes for one less thing you have to worry about in an already stressful situation. Of course, pet emergencies are something we never want to have to deal with, but they happen. I've used my kit on quite a few occasions and I haven't checked it lately to see what I have in it and what I need. So, when I leave the shop tonight, I'm definitely moving that to the top of my list while it's on my mind. Please do the same.

Separation Anxiety and Back-to-school Anxiety

2009-08-31T10:24:00.000-07:00

I've had a few questions about this lately and although I don't have kids, I do have a good deal of experience in the separation anxiety department. My German Shepherd mix Lily, was diagnosed as having separation anxiety at about 10 mos. and I was told by the behaviorist that we worked with, that she was the worse case she had ever seen. Not really the kind of award or recognition one wants to receive, but none the less I was determined to work through it with Lily and make our situation a better one. These are a few tips that I've learned both with Lily and through working as a Vet. Tech. and coming across anxiety issues on almost a weekly basis and can certainly be applied to those of us who either have children heading off to school or are returning ourselves.

It's very important to not pay attention to your dog or lavish them with affection as soon as you return from being out of the house. It's your first instinct when they come running to the door looking like they haven't seen you in years but RESIST! You should actually ignore them for a good 15-20 minutes before you leave the house and 15-20 after coming home. Obviously you want to take them out to relieve themselves, but only after they calm down do you pay attention to them. Toys that dispense food like Kongs, Buster Cubes or the fantastic line of Premier toys are something you want to fill with good-tasting stuff (jerky or peanut butter works) and give it to your dog maybe 10 minutes before leaving. You want it to be something that they like so much that they don't even notice you leaving. Make sure it is something that will last for a while, as the first 30 minutes after you leave the house are the most distressing for your dog. Tip: freezing peanut butter makes it last longer.

There are certain cues that our dogs pick up on which cause stress, as they are well aware of the specific things you do before leaving them: the shower, putting on your coat, grabbing your keys, even the alarm are cues for them to become anxious, as your departure is imminent. Desensitization is something that you can do so that they don't necessarily associate those cues with bad things. Set your alarm for various times during the day. Walk around putting your coat on and off. Grab your keys and put them down at all times of the day. You get the idea. This applies for dogs whose family members are heading back to school too. Getting your stuff together and leaving the house at different times of the day, but only for a few minutes will help desensitize them as well. The trick is for that time to be very brief and for there not to be any stress during that time. This is where the Kongs and interactive toys come into play. Gradually have the times out of the house become longer, but with no stress! It's a good idea to start practicing this a few weeks before going back to school if you can.

It's very important for dogs with separation anxiety to get plenty of good, hard exercise. This means running, chasing a ball, etc. for at least 30-60 minutes a day. Come on--it's good for us too! I always ran Lily for a good half hour before I left the house in the morning, and made sure she had gone potty so as not to find that in the house when I returned. Day care is a fabulous option too. A tired dog is a happy dog, is what I say. Training classes are a great idea too--Dog Talk's semi-private class is the one we went to. It's a positive based clicker-training class and Michelle is awesome!

There are medications that can be used with anxiety in dogs. But, you need to realize that you can't just give the meds and expect it to be fixed, unfortunately. They need to be used in conjunction with a behavior modification plan so talk to your Vet..

If you have ever found yourself in a panic-y situation, you have some idea of how these dogs feel. Our behaviorist told us that separation anxiety dogs think when you leave the house, that you're never going to return! How sad is that? It's important to realize that punishing them for their behaviors doesn't work. If you feel like your situation is so severe that you've considered giving up your dog, please contact your Veterinarian or an animal behaviorist. I know from experience, that sep. anxiety is tough to work through but it's so rewarding when you can actually get it under control or to a managable level. Lily was an amazing dog and I learned a lot from her--wouldn't change a thing!

CHA's Dog Jog pics

2009-08-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the CHA Dog Jog and it looks like the dogs had a good time too. These are just a few of the shots we took.

Columbus Alive Pet Guide

2009-08-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

Check out our mention (and pics) in this week's issue of the Columbus Alive! http://columbusalive.com/live/content/features/stories/2009/08/27/ca_u_petstore.html?sid=108

We also have a piece in the Columbus Alive Shopping Blog from the week before. Thanks to Brittany for that!

CHA Dog Jog and Edgar

2009-08-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

The annual CHA Dog is tomorrow, Sat. Aug 22nd. It is our second year there and we're really looking forward to it. Sounds like the weather will be perfect.

Check out our newest friend, Edgar the Whippet. He came from the Capital Area Humane Society. How cute is he?!?!

We love it when dogs come to visit!

2009-08-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

August special!

2009-08-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

Buy one item at regular price and get another item of equal or lesser value, for 40% off! One item only please and one per customer. In-stock items, no special orders. Now through the end of the month!

Help Lots to Wag About raise $ for CHA!

2009-07-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

We've started a donation page for the CHA Animal Shelter's Dog jog at www.firstgiving.com/lotstowagabout
Check out the Dog Jog page at www.chadogjog.com
As we've said before, CHA is a really wonderful organization. Join us in supporting their efforts to help the 4-legged homeless of Columbus.

CHA's Dog Jog in the Arena District

2009-07-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

This year, the CHA Dog Jog will take place on Aug.22nd at McPherson Commons in the Arena District. Registration starts at 8:30am and the race is at 10:00am.. This will be our 2nd year with the Dog Jog and we had a blast last year. There's the race of course, but if you're not into that there's a Health Fair also with vendors, demonstrations and of course, pets available for adoption. Hope you can join us! www.chadogjog.com

Celebrate with us!

2009-07-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who has helped make our first year so fantastic! It really has been so enjoyable for us to meet all of you and your pets, hear your stories, and help you keep your pets happy and healthy.
On Saturday July 11th we are celebrating our first year from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, here at the shop at 405 E. Mound St.. CHA Animal Shelter ( www.chaanimalshelter.org ) is bringing dogs and kittens that will be up for adoption. We'll have treats for the pets and the humans as well as freebies to give away. Hint: come early for the good stuff.
Hope to see you there!

Finding a lost pet.

2009-06-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

I got a call at the shop today for a missing dog. I can't even imagine how that woman feels right now. But, I decided to compile a list of tips from various sources, on how to find your missing pet.

Get your friends and family involved. The first thing you need to do is start looking in the immediate area and informing your neighbors to be on the lookout. Have someone make some fliers and get those posted ASAP while you're looking. A color photo of your pet is a good idea as well as the word "REWARD" being featured very prominently on the flier. It's sad, but that usually grabs peoples' attention. Hang the fliers in prominent places and distribute to neighbors as well. When I lost a cat a couple of years ago, I left fliers on the porches of every neighbor in atleast a five block radius. I stopped and asked anyone I saw if they'd seen Tuxedo. I may have been annoying but I got lots of calls about black and white cat spottings. If it's a cat that you're looking for, ask people to look in garages or sheds, and under porches. A scared cat will hide, especially one that isn't used to being outside. Please remember to remove the fliers when you find your pet.

If your missing pet is a cat, leave a litterbox on your porch. If it's a dog, leave their bed or a shirt that you've worn so they can follow the scent home.

Frequently check your local shelters and rescues. Ask your local animal control or animal welfare organization how often they recommend checking back. Most will say atleast daily. Check in person and post a lost report or flier if able to.

Check on-line sites and post reports on Craig's list (lost and found section), petfbi.org, missingpets.org, lost-pets.org, lostapet.org, petfinder.com (local/classified section), and franklincountyohio.gov/commisioners/ancl (lost and found). Also, call local Veterinarians and ask to FAX or drop off a flier, call pet stores, groomers, boarding facilities and dog daycares.

Purchase an ad in the classified section of the local papers and don't forget to offer a reward. Whatever you can afford is helpful.

I know personally how frustrating and saddening it is as times goes by, but please don't give up. I found my cat six months later when everyone else had given up on her. It's not unusual to find that your pet has been living comfortable a few blocks over, like Tuxedo.

Here's a few phone numbers for you:

Bexley Animal Control 614-239-8881

Capital Area Humane Society 614-777-7387

Cat Welfare 614-268-6096

Citizens for Humane Action 614-891-5280

Franklin County Dog Shelter 614-462-4361

Grandview Animal Control 614-488-3157

MedVet 614-846-5800

OSU Vet Hospital 614-292-3551

Upper Arlington Animal Control 614-583-5411

Whitehall Animal Control 614-237-6333 (ext. 12)

Worthington Animal Control 614-885-4463

New photos of some regulars....Kelly, Jackson, Nico and Inta

2009-06-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

Friends of Lots to Wag About

2009-06-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

If you've been into the shop, you know we love taking pictures of your pets! We have one collage and pictures waiting to go into another. Here are 2 pics of friends at home that we wanted to share...

Carmen looking fabulous by the pool.

Ricky and Mr. Darling being best buds.

If you have pictures of your "kids" we would love to post them! We especially love pics of them playing with their toys or wearing clothes from the store. Who knows, they might even end up on the website.

R.I.P. DeeDee

2009-06-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Sadly, it came time to say goodbye to our beloved "YaYa". Quite possibly one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, but DeeDee's neurologic condition (a brain lesion) had progressed. It was one of those things where you have to look at the quality of life versus quantity. We didn't mind cleaning up after her because she was completely incontinent and weren't annoyed when her senior moments went from occasional to all of the time. We saw little glimpses of Dee every now and then, but you could tell she was uncomfortable despite her medications. The last thing a dog mom wants is for her best girl to suffer.

This past Sunday would have been Dee's 14th birthday which is why I'm posting this. Dee came to the shop on occasion so you may have met her and thank you to those of you who have inquired about her.

DeeDee came from the Humane Society at Lollipop Farm outside of Rochester, NY and was more amazing of a friend than I could ever have asked for. Thank you YaYa!

Hot Dog at the Arts Fest.

2009-06-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

Saffron, being such a lover of the arts, attended the Columbus Arts Festival this past weekend. There were actually a lot of other dogs there and Saffie took the opportunity to introduce herself (barking like a dog 10 times her size so that everyone in a block and a half radius knew she was there) to most of them.

Saffie was very popular and a number of people wanted to meet her and pet her, which the princess absolutely loved.

Here she is in front of one John Booths' works and Sandra Klink's booth.

Saffie also made a friend in artist Lea Alboher from Sonoma, CA who has rescued cats and thought Saffie was "perfect". That comment did nothing for Saffron's ego, which by this point in the evening was about the size of Texas.

The Arts Fest was a good time, again. Join Hot Dog in the City at Gresso's Pups on the Patio tonight!

Pets Without Parents Run w/ the Pack!

2009-05-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

Save the Date: June 20th at the Scioto Darby Metro Park.

Pets without Parents is a fantastic organization and their 5K run/walk to raise funds and awareness will be at 9am.. Lots to Wag About will be a vendor so stop by to say "hi" and check out www.petswithoutparents.net. Saffron aka Hot Dog in the City may be making an appearance, if it fits into her busy schedule of napping, playing and eating. Sometimes, the only determining factor for whether or not she wants to go out is if she's having a good hair day. So, we'll see.

New Stuff!

2009-05-19T13:47:00.001-07:00

We just got some new items into the store that we're really excited about... Mud Magnets--how cool are these things?!? They're made from a micro-fiber that is super-absorbable and fantastic for Columbus spring/summer weather, when you're not as excited about tracking mud all over your house as your dog is!

We have a number of new items from Planet Dog also. A side note on Planet Dog...they are an awesome company. Check out their website http://www.planetdog.com/ to read about the great things that they do for canine service programs and the pet rescue/adoption cause. So, we've got the Orbee produce line which our dogs love! We'll have to get a picture of Saffron up here with her Orbee strawberry which she won't give up for anything (well, except treats). We also have the Zip Lead retractable leashes and travel food/water bowls and travel bags, and the hemp/sherpa lined collars as well. Planet Dog rocks.

OK, speaking of Saffron aka "Hot Dog in the City", we're using Premier's SpraySense citronella collar. We started last weekend and so far so good. We just didn't feel like spending another summer listening to her bark every time she hears a bird move 5 blocks away. Premier states that they have an 88.9% effective rate and I'm pretty impressed. It definitely distracts Saffron to the point where she is more concerned with who is spraying her with citronella than what the new neighbors are doing in their garden. So, based on the fact that we're having such a good response and our customers who have special ordered them have reported that they've are working for them, we've decided to carry them in the shop. Call us if you have questions or check out the Premier site at http://www.premier.com/.

Don't forget to stop and see us at the PetPromise RescueRun this Saturday. We'll have some fantastic deals and free stuff, as always.

Pet Promise Rescue Run May 23rd

2009-05-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, we'll be there! We're working on some really great deals (10-20% off most items) on Planet Dog toys, West Paw Tux toys, Tuffies and whatever else we can fit on the table. Our "Somebody in Columbus, Ohio Loves Me" and "My parents Just Told Me I'm Adopted" tees that we had screen-printed here in Columbus by American Canvas on American Apparel tees, will be on sale with $2 from the price of each shirt going to Pet Promise. We'll have freebies too! This is a really fun event in the Arena District so check it out! The site for this event is http://www.petpromise.org/

CHA's Kitten Shower

2009-05-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Lots to Wag About is a drop off spot for the CHA Animal Shelter's Kitten Shower event! Now through the end of May, we will be taking donations for the shelter's barrage of new kitties this spring--things like wet food, toys, non-clumping litter, various cleaning supplies and of course monetary donations are always welcome. Check out their website for details and stop by the actual "shower" on May 30th! http://www.chaanimalshelter.org/

CHA does some really great things and they always have adoptable adults too! I got to meet Homer today, a English and French Bulldog mix who came to CHA from a hoarding situation and holy cow is that dog cute! Anyway, check out their site to see more of the amazing things they do for animals and our community.

April Merrick food Special.

2009-04-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Merrick is a family-owned company that uses human-grade ingredients along with fresh fruits and vegetables and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Try flavors like Grammy's Pot Pie, Cowboy Cookout, Wilderness Blend, Turducken, Senior Medley or Puppy Plate. Merrick uses organic chicken in their dry foods and it has a delicious gravy coating.

During the month of April, if you purchase a 15 or 30# bag, you will get either a 5# bag of the dry or 5 cans of the yummy wet food (honestly, sometimes the Grammy's Pot Pie smells a little too good). For an added bonus, mention this blog and get a 1# bag of your choice free as well, while supplies last. That's a lot of free stuff! Plus you're making a great decision to feed your dog a healthy and scrumptious food made by an American company. Get more info at http://www.merrickpetcare.com/.

Celebrate Earth Day and Save!

2009-04-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

As you probably know, Earth Day is April 22 and for the month of April we're celebrating with 20% off of our eco-friendly toys!

The Tux Zogoflex toy and the Zisc flying Disc from West Paw are made in the U.S., from non-toxic materials, are guaranteed tough and are 100% recyclable. West Paw also makes a line of plush toys that are made from recycled plastic bottles.

Planet Dog Orbee toys are made in the U.S.A and from non-toxic and recycled materials also. Check out the Glow for Good ball--all of the proceeds from the sales are donated to canine service programs.

Spikebrand business bags (for poop) are 100% biodegradable in 45 days or less. They're just one of the amazing things you can make from corn!

Earthdog makes rope toys in the U.S. from hemp which is a very renewable resource, and stuffed plush toys made from hemp and recycled poly-cotton.

Stop in during the month of April to take advantge of the savings! Pets are always welcome.

Paws to Party!

2009-02-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

On Feb. 13th, Citizens for Humane Action will host a wine tasting and silent auction at the Graystone Wine Cellar. The event will take place from 6:30pm to 10:30pm and the Graystone is located at 544 S. Front St. in Columbus' Brewery District.

Lots to Wag About has contributed items and there are also Crew tickets, Funny Bone tickets, a dinner for 6 at the Worthington Inn, a night at the Glenlaurel Scottish Inn and many other fantastic items that will be up for bids! Check out the event's website at http://www.pawstoparty.com/

Adopt a Valentine Pet Event!

2009-01-25T13:55:00.000-08:00

Animal Outreach presents the 4th annual Adopt a Pet Valentine Event on Feb. 9th from 1 to 5pm.. It will be at Park Your Paws daycare at 4366 Indianola Ave.. The event supports local shelters/rescues and there will be pets there to adopt also. There will be contests and fun stuff for your pets to so bring them along. Saffron will be attending and we hope to see you there!

The website for the event is http://www.adoptavalentine.com/

Saffron, Hot Dog on the beat.

2009-01-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

Meet Saffron. She's a 9 year old, 8 pound Miniature Dachshund who's full of moxie and has a bigger heart than a dog 10 times her size! Not much is known about the first 8 years of her life since we found her in rush hour traffic on High St.. It's pretty obvious that someone loved her at some point, but for whatever reason, they were unable to care for her. When we found her a year ago, she was covered with fleas, not spayed, had no colar or I.D. and had teeth literally rotting out of her head. She's had to have 19 teeth removed which is why it looks like she has no lower jaw but we think that gives her character.

Saffie loves getting dressed up and going out on the town. So look for this hot dog out and about at various events and locations around Columbus. Here she is at the new Dog Park at Spring and Fourth downtown. Occasionally she can be found at Lots to Wag About testing toys and chasing Sparkles, our foster cat, who is up for adoption. We'll talk more about Sparkles later...

food. toys. treats. fun.

2009-01-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

The title of this post pretty much sums it up, but we wanted to take a minute to tell you a bit about us. Lots to Wag About opened in July of 2008 and we take great pride in finding unique and quality items that we believe in, to you and your pets. We, as pet parents, know that when our dogs and cats are happy, we're happy. So we want to help you keep your pets feeling good and looking good too.

We carry a number of all-natural and organic foods including Merrick, Canidae/Felidae, Natural Balance, Innova, Blue Buffalo, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, Premium Edge, Wellness and Solid Gold. We try to stock samples of most of our foods so you can try them first as well.

You want treats? We got 'em! We have biscuit treats in a variety of flavors including ones for dogs with food sensitivities, Mini Naurals (perfect for training), liver biscotti, lamb and turkey jerky, sausages, sweet potato treats from Sam's Yam's, dental treats and a number of longer-lasting treats--that's just for the dogs! Cats have Natural Purz, chicken and lamb jerky and Kitty Kaviar to name a few.

As you can see, we love treats. But, we're also very passionate about toys--not just to entertain, but to stimulate our pets mentally and physically, and to keep them busy. We love helping you find the right toy for your pet and we are always trying to bring new toys into the store that are fun, durable and meet a variety of needs. Our faves right now are Premier's line of interactive toys and West Paw's zogoflex toys--they're made in the USA from recycled materials and thy're guaranteed! It doesn't get much better than that.

OK, so our pets don't care as much about their collars and apparel as we do, but we can guarantee that you'll find accessories at Lots to Wag About that you won't find in any other store! We have American Apparel t-shirts that were screen-printed right here in Columbus and hand-made collars.

So now that we've introduced ourselves, we can get on with the blog. Our goal is to pass on important info to our friends and fellow pet lovers about products and events. We love feedback and suggestions for the store too!