Hey everyone! You may have noticed, but we made a few enhancements on our Furry Travelers and To Go Bowl Facebook Pages! We hope you love the new look, and continue to enjoy sharing your pet and travel stories with us on both profiles!

We also “pupped” our Twitter profile! Check it out!

Finally, we’re super excited to announce that we’re on Pinterest! We love this platform, and can’t wait to share our own Furry Travelers’ pins, and repin all the great things we find and love about pets and travel online! Hope you’ll follow our boards too!

Have a wonderful week,

Furry Travelers 

A mother’s love, patience, and hard work should be acknowledged and appreciated all the time, but especially on Mother’s Day!!! Make sure your weekend is extra special and show her how much you truly care!

Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day,

Furry Travelers 

Travel sickness:  For years I have heard from customers with dogs that have motion sickness and as a result get sick when they travel.  I have done my best to direct them to a solution, but until I experienced it first hand, didn't know how difficult that could be.  

Our newest dog, Katie, has terrible motion sickness.  It is so bad that she will vomit just going a few blocks!  And when we do find a way to settle her stomach so she doesn't get sick, she drools so excessively from anxiety that we fear she will get dehydrated on a long trip.  We were traveling about 3 hours so we figured this would be a good test.  We finally found the right combination for her:  Dramamine the night before and first thing in the morning, combined with Rescue Remedy to calm her anxiety. 

Our Pet Zip Dog Stroller was another needed product for the trip.  While we were setting up our booth, this kept them out of harms way and during the show, they spent most of their time in it, enjoying watching all the activity around them.  During slower times, we took them out to stretch, get tummy rubs from our booth neighbors and treats from some of the other exhibitors.  They even helped us get more traffic into the booth.  Who can resist these cute faces?

On this trip I also tested a new product that we have carried for a few months now - Doggy Baggage. 

What a great bag!  I was able to keep all the girls stuff in one convenient place and stay organized, too.  6 outside pockets to keep important items handy (medication, brushes, water bottle, leash) and the bag itself is large enough to hold food, dishes, To Go Bowl, toys - everything else you need for a great trip.

And of course we had our To Go Bowl!  This allowed the dogs to drink whenever they wanted while in the car and we just put it in our Doggy Baggage when we went into the hotel or trade show to then be used on the floor.  Of course we stored the girls favorite treats in the removable cup, too!

The trip was a great success!

We get lots of calls and orders for carriers that are approved for in-flight use.  As every airline has their own requirements and restrictions, we always recommend checking with your specific airline.  If you are planning a trip, I just came across a website that lists all the airlines and their restrictions:  http://www.petflight.com/airlines

Safe travels!

-Nancy

Here is the scoop:

Sweetie Pies are a healthy dog treat made of free range chicken and sweet potatoes.  Research has shown that sweet potatoes are one of the top 10 healthiest foods you can eat!  They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Even better, dogs love them!

The chickens and sweet potatoes are both from small local farmers.  They are slow baked to preserve their goodness.  Dogs can't say no to these treats!  Break pieces off to use as training treats or as a nutritious low calorie snack.

I had always heard of dogs that had a "tooting" problem, but this has become a recent issue with Cookie and I can't wait to try these!  We sold out of them too soon for me to try with our first order, but now that we have more, we won't waste any time getting her started on them!

Enzymes are the catalysts for every metabolic process in the body and the foundation for good digestion and overall health.  Better digestion means less gas.  Digestive enzymes are added to these treats so they are easily absorbed. 

Fart Busters are made from pure whole free range chicken with a proprietary blend (human grade) of digestive enzymes that can aid digestion and help with those "aromatic" moments.  These are all meat treats, manufactured in California.  Chickens are from local farmers and are raised without the use of antibiotics or animal by-products and are fed a vegetarian diet.

Cookie and Katie both have tried - and go crazy over - Bark Stix.  What a great idea - dog treats that look like bread sticks!  They are made with organic whole wheat flour, beef liver, water, rolled oats, carrots, bacon, parsley and baking powder. 

I am very happy to be able to offer healthy treat options for your Furry Traveler.  Give one or all of them a try while they last!

I hope there aren't too many dogs living outside this cold and snowy winter.  Whether your dog lives inside or out, knowing how to kekep your dog warm is important.  Here are a few tips we found online along with a few of our own.

If your dog is small, has short hair, or is older, consider purchasing a jacket to help keep him warm. In some climates, it is appropriate to choose a sweater for the fall months and a heavier jacket for the colder winter months. When choosing outerwear for your dog choose something simple that is easy for you to put on. (Jackets carried by Furry Travelers are all very convenient to use and clean.)  If your dog is not used to wearing clothing, simply put the coat on for short periods each day making sure to give lots of good treats. Your dog will learn to associate wearing his coat with yummy treats making it much easier for you to dress him.

Choose a coat made from durable materials that are easy to care for. Just because it's cute doesn't necessarily mean that it is appropriate. Also, if snow is a concern, look for water resistant materials. Make sure to know your dog's measurements and follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper fit.

Dogs that walk a lot, work outside, or are older, may also need to wear boots. Dog boots are available from many manufacturers and help keep feet protected from ice, snow, and salt. As with coats, make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper fit. If you choose not to purchase boots for your dog, make sure to remove ice and snow from between his pads when he comes inside. This will help keep him warm as well as help prevent dry, cracked, irritated pads.

During the winter, it is just as important to keep your dog properly groomed as it is during the summer. Your dog's coat provides natural insulation against the elements. It is important to keep your dog's coat brushed and free of mats and burrs. The hair between the foot pads needs to be trimmed up to help prevent ice balls from forming. Regular grooming will help ensure proper body temperature during the winter months.

Some dogs, especially those kept outside, will require extra food during the winter months. It is important to discuss these nutritional needs with your veterinarian or pet professional. If your dog is kept outside, it is also very important to make sure that he has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Snow and ice are not appropriate for hydration. Be careful to make sure that his water has not frozen over.

If your dog lives primarily outside, make sure you get him a good quality shelter of some sort. Many pet supply stores and manufacturers make great quality dog houses in a variety of styles for every budget. Get one that will help keep wind, rain, and snow away from your dog. Make sure that the opening to the dog house does not face the wind. You will also want to make sure that you lay down straw or provide a bed or several blankets to help protect your dog from the frozen ground. Make sure to change the straw and/or bedding periodically.

Blankets and beds can get wet and straw, when wet, can get moldy. Moldy straw can lead to upper respiratory and skin infections. Some people like to provide heat to their outside dog houses. It is not a good idea to do this with heating pads or space heaters with electrical cords. Your dog can chew through these cords causing a hazardous accident. If you choose to provide heat to your outdoor dog, it is best to have this done professionally. Some pet stores offer heated beds that contain a disc that can be heated in the microwave or with hot water periodically.

There are many things you can do to ensure that your dog stays warm and safe during the winter months. If you have further questions about how to do this, please ask your veterinary staff or pet professionals.

Safety First!  

The Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat keeps smaller dogs safely buckled, while allowing them to see out the window - something a simple safety harness can make difficult.  

The Skybox adjusts to any height and holds up to 30 pounds.  I often put both of our dogs in it!  You simply strap them to their own harness, or a safety harness.  When it is not in use, just unclasp the seat strap and flip it over the head rest.  It is lightweight and collapses to just a few inches when not in use.

Note:

All dogs should be safely buckled up, just like you and the rest of your family.  There are many styles of safety harnesses to choose from at many price ranges.  You might be surprised to find how quickly your dog adjusts to a safety harness.  Even the most active dogs can feel more secure when they are restrained in the car.   And everyone will be safer in case of a sudden stop or accident.

The To Go Bowl by Furry Travelers is a must have travel accessory for all road trips.  Cookie was able to drink whenever she wanted without having to stop the car or worry about splashing.  We also used the bowl in our hotel and at the dog show by removing the cup portion (which of course carried her treats).  

The patented, award winning To Go Bowl fits cup holders between 3 - 4 inches and can be used for dogs of all sizes.  

We never take a trip without Cookie's own bag, the EBD Carry All Travel Bag.  This bag is the greatest!  It has so many interior pockets that staying organized is a piece of cake.  Cookie had to look her best while working at the dog show, so we had pockets for her hair brush, dental spray, tear wipes, extra harness and leash, a coat (it was cold there!) and still had room for some of my own things.  The EBD Carry All Bag even comes with its own fleece blanket.

NEW FAVORITE:  I picked up the Kurgo Quantum Leash at the trade show this month.  It is a leash that can be used 6 different ways (see details)!  I didn't really see a benefit to using this type of leash, especially for a small dog like Cookie.  While setting up our booth at the show, I thought I would give it a try.  Cookie likes to be with me all the time, especially when in a new environment.  I often keep her in her Susan Lanci Travel Sling, but she can still be in the way and gets kind of heavy after a while.  Anyway, I hooked the Quantum Leash to her harness and hooked it across my shoulder.  What a problem solver!  She was with me everywhere I went, without me having to carry her.  

Finally, the big seller of the show and perhaps my all time favorite product (next to the To Go Bowl, of course), is the Susan Lanci Travel Sling.  Cookie "hung around" all day, every day at the show and really started a trend with the other small dog owners in Atlanta.  The sling is ideal for smaller dogs (under 10 pounds) and comfortable for both you and your pup.  It is lightweight, breathable, and folds up so small you can keep it in your pocket or purse! 

Traveling with your dog can be fun and easy!  There are many, many great travel accessories for pets.  Furry Travelers goal is to carry the newest and most unique pet travel products on the market.  We are constantly adding great new items, so check our website often! 

To see all our pet travel accessories, click here.

We did all we could to make her life happy over the years.  This included building homemade ramps for 4 rooms of the house so she could sit and sleep with us, taking her for walks in a stroller so she could get fresh air, putting carpet runners throughout our tiled house so her little paws wouldn't slip out from under her while she walked.  We gave her supplements, a radiant heat lamp, acupuncture treatments.  She was truly a loved member of our family and we spared no expense or effort to make her happy and comfortable.  

At 15 years of age, she was no longer our happy-go-lucky Sammy.  She seemed uncomfortable and the only excitement she showed was at mealtime.  Other than that, she didn't wag her tail or even want to be in the same room with us.  Given her health history, we discussed that we would not put her through another surgery, should that need arise.

When she developed another serious eye problem requiring surgery, we discussed the situation with her doctor.  Our wonderful vet assured us that these were all signs she was ready to move on.  She was no longer enjoying her life.  I heard another vet once say that it is better to end a dogs life too soon than to risk ending it an hour too late.  

While this made our decision easier, it did not make the loss easier.  For all but the last few months of her life, she was the happiest, friendliest dog we had ever known.

(This blog entry started out to be about a pet product and I'm not sure what got me on the subject of Sammy, but I am going to leave it in case someone out there is needing to make a similar decision about their beloved dog.  Talk to your vet.  They can help you decide what is best.)

The loss of a pet is tremendous and the sadness sometimes overwhelming, but it does get easier with time.  Let yourself be sad, cry, go through the grieving process.  They are members of your family and most likely loved as much as your two legged family members.  

Finally, don't be afraid to eventually get another pet!  I have spoken to so many people whose dog passed away years earlier.  When I ask why they haven't gotten a new one, they say because they don't want to ever go through that type of loss again.   

I can't imagine being a dog lover and choosing to be alone rather than have a dog bring you love, companionship and joy for so many years.  Don't be afraid!  It can help you overcome the grief and bring you years of happiness.  

Just be careful not to expect your new pet to "replace" the old.  Dogs, as people, are all different.  One thing that stays the same, is the unconditional love and wet kisses you only get from a dog.

Our little Sammy

Many companies are now designing crate covers and Furry Travelers recently added a few to our product line - with matching crate pads.  So cute! 

The best part of a crate cover is the benefit to your dog.  Dogs are den dewlling animals by instinct.  A crate that is covered provides the dog with a den-like atmosphere.  This is very useful when you are away from home, whether or not you bring your pooch with you.

If you keep the crate in an area that can become drafty or cold, the cover will help keep your pet warm.  In the summer months, the cover can provide shade.

Crating Tips:

• Think of the crate as a good thing. In time, your dog will too.
• Let your dog out often enough so that it is not forced to soil the crate.
• Let the dog out if it whines because it needs to eliminate. If you know it doesn't have to eliminate, correct it for whining or barking.
• Clean the crate regularly, especially if you've put in a pad or pillow, or if you have flea problems.
• Forgive your dog if it soils the crate. It probably just couldn't wait any longer.
• Don't use the crate as a punishment.
• Don't leave the dog in the crate for a long time after letting it eat and drink a lot. (Your dog will be uncomfortable and may have to eliminate in the crate.)
• Keep your dog's crate time at a minimum. Dogs sleep and rest a lot, but not all the time. They need play time and exercise.
• When you are at home, they should not be in the crate (except at night when they are still very young puppies). If necessary, put a leash on your pup and tie it around your waist while you're at home.
• Continue to use the crate, even after your puppy is housebroken.  Occasionally using the crate will make traveling and special situations that require crating easier.
• Most dogs like cooler temperatures than their human companions and prefer to stretch out on a hard, cool surface.  If your dog prefers tile to carpet, you may want to skip the pad - or leave a portion of the crate floor bare.  If you use a pad or pillow, clean frequently. 

Our 5 month old puppy, Katie, is the first puppy we did not crate-train.  Now that I work at home, we thought it was easier not to.  This was a mistake.  Our little Katie had emergency surgery on Friday and we are taking her home tonight.  The vet told us we must keep her in a crate so she doesn't hurt herself (and to prevent her from roughhousing with our other dog).  So, we now have to hope that her few days in a cage at the hospital will be enough to make her happy to be in a crate at home.   We will be using the ProSelect 2-Piece Crate Cover and Bed Set!

While it is quite a distance from SE Florida, I decided to drive so I could bring a variety of products to show at the event.  Cookie came along for the ride and also to be our model.

The event was held at the New York Barclay Hotel in midtown Manhattan.  They recently became pet friendly, and I must say, Cookie felt very welcome by everyone that worked there as well as other guests. 

What we didn't realize, unfortunately, is that while New Yorkers love their dogs, unless your dog is a "city dog", you might have problems.  Being a professional "Furry Traveler", I thought I was prepared for everything.  There were a few items I had wished I brought, however.

Of course we took our To Go Bowl on the trip so Cookie could drink whenever she wanted while in the car.  This bowl was then brought into the hotel and used on the floor for her water bowl.  I had brought a folding travel bowl for her food, but this didn't work well for us.  Since she is a small dog and I didn't need to put a lot of food in the bowl, it would start to fold down when she put her face into it.  She didn't like that and I ended up hand feeding her.  The Kurgo Collaps-a-bowl would have been better.  It stays rigid until you manually collapse it.  The Little Buddy Lunchbox would have been convenient, too.  I could have stored her dog food in it, as well.

Then there was the "potty" issue.  I knew NYC was not known for its lush landscaping, but I thought there would be grass somewhere.  There was - Central Park - about a 20 minute walk from the hotel.  Of course I have seen it on television, but it truly is a beautiful, gigantic park, with street vendors and performers, ball parks, outdoor (pet friendly) restaurants... We had a great time exploring the park and Cookie had blocks and blocks and blocks to find the perfect spot to go.

The next morning we tried a closer dog park, just a couple blocks away.  While it didn't have a lot of grass, it was fenced and right on the Hudson River.  A great place for dogs to run and have fun.  We walked back on a different block that did have some grassy patches.  I guess a city dog doesn't need grass and I'm sure Cookie would eventually adjust if necessary.  Next time I will bring our Pup Head, though.  This would have made things so much easier!

I took many of the products we sell to make the trip safer and more convenient.  One necessity is the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness.  It kept Cookie safe while driving and then when we stopped, I clipped her leash to it for a quick walk.  It is padded, so nice and comfortable for Cookie, and easy for me, as it simply slips over her head and clips around her chest.  Of course Leash Luggage, the Bow Wow Bag, waste bags, reflective collar are other items that made traveling more convenient.

We also took Cookie's stroller.  This made it easy to maneuver in the crowds, get on the hotel elevator, eat at the cafe.  It was hot in NYC last week so I think all the walking in the hot weather would have been too much for the little one.

And no trip is ever made without her EBD Carry-All bag.  I love this bag!  It has a pocket for everything so it is easy to stay organized.  Cookie is our Furry Travelers model, so she her share of supplies we bring on each trip and needs her own bag in which to carry them.

I wish we had been able to stay in New York City longer and look forward to going back in the future!

For see all Furry Travelers products, visit www.FurryTravelers.com. 

We recently started carrying Thundershirts.  It sounded like a cool product but almost too good to be true.  We immediately began selling them but it wasn't until last weekend's dog show that I personally heard from customers how great this product actually is.  The Thundershirt was "flying off the shelf"!

One woman, however, was very skeptical.  She said her dog gets so frantic when it thunders that she was convinced nothing would help him.  She had tried everything else on the market with no success.  She did decide, however, to give Thundershirt a try. 

On my way home from the dog show, I received a call from this customer.  She said it started thundering as soon as she got home and she immediately put the shirt on her dog.  She couldn't believe it!  Her dog had NO symptoms of fear or any type of anxiety.   She was so happy!!!  The next morning she ordered another for a friend of hers.

I have been lucky.  None of my dogs have ever been bothered by noise or thunder so I am unable to test this product myself for that purpose.  Since it helps all types of anxiety, I do plan to try it on my next trip with Cookie, though.  She gets very stressed out when I leave her alone in the hotel room.  I'll let you know how that goes!

More info on Thundershirt

With the summer months rapidly approaching, vacation season will soon be here. We all need a little time away from the monotony of an everyday routine, so as you get ready to retreat, it’s important to know how to care for your four-legged friends traveling with you. Most of us travel by car or plane, but each option brings certain drawbacks for pets.

Car Travel

Car travel is usually less stressful on pets because it allows Freckles and Champ to be close to you, so you can monitor their well-being and come to their aid when needed.  If you choose to drive to your destination, here are a few helpful hints to make the trip more enjoyable.

Motion sickness: It’s common for pets to experience motion sickness while traveling in a car. To help avoid an upset stomach, don’t feed your pet a large meal before travel. Cracking a window to allow fresh air to circulate through your vehicle also helps. If Champ is prone to motion sickness or if Freckles’ sensitive stomach acts up again, you may want to put them in the front seat next to you.  Riding up front helps because less motion is felt in the front of the vehicle. 

Bathroom breaks: While Champ may snooze for the majority of the trip, it’s still important to give him frequent bathroom breaks. Traffic is unpredictable, so if it has been more than a couple of hours, stop and give your dog a chance to relieve himself and stretch his legs.

Sedatives: While sedatives may make your pet seem less stressed during car trips, these medications also have a tendency to dull the senses and lessen your pet’s ability to react to the environment, which can be dangerous in an emergency. When traveling by car or by plane, avoid giving your pet any type of sedative.  If you think Champ or Freckles really needs a sedative to travel, talk to your pet’s veterinarian before your trip.

Air Travel

For people, flying is often quicker and easier than driving, but flying can be a more stressful experience for your pet. If you decide to travel by air, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

Cargo travel:  While you’re snacking, reading, and sleeping in relative comfort up in economy seating, Champ is usually traveling in the cargo area below, subjected to temperature fluctuations and loud noises. A cat or small dog may be allowed to travel in the plane’s cabin, as long as the pet is kept in a crate and the crate fits underneath the seat.  Check with specific airlines for more information about cabin travel for your pet. 

Check on your pet: Make sure to tell the plane’s Captain or flight attendant that you have a pet on board. If the flight staff knows about Champ in cargo, they are better able to check on him for you, especially if an unusual situation occurs, such as an unscheduled landing, extended taxi time, or long layover.

Walk your dog: If you and Champ have a connecting flight, try to walk him before that connecting flight departs. Many airports provide dog parks just outside the terminal. A bathroom break and a short walk will help Champ relax and stay calm during the remainder of his journey.

Crate your pet: During flights, most pets are housed in pet crates provided by their owners. It’s important to prepare your pet’s crate with safety in mind.  Pet crates should provide ample space for your pet to move around and should also meet the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA). 

When your pet is crated, remember to include:

• A bowl of dry food;
• A bowl or other container of frozen water that will melt over the course of the trip, giving your pet constant access to cold water;
• Appropriate bedding, such as a soft towel or blanket, or shredded newspaper or wood chips if the traveling pet is a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig; and
• A label on the outside of the crate that is clearly marked with your pet’s name and your contact information.  You should include both your home contact information and your destination contact information.

Be Prepared: If you plan to stay in a hotel while traveling, contact the hotel ahead of time to make sure it is pet friendly.

Before your trip, research veterinary hospitals in the city or town of your destination in case of a pet emergency during the vacation.

Hawaii and Abroad: Traveling outside the continental United States with your pet requires advanced planning.  For international travel, contact the appropriate country’s embassy or consulate at least 4 weeks before your trip.  Different countries may require different documentation for your pet’s entry. The state of Hawaii also has entry requirements for arriving pets. 

For more information about traveling with your pets, please check the following Web sites: 

 The Travel Sling is made of lightweight, breathable material that can hold as much weight as you can. Cookie weighs about 9 pounds and does get heavy after a while, but the sling holds her with no problem. I have sold them to owners of heavier dogs, but I would say the ideal weight to be between 4 – 9 pounds.

 

The Bow Wow Bag is a great product to hang on your favorite leash.  Available in 3 sizes, there is room for your pick-up bags, keys, cell phone and in the Medium and Larger bags you can even include a dog toy.  Not only that, but if carrying your dog's "packages" isn't for you, you can put it in your Bow Wow Bag until you find a trash can.

The Bow Wow Bag is a great way to keep things handy, whether on a daily walk, at the park or traveling.

More info

One, I have a 15 year old Bichon Frise (Sammy) with major back problems resulting in her inability to walk for any distance.  Putting her in the stroller while I walk our other dog, Cookie, gives her the opportunity to be a part of the family, get some fresh air and sunshine.  Once I started doing this on a regular basis, she seemed to become a happier little dog. 

I also use a dog stroller for Cookie when I work at dog events.  Cookie is my "assistant" at these shows and I have found the stroller to come in handy both when setting up and breaking down our booth because I can roll her around in it and not worry about her leash getting tangled as we set up, as well as throughout the day to give her a break from the activity.

And I'm sure everyone has seen dog strollers while shopping.  While I haven't done this (yet), it is a great way to take your little one with you when you go to the mall.

We have two models that have been popular at Furry Travelers:  The PetZip 3 in 1 Stroller, and the Pet Stroller XL.  The images below are of the 3 in 1 Stroller (including Cookie at a trade show in Atlanta).

This 3-Way Stoller covers all your needs.  Along with it being a dog stroller, it conveniently converts into a car seat as well as a carrier.  Holds up to 30 pounds.  Available in Red or Navy Blue.

The Pet Stroller XL is another great stroller and one I have used for almost 2 years now.  This stroller has really worked hard for me and has held up just great!  It also holds up to 30 pounds and it is long enough and tall enough to hold more than one dog, or taller dogs.  It easily collapses to fit into your trunk.  The colors are great, too.  Tangerine and Lime.

So which stroller is for you?  If you don't need the car seat, my vote is for the Pet Stroller XL.  If you like the 3 in 1 concept, you can't go wrong there, either.

For more information on all our strollers, click here.

Designed to fit onto any type of lease with Velcro straps, Leash Luggage has a compartment for bags (you can use rolled bags or recycle your plastic grocery bags) and a separate compartment for your own things (driver's license, hotel card, money, etc.).  It also comes with a special key holder.  

I use Leash Luggage all the time.  I especially like it when I travel because I can put my car keys and room card in the second compartment for easy access.  It is lightweight, easy to add bags to, and keeps me organized without lugging around my purse.

For more information, see www.FurryTravelers.com/m7_view_item.html?m7:item=3114

"They are so cute", is what I hear most often about this product.  This is true, however they are also extremely practical! 

Two stainless steel bowls come with this travel set.  They are small, but do hold a full 1/4 cup of food or water - perfect for traveling with your little Furry Traveler.  They come with their own travel pouch made of Ultrasuede with a Swarovski paw print on the front and a draw string keeps everything safely inside. 

The travel pouch is the perfect size to hold the bowls plus your cell phone, money, keys, room card, credit card... 

Best of all is that you can easily carry these bowls in your pocket or purse and always be ready to give your pup a drink or some food without.  They are made in the USA and are available in several colors!

Read more about the Susan Lanci Stainless Steel Travel Dishes or place your order here.

Third, fourth and fifth grade students are invited to write a unique poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it online at www.petsaddlife.org or mail their final poem and submission form to:  Pets Add Life, 45 Winter Street, Reno, NV  89503.  The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2010 at 5:00pm EST.

Two students from each grade level (6 total) nationwide will win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a "by-line" in a nationally circulated publication.  In addition, the six winning students' classrooms will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.

Good idea!  Now Cookie feels like she is in her own den rather than a strange hotel room, and I don't have to worry about her being stressed out or barking while I'm away.

I love this travel crate for several reasons.  First of all, it folds to just 2 - 3 inches wide so it is easy to store when I'm not using it.  It is also very light weight at just over 7 pounds, making it convenient to carry.  It is also easy to assemble.  You just unfold the sides, unzip the top and slip in two poles into the frame and you are done!  It is just as easy to fold up again, with clips to hold it all together and a convenient pouch to store the bars on the bottom.

As it turns out, we now leave the crate in our family room all the time.  Our 15 year old dog, Sammy, likes to go in there on days she's not feeling well.  I also use it in the car when driving anywhere with Sammy, as she has turned into a nervous traveler in her old age and she is also safer in the crate.

A few tips: 

• Let your dog get used to the crate before using on a trip.  Leave the crate in a favorite room at home first and put your pet's food or treats in the crate, letting him/her roam in and out at leisure so the crate is associated with good things. 
• The bars can be a little difficult to install the first time you use it, so try it at home first and leave the bars in at least overnight to allow the fabric to stretch a bit.  After the first or second use, it will be much easier to assemble. 
• This crate is not for use with puppies or chronic chewers.

Click here for more information or to place order.

If you walk your dog while it is dark, you will love this product.  The Puplight is an LED light attached to a comfortable elastic collar.  It illuminates up to 200 feet ahead, allowing drivers to easily see your furry friend.  Three AAA batteries last at least 150 hours and its unique design keeps the light out of your dog's eyes.

The elastic band fits neck sizes from 8" to 26" and can either be buckled on or slipped over the head.  It can be worn along with your dog's own collar or the light can be attached to the existing collar.  It only weighs 2 1/2 ounces, making it comfortable for the smallest dogs.

Keep your dog visibal at night - to both you and traffic - by using Puplight.  You can find more information here.

As a pet owner, we want to keep our pets as safe and comfortable as we are.  Volvo was found to do the best job of offering products for pet owners, however many automakers offer features and options that are pet-friendly, even though not all of them were specifically designed for pets. 

Volvo:

• Nets that span the space between the ceiling and the backrests of the front or rear seats to keep pets in their own area.
• A collection of metal dividers for wagons and SUV's.
• A Vertical grate that divides the cargo area into halves, separating a dog from cargo or another dog.

Saab: 
The 9-3 SportCombi and 9-5 SportCombi (wagon) include a cargo space divider, cargo mat, cargo apron and cargo guard in the back; the 9-5 SportCombi also has a trunk tray.

Saturn:

The Vue has a cargo management system.

Volkswagen:

The Jetta and Passat wagons offer cargo partitions, while driver accessories include a VW Beetle squeaky toy, air freshener and squishy pillow. Other VW gear includes heavy-duty floor mats and cargo liners.

Nissan:

A Pet Guard Divider accessory that helps keep pets secure while in a vehicle's cargo area. 

Other features that can make traveling with pets easier, and a few cars that have them, include:

• Fold-up backseat cushions, which allow a larger area on the floor for pets to lie down. (Honda Ridgeline, Dodge Dakota)
• Fold-flat second row seats, which open up the cargo area for more pet space. (Most wagions/SUV's/Minivans.
• Fold-flat front passenger seat, which opens up the cargo area for even more pet space.  (Toyota Tacoma, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Torrent
   
   
   
  
  Hard-coated and scratch-resistant load floor/folding seatbacks, making for easy cleanup. (Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, Toyota Yaris hatchback, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Honda Element, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda CR-V)
• Washable/stain-resistant upholstery. (Dodge Caliber, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler ('07), Honda Element, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Sebring ('07), Dodge Nitro, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab, Jeep Patriot) 

(Sources:  Cars.com)

According to the American Automobile Association, unrestrained pets cause more than 30,000 accidents annually.  That's thousands of fatalities and injuries that could have been avoided with the use of a simple pet restraint, harness or crate.

Bark Buckle-UP founder, Christina Selter, warns that an unrestrained dog can be dangerous to everyone in the vehicle.  "In a 30 MPH accident, a 60-pound dog can cause an impact of more than 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, windshield or other passenger."

And let's face it, any one of us would be heart-broken if our dog was injured, or worse, killed in an accident because we were too rushed or lazy to buckle them into a safety harness.  (Hint - leave the seat belt attachment in the car at all times so it is easy to snap onto your dog's harness.  It will be one less thing to remember as you leave home, too!)

So...let's make a New Year's Resolution to buckle up our pet every time we go for a drive - no matter how short the distance.  To make things easy, I am going to review a few of the travel harnesses we carry on our website: 

1) Kurgo Tru-Fit Safety Harness:  This is probably the easiest harness to put on your dog that I am aware of.  Once adjusted for size, you simply slip it over your dog's head and then buckle the strap around its chest.  That's it!  It comes with a loop that you put your seat belt through and attach to the harness to keep your Furry Traveler in place while you drive.  It is made of high-quality automotive seat belt materials and has a broad padded chest plate for extra protection and comfort.  Good for dogs over 10 pounds.  Price:  $22.99 - $28.99.

2)  The PetBuckle Seat Belt Harness provides protection in a standard vehicle by using the vehicle’s seat belt, LATCH bar system or cargo area to securely restrain a harnessed dog. Just slip the seat belt through the web loop on the harness and buckle up. For dogs over 15 pounds.  Crash tested for safety.  Price:  $49.99.

3)  For the more fashion conscious, we offer a variety of comfortably padded safety harnesses in a variety of colors and patterns.  Many of these styles snap right into your own car's seat belt buckle - very easy to use. 

Whatever your choice may be, just remember that having your dog restrained is one less distraction for you and so much safer for your Furry Traveler! 

To view all our safety harnesses, visit www.FurryTravelers.com.

Happy New Year from your friends at Furry Travelers!

Is chewing a destructive behavior? Here's the simplest answer: Only if he's chewing on the wrong thing. So give him something that's okay to chew.

Puppy chewing is an important part of the teething process. As adults, dogs often chew for fun, or to relieve boredom. Chewing or tearing things up (like paper) can also be a displacement behavior, a way to release pent-up energy or stress.

Redirecting destructive chewing

Puppy- and dog-proof your house. As with any type of behavior you wish to change, one of the most important things to do is manage the environment. We are all familiar with "puppy proofing" our houses - we learn to put shoes in the closet, and put pups in the crate when we are not actively supervising them. But we often forget that many adult dogs need the same type of management to keep them out of trouble.

Give him a chew toy instead. If your dog attempts to chew on an inappropriate item while in your presence, simply interrupt the behavior and re-direct him to an appropriate chew toy. It can be helpful to have a stuffed Kong toy in a Ziploc bag in your freezer - so you can quickly produce it when needed. Many pups have certain times of day when they are more likely to chew, so you can head this behavior off at the pass if you choose this time of day to give the dog an approved chewie.

Use bad-tasting repellants and sprays. You can keep puppies and adult dogs away from some items by using impersonal correction, preferably where the "environment" does the correcting. For example, spray items with Bitter Apple spray or Boundary dog repellant, or use a Scat Mat at the edge of a countertop, to stop counter surfers. This type of training operates on the same principle as a child touching a hot stove - if something is particularly unpleasant, most likely the child or the dog will make the decision not to repeat that behavior.

Give him plenty of exercise.  Exercise is vitally important for dogs prone to inappropriate chewing or other destructive behaviors. A tired pup will be less likely to get into things. Exercise also produces endorphins, which have a calming effect. In fact, it is these endorphins that are stimulated by chewing, so if your dog is not getting enough exercise, he may unconsciously be seeking to replace needed endorphins by releasing pent-up energy through chewing.

Make sure it's not separation anxiety. Occasionally chewing or tearing things up is a symptom of a more serious problem, such as separation anxiety. If you suspect separation anxiety, the first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Be gentle! A few training books are still on the market that advocate inhumane methods for stopping destructive behaviors, such as putting duct tape around a pet's mouth or physically hitting a dog. Needless to say, there is no excuse for such corrections. Not only are they extremely unfair, they're ineffective. The use of proper management (for instance, cratung a dog when he is not under your direct supervision), along with proper exercise, takes care of 99 percent of destructive behavior problems.

Made of durable, washable, waterproof canvas, this hammock fits most back seats by attaching around your head rests.  It is a great and easy way to keep your seats free of dirt and damage.

Unlike most other hammocks, the Kurgo Back Seat Hammock can also accomodate a passenger as well as a car seat, along with your dog.  Just unzip the the zipper in the middle of the hammock and you have legroom!  And of course, there are openings for your seat belt and dog's safety harness.

While we do recommend you buckle up your pet for safety, in the event you do not, the hammock can prevent your dog from sliding off the seat onto the floor and possibly being injured by a sudden stop.

The Back Seat Hammock is available in Khaki or Black and comes with its own carrying case and water bottle.   

Retail price $59.99.  Buy here!

We assume all dogs love to go for rides in the car, but there are many that become very anxious while traveling.  Whatever the cause may be, there are some steps you can take to ease your furry friend's stress.

If your have have an older dog, try sitting in the car with the engine off for a short period of time.  Reward with a treat.  When this is no longer challenging, sit in the car with the engine on and reward with a treat.  The next step is a quick car ride and then hopefully you will soon have a nice, calm Furry Traveler.

If these steps don't work, there are all-natural stress relievers such as Rescue Remedy for Pets you can try.  These work by gently calming your dog's nerves.  You can administer directly or put a few drops in the water bowl.

You can find some great travel items at www.furrytravelers.com/11.html!

I use this pet sling with Cookie (9 lbs.) whenever I take her to a consumer or trade show.  She settles right into the sling and barely moves until I take her out.  She will even tuck her little face in it and take a nap.  It is so cute!

Because the sling is lightweight and breathable, it is very comfortable for both you and your pet.  It folds up very small to easily pack for traveling or throwing into your bag.  It is washable and made in the USA!

The designer told me that the sling can hold a dog as heavy as I can hold.  The largest dog I have sold a sling to was 19 pounds.  Cookie is 9 pounds and I can keep her in it for hours at a time. 

If you have a small dog, you will love this product!

This great bag has so many pockets you probably won't use them all, but it is nice to know you can if you need them (great for medications, waste bags, water bottles, cell phone, etc).  

This bag also includes collapsable food and water bowls, 56" x 48" indoor/outdoor fleece blanket with nylon backing and a freezable gel pack Dimensions 12"h x 15"w x 5"d. 

The E.B.D. Carryall Bag is available in Brown with fun printed interiors in Blue, Green and Pink.

Since my older dog Sammy is on many medications and both dogs have their own treats, food, toys, bones, this bag really helps keep me organized!

For more details, click here.

I chose the Wander Carrier because it is one of the travel products I use most, and absolutely love.  I travel quite a bit with my little Bichon Frise, Cookie (below), and we have found this carrier to be very sturdy, versatile, convenient and comfortable. 

Sturdy:  The Wander Carrier is made of luggage grade fabric with a solid top, waterproof bottom, and the sides are reinforced with a steel rods.  You definitely feel your pooch is protected in this carrier. 

Versatile:  Of course I have used the Wander Carrier to carry Cookie from place to place, but I have also used it as a crate for short periods when I had to leave her alone in a new location such as a hotel room.  Having this familiar carrier helps Cookie feel at home wherever we may be.  Finally, and maybe the best safety feature, is that you can strap the Wander Carrier into your car by putting the seat belt through the handle and around the carrier.  What a great design!

Convenient:  While there are many carriers around, this is the only one that I know of that is both sturdy and also folds down to approximately 2 1/2 - 3 inches for easy storage.  There is an interior tether to attach to your dog's harness and even a side pocket to keep a dog leash, car keys, cell phone...

Comfortable:  What good is a carrier if your Furry Traveler isn't going to be comfortable?  The Wander Carrier comes with a washable soft fabric pad and the adjustable carrying strap is padded, too.

I have used my carrier for over a year and it still looks good enough for me to use as a display item when I have a booth at a Pet Expo or Dog Show. 

The Wander Carrier holds dogs up to 18 pounds and is 17" long by 11" high.  See more details or order yours by clicking here.

Those in search of canine companionship without the commitment of fulltime ownership can reach a happy medium at the Aspen Boarding Kennel and Shelter's program Aspen, Colorado. The program offers travelers and citizens of Aspen the opportunity walk dogs and even take them on overnight trips. The program is the No-kill shelter’s attempt to provide better quality of life and ultimately increase adoptions but can also serve as a fun activity for tourists.

1. Continental

2. JetBlue Airways

3. Airtran

4. American Airlines

5. United Airlines