First Feline Fatality Reported Due to H1N1

The first feline H1N1 casualty was confirmed in Oregon on Nov. 18. The cat died from presumed H1N1 virus infection, according to the American Veterinary Medication Association. Several other cats in Utah and Iowa had cases of the virus, but have since recovered. It is believed the Oregon cat caught the virus from humans. Read more here.

Dog-friendly downtown initiative aims to bolster Spa City business - The Saratogian News: Serving the Saratoga Springs, N.Y. region (Saratogian.com)

Dog-friendly downtown initiative aims to bolster Spa City business - The Saratogian News: Serving the Saratoga Springs, N.Y. region (Saratogian.com)

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"Flying Pup!"

A photographer sent this photo to me from Ella's first frisbee tourney - he titled it, "Flying Pup!" Apparently it took 2nd place in a photography competition! :)

A New Book About Dogs...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/16/AR2009101601240.html

Don't Be Surprised If a Shelter Asks For These 6 Things . . .

OK, you've done your homework and you're ready to check out local shelters and rescue organizations to pick up a pooch — congratulations! Before you walk in the door, be prepared for these six common requests . . . and save the look of shock for all the adorable faces you see, and not the adoption counselor!.....http://www.petsugar.com/5599701

Funny Dog Video

Check this out - we laughed out loud!

Pet First Aid & Disaster Response Class

Sunday, November 14th from 1-5pm at Pause


This class will cover CPR, Heimlich for pets, common emergencies, safety tips & critical lessons from Veterinarians. This program teaches people how to care for their pets before, during and after an emergency. Pets America surveyed more than 400 veterinarians nationwide to create this user-friendly guide to pet first aid and disaster preparedness. Cost is $50 to participate - includes 3-year certification and a pet first aid book too! Please RSVP.

New Canine Flu?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roseanne-colletti/h3n8-dog-flu_b_321475.html

Dog Tip of the Day: Getting Your Dog Accustomed to Your Child's Costume

Dog Tip of the Day: Getting Your Dog Accustomed to Your Child's Costume

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Dog Tip of the Day: Easing Anxiety

Dog Tip of the Day: Easing Anxiety

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New Show Starts on Animal Planet

http://animal.discovery.com/tv/superfetch/

Dog News from DogTipper.com: NYC Marathoners "Determined" to Raise Money for Animals

Dog News from DogTipper.com: NYC Marathoners "Determined" to Raise Money for Animals

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Great fun at Poochapalooza!

We had so much fun at K104's annual Poochapalooza event in Montgomery, NY yesterday! Here are a few photos of our digs. :)

Dog Park USA!

Head to www.dogparkusa.com and find out what dog parks are closest to where you're at. This is a great website to bookmark on your web-enabled phone!

Howl'oween Dog Costume Parade at Pause!!

Find out more at www.pausedogboutique.com.

Ingredient is fatal to dogs...

Ingredient is fatal to dogs....http://www.pawnation.com/2009/09/08/sugar-free-gum-and-snacks-can-be-deadly-for-pets/?icid=main|aimzones|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2009%2F09%2F08%2Fsugar-free-gum-and-snacks-can-be-deadly-for-pets%2F

New Toys!!

We got some great new toys in! These toys are handmade and benefit families in Nepal. Check them out at http://www.acheerfulpet.com/supportpages/about.htm.

Last Yappy Hour of the Year!!

LAST YAPPY HOUR of the year this Saturday!!! 6-8pm. Fantastic promotions....and Lisa Fishler of Printz Photography will be giving away a FREE SESSION and 50% off all Yappy Hour prints she has taken!!!! You won't want to miss it!!!!!

Poochapalooza Time!

Don't forget about Poochapalooza next Saturday at the Thomas Bull Memorial Park!! You can find details on our website at www.pausedogboutique.com.

Are Dogs as Smart as Toddlers?

A new study says some might be! Read more here.

Paint Pottery for Your Pooch!

Come join us on Saturday, October 3rd from 6-8pm at the Pottery Shack in Rhinebeck! Paint pottery for your pooch - a dog (or a cat) bowl or a treat jar. They make great gifts too! Instead of an $8 seating fee, we'll be collecting $5 for the Jack Russell Refuge. Help us meet our goal of donating $100 from this event!

Pet Travel 101

The American Animal Hospital Association recently reported that up to 53% of pet owners usually travel with their pets. However, while the trend to take your four-legged friend along on vacation might sound like a good idea there are some rules and regulations that need to be adhered to before you hit the road. Read more here...

Cool Products that Benefit the ASPCA!

Check out these great items at www.heartuback.com - purchases benefit the ASPCA!

Make a "Pup"sicle!

Give your pup a yummy summer treat—make a “pupsicle!” All you need is some low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and an ice cube tray. Simply pour some broth into the tray—skip the sticks—and pop it in the freezer until it's frozen solid. It might be best to let your pal do his slurping outside if you don’t want a soupy mess indoors.

Tweet! Tweet!

We're actually "Twittering"....or however you say it!! (Is it "Twitting?" "Tweeting?") - You can now find us on Twitter under "Pause Dog Boutique." :)

Yappy Hour was Awesome....

We had an awesome Yappy Hour last night at Pause! Special thanks to local pet photographer Lisa Fishler of Printz Photography for coming - and her daughter Tia for serving as our "Bark-tender" - we had a great turn out and lots of fun. We hope to see you at the next one! We'll post pictures on our website soon. Check them out!

It's Paw-ty Time!

Pause staff members are now available to help you plan a party for your special pooch! We can put together a party pack for you or come and run the whole shebang! Inquire with us at (845) 876-4330 to find out more.

Pupperware Parties - All the Rage!

Pause goes on the road—and we can come right to you! Our new Pupperware Parties are designed to offer you a convenient shopping experience in your own home. It’s kind of like a “Tupperware Party” - a showcase of our favorite products, with benefits for the host and more. Call us at Pause Dog Boutique for more info (845) 876-4330.

Free Frisbee Demos!

Need some entertainment for an upcoming event? Whether it’s a summer camp day or a backyard party, we’ve got 4 Frisbee dogs who love to perform—for free! Call us at Pause Dog Boutique for more details (845) 876-4330.

Think Your Dog Is Safe In a Parked Car?

She's not. Head to www.mydogiscool.com/ to find out why.

Dog Photography: A Meaningful, Lasting Purchase

Have you ever had your dog photographed? Would you like to have a lasting memory to document how great your dog is? Or perhaps you're looking for a gift for a dog lover? Lisa Fishler, local pet photographer of Printz Photography, is currently booking fast! Her talent for catching a dog's personality is awesome (just check out the print in my store for proof!) Consider booking for a fall photograph now to ensure you get a spot for when the leaves are at their most colorful! Don't forget, returning customers receive 10% off their session fee and/or Gift Certificates! Great for holiday cards and holiday gifts.....and Lisa is great too!

Yippee for Yappy Hours!

Pause Dog Boutique will now be hosting a Yappy Hour every Saturday in July and August from 6-8pm! Stop by for free treats, fun socialization opportunities and fantastic sales! Local pet photographer Lisa Fishler of Printz Photography will be on hand at some of the events to take pictures, there will be training demos and more! Call us for more information...we hope to see you there!

Ella Goes to Boston!

We recently had the pleasure of traveling to Boston for my work with PaperClip Communications as an editor of School Health Professional. My husband, John, and Ella got to travel with me this time! We had a blast in my off time! Ella and I visited four dog boutiques - Espeso, Four Preppy Paws, Bark Place and Polka Dog Bakery. We also took Ella on a whale watch, to eat at Legal Seafoods and more. Here are some pics from our travels....

Traveling with Fido?

If you're lucky enough to be going on vacation this summer, you might be trying to simplify by taking your dog with you. Check out these two great websites to help make your travel planning easier:

BringFido.com - www.bringfido.com
Dogfriendly.com - www.dogfriendly.com

Photos from Yappy Hour!

View the great photos that Lisa Printz-Fishler took at our Yappy Hour event! Absolutely adorable! Head to www.printzphotography.com, enter the site, click on "client proofs" and then enter the password "pause" - you don't want to miss these!

Come Wine and Dine with Us!

Join us for Yappy Hour! Friday, June 12th from 6-8pm at Pause Dog Boutique. You won't want to miss this great two- and four-legged company, sale items, free treats and more! (Rain date is Saturday, June 13th - same time, same place.) Click here for more details. Woof!

Dog of the Week Contest at the Modern Dog!

Think your dog's something special? We thought so! Have we got a contest for you: Modern Dog's wooftastic new Dog of the Week competition. Upload the cutest, funniest, or simply the best photo of your furry friend for a chance for your dog's photo to appear in an upcoming issue of Modern Dog! Wage a publicity campaign and garner votes for your pup or, if you're blessed with a discerning eye, stroll through the online entries and vote for your favorites. On a weekly basis, the dog with the most votes will be awarded Dog of the Week, have his or her photo featured on our homepage, and will be under consideration for feature in Modern Dog magazine. Get snapping! Upload a photo or vote for the dogs.

AKC News...

According to Dog Fancy magazine, the American Kennel Club has a new program for mixed-breed dogs that gives them eligibility to compete in most AKC sanctioned dog sports:

"As of Oct. 1, owners of neutered or spayed breed mixes can list their dogs with the mixed-breed program. This allows mixed breeds to compete in AKC agility, obedience, and rally, and gives them the support of the AKC in dog-ownership matters nationwide."

Put Your Pet in the Picture: TAILS OF LOVE Pet Photo Extravaganza

Through May 26, Michelle Buonfiglio of Romance: B(u)y the Book blog is hosting the purrfect contest—cute animals and fabulous prizes—to celebrate the upcoming release of TAILS OF LOVE. This Berkley anthology raises money for a no-kill animal shelter and features ten romantic stories by authors Lori Foster, Stella Cameron, Kate Angell, Dianne Castell, Ann Christopher, Marcia James, Donna MacMeans, Sarah McCarty, Patricia Sargeant and Sue-Ellen Welfonder.


To join the extravaganza, simply snap a photo of your pet and visit the Romance: B(u)y the Book blog - http://romancebythe blog.blogspot.com/ - during the celebration for instructions on how to submit the photo for the drawing. The winners will be announced on May 27.

Whether your pet is furry, feathered or covered in scales, give it a shot at joining the TAILS OF LOVE Pet Gallery. Don't miss this chance at barking rights and great prizes!

Extravaganza Mascot prizes include:

Lori Foster: IMPETUOUS (reissued), doggy-themed T-shirt, hat, mouse pad, pen, keychain
Stella Cameron: CYPRESS NIGHTS, a luscious fur throw for a furry star and a collection of yummy treats
Dianne Castell: HOT AND BOTHERED, $30 Barnes & Noble gift card
Kate Angell: Books from her BOYS OF SUMMER BASEBALL SERIES and $100 Barnes and Noble gift card
Ann Christopher: TENDER SECRETS, ROAD TO SEDUCTION and SWEETER THAN REVENGE, an Ann Christopher book bag, and pet pillow/bed
Marcia James: AT HER COMMAND, gift basket of pet treats and toys
Donna MacMeans: THE EDUCATION OF MRS. BRIMLEY and assorted pet munchies
Sarah McCarty: PROMISES REVEAL and $100 Amazon.com gift certificate
Patricia Sargeant: YOU BELONG TO ME and $30 Target gift card
Sue-Ellen Welfonder: SEDUCING A SCOTISH BRIDE; DEVIL IN A KILT; TALL, DARK, AND KILTED; and $50 Petsmart gift card

So, come on! Send in your pet photos, and help them celebrate the release of a new book called TAILS OF LOVE.

Top 10 Health Problems in Dogs

According to Pet Age (May 2009), the 10 most common health problems in dogs are:

1. Ear infections
2. Skin allergies
3. Pyoderma/hot spots
4. Gastritis/vomiting
5. Enteritis/diarrhea
6. Urinary tract infections
7. Benign skin tumors
8. Osteoarthritis
9. Eye inflammation
10. Hypothroidism

Pet Fitness is So Important

Obesity isn't a problem just reserved for people. Nearly 54 million American pets are overweight or obese. Check out PetFit.com, a site created as part of the Alliance for Healthier Pets, a partnership of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The site offers lots of pup fitness tips plus videos with celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson.

Go GRReen - Tip #10

10. Don’t get overwhelmed. You don’t have to make drastic changes in your (or your pet’s) life to live sustainably. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference!

Go GRReen - Tip #9

9. Douse your pet with eco goodness. The pet industry is just brimming with eco-friendly products (we’re not biased or anything!). Outfit your pup in a hemp or bamboo collar. Tuck him into an organic cotton bed.  Now it’s easier than ever to find products made from recycled materials and sustainable fibers. Although they sometimes cost a little bit more, they generally last longer than other products, making them well worth the price – on multiple levels!

Go GRReen - Tip #8

 8.  Shop Local. Not only are local stores more fun, they help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable towns, an essential part of the effort to reduce sprawl, automobile use, natural habitat loss, and air and water pollution.

Go GRReen - Tip #7

7. Adopt a Pet. Reduce, reuse, rewoof! According to SpayUSA (Woof Report, 3/18/09), 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in the U.S. every day. With these kinds of rates, there will never be enough homes for them all. Therefore, some believe that rescuing is the ultimate form of recycling.

Go GRReen - Tip #6

6. Leave your shoes at the door. When you wear your shoes indoors, you expose your pet (and the rest of your family) to petrol, pesticides, herbicides, lead and other chemicals as you track them in from the outside. You’d be amazed at all of the toxins your shoes pick up during your daily travels!

Go GRReen - Tip #5

5. Clean with green in mind. Have you ever stopped to think about how many products you use to take care of your pet? From pet shampoos to carpet cleaners, many of these products aren’t as earth friendly as you might think. Choose products that are delicate on the earth and your pet’s senses by avoiding those that contain sulfates, phosphates and other chemicals, and are instead made from natural environmentally-friendly ingredients.

Go GRReen - Tip #4

4. Spay & Neuter. Help control the overpopulation of pets that strain our shelters and natural resources. Spay or neuter your pet for greener living. Interested in finding out more about the important health benefits of spaying and neutering? Talk to your vet.

Go GRReen - Tip #3

3. Serve up natural nourishment. You probably try not to eat too many foods that have chemicals and preservatives, so why shouldn’t you do the same for your pet? Dogs deserve nutritious foods too! Most conventional pet-food brands you find at the supermarket consist of reconstituted animal by-products, otherwise known as low-grade wastes from the beef and poultry industries—food you wouldn’t even consider going near. Be selective…buy all natural dog foods and treats or make your own from local, sustainable ingredients.

Go GRReen - Tip #2

2. Be smart about the toys you buy. Not only are some dog toys toxic for your pet, they’re bad for the environment too. Purchase toys made out of recycled materials or ones that are recyclable. Or, turn your trash into a treasure! Old socks can easily be converted into dog toys – and empty plastic bottles can too (some people even stuff the empty bottle inside a sock and then knot it up for playtime fun!).

Go GRReen! 10 Tips for Living Greener with Dogs

Happy Earth Day! Over the next 10 days, we'll post 10 tips for living greener with your dog (some adapted from planetgreen.com and greenlivingideas.com).......

It’s so easy to reduce your carbon footprint – and your dog’s carbon pawprint – with these eco-friendly tips:

1. Use Biodegradable poop bags. Plastic bags are definitely out! For a greener approach, choose to scoop with a biodegradable poop bag and then compost the whole thing. Just want to throw out the bag? That’s fine too. But be aware about biodegradable poop bags. If they go to a landfill that is anaerobic “air-locked,” the bags will not break down the way you think in the absence of oxygen. Still not happy? The simple solution is the best one – according to most experts: flush the poop down your toilet. It’s environmentally sound and earth-friendly. Did you know that American dogs and cats generate 10 million tons of waste each year? Yowsas!

Train for Success

Keep the following tips in mind when training your dog and you’re sure to experience success:

- Train when your dog hasn’t eaten yet. Better yet, take his breakfast, put it in a small bag and use his meal as reward during your training sessions.
- Treat with only very small pieces…about the size of a pencil eraser.
- Keep your training sessions short and sweet. It’s better to train a behavior several times a day for very short periods of time than to train until your dog stops having fun.
- Learn to read your dog and when he is “turning off” or tuning out. It’s important
to keep the sessions fun and end them before your dog runs out of gas.
- Stop training if you feel your patience running short. Dogs pick up very quickly on your emotions.
-Keep the sessions light, short and most of all FUN!

Submitted by Polly Kaplan, local dog trainer and owner of Sirius Play, positively fun training for you and your canine partner. Call Polly at 845.797.1879 for more info.

Spring has Sprung!

Spring has sprung...and so has dog hair! It's the season for shedding. Did you know that shedding isn't a result of rising temperatures? It's actually based on light, not heat, so shedding is an issue for pets across the globe. Here are few tips to help you when the fur starts flying:

- Brush and comb dogs' coats regularly to remove loose hair.
- Bathe dogs every 6-8 weeks to moisturize the skin and minimize shedding. Use a high-quality shampoo designed specifically for dogs.
- Consider using a grooming spray between baths to help control static electricity.
- Feed a high-quality diet with high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help to condition the coat.
- Provide plenty of fresh drinking water.
- Offer healthy treats that are rich in antioxidants instead of junk food. Foods like salmon, tuna and duck help promote luxurious, healthy coats.
- Keep up with vet visits to help nip potential skin-coat loss problems such as allergies, parasitic infections and hormonal disorders - in the bud.

Source: Adapted from Pet Age (April 2009)

WE'RE MOVING!

Looks like our first day in our new location (Montgomery Row Plaza - 6423 Montgomery Row, Suite 8) will be on May 2nd! Stop in to see us!

A Trick for Removing Pet Hair

Have a shedder? Just swipe a lightly dampened sponge over fur-covered upholstery and carpets to remove pet hair - it works like a charm!

Our Online Store is Up and Running!

It's a big day for Pause Dog Boutique - we launched our online store today! Check it out at www.pausedogboutique.com. The first 10 people who place an order get a free gift with purchase! Check it out today!

Fido Can Help You Stay Fit

Exercise is good for both you and your dog. Plus, in addition to making you both fit, exercising with your dog can increase your bond too! What have you and your best pal done this month? Gear up for spring by:

- Playing a game of fetch (But don't just stand still and let your dog do all of the work! As your dog is running to fetch, quickly move to a new area so you get the exercise benefit and it keeps him guessing!).

- Taking a walk (Ahh...the smell of spring...).

- Visiting your neighbors (Bring by some healthy treats for the two-legged and the four-legged variety.).

- Building a fort (This will certainly get you into some strange positions - a great opportunity for stretching and flexing muscles neither of you have likely used in a while!).

- Flying a kite (Again, don't just stand still...).

- Playing a game of hide and seek (Fun for you and fun for him!).

- Going to the dog park (Work in some training for both you and your pup by requiring your dog to "sit, stay" while you stop and do some jumping jacks, push ups or other exercises to get your heart moving.).

Have fun and get fit together - what could be better for you both?

We're on Facebook!

Check us on Facebook! We've posted our information there and already have quite the fan following! We'll keep you apprised of upcoming events and more.

Fun for Kids!

We just found out that the popular Dog Fancy magazine has a pup! Yup, Dogs for Kids is the "puppy" publication from the publishers of Dog Fancy, aimed at children between the ages of 8 and 14 who:

...love dogs
...love to read
...love to have fun
...love to have fun reading about dogs!

Each issue is full of games, features, posters, breed profiles and news. You can subscribe to Dogs for Kids at www.dogsforkids.com or by calling 800.678.8022.

We're On Vacation!

We've been on vacation in Portland, Seattle and soon to be in Cleveland ... and we've visited a number of dog boutiques along the way! Our idea of fun! We visited an adorable boutique called "Hip Hounds" in Portland and another one in Portland called "Green Dog" too. In Seattle, we got to see a "Three Dog Bakery." We'll be back in town soon and ready to debut our new dog food selection, new toys and more!

Love Beyond Boundaries

Check out this video - one of YouTube's latest phenomenons - which features an unlikely pair bound by lots of love. A rescued mutt named Bella and her best gal pal, a 34-year-old Asian elephant named Tarra, are inseparable. They live together at The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, a non-profit pachyderm refuge founded in 1995. Check out this enduring and heartwarming friendship here.

Serious Fun with Sirius Play Dog Training

Looking for a good dog trainer who focuses on positive re-enforcement? Polly Kaplan of Sirius Play offers basic obedience, tricks for fun, behavior solutions and frisbee dog training. It's positively fun training for you and your canine partner. For more details and information, contact us at Pause at 845-876-4330.

Give Sloppy Kisses...Via Email

You can send animated "sloppy kiss" e-cards to dog and cat lovers anywhere! Check out www.sloppykisscards.com. Each e-card tells a story and you get to choose and name the dog or cat that stars in your e-card too.

Make a "Pupsicle"

Give your pup a refreshing treat after a nice long walk or a quick bout of the zoomies! Try making some "pupsicles" using broth from a can or carton. All you have to do is pour some low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth into an ice cube tray or small plastic container (no sticks needed) and pop it in the freezer until it's frozen solid. This savory snack is even low in calories! Don't want a soupy mess? Let the slurping happen outside. (DogAge, 9/08)

Octuplets Are for Amateurs!

As Americans follow the case of the woman who gave birth to octuplets, Britons celebrate their own record-setting multiple birth. An Irish Setter in Norfolk, U.K. whelped 16 puppies in her first litter last month. Kelly, the busy mom, lived on fresh chicken, gravy and vegetables, and three weeks into the pregnancy, began to receive batter-fried codfish and chips several times a week. The pups have big shoes to fill; their grandfather is a two-time Crufts champion (2006 and 2007).

Ella Gives Kisses for Charity!

Ella gave more than $60 in kisses today for our Smooch-a-Pooch event! It was a huge success - customers had a blast and we did too! We'll be donating $65 to the Jack Russell Refuge in Rhinebeck, NY next week. Happy Valentine's Day!

We're Looking for a Few "Good Dogs"

We had so much interest, Susan Fireman from the Good Dog Foundation will be at Pause Dog Boutique doing free temperament testing again this Sunday, February 15th at Noon. Interested in your dog becoming a therapy dog? Come get him tested and find out more. The Good Dog Foundation does such great work! What a great way to give back to our community.

And the Winner Is...

"Stump," the Sussex Spaniel won the 133rd Westminster Dog Show last night! I have to admit...he was a favorite of mine - so cute! I can't believe he's 10 years old and that he beat out some real lookers! And the judge was from Rhinebeck too! Check out photos, videos and more here.

It's Show Time!

The 2009 Westminster Dog Show takes place at Madison Square Garden today and tomorrow! Who's going to be Best in Show? Live action starts tonight from 8-9pm (EST) on USA Network and 9-11pm (EST) on CNBC. Click here to view the full TV Broadcast schedule. (Maybe a Sheltie will win this year!) ;)

Our Online Shop is Almost Ready!

We’re excited to announce that Pause Dog Boutique ONLINE is almost complete! Our web designer, Lotus, and Pause store owner, Laura, have been working diligently to create an easy-to-navigate website that includes some of our best-selling products plus cool stuff you can’t find in the shop too! Stay tuned—soon we’ll bring the top of the line products, pleasant shopping experience and the customer service we’re known for right to your fingertips.

Empi....so she doesn't feel left out!

Definitely needed to include a picture of my love, Empi (since she's not the smoocher or the featured poocher)!

Smooch-a-Pooch

Looking for a kiss this Valentine's Day? Stop in to Pause Dog Boutique for kisses....from Ella! Get - and give - a little love. You'll get a kiss from Ella, our resident Russell Terrier smoocher, and you can give the Jack Russell Refuge in Rhinebeck, NY a donation. Everyone wins! Donate $1 and get 10% off your purchase; donate $5 or more and get a free gift and 20% off your purchase!