Ho Ho Ho, Fleas and Ticks Don't Die in Snow! (and Here's Where They Go) #12Bravecto

When I was in kindergarten, my class sang "Up on the Housetop" in the school Christmas program. I had to memorize the words and to this day, I remember many of them: ♪♫ "Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go? Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go-oh, up on the housetop, click click click; down through the chimney with good St. Nick?" ♫♪

Can someone tell me what the heck that means? I mean, who would go down the chimney with Santa, and more importantly, WHY would anyone be on the roof with Santa to begin with? And why does Nell get a doll in her stocking, but Will gets a hammer, tacks, whistle, ball and whip? I, frankly, don't even like the Santa in this song; he's creepy!

Clearly, I am the only one with a problem.

But I digress. You see, that story has nothing to do with anything I need to tell you in this post about fleas and ticks NOT dying in snow (or frigid cold), except that it's what inspired the title. #theMoreYouKnow

FLEAS AND TICKS MIGHT NOT SURVIVE THE APOCALYPSE, BUT THEY WILL SURVIVE SNOW AND COLD

So, who's ever wondered whether fleas and ticks die when the temperatures dip below freezing and/or there's snow on the ground? (If not, what exactly was it about the title of this post that hooked you? [wink])

I certainly have! I've googled it at least once, but to tell you the truth, until I got into planning this post, I might as well have known NOTHING about the subject. If you thought fleas and ticks were genetically built for survival (aka, alien mutants from hell) before, wait until you find out how they outwit winter weather (and us, if we're not careful)!

This post is sponsored by BRAVECTO® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about BRAVECTO.  But we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Intervet Inc., nor Merck & Co Inc., are responsible for the content of this article and have not written, reviewed, or edited it in any fashion. For more information about BRAVECTO, please click here.

Off-topic side note: I don't believe I've ever mentioned before that when I need to research health-related things about my pets online, one of my trusted, go-to sources has always been the Merck Veterinary Manual. Seriously. It's not a substitute for an actual vet, but if one needs the straight facts, from experts in the field, it is one excellent resource. And this is a huge reason why I signed on as an ambassador for, and give my own dogs**, BRAVECTO® (Fluralaner), a chewable flea and tick preventative (that lasts up to 12 weeks* in ONE dose)!

* BRAVECTO kills fleas, prevents flea infestations, and kills ticks (black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick) for 12 weeks. BRAVECTO also kills lone star ticks for 8 weeks.
** BRAVECTO is approved for use in dogs only. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate flea and tick prevention for your cat. 

THERE ARE PLENTY OF WARM PLACES IN AND AROUND YOUR YARD FOR FLEAS AND TICKS TO HIDE (OR RIDE)

Cold out? Snow on the ground? No problem, said the fleas and ticks in your yard! Here's where they're hiding (some in plain sight):

• In warm pockets on the ground, carved out by grass and leaves. And, when that first snow falls, it serves as a blanket, keeping bugs extra toasty. For real, they can survive all winter tucked in these warm spots!
• In your garage, covered patio, wood pile, shed or basement. Essentially ANYWHERE that there is shelter from the cold. They're tiny, y'all, and can crawl right in (and lay their disgusting eggs) undetected. 
• On the warm bodies of wild (and tame) animals. That's right; think the squirrel gets a break from fleas? Probably not. And if your pet comes in contact with one of these flea/tick-ridden animals, they can get infested too. Unless, of course, they were infested already. 
• In your home. Now, this is their FAVORITE place to hide during winter: on your pet where they can breed and lay eggs all over your home! (Click here to read about the time MY home was infested with fleas.)

Jedi wisdom. 

FLEA- AND TICK-BORNE ILLNESSES ARE DIAGNOSED IN WINTER

Even in places where winters are long and hard. In fact, ticks will start looking for a blood meal when the temperature rises to only 39 ℉; that's COLD to me!

GIVE YOUR DOG THE GIFT OF A FLEA- AND TICK-FREE HOLIDAY...ALL YEAR!

See your vet for BRAVECTO to not only ensure a pest-free home for the holidays (and a comfy, itch-free dog), but year-round. It can be done in less than five doses a calendar year!

HAVE YOU EVER DEALT WITH FLEAS AND/OR TICKS BITING IN COLD WEATHER? HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO FORGO HAVING COMPANY OVER, OR TRAVELLING WITH YOUR DOG, BECAUSE HE HAD FLEAS?

BRAVECTO is FDA approved and available only from a veterinarian or clinic. Ask your dog's veterinarian about it today. (Locate a veterinarian or clinic that carries BRAVECTO. P.S. It's accurate; I've used it myself!)

Money-saving tip: Register at My Pet Rewards for deals, such as cash rebates!

For the latest news and promotions, follow BRAVECTO on social: Facebook | Twitter

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published. However, it remains the responsibility of the readers to familiarize themselves with the product information contained on the USA product label or package. More product information is available here: https://intervetus.naccvp.com/product/view/1047512?e=d97b22ed63e734e84c1a5910a9c8f531z1688

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Six years ago on December 29, I published the following picture on this blog. It was my very first post. How far we've come, and at the same time, how little we've changed! Thanks for sticking with us! 

Stay toasty and insect-free! Happy holidays, y'all!

Love, 

Elizabeth, Jon Farleigh, Dewi, Lele, Maddox, Tigger, Bobby Flay, Bertie, Lulabelle and Frances

Why You Should Give Your Dog Flea Protection, Not Underwear, for Christmas* #12Bravecto

* My family celebrates Christmas. If you don't, feel free to substitute any wintertime gifting occasion you like.

From the time I was about 7, until I was old enough to drive, my grandmother gave me underwear for Christmas. Sometimes I'd get some cherry cordials, too, but mostly, it was a professionally wrapped gift box full of high-end briefs (translated: granny panties). High-end, in that they were thicker, more adorned and softer than my standard issue Sears undies, and were purchased at Montaldo's, the local boutique department store that my family couldn't afford.

In memory of my underwear. R.I.P.

My two sisters got underwear, too, so none of us felt like we were grandmother's less favored, going on to suffer irreversible emotional damage or anything. It was just a fact of life: grandmother gave us fancy (if not two sizes too big) underwear for Christmas. And each year, on Christmas Day, we girls would sneak a glance at each other after unwrapping our Montaldo's boxes, snicker a little, and then go on about our day. I have no memory of whether I ever wore any of that underwear. 

UNDERWEAR IS EASY TO GIVE, AND NECESSARY TO WEAR

Maybe it's the fear that one's offspring will get in a car accident (not major enough to be seriously injured, but bad enough that one needs to be placed on a stretcher and have one's bottoms cut off) and be caught by emergency personnel wearing nasty underwear that drives mothers and grandmothers to do it. Or maybe it's because it fits neatly in a stocking. All I know for sure is that when my kids got old enough to wear underwear (vs. a diaper) and read (in that order), I went and got them underwear for Christmas, too. Just like it had been done unto me. Except I got theirs at Target, and they wore it (because I threw their raggedy old underwear in the trash).

Please note that I won't be buying any future grandchildren of mine underwear for Christmas (because they might think I'm crazy), but I fully expect my daughters will carry on the tradition.

HOW GIVING UNDERWEAR FOR CHRISTMAS IS LIKE GIVING ONE'S DOG THE GIFT OF YEAR-ROUND FLEA AND TICK PROTECTION

But first, a shout to my sponsor, without whom, I might never have told this story! They, and their product, which I give to all my dogs, rock!

This post is sponsored by BRAVECTO® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about BRAVECTO.  But we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Intervet Inc., nor Merck & Co Inc., are responsible for the content of this article and have not written, reviewed, or edited it in any fashion. For more information about BRAVECTO please click here.

Answer this question: How do you feel about the idea of your dog running through a flea- and/or tick-infested field/yard/park/trail/whatever and being caught without any flea and tick preventative?

Or maybe he has preventative, but it doesn't protect from the type of tick that causes Lyme disease? Or you forgot to give him his next dose, that was due over a week ago?

And let's say a few fleas jump on him like brown on chocolate,

Would You Rather Be Bitten by Dracula or a Deadly, Plague-Infected Flea? #12Bravecto

Before you answer that impossible question, did you even know fleas carry PLAGUE? The disease* that wiped out millions of people in the Middle Ages, up to 60% of Europe's entire population, and remains the world's worst pandemic ever?

Y'all! My family came out to Arizona after BlogPaws this summer and we visited the Grand Canyon. As we approached the most visited overlook on the South Rim, THIS warning sign met us (five seconds AFTER I had already seen a tame squirrel on the path). I had not seen the word plague used in an actual present-day warning in my entire life. I didn't even know the plague was still a disease that people got! And to be honest, I wasn't convinced the National Park Service wasn't spreading tall tales just to scare the daylights out of people who ignore "do not feed the wild animals" signs! Until I googled "grand canyon squirrel fleas plague" on my iPhone...

And that the disease remains alive and spreadable in the world, including the United States? And the fleas that carry it can jump off their hosts (frequently rock squirrels) and bite pets and people? And if it's not diagnosed and treated with antibiotics early...well, you know. [insert funeral music 💀]

* The bubonic plague, to be exact. The disease--caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis--led to gangrene (dead, rotting tissue) in human extremities, and was referred to as Black Death.  (source: CDC)

But back to my question...What's it gonna be? Dracula or the flea? (Go ahead and take 10 seconds to think about it...)

This post is sponsored by BRAVECTO® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about BRAVECTO.  But we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Intervet Inc., nor Merck & Co Inc., are responsible for the content of this article and have not written, reviewed, or edited it in any fashion. For more information about BRAVECTO please click here.

The one on the right is a fiend!

EW, look at the flea in that picture! Talk about a blood-sucking monster! SO nasty! The thought of those jumping all over my poor dogs (and/or cats) makes me feel sick to my stomach! (But not as sick as when I looked at this other, much worse, blood- and plague bacteria-filled flea photo from the CDC while researching this post. [retch!])

Where was I? Oh yeah! The "would you rather" question!

But whoops. I might have swayed you with those scary images. So, you know what? Scrub them from your retinas! Check out this comparison chart I made and then answer the question!

Look at All the Cat and Dog Stuff the Corgis and I Found at the Local #TractorSupply Store!

Y'all! I don't often get this excited about a trip to get pet food and stuff, but when I do, I'm gonna need to tell you about it!

Some of you might know - if you follow us closely on the Facebook page - that I live in a rural area (southern translation: out in the COUNTRY), in the county just south of Richmond, Virginia. All total, the last 16 years of my life. My life - with a family that's included several cats and dogs. And you know what?

(Heads up: shouting ahead.)

I had NO IDEA UNTIL LAST WEEK that the local Tractor Supply Co.® - that I pass by when I drive my kids to swim practice, except it was obstructed by a McDonald's, so I didn't KNOW it - has a GIANT SECTION DEVOTED TO CATS AND DOGS! It's like a regular store with a pet supply store in it - NOT just for farmer types!

OK, I knew Tractor Supply Company had a pet section - and a farm animal section, truth be told - BUT NOT that they carry several PREMIUM dog and cat food lines, like Merrick, that I already feed my pets! I've been driving like 10 miles out of the way EACH WAY to get to a store all the way in the city! FAIL!

They also carry toys and cat litter and flea and tick meds and beds and fountains and collars and leashes...doggone it!

But enough about my shopping shortcomings...

I have a question for you: Do you live in the "country" and have pets and a local Tractor Supply Company (abbreviated TSC) store?

You don't know whether you have a local TSC store, like I didn't? OK, please check the store locator at the top of the home page. I'll wait.

Yes? You have one? Great!

Well, GO SEE INSIDE IT! You can even take your dogs (obviously)! (Cats, too, but only if they like being leashed in a store with people and possibly dogs and chickens. In the spring. On second thought, call the store about their cat policy in spring.☺)

You'll notice (because it takes up almost half an aisle, for both dogs and cats) that there's a brand of premium food called 4Health™ that you most likely never heard of. That's because it's new, made (in the USA of wholesome ingredients) for and sold exclusively at Tractor Supply Company stores - and at a VERY reasonable price. (SCORE!) There's a whole line - for both dogs and cats, of different life stages and varieties, and in wet and dry formulas. Plus treats! (Reminder: AFFORDABLE.)

Do you think I'll be trying 4Health brand? With as many critters as I have to feed, you bet I will!

Alright, pardon my changing the subject, but I need to tell you something else about TSC: They are HUGE supporters of rescue ** and community pet wellness.

Yep! See all that pet stuff (including not just food and treats, but cat litter, cat and dog toys, kitten milk replacement and organic catnip) I've loaded into my cart?

The company gave me $100 to use to buy a gift basket for a local rescue! We gave all that stuff away! To the Prince George County Animal Services and Adoption Center, just a few miles down the road from the store!

Here's what my loot looked like after I got it into the "basket" (a steel tray that I found in the porcine aisle, in other words, it's a serving bowl for pigs☺). I think it'll make a fine water bowl for dogs, though.

Oh wait, I forgot to add the card I made!

Did you think I was gonna do this without cat representation?☺ My "helpers" were Bertie and Maddox (collarless).

I have a special nook in my heart for this shelter - not only because it seems they take in more stray adult cats than any other shelter around - and work tirelessly to get them adopted out - but because my baby girl, Frances, is one of their former residents*. ☺ And my mess of a ginger tabby, Bobby Flay O'Fish, was rescued off the side of a road in Prince George County. And although he didn't make it to the shelter (because I kept him), I have NO doubt in my mind that if he had, they would have taken excellent care of him.

I hope the sweet animals in their care this holiday season thoroughly enjoy the items we donated on behalf of Tractor Supply Company.

Speaking of sweet animals in their care, meet Calvin!

I met him in the fur when I delivered the goods. He's a 7-year-old pitbull with a load of love, patience and plenty more life to live. He came right up to the kennel door and wiggled politely (licking my hand) as a stroked his muzzle though the bars. He loves to play with other dogs and does not bother the kitties. Why he's been a resident at the shelter since July is a puzzle to shelter staff (and me). Here is his profile on Petfinder.com. If you have it in your heart to share, Calvin, his fans at the shelter and I would appreciate it. Maybe we can get this sweet boy into a loving home before the holidays!

But hold up, I mentioned before that TSC supports both rescue AND local pet wellness. So, imagine my surprise to learn not only that they have this huge pet section, but that every few Saturdays, they offer an onsite dog and cat wellness clinic called PetVet!

Heck, yes, they do! Right at my local store! I looked it up right here! (Perhaps they offer a PetVet clinic at your local store, too!)






So. Who's gonna go check out her local Tractor Supply this week? Are you surprised to learn they carry so many things for pets?

* Frances was originally admitted to the Prince George County Animal Shelter, but was subsequently transferred into the care of my local no-kill Richmond SPCA, from whom I first fostered and then adopted her. Frances was about 2 years old at the time and had not been spayed prior to her shelter stay. She was also shut down from fear (which makes it even more the miracle that two shelters cared enough to save her life).

** In addition to making their stores available for local rescues to hold adoption events and fundraisers, Tractor Supply Company awards $25,000 annually in grants - through a social media contest - to 10 deserving organizations. They've also partnered with DogForDog® to sell their DogsButter and DogsTreats in their stores. DogForDog donates (pound-for-pound) to shelters for every purchase made.

Follow Tractor Supply on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for the latest deals and updates...

...like this! They're doing PET photos with Santa at my local store! How sweet!

Happiness BONUS! Look who visited a Tractor Supply in Georgia recently! Squeeee!

We know that holiday shopping can be super stressful … So here’s a 4-day-old donkey spotted at our Cartersville, GA store to make you smile 😄 (A nap couldn’t hurt, either.) Thanks to Lourie for this adorable #FridayFluff photo!

A photo posted by Tractor Supply Co. (@tractorsupply) on Nov 27, 2015 at 10:08am PST

These Adorable Pics Will Make You Howl. So Will Winning the #DecktheHowls Holiday Giveaway!

Check it out!

Hi, y'all! If you're here, that means you got through Thanksgiving dinner without exploding! Yay! It also means you want to...

1. Look at my adorable pictures (goofy corgis and cats - how could it get any better?) and/or
2. Get your bum entered in the Deck the Howls Holiday Giveaway...because (as you can see in the image) there are over $300 in prizes to be won!

Note: Although #2 is not contingent upon #1, we strongly hope that you won't close your eyes and scroll past the pictures to get to the entry form way at the bottom. Also, your bum/butt/bottom really isn't entering the giveaway. Your whole person is. 

OK, ready to look at the pictures? Yay! Oh, but you might want to rub some cocoa butter or anti-aging cream on your cheeks first, so your smile doesn't engrave a permanent crease in them. ☺ 

But not yet! I need to tell you more about the giveaway!

First, I'm not in this alone!

I've collaborated with these nine other rockstar pet bloggers so that we could make the prizes HUGE!

• Jessica at You Did What With Your Wiener?
• Ann at Pawsitively Pets
• Jen at My Brown Newfies and Me
• Christina at The Lazy Pit Bull
• Kimberly at Keep The Tail Wagging
• Carol at Fidose of Reality
• Amanda at Dog Mom Days
• Jodi at Kol's Notes
• Jessica at Beagles and Bargains

And, to recap, here are the prizes!

• Grand Prize: $200 Amazon Gift Card
• 2nd Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card
• 3rd Prize: Gift Basket of Stella & Chewy's, fish oil by Bonnie & Clyde, and a bottle of Full Bucket daily canine powder.

Y'all, I'd LOVE someone to give me an Amazon shopping spree and I know you would too! And I know your PET(s) would LOVE for you to hook them up with that Bonnie & Clyde gift basket! (Yes, as a matter of fact, they did all call me and tell me so. #notreally #stilltrue)

YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN ON ALL 10 PARTICIPATING BLOGS!

Yep! To increase your odds, simply visit all the blogs (linked above) and enter (but hurry, the entry forms will all close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, December 3)!

One "finalist" will be selected from each blog!

All of the finalists' names will go into a drawing, and three winners will be randomly selected to receive the prizes listed above.

This is great news! That's because even if one of the 10 blogs has 578 x more entries than another, EACH BLOG will still get one finalist in the drawing!

So, tell me, if you won the $200-Amazon card GRAND prize, what one PET-RELATED item would you want the most? (I'd put it toward a new vacuum, I think.) 

Hold that thought! You'll get to write it in comments (for your one mandatory giveaway entry, using the widget at the bottom of the post), but first...

PICTURES! ☺

Would you tell me if I had a piece of mulch stuck to my nose?

When you said kiss, did you mean like this?

What cat?

Will you be taking lots of pictures?

Not on Dewi's bucket list.

Somewhere over the rainbow...blue merles cry. And cats photobomb.

To the door that hides the treat stash: I've got a blank space, baby, and I'll chew you up and spit you in it. 

How Jon Farleigh gets things accomplished. #thatFace

No caption kneaded needed.

Not an actual chef. 

You know, that giveaway entry form is getting cold. 

What??
Oh hey, whatever, boys!

TIME TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!


Remember, once you get into the Gleam widget, there will be several ways to get an entry. THE BLOG COMMENT ENTRY IS MANDATORY! Don't forget to leave one! I check!

Deck the Howls Holiday Giveaway
Did you enter? Yay! I hope you win! Don't forget you can enter at the other nine blogs (linked at the top of the post) to increase your chances! 

I'll post all three winners' names on the Facebook page and Twitter on December 4!

Good luck!

No purchase necessary. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents age 18 and older, except where prohibited by law. Giveaway will run from November 27 through December 3, 2015 at 11:59pm EST. Three (3) winners will be randomly selected and notified via email. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prizes; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize. Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest do not sponsor, administer, or endorse this promotion. Participants must read and agree to Gleam's Privacy Policy before entering and participating in this promotion. 

Each participating blogger paid an entry fee which will be used to fund the gift card prizes. The items in the third place prize package were donated by the participating brands.

Watch My #TrickorTreatDogs Smooch Me on Command and You Could Win Up to $1000 in Prizes!

Y'all! Jon Farleigh has a trick for you! And you know what else? We're giving away some dog crack (aka Jones Natural Chews Lamb Lung Puffs, provided by the company), because DOGS LOVE CRACK! Oh, and THIS!

Because of our friends at Kol's Notes and Beagles & Bargains - hosting this first-ever Trick or Treat Giveaway Hop-of-its-kind - we get to not only direct you to nine other awesome blogs and trick-performing dogs, but nine other treat giveaways AND, each time you enter one of THOSE, you'll be entered into the drawing for one of three magnificent GRAND prizes! All total, worth over $1000! (Details to follow.) But first...

Who wants to see how I taught Jon Farleigh to "give a kiss" on command?!

Everyone?! OK, yay!

Note: Incorrect form. Tip: DO NOT do as I did to get this photo op.
Smearing peanut butter on one's nose is NOT a part of training this trick. 

How to Teach a Dog to "Give a Kiss" in 6 Steps
(as opposed to just randomly shoving his tongue into your face at all times)

Before you start:
If you want to try this at home, you'll need a dog who likes to lick you on the face, specifically the mouth (as opposed to your eyelids or nostrils, for example, because redirecting the tongue is beyond the scope of this lesson). If you don't like being licked on the face by a dog, then, well, please read the directions anyway; there's a quiz. ;)

Step 1. Wait to catch one's dog in a happy, but calm (tired), mood.

Note: Yes, Jon Farleigh is quoting Rhett Butler from Gone With the Wind. And, yes, he's wearing mistletoe on his head. It's for effect, OK?

Step 2. Get within tongue-shot of his face in a non-threatening way (i.e., NO STARING into his eyes or anything; that's threatening).

Step 3. Pucker up and tell him (nicely) to "give a kiss."

Step 4. Keep puckering and wait for him to take the hint.
Note: If he doesn't, maybe lick your lips or gently blow a puff of air on his nose (trust me, it works).

Step 5. Immediately after one's dog gives the kiss (but only if he waited for your command), say "thank you." DO NOT skip this step!

Step 6. Reward him using the PRAISE suggestions* below.
Note: I have never used a treat to reward Jon Farleigh for a kiss. Wouldn't want him to confuse my lips for a spot of beef liver (or lamb lung) or anything. (But a little lamb lung later on that evening, when you're not in the mood for kisses, will be JUST FINE!) 

* Suggested praise for "giving a kiss": 

1) Squeal like a piglet with joy.

2) Use your baby voice and say, "Oh, who's the best doggy in the whole wide world?! for example.
3) Lavish large amounts of rubbing and scritching upon his furry self.

Caution: Squealing like a piglet might actually entice one's dog to lick even more, making it difficult to breathe without sucking his tongue into one's airway.

Result (after several repetitions of entire procedure over several days): One's dog can "give a kiss" when told to do so.

Important (personal) aside: Jon Farleigh will also give liberal kisses when not asked to, especially when I lie on the floor on my back, or put my face next to his on the couch/bed. My husband, incidentally, does not care for facial dog smooches, but that does not stop Jon Farleigh from surprising him (husband) with a frog-like lash to the cheek.

I think Jon Farleigh might be due for some continuing education. *sigh*

So, do you want to see Jon Farleigh in action? Check him out! (Totally unrehearsed, by the way.)

Just call him "Hot Lips" Cardigan (M.A.S.H. pun intended). ☺

To whom it may concern: Dewi is not a kisser (except for a few "fairy" kisses to the eyelids first thing in the a.m.). He is, however, an expert spooner.

Let's Talk About Doggy Crack and Giveaways for a Bit

We weren't compensated with free crack (puffs) or otherwise to say this stuff, y'all; my pets (and that goes for the dogs and half the cats) GO WILD for Jones Natural Chews Lamb Lung Puffs! And yes, it IS just about one of the grossest things imaginable to think about eating. That's OK, though. It's PURE, made in the USA (organ) meat. It looks like dehydrated, grilled portobello mushrooms (or a steak that's been run over by a truck), but it's light and easily broken into small pieces (really small pieces for cats) and they LOVE it. (Read my full review here.)

Yum! (Oh wait, ew!)

I don't give it as a daily treat, because it's THAT good. Save that high-value crack for when you want your dog to do something GREAT! Like come when called, or walk on a loose lead, or not run out the front door when you open it. OR gift it to your dog (and/or cat) for the holidays! (Ahem.)

And right on time, I'm giving away a whole 8oz. bag (provided and shipped by Jones Natural Chews)! Residents of the U.S. and Canada are eligible!
(Tip: Like Jones Natural Chews on Facebook and Twitter to be among the first to know about the latest deals!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Did you enter? Yay! I hope you win, but that's not all! Each entry into my treat giveaway earns the entrant one chance in the GRAND PRIZE drawing (one of three grand prizes, actually, including a Peanuts Halloween Train from Lionel Trains). And because this is a blog HOP giveaway, you can enter to win a different treat prize each day during the contest period - at each participating blog. ALL of those entries count toward the grand prizes too!

Check out all the prizes and participants! For blog hop/giveaway details, be sure to visit the event page at Kol's Notes! 

Bonus Trick!

I call it the Dewi or "Crack" Dance. Dewi taught himself how to do it. ☺

A lung for me? Yes, please!

Parts of the "Give a Kiss" procedure were previously published. 

Of Gourds and Cocoa-Flavored Confections: How Feeding Your Dog Pure Pumpkin Is Good for His 'Chocolate Pie'

Caution: Do NOT feed your pet chocolate. It is toxic. Chocolate dog pies* are NOT actually chocolate. In fact, similar to cow pies, they're not even edible (bugs don't count)! 

I heard on the news recently that consumers should prepare for sticker shock at the grocery store, as due to short supply, the price of pumpkin - both in gourd form and in the can - is about to go up. In fact, they made it sound like there might not even be enough of the canned stuff with which to make a traditional pumpkin pie over the holidays. Can you imagine?! (Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie is just another turkey dinner at my house!) More on this development in a bit, but first...

Have you seen all the pumpkin stuff in the grocery store lately? I mean, not only is every food item known to man suddenly compatible with pumpkin spice flavoring (and/or coloring), but even the non-edible stuff, too: air fresheners, soap, candles, cat litter... YES, CAT LITTER! (OK, maybe it's "crisp autumn air"-scented, but still. What cat needs to poo in an autumn air-scented toilet?? On second thought, don't answer that...)

Spotted during a recent trip to Target. I could not make this stuff up.

Sheesh, with so much pumpkin available for mass consumption, no wonder it's in short supply! We'll have to eat pumpkin pie flavored pop tarts for Thanksgiving dessert! Thanks a lot, food and scented-stuff makers!

Alright. So the reason I'm telling you all this - contrary to what it may seem - is not to frustrate or alarm you (or make you hungry for pie), but to show you how EASY it is to get pumpkin (the pure, good stuff**) into your dog's diet, in comparison!

Exactly what is it, ma?

But back to that pumpkin shortage...Look, I don't know if it's true or hype - pumpkin is certainly NOT scarce where I shop, nor has the price gone up - but just in case it might, RUN! Go to the store and buy some pumpkin (either a couple of the small, pie pumpkins or 2-3 15-oz cans)! Your dog will thank you later (when he accidentally eats some OTHER animal's "choco-pie" in the yard/box, for example, and gets an upset stomach)!

But I didn't eat the poo. 

Like that one time (and the several subsequent other times) when Jon Farleigh had a problem. I just gave him a couple spoons full of canned pumpkin on top of a bland diet, and POO POOT POOP POOF! His pies went from loose to firm and completely slice-able in no time***!

*** Do NOT EVER do that! (Slice a dog pie. Oh, the horror!)
**  In addition to dietary fiber, pure pumpkin (including the seeds) is loaded with beta-carotene, vitamin A, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. It is also a good source of antioxidants. Only one or two spoons full of pumpkin is recommended per feeding, however, as too much can cause an unhealthy build-up of certain nutrients in your pet. More scientific information here.

My Top 2 Ways to Obtain Pure Pumpkin for Feeding

1. Buy a small, PIE pumpkin (they'll be labeled as such) - NOT a carving, Halloween pumpkin - at your grocery store, or produce stand. Then, follow this RECIPE FOR FRESH PUMPKIN PUREE from the Pioneer Woman. (Don't worry, it's simple.)

Great Scott! It's a PUNKIN!

2. Buy a can of pure pumpkin in the grocery store. This is my preferred method.
(Note: DO NOT buy the Libby's Pumpkin Pie Mix in the giant can! It is loaded with sugar, fat and spices, because it is PIE filling, and by that I mean the EDIBLE kind. Just make sure your pumpkin is pure.)

I love you with every fiber of my squash-colored being!
(Note: Do not give your dog the can. This photo is only for show.)

How to Store Extra Pumpkin So It Doesn't Go to Waste

If you're using pumpkin to correct your dog's occasional pie issues, you won't need to use a whole can, nor a whole pumpkin's worth.

When I have leftover pumpkin, I just divide it into freezer bags/containers, freeze, and then pull it out as needed. No need to even thaw (if you've frozen in single servings). You can also spread the leftover pumpkin in an ice tray and freeze it in cubes.

Or...

Use Leftovers to Make Yummy Pumpkin Dog Treats for Another Day!

And you're in luck, because our blog friends at Rubicon Days just published this curated list of 10 healthy pumpkin treats for dogs! (Go see; you and your dog will drool!)

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I hear a Krispy Kreme pumpkin spice cake doughnut calling...

((Ring)) "Hello."
"You need some fried pumpkin spice cake in your life."
"OK, be there in 20 minutes!"

Do you give your pet pumpkin regularly? (Or irregularly, to combat irregularity? ☺) Do you have any "serving" tips to share?


* The first time I ever published a post about feeding my dogs pumpkin, I referred to their "chocolate pie" as "Hershey." I decided to go a little less brand-name this time. Especially since Halloween is coming up, and hello? Reese's PB Cups! (Hershey product.)  Those are sacred, y'all.

Does not (and better not ever) contain actual pumpkin. ♥
(Do not feed to your dog.)

But like whoever heard of someone handing out chocolate pie on Halloween? No one! (But in the rare event someone does, RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!  They're trying to kill you! ☺)

P.S. Pure pumpkin is great for cats, too. If you can get them to eat it.

P.P.S. Halloween is in the air and you'll wanna stay tuned (to the blog and/or Facebook), because tricks, treats and a HUGE giveaway are coming next week!