Charlie's Clues: Pet Shower

How do you bathe your pooch?  In the bathtub? At the dog wash?  In the yard with the hose?

I bring Charlie into the shower with me and he hates every second of it.

Better Homes & Gardens did a post about building a Pet Shower in a mud room or garage for only $405.  I think it looks perfect for Jack (my 100 lb doberman) and I want Paul to build this for me. I think it would also work perfectly for muddy kids and muddy shoes.

Check out how to turn an unused corner into the perfect pet shower.


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Charlie's Clues: His Favorite New Dog Treats

Stay tuned tomorrow for info on Trail Dog Treats, Charlie's new favorite dog treat.

 The wheat free, soy free, and dairy free organic and locally made in Colorado dog treat for the active and healthy pup.

Charlie's Clues: Service Dogs in Las Vegas

As promised from before I thought I would share some tips on traveling to Las Vegas with a service dog.

 

1. Talk with hotel when you book your room and let them know you are traveling with a service dog so there will be no surprises when you arrive. (When you stay at a hotel with a service dog should not be charged any sort of pet deposit or pet fee and if they try tell them that is against the ADA).

2. Be prepared for a lot of people and crowds.  I chose to only go out with Charlie during the day and early part of the evening because Vegas just gets too crowded at night.  It is possible to go out with your working dog at night just remember to always be between people and your dog, meaning walk next to a wall if possible and have your dog skimming the wall so that people wont step on him or bump into him and so he doesn't solicit attention from people.

3.  I would say for the most part the hotels & casinos seem to be well versed in ADA and service dog laws so I didn't seem to run into too many problems.  Be prepared with an ID for your working dog just in case and make sure he/she is always wearing his/her working vest.

I just wanted to thank Glenn, a manager from the New York, New York hotel, who saw Charlie and me at the casino and through a great conversation and his interest in Charlie's abilities he bought me and my friend Tracy lunch at any restaurant at the hotel.  We chose Gonzalez Y Gonzalez, a mexican restaurant, and the food and service was terrific.  

I highly recommend the fresh guacamole made at your table. Tracy, Charlie, and I had a fabulous time and truly appreciate Glenn's generous hospitality. Next time I go back to Vegas I will most definitely be staying at the New York, New York hotel.

 CP wanted nothing to do with my fancy drink, but here he is on the floor of Gonzalez Y Gonzalez.

I will say that if you are traveling with a service dog to Las Vegas the New York, New York hotel seems to be an ideal place to stay.  The staff was extremely welcoming and friendly to Charlie and me.  4 stars and two paws up rating from Charlie Pants.

 

Interesting hotel carpets at the Tropicana hotel.  CP lays like this when he is bored. Punk.

Pictures of us in Vegas here, here, and here. 

 image via 

PS. have you been on the New York New York roller coaster. Amazing! Don't worry Charlie did not go on it :)

Charlie's Clues: Dog Teeth Cleaning

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A couple of weeks ago I decided that Charlie needed to get his nasty teeth cleaned.  His breath was killing me and he hadn't had his teeth expertly cleaned in several years.  I was leery of having him put under anesthesia to get his teeth cleaned and not to mention it is quite costly ($250-300).  I heard about the Well Animal Institute here in Denver, Colorado that offers anesthesia-free pet teeth cleaning for only $150-165.

Check out their website and LIKE their Facebook Wall

 

Why choose anesthesia-free dental cleaning for your pet? The SAFER Option : Zero anesthesia or other drugs used means safety from potentially harmful side effects and recovery times of commonly used drugs. The AFFORDABLE Option : Runs approximately $165.00 per pet. The HEALTHY Option : The same perfectly cleaned and polished teeth you’d expect from any cleaning, to assure improved breath and long term health. Is your pet exhibiting signs of dental disease? Bad breath Yellow/brown plaque on the teeth or near the gum line Red and swollen gums Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or the gums are touched Drooling Loose or missing teeth Pawing at the mouth

We decided to give it a try (well honestly Charlie had no decision in the matter).  

This is how it went down.

We went to the vet that was hosting the Well Animals Institute teeth cleaning clinic and Cindy, one of the owners, took Charlie into a room just off of the waiting room.  I was advised not to be in the room because the dogs do better when their owner isn't in the room watching, but I was allowed to observe through the door window.  Cindy wrapped Charlie up tightly in a blanket (I completely forgot to take pictures but you can see how it is done via the video on the bottom of the blog), but it looks like this.

 

The tight blanket was to help Charlie feel safe and secure and so he couldn't wiggle around.  Then she talked to him all soothing like and stroked his face and mouth and just started cleaning his teeth...and he let her. I was shocked.  She used a regular looking dental tooth scraper.  It was amazing and only took about 20-25 minutes.  Charlie came out of the room a new man with sparkling teeth. Check them out.  I highly recommend you try anesthestia-free teeth cleaning for your dog or cat.

Watch this video on how the anesthesia-free teeth cleaning is done.

BEFORE                                                                                    AFTER

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Charlie's Clues: Home Built Ins For Pets

Saw this post on Atticmag and had to share. Enjoy cool Built-ins For Pets

by Allison on April 4, 2011 in Home Decor

Clever ideas to make life easier for pets and their families.

Tucked under the eaves, there is plenty of space for a large dog to nap or move around – even windows to watch the squirrels. The wood framed metal screen doors don’t appear to have hinges, which makes me wonder if they are pocket doors – both sliding to the left when hidden.  That would be a great idea, since it would allow the doors to be out of the way and pets could enter anytime.

Another underutilized area in the home is the space under a staircase. An arched doorway makes this dog den even more special.  Remember doors should always be constructed of a material that allows airflow so it’s more comfortable for them.

The door of this bed nook was crafted from a vintage grate and blends into the decor when closed.  Thinking outside the box leads to one-of-a-kind features.

Laundry rooms are other good areas to corral pets.  This one features a bed niche alongside their bathing sink.  A doorless niche is perfect if pets don’t require containment and it keeps the bed from being underfoot.  Be sure not to miss the funky dog wallpaper.


A kitchen remodel is another opportune time to include a kennel and feeding station.  Here the resting spot is built up a step, creating a raised area for meals.  Raised feeding reduces neck and back strain in larger breeds and also promotes healthy digestion.

A pair of vintage childrens’ chairs were altered to accept stainless bowls.

Look at the adorable dog-bone- shaped drawer-pull cut-outs.

Sources:  Do It Yourself, Funk Design, Detroit Home Magazine, laxsupermom, Gardenweb, The Fun Times Guide, Artisan Kitchens)