Sleep Well Tonight: Schubert Pet Bed by Room & Board

A good night's sleep is just as important to your pet as it is to you, right?  Let your dog or cat slumber in style with Room and Board's bed.  Available in two sizes, the steel frame construction comes equipped with a tastefully simple slipcovered cotton microweave mattress.

Now here's the fun part for all of you design-o-philes.  Nearly all of Room & Board's upholstered pieces are customizable.  That means kitty can count sheep on the print of your choice and you can rest easy knowing her comfort doesn't mean sacrificing your mid-century chic vibe.

*Sweet Dreams*

Visit Room & Board for additional info, swatch selection and ordering information.

Schubert Small Pet Bed Slipcovered in Dorien Oatmeal Fabric $199 + $25 delivery fee

(33" x 20" x 7")

Schubert Large Pet Bed Slipcovered in Dorien Oatmeal Fabric $299 + $25 delivery fee

(45" x 30" x 9")

Now Enrolling: Scott-Fox Training

School's out for summer, but what about Sparky?  Consider this the perfect time to sign up you and your pooch for obedience classes with one of the nation's most respected dog behavioral specialists, Penny Scott-Fox.  

Owner of Scott-Fox Training, she is a a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), Fellow of the Pet Behavior Institute, Durham, England.  Now, after twelve years with the phenomenal Pasadena Humane Society, she has ventured out privately to offer her popular training and agility classes to dogs and their families.  In addition, expanded offerings include practical pet etiquette and hiking excursions. 

Whether Fido was just adopted yesterday or Spot's known sit for years, nearly all pet's can benefit from a group setting with Penny.  Her successful techniques have been covered by media outlets around the world, yet is the consistency and loyalty of her clientele that speaks loudly, including a strong base of recreational training clients focused on agility called Lifers.

Obedience Classes are $150 for five weeks.

Please e-mail PennySF@yahoo.com for availability and a registration form.

Sessions beginning:

Tuesday, August 19th - Adolescent/Adult Basic Class

6:30 PM  Farnsworth Park, Altadena, CA

Tuesday, August 19th - Adolescent/Intermediate Class

8:00 PM Farnsworth Park, Altadena, CA

Thursday, August 21st - Puppy Kindergarten

6:30 PM Farnsworth Park, Altadena, CA

In Session - AKC Canine Good Citizen Class*

8:00 PM, Farnsworth Park, Altadena, CA

* This is an 8-week course priced at $225.

Please visit Scott-Fox Training for additional information.

Coming to Pasadena: TICA Southwest Regional Cat Show

The SoCal ExoTICA Cat Club hosts the Southwest Regional Cat Show this coming weekend, July 26th and 27th, 2008 at the Pasadena Convention Center.  For additional information, please visit the official website and additional links located on the main page.

Heal Your Paws and Your Soul: Pet Massage

Miss Behavin's cat likes to remind her nearly every day what a terrific masseuse she would make.  Kneading and purring, there is no mistaking how much she cares for you.  So this little kitty got her thinking about pet massage, not by, but FOR, pets.  Specifically, cats, dogs and other furry friends.

If you are concerned about the way your pooch is feeling or just want to add a bit of extra pampering into their routine, pet massage may be the solution.  It is a natural way to augment your veterinarian recommended treatment plan and manage-- even improve -- your pet's condition.

Los Angeles-based Licensed Massage Therapist Jessica Dragan practiced Massage Therapy for people before studying pet massage.  She utilized the the feedback and experience gained  and now provides the best techniques for a variety of muscle pains and problems for our four-legged companions.  As Jessica mentions, "Animals experience the same knots, pinched nerves, muscle tension and disease that we do!"  From injuries and arthritis to anxiety, Jessica incorporates Acupressure, Reiki, Swedish, Oscillation, and Trigger Point techniques to address what ails your pet.

Classes are offered in Playa Del Rey, so you too can effectively massage your pet.

Additional classes are scheduled at:

Saturday, September 6th, 2008:  The Bodhi Tree, West Hollywood, CA

Saturday, October 25th, 2008:  Learning Light Foundation, Anaheim, CA

For additional information, visit her website at www.JessicasPetMassage.com or contact by phone at 310.913.3225.

A Puppy for Everyone - Plush Baby

Inspiring and bittersweet, Jana Kohl's book A Rare Breed of Love will leave you wanting more. To learn more.  Do more.  And, of course, cherish the bond between you and your pet all the more.  Her transformative experience with Baby, a puppy mill dog, led her to write, speak out and advocate on behalf of the animals -- past, present and sadly, future -- being treated as commodities rather than the sentient creatures they are.

Now, you too, can snuggle with your own Baby.  Soft plush and unique design co-mingle for a pet-friendly purchase anyone can welcome into her home.

Available online through A Rare Breed of Love catalog.

Plush Baby ($20)

Harry Barker: Good Dog Ceramic Bowls

Abracadabra!  We all know Harry Potter is a wizard.  But who is Harry Barker?  A potter!  Maker of eco-friendly pooch products, you'll be singing the praises of everything he casts a spell upon and then fires in the kiln.  Not only are these ceramics restaurant-quality, they are lead and cadmium free and easy to use.  (Dishwasher and microwave safe, anyone?)  Available in two oh-so-chic tones in three different sizes with graphic French Twig design and signature "Good Dog" banner, consider matching sets for Fido and Fifi. Mais Oui!

Available online at Earth Doggy

Colors: French Blue, French Taupe

Small (10 oz.)     5" x 2"       $22

Medium (30 oz.)   7" x 2.5"    $26

Large (50 oz.)      8" x 3"       $32

Safety First: Pet Tips for a Happy - and Safe - Fourth of July

While everyone is celebrating today, here are a few tips to keep in mind.  Special thanks to the spcaLA for compiling the following list of safety tips for you and your pet.

Firework displays and parties are an American tradition on the Fourth of July.  However, during this time of celebration there are many dangers for our family pets.  Every year around Independence Day shelters fill up with pets, lost and injures as a result of these celebrations.  The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA recommends taking these simple precautions that will help your pet from going astray and save the life of your pet.

• Keep pets safe and secure inside your home or a covered run.
  
• Loud noises, such as fireworks, can cause a dog to jump a fence and run away from home or a cat to hide under a building and stay there for days.
  
• If you're not able to stay home with your pets, keep them in a cool, well-ventilated room during the evening hours with a radio playing softly in the background.  Also make sure that room is very secre as some animals panic and break through windows or screens, and many are killed in traffic as they run away from the noise.
  
• DO NOT tie your dog up outside to keep him/her from escaping.  The loud noise from the fireworks can frighten a dog making the dog more likely to attempt to escape.  Many dogs injure or kill themselves trying to get away when they are tied up.
• ALWAYS make sure to have identification on your pet.  In the unfortunate circumstance your pet escapes this is the best way to ensure you are happily reunited with him or her.

Good Sit, providers of premiere pet care and professional dog walking, suggest the following tips in addition:

• Please remember as you are barbequing  to keep your pets secure and away from the enticing smells -- and hot surfaces and foods -- on and around the area.  Again, keep them safe and secure inside where they are less likely to be inadvertently burned by "counter-surfing" the grill or eating scraps that fall.
  
• Certain common condiments and foods common to picnics, BBQs, bonfires and camping (i.e. onions, chocolate for s'mores) are poisonous to dogs.  Exercise caution and care when bringing your dog to these activities and ask guests to refrain from feeding the dog please.
  
• As a precaution, if you do not have it on hand already, know the number and location of your local, preferred emergency veterinary clinic.
  
• Consider contacting a professional petsitter if you are unable to provide the supervision your pet may require.