A Birthday Gone to the Dogs

Gourmet Dog Cookies

Doggy Cake

Zoe & Maddie eating their cake

Doggy Ice Cream

Enjoying her Frosty Paws!

"Opening" her Birthday gifts....so funny!

On to another one...

Loving every minute of her party

Madison trying to steal one of Zoe's toys

Maddie girl

Sicily - Her and Zoe share Birthdays! :)

All of Zoe's Birthday gifts. She's one lucky (ahem, SPOILED) pup

Sisters

One worn out puppy!

Zoe, The Birthday Queen!

As promised, here are a few pictures of Miss Zoe on her First Birthday today! More pictures of her doggy party are coming soon....

Happy Sunday,
MJ

Pets Have Birthdays Too!

So, why not celebrate with your furry family member this year? There are some great ways to show them a wonderful time and say "thank you" for all their love all year round!


There are a few necessities for throwing a birthday party to bark about!


First, the cake.


Courtesy of Dog-Birthday-Parties.com: A simple, quick and easy way to make a dog birthday cake is to open a can of their favorite food. Then slide the contents out in one piece and put it on a plate. Now cover with bacon strips and maybe a few small biscuits treats around...Voila, one very simple doggie cake!


If you're feeling really creative, here's another recipe worth trying out (also courtesy of Dog-Birthday-Parties.com).


Doggy Layer Cake


Ingredients: 3 cups flour 1 T. baking powder 1/2 cup margarine, softened 6 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup corn oil 2 jars strained chicken baby food 2 cups finely shredded carrots plain or vanilla yogurt 2 or 3 strips of bacon, fried crisp, crumbled, or bacon-flavored jerky strips, cut into bits.
Preheat oven 325F/165C - Gas Mark 3
Method: Generously grease and flour two 8" round cake pans. In a mixing bowl, beat softened margarine until smooth. Add eggs and corn oil, mix well. Add strained chicken and shredded carrots, mix until smooth. Add flour and baking powder and mix thoroughly, (mix should resemble light batter) Pour batter into the 2 prepared 8" cake pans. Bake for approximately 1 hour. Let the dog birthday cake cool for a few minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.
Icing the cake: Place one layer on a serving plate and spread yogurt over top. Then add a second layer and repeat for each layer. Spread yogurt on top and sides of entire cake and sprinkle crumbled bacon or bits of jerky strips over top. Why not use "Pupperoni" sticks for candles.

Second, fun activities for your guests.

If the weather is warm in your area, buy (or borrow) some kiddie pools and fill them with water. Pool parties aren't just for humans, folks!

Balls and outdoor toys are also a great way to show Fido a great time on his birthday. Nothing makes their tales wag more than some good 'ol backyard fun - tug of war and fetch style!

Third, think attire.

You have to make Fido stand out on his birthday. There are some great products out there just for their special day.

It's our rescue puppy's FIRST birthday tomorrow and we are having a joint birthday party for her with another lab born on the exact same day! She already has an outfit layed out and ready to go  (I will post pictures of her party tomorrow afternoon). But, in case you just can't wait, here's a sneak peek of her adorable dog shirt by I See Spot.

And boy doggies take note, the tanks also come in blue and say "I'm the Birthday Boy!" They retail for around $18 and are available at www.maddiesbackyard.com. The best thing about the tanks besides their amazing quality and durability? They are available in sizes to fit dogs from 1 to 64 pounds and that's hard to come by.

Here's a shot of the boy tank in case your curious:

I could go on and on about all the wonderful benefits of throwing your dog a birthday party - and all the amazing products available, but I think I'll save that for another time.

Stay tuned tomorrow for pictures of Zoe's BIG day!

MJ

Pet Adoption: The Benefits & Rewards!

The next time you are in the market for a new furry friend, please consider adopting your pet from a shelter or pet rescue. While there are many myths surrounding pet adoption, the truth is, it's the BEST choice. And, here's why:


1. Cost. The cost of adopting a pet at an animal shelter is usually inexpensive compared to buying one from a breeder or pet store. Often animals adopted from shelters have already been neutered or there is some economic incentive to have the animal neutered. Most of these animals have also been wormed and vaccinated.


2. You Become a Hero! Adopting a companion animal from a shelter means you are helping, and not contributing to, the pet overpopulation problem.


3. Forget Potty Training. Adopting a mature dog or cat means that you do not have to go through the demanding stage of raising a puppy or kitten. Mature pets are often house-trained (although some mistakes will likely occur until the animal is used to his/her new family, home and routine) and may even have some basic training.


4. You Have Information About Your Pet. With a mature pet you have a good idea of the animal's temperament and you know the animal's adult size, hair coat etc.


5. Companionship. Providing the animals get along, an adopted pet can be good company for other pets - in addition to you and your family.


6. Love. Shelter animals have beautiful temperaments and want to please their new guardians. They know you saved them and they will continue to thank you for that for years to come - they are smart creatures!
---

Our Zoe Girl

Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with many amazing rescue groups and shelters and the experience has been extremely gratifying to say the least. In fact, my husband and I adopted a lab/mix from our local Humane Society last January. Zoe has been such a blessing and a wonderful addition to our family. We wouldn't trade her for the world!


If you, too, are interested in adoption, there are some great resources on the Web to help you get started in your search for a pet that will fit your lifestyle.


First, I would start with Petfinder. They partner with rescues all over the country in an attempt to help place rescues in good homes. Second, I would recommend visiting your local Humane Society or shelter.


Good luck in your search. I promise you will be rewarded in more ways than one if you adopt a rescued pet!


M.J.

Pet Lovers: Today's DEAL of the Day - DESIGNER DOG TANKS!!

 

Only five (5) deals available to claim, so act fast! Below are the sizes available in each of the styles shown. Please see the attached sizing chart for measuring criteria. If you would like to claim a deal, be one of the first five people to respond to this post with the style and size you prefer! Good luck & Happy Shopping!
STYLES AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING SIZES
Skull Print Tank - Small & Large
Red, White & Blue Stars Tank - XXS, XS, Medium
Official Easter Egg Hunter Tank - Small, Medium & Large
Favorite Child - XS, Medium & XLarge
Cute As a Button Tank - Large
Chick Magnet Tank - XSmall, Small, Medium, Large
Bark For Green Tank - XSmall
Bark For A Cure Tank - Medium & Large

Nike Dry-fits Are Also Available!!

The perfect addition to every closet. Made to order....just $35. Contact us if you are interested!

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Are your pups cuddle bugs too?

Zoe & Mommy

Send us your photos of your snuggle bugs and we will post them on our blog too!!

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Maddie's Backyard T-shirts Have Arrived!!

We'd love to know what you think...

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DEAL OF THE DAY!

Designer Plush toys for ONLY $5/each. These toys normally retail for $10-12, so it is more than a 50% savings to you! Simply comment one or all of the following to reserve your deal: Gecko, Birdie, Froggy, Monkey, Shoes, Magazine and/or Takeout. We will contact you with ordering details! Happy Shopping! :)

Introducing Maddie's Deals of the Day in 2011!

Maddie's Backyard is proud to announce it will now be offering Deals of the Day on it's Facebook page throughout 2011.

The first deal is now available....

Two Simply Fido Organic Dog Toys for just $15! (A retail value of $28+) Only 2 Deals Available. To claim, be the first two people to comment "I WANT IT!" We will then contact you for ordering details. 

Stay tuned for our upcoming, exciting deals of the day in 2011!

M.J.

Thundershirts: What Are They & Do They Work?

Thundershirt Navy Blue Rugby Style

 

 

Thundershirt Pink Rugby Style

Is your pampered pooch afraid of thunderstorms? Does he/she suffer from anxiety or have a fear of strangers? If so, you are not alone! In fact, one company has created an entire business model around animal anxiety, seeking to help ease our furry friend's nerves with - get this - a shirt!

According to its Web site, "Thundershirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs if they are anxious, fearful or over-excited. Based on surveys completed by over two thousand customers, over 80% of dogs show significant improvement in symptoms when using Thundershirt. Thundershirt is already helping tens of thousands of dogs around the world, and is recommended by thousands of veterinarians and dog trainers." You can read more about How It Works on the Thundershirt Web site.

THE TEST:

Meet Molly.

Molly is a two year old Schnauzer with significant aggression and anxiety issues. She was surrendered by her owner to Schnauzer Rescue Florida and was then adopted by her foster, Karan - who also happens to be my Mom.

So, as an experiment, we have ordered Molly a thundershirt and it is currently being shipped our way.

Stay tuned for our findings in the weeks ahead.

It sure appears to be a great concept!

M.J.