The Toronto Pet Daily

Here Are Just 3 Of The "Pets Are Family" Photo Contest Entries So Far

2012-02-22T14:54:00.000-05:00

Remember,you have until Friday at 6:00PM to enter your family photo on the Toronto Pet Daily Facebook page. Good luck all!

Some Interesting Stats On How Canadians View Their Pets

2012-02-22T14:05:00.000-05:00

Is your family dog an alarm clock, personal trainer or therapist?

Thinking of buying that house? Check with your four-legged family member first. According to the Dog Chow^® Family Poll eight in 10 Canadian dog owners take their canine companions into account when making decisions about vacations, homes and car purchases. Even more, over half of current owners spend more time with their loved ones because they have a dog and the majority (85%) speak to their dogs like a full-fledged family member. And when it comes to finding the perfect role model, 40 per cent of Canadian owners look to their family dog – which comes as no surprise given their enthusiasm for life, unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and their ability to easily forgive. With this new found status, are Canadian families going to the dogs? The answer is yes.

“It’s not surprising the Dog Chow Family Poll revealed that Canadians consider their dogs to be full-fledged family members, and treat them like anyone else in the pack,” says dog behaviourist and trainer Jill Priest. “The human-canine relationship has been evolving for thousands of years and continues to grow and change as dogs gain even more prominence within the family.”

Canadian Dog Owners Have Their Say

It may come as no surprise that as a nation many of us (73%) describe the family dog as a playmate, with this number increasing slightly for those with kids (76%). For more than three in ten (34%) owners, the family dog is considered a therapist, followed closely behind by alarm clock (26%) and personal trainer (22%). And for one in four in Quebec and Ontario dog owners, an alarm clock best describes their dog’s role, in comparison to Albertans and British Columbians (22% and 24% vs. 11% and 12%).

Sending a greeting card? For dog owners (current and past), signing for Fido is considered standard practice (45% and 35%). This is especially true for women (41%) and those in Atlantic Canada (41%) and British Columbia (39%). Even more, the family dog rules when Maritimers make decisions about where to live or cars to drive (87%) – and they are also more inclined to speak to their dogs like they are real people (85%). Not to be outdone, over half of Ontarians (53%) claim they spend more time with family because of their family dog, compared to Manitoba / Saskatchewan and Quebec (34% and 36%).

“Whether it’s the daily routine or special events, it’s clear that dogs play a variety of important roles that impact our lives,” says Jill. “But as the family dog gains prominence our responsibility to provide him with the skills he needs to function within the home – and in public – increases. Whether it’s training, feeding or just heading out for the daily walk, successful dog care is a family affair.”

Working closely with the experts at Dog Chow, Jill has created some easy tips to help Canadian families make the most out of their canine relationships – just in time for Family Day and March Break.

· Leaders Not Littermates: Children should take on smaller tasks such as feeding, positive treat training and walking the dog to ensure the family dog understands his position in the pack

· Consistency is Key: And when it comes to timing for feeding, exercise and discipline, getting on the same page as an entire family is a great way to bring everyone together and assign responsibilities.

o Encourage everyone to feed the family dog at the same time every day and make sure they know the right amount of food to serve up. According to Priest, a trusted kibble such as Dog Chow ensures complete nutrition for the family dog no matter who is in charge.

· The Changing Face of the Canadian Family: Preparing furry family members in advance of big adjustments requires everyone to work together. If change is on the horizon, whether it’s a new baby or a new house, Jill recommends the following:

o Stay on Schedules – fluctuating timing for walks and feeding can throw your dog off and create anxiety. Try to keep regular schedules to reduce furry worry.

o Build Familiarity with Surroundings – try walking the family dog in your new neighbourhood in advance of a move. Or, if a baby’s on the way, introduce him children of friends and family so he understands what is expected.

o Socializing with Smells – dogs can be led by the nose! If there are new family members joining the fold (human or canine), bring in items like clothes or toys and let your family dog get used to the new smells.

o Everyone Plays a Part – no matter who is in the pack everyone should have a role and take time to interact with the family dog. This will ensure he is comfortable and happy no matter what life brings.

“Life is truly better with our furry family members,” says Jill. “By working together as a family we can ensure our dogs are comfortable and happy no matter what life brings.”

Cosmopawlitan Pet Boutique + Spa Hosting Grooming Seminar On Saturday

2012-02-21T14:47:00.000-05:00

Lost Cat - Blue (Last Seen Bloor/Dufferin) Domestic Grey Longhair

2012-02-20T10:49:00.000-05:00

-domestic long hair, all grey

-male, neutered, declawed

-was wearing a white flea collar

-name is Blue

-last seen in Bloor/Dufferin area

-owner moved to Toronto from Sudbury, allowed Blue out of his carrier the day of the move (Dec 15) and only discovered that he had gone missing two hours later - door was left open during move

-cat and owner don't know Toronto so the cat isn't likely to head "home"

-owner is Justin Lask, 647-909-4719

Found Cat - Pumpkin (North Park Drive)

2012-02-20T10:46:00.001-05:00

I found (North Park Drive) a female tabby (domestic shorthair), maybe less than a year old. According to her tag, her name is Pumpkin. Sadly, no more information.

My phone number is 647 342 4484.

Lost Yellow Lab - Johnny (Queen/Broadview)

2012-02-19T17:13:00.000-05:00

Pet Social Hosting Free Training Session On February 25

2012-02-19T10:35:00.000-05:00

Expert Dog Training ....that gets results!

Kameron & Brad Pattison

I am Kameron Cuk and I have been training dogs and helping families for the last 5 years, but life REALLY changed for me 4 years ago when I met Brad Pattison from the show “At The End of My Leash”& " Puppy S.O.S"…. I was the first Certified Trainer of Brads in Ontario and since then have gone on to joining Brad and his K9 Rescue Team and travelling to such places as Puerto Rico, Haiti, and Dominican Republic working with rescue organizations in those countries.

I am also the CTE Course Instructor for Eastern Canada and have had the privilege of educating, mentoring, and graduating students in Ontario as well as Nova Scotia.

I have been working with clients and their unruly dogs for the past 4 years and this all happened because I couldn’t get proper help and education about dog ownership. I absolutely love teaching clients how to achieve their goals, it is an amazing feeling when you see them reach that moment where they understand their dogs needs and have the relationship they were looking for.

“I know my dog can be awesome, but all the training I have done up to now hasn’t helped”, this is a common sentence amongst my clients when I first meet them. We can all have amazing dogs with unique personalities, but are you willing to have a standard and stick with it?

My goals are to educate you about our furry friends, to teach you training skills, and do it all in our urban environment. This is where training needs to happen; in your everyday surroundings because this is your real life and being able to integrate training into your lifestyle is what will make you successful!

Happy Valentail's!

2012-02-10T16:02:00.000-05:00

It's time for a break ya'll....a warm, sunny, coconut mojito infused break! If you come across any important news or events in the next week, be sure to post them to the TPD Facebook page so everyone can be kept up to date. In the meantime, here's some stuff to keep you occupied :

Enter the latest photo contest.
Check out the sometimes cute, sometimes hilarious, and sometimes strange videos in the TPD video section.
Browse through the directory of services at the top of the page.
Keep up to date on the upcoming debate in the Ontario legislature on BSL (Breed Specific Legislation)
Catch up on the most popular posts since the beginning of the TPD!

And now here's to love!

The Latest Photo Contest - Pets Are Family!

2012-02-10T15:47:00.001-05:00

"We are fam-i-ly....I got all my poochies with me!"....and kitties, and fish, birds, reptiles, hamsters, gerbils etc..

For the latest photo contest upload your pictures that represent your pet(s) as part of the family. It could be a holiday shot from the past season, a professional shoot you've had done, all of you playing in the yard together, the kids feeding the fishies....or anything you think is appropriate. Remember, your family might be comprised of just you and your beloved pet, and if that's the case, just make sure you upload the two of you together (not just a photo of your pets all by themselves....we want to see them as PART of the family!

Upload your pics to The Toronto Pet Daily Facebook Page.

The deadline to upload is February 24 at 6:00 PM. As usual, the judges (myself, Erin from Pet Care And The City, and Meg from Dog Photography by Meg Coyne will determine the top ten photos, which will then be posted on the blog for a week of voting. Good luck all!

1st Prize : "The Yap" - An amazing photo session by Meg Coyne (value $175)
$50.00 gift card to Cineplex Entertainment so the family can enjoy a flick
$50.00 to the rescue or shelter of your family's choice

2nd Prize : $50.00 to the rescue or shelter of your family's choice

3rd Prize : $50.00 to the rescue or shelter of your family's choice

Business Spotlight – Dog Photography By Meg Coyne

2012-02-09T14:37:00.000-05:00

Dog lover + dog photographer, Meg Coyne loves to capture natural, soulful images of the dogs she photographs.

Meg started photographing dogs at a very young age – filling albums and albums of ‘heart shaped’ images of Clancy, her beloved Shih Tzu and even expanded to photographing the neighbouring dogs. But never in her wildest dreams did she think that almost 20 years later she would be pursuing a career of it!

Dog photography by Meg Coyne aims to create meaningful, natural images that celebrate our four legged friends but also provide visual memories for the future. And so her approach to photographing dogs is simple – she enters their world and just lets them be themselves. By working on-location in the dog’s environment, she is able to create a fun, relaxed photography session that is specifically tailored to the dog and designed to bring out their personality and unique character.

With three sessions (varying in price points) along with a puppy package (three sessions within the first year) and an immediate, discounted session for aging dogs – there is something for every dog owner! She also offers a full range of premium prints and gorgeous products from brag books and personal stationary to framed art and gallery wrapped canvas.

Meg provides dog photography services to Toronto and Southern Ontario and is available for travel and editorial assignments. Visit her website for more information and photos… www.dogphotographytoronto.com

As an exclusive offer, become a fan on Facebook and receive 10% off all session prices! Any session that is booked by February 29th and is issued within a six month period. Why not become a fan now…

Dog Focus Group Paying $100 Minimum

2012-02-06T15:13:00.000-05:00

Here's A Cool Video On Prosthetic Limbs For Pets

2012-02-06T15:08:00.002-05:00

Here Are The Winning Kitty Photo Contest Entries!

2012-02-05T17:11:00.000-05:00

1st place - Chance, Norton, Owl, Kiki, Phum, Jack, & Cassius
win $100 (or $14.28 each) and $100 for their favourite rescue!

2nd Place - Calvin wins $50.00!

3rd Place - Zggy With An "i" wins $50.00

3rd place - Evelyn wins $50.00!

Congrats to all, the entries were amazing, and since there was a tie for third place, both entrants win $50.00. I'm off to contact the winners.....details about our next photo contest are coming this week.

Here Are The Top Ten Kitty Photo Contest Entries!

2012-02-01T21:26:00.001-05:00

Here you go all, vote on the top right of the blog until February 5 at 5:00 PM. The winner will receive $100 and $100 for their favourite rescue or shelter, and 2nd and 3rd each get $50! You can only vote once. Best of luck all. Special thanks to the judges who helped me choose the top 10, Erin from Pet Care and the City and Illona from Scruffy Dog Photography. For the record, most of my top choices made the top 10, so you can hollar at our wonderful judges with any complaints. Please don't though, as they're the best. The winner will be announced on February 6.

Cody

Jangles & Biggie

Elvira

Scamp

Tito & Tesla

Zggy With An "i"

Calvin

Chance, Norton, Owl, Kiki, Phum, Jack, & Cassius

Evelyn

Miss Whoopi Goldberg

Have The Four Dogs "Rescued" From A House In Peterborough Seen A Vet Yet? Of Course Not

2012-01-31T21:17:00.002-05:00

And so it continues....for those following, and there are more than a few, I can say that for some reason there still seem to be some defenders of Storm's Animal Allies and Give A Dog A Second Chance, though not many. I have received emails telling me it is unfair to not let their respective representatives speak on the issue. With that in mind, I messaged the founder of Storm's Animal Allies (at her request) last night. I addressed all of the concerns that people have. I did not hear back from her. Today I messaged both representatives and posed several questions to them. Here are some of those questions :

To the founder of Give A Dog A Second Chance :

1. Is your organization "Give A Dog A Second Chance" a registered charity in Canada? Who is the individual in charge at Give A Dog A Second Chance? Answer : No answer has yet been sent to torontopetdaily@gmail.com

2. How did the four dogs from Peterborough end up in your hands? Did you have a legal right to obtain them? Were you accompanied by the police or media when you obtained the dogs? Are you claiming or have you claimed legal responsibility for these dogs? Answer : Nothing yet

3. You stated that you were informed about the dogs after a bank called the property manager of the foreclosed property. What is the contact information for the property manager? Did the property manager give you the legal right to enter the premises? Answer : Nothing yet

4. Why did the dogs not receive medical attention between Wednesday January 25 and yesterday, January 30. At the beginning, it was stated that the dogs needed immediate emergency care. Answer : Nothing yet

5. Have the dogs been to the vet today, as was promised this morning? Answer : Nothing yet

6. What is your history with the founder of Storm's Animal Alliance? Why did she assume responsibility for fund raising for these dogs? Why did you, since the dogs were in your possession, not take on fund raising efforts through your own rescue organization, Give A Dog A Second Chance? Answer : Nothing yet

7. Why did you turn down an offer from Helping Homeless Pets to help provide emergency boarding, vetting, and foster care and adoption for these dogs? Answer : Nothing yet

8. Is it true that there are either one or two outstanding warrants for your arrest in the United States? Answer : Nothing yet

9. You have stated that the dogs can not be placed into the hands of Helping Homeless Pets as there is an ongoing legal investigation into the situation. Can you explain then why two of these four dogs have been placed for adoption on the Give A Dog A Second Chance's website? Answer : Nothing yet

10. Where are the other two dogs that have not been listed for adoption? Answer : Nothing yet

To the founder of Storm's Animal Alliance :

1. Is your organization "Storms Animal Allies" a registered charity in Canada? Answer : Nothing yet

2. What is your history with the founder of "Give A Dog A Second Chance"? How and why did you assume responsibility for fund raising for these dogs? Why did you not leave fund raising efforts to "Give A Dog A Second Chance"? Answer : Nothing yet

3. Are you aware that the founder of Give A Dog A Second Chance has at least one known outstanding warrant for animal cruelty in the United States? Answer : Nothing yet

4. If your organization is an animal advocacy group, why do you solicit donations? Do you offer receipts for charitable donations? Answer : Nothing yet

5. With respect to an ongoing investigation, on your website you ask that anyone with information that can lead to a conviction to contact you via personal email. Why do you not direct them to contact legal authorities? Did the OPP or OSPCA instruct you to solicit such information from people? Answer : Nothing yet

6. With respect to the four dogs rescued from Peterborough, you stated on your Facebook page around 1:00 PM today that you were able to get the funds to treat these dogs. Why then at 4:15 PM is there still a ChipIn fund soliciting donations? Answer : Nothing yet

7. Again with respect to the Peterborough dogs, when did you become aware of the situation? When asked why you did not contact other animal rescue organization for assistance, you stated that you did and each one of them turned you down. What are the names of the rescue organizations you contacted? Answer : Nothing yet

I have received no responses from either individual. Both have posted vague information on Facebook directed at me, though that is unacceptable. The above questions are not difficult to answer. If I receive any response, I will post the answers above. If after reading the facts and you are still a staunch supporter of either of these two organizations then clearly there is nothing I can say. If you think it's okay for four dogs who have been defecating drywall and cloth and dog leashes to not be seen by a vet immediately (last Wednesday), evidently nothing will change your mind. For those with common sense who see this inaction for what it is : ANIMAL ABUSE, I applaud you for continuing to monitor and dissect each and every action taken by these two groups today and every day until they are shut down.. These people in their twisted minds state that they are the ones helping the animals. Hopefully one day soon they will be able to reflect long and hard on this sentiment from inside a prison cell.

As it stands 6:45 this evening, the vet clinic has been questioned and the dogs are still not there (though Storm's Animal Allies vehemently maintain on their Facebook page this is not true, the dogs were there at 3:30.....they may want to ask why the staff at the veterinary office is lying to the public). Two dogs are still posted for adoption on Give A Dog A Second Chance's website.

For further reading on this topic from The Toronto Pet Daily, click this link (you'll want to read from the bottom up).

For even more, check out Tailspin.

For The Seventh Year, Global Pet Foods Helps Homeless Pets With Its' "Show Us Your Heart" Campaign

2012-01-31T17:54:00.001-05:00

Latest On The "Storm's Animal Allies"/"Give A Dog A Second Chance" Saga

2012-01-30T08:24:00.003-05:00

To catch yourself up on the details (and judging by countless emails I have received most of you are up to date) you simply need to read the two posts below. Here is where things stood as of last night :

An incredible offer to get these four dogs the veterinary care they so desperately need was posted to Storm's Animal Allies Facebook page. Here is what will be provided for the dogs :

1. Veterinary fees that the rescue group will no longer have to concern itself with
2. Transportation
3. Foster care and placing these four dogs into loving homes provided by Helping Homeless Pets, one of the most reputable no-kill shelters in in Toronto. It is comprised of nearly 100 no-kill local rescue organizations from across the country.

It would be unfathomable if these two rescue groups did not accept this incredible offer with open arms. The rescue group has stated that their detractors (myself included) are slandering them out of our own ego. Well here you go folks, I've checked my ego at the door. And now it is time for these rescue groups to do the same. Are we going to be looking at yet another excuse as to why these dogs can't immediately be put in the hands of a vet and Helping Homeless Pets? In my mind, anything else is not acceptable. If the group truly is about rescues working together, then clearly there is no reason to avoid this offer.

As it currently stands the dogs have still not been to a vet.

*Correction : Storm's Animal Alliance is not a rescue group, rather an advocate group. I apologize for the mistaken label.

An Open Letter To Storm's Animal Allies And Give A Dog A Second Chance

2012-01-28T15:59:00.002-05:00

Earlier today, an individual posted on the Storm's Animal Allies Facebook page that they would be willing to cover the cost of vet care for these dogs. Your response? You banned that individual from your Facebook page and deleted all of her posts. I am wondering what it is you have to hide. Here you have one tremendous woman who has offered to pay the veterinary costs, until such time that she can be reimbursed (and I'm sure this will be a hefty amount) to get these dogs the care they so desperately need NOW.

Here is what I propose. Take these dogs to the vet today. Do not offer the excuse that "they are too scared". All you need is a vehicle. Don't even bother with an excuse on this one. That means that all four of these dogs that you desperately want to help will be receiving medical care in a matter of HOURS.

Yes, IT IS THAT SIMPLE, and if you refuse to act on this suggestion, you will have only yourselves to blame for anything that happens to those poor dogs.

It is now time to do the right thing.

The woman who has so kindly offered to help has already been in contact with the vet willing to receive these dogs. You will be able to reimburse her through the donations you have already received on your donation page. Your page displays that you have so far received $310...that's a wonderful start to helping this woman who has, out of the kindness of her heart, taken it upon herself to front the funds necessary so these dogs have a chance.

I'll even offer a second suggestion, not that it should be needed. If you are still wary of accepting money from this individual, call some of the nearly 100 registered animal rescues in Ontario. Tell them you will turn the dogs over to them, as they will have the funds, foster, vet, and proper adoption methods to help these suffering dogs.

Do yourselves a favour and attempt to restore any reputation you may have once had before it's too late.

Groups "Storm's Animal Allies" And "Give A Dog A Second Chance" Facing Accusations Of Deceiving Donors

2012-01-28T14:10:00.012-05:00

This is what I was talking about last week folks....questionable "rescues" on Facebook. In the past two days, two groups are under the microscope. Here is what we know :

On it's Facebook page, a group going by Storm's Animal Allies is requesting donations to assist four dogs that "Give A Dog A Second Chance" rescue claim to have rescued from a Peterborough home. In addition, the group states it is working together with Give A Dog A Second Chance Rescue. The second group has faced accusations for quite some time, and you can read the facts here (I recommend a thorough read, as the blog demonstrates how these "rescues" change their stories, and even their names, all in the hopes of deceiving donors). In fact, it's founder has an outstanding warrant for animal cruelty charges in New York.

Here is where I draw the line : DO NOT DONATE DIRECTLY TO ANY RESCUE GROUPS UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE YOUR HOMEWORK!!! A couple days ago, people began questioning Storm's Animal Allies. When they requested information as to which vet is supposedly looking after the animals, they were told the information was confidential. It was not until today when some serious backlash began that the group posted the vet's information and said that people could donate directly to the vet (they had previously only accepted donations to their own account). By the way, when concerned individuals called the vet this morning the vet informed these people that Storm's Animal Allies had never even contacted them. It wasn't until this fact came to light that the group frantically called the vet about the dogs.

When a group solicits YOUR money with a panicked request, as Storm's Animal Allies did on their Facebook page...."PLEASE HELP...THEY NEED EMERGENCY ARE (sic) IMMEDIATELY...We have no funds left" a giant red flag needs to go up. Let me see, the group supposedly rescued these four dogs, who are in deplorable condition, and they haven't seen a vet yet? The group itself says that the dogs were eating their own leashes and drywall out of starvation. GET THESE DOGS TO A VETERINARIAN NOW! How dare you use the excuse that you don't have the funds. If you don't have the funds, contact other rescue groups that do. You know, the ones who actually have the foresight to have a bank account with reserved funds for when something like this arises? You could even try one that's actually a registered charity!

If this is all true, then to Storm's Animal Allies and Give A Dog A Second Chance Rescue I say this : "Your days are numbered." I know from experience, true animal lovers will not stop until all the facts are uncovered, and will go to the highest authorities in doing so.

If none of this is true, I welcome any representative from either of these two rescue groups to contact The Toronto Pet Daily and give their side of the story. I simply want the following information :

1. What is your registered charity number?
2. Why haven't these dogs been taken to a vet? If they have eaten what you say they have, one or all four of these dogs face imminent danger, and could die any minute.
3. Why did you inform the vet this morning (when you FINALLY called), that the dogs were "too scared" to bring them, and you would wait until Monday?
4. Do you offer charitable receipts for individuals who turn over their hard earned money to help these animals?
5. Do you have DOCUMENTED proof of all the dogs that you reportedly "saved", as listed on your website success stories? Which vets have you taken them to? I'm sure these wonderful vets would be more than proud to share your limelight.

In case some of you are wondering why I haven't afforded these two groups the opportunity to comment yet, it's because I have seen first hand through Facebook the information changing and changing. Once these groups can get their stories straight, I welcome any such response. I would really like to give the two groups the benefit of the doubt, but unfortunately I can not do that while four sick dogs lie on the floor & the group says they can't do anything until they get donations. That my friends turns these dogs into hostages, waiting for you to pay the ransom.

Feel free to comment and ask any questions you'd like answered by these two groups, and I'll be sure to forward them along. In addition, if you have ever donated to any organization and feel that you have been scammed, report it to the OPP fraud department.

You can read my previous post on this issue on this page, and you can read even more on Tailspin. I highly recommend Tailspin, it's always thought provoking.

Lost Grey Cat - Sheppard/Bathurst

2012-01-27T13:33:00.000-05:00

My cat has been missing since wed Jan 25th at night near Bogert ave (Sheppard and Bathurst). He's 7 months old, male, grey with some white lines around his face and paws. I am offering a $100 reward if a tip leads to his rescue or if found. Thank you for your help.

sharifpour464@hotmail.com

Contributor Ingrid Castro From Leash & Paws Speaks About The Benefits Of Raw Food

2012-01-27T13:28:00.001-05:00

Recently I have received many inquiries regarding raw food. Overall, we have had Chino on raw dog food for almost a year and have been extremely delighted with it some of the benefits that we have experienced from doing so are as follows:

Less shedding
Clean teeth (no need for brushing or dental vet visits)
Smaller stools
We have visited the vet once for a routine visit and shots (whereas before we were constantly there because he was scratching excessively until he bled from allergic reactions)
Regulated his weight gain as a puppy he did not get big rapidly – gradual weight increase
Helped with muscle development because he is chewing through bones etc.
Shiny coat

Feeding a raw food diet also gives your dog a large variety that kibble does not. You can feed a wide range of different proteins such as:

Fish (rich in omega which helps with shiny coats, mackerel and salmon are good)
Pork
Beef
Chicken
Turkey
Duck
Lamb
Venison
Eggs

Raw food is fed depending on your dog’s weight and activity level there are various raw food calculators online that will calculate the amount of food you should be feeding your dog, usually it is between 2-3% of their weight. At first it is recommended that you stick to one protein source before introducing the vast variety.

Many people believe that raw food is very pricey but dependent on how much of it you are feeding it can cost as low as $1.50 a day depending on the protein you are feeding and weather you are buying bulk from a butcher or commercial packaged at your local pet store. Feeding raw does not mean that you are buying your dog a New York T-bone steak all the time sometimes organ meats and bones with a bit of meat are sufficient enough for a meal depending on the weight and at your local butcher these are the meats that no one wants therefore they are discounted.

Unlike changing your dog’s dry kibble food which is recommended you do it gradually over a period of time the switch from dry to raw can be done cold turkey without the huge side effects that come from switching from one dry food to another.

Various myths surround the feeding of raw food ranging from bones being dangerous for your dogs (when raw they are not dangerous, chicken bones are soft and bendable when raw when a chicken bone is cooked it when it becomes an issue and can splinter and become a choking hazard).

Another common myth is that dogs become aggressive after eating raw food because they get a taste for blood this is completely FALSE. Think about it when you eat sushi or a steak do you become an aggressive blood sucking vampire? Exactly.

If you are thinking of feeding your dog raw keep in mind that dogs do not NEED vegetables and fruit but if you’d like to incorporate them into their diet be sure to puree them (think baby food) so that they are able to digest them properly and they should also be raw not cooked as they lose nutritional value. You can also add raw eggs to your dogs food and it’s an added treat for them.

Also keep in mind that cats can also be on a raw food diet, for those of you who own both – having one source of food for both animals could be easier.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to comment on our blog directly or email

info@leashandpaws.com
www.leashandpaws.com

Editor's Note : For Dr. Cliff's recent opinions on the raw food debate, click here.

New Dog Walking And RUNNING Business Serving Toronto

2012-01-26T16:08:00.002-05:00

There's a new dog walking business in town. But that's not all.....they also do dog RUNNING! Toronto Dog Runners is ready to take your energetic pups on some great runs. I can say from years of experience, some dogs really do need a good run, above and beyond fun play time in the park. For next month, Toronto Dog Runners is offering the following special :

"We're new on the scene and very excited so we've decided to offer a 1-month only deal at $15/day (reg $20) for all runs this coming February! Just in time for the weather you might not want to deal with and a good time to start getting your pup more active!!"

Head on over to the Toronto Dog Runners Facebook page and help them off to a running start (like I could resist that). Share your tips and stories of running with your doggies!

Mysteries Of The Animal Mind - Tonight On The Nature Of Things

2012-01-26T14:05:00.000-05:00

Any pet owner knows their cat, dog or budgie has feelings. But many scientists considered it absurd to entertain questions about how animals might feel or that they might be thinking—it was unacceptable to ascribe experiences like delight, boredom or self-awareness to non-humans. Now scientists are exploring the complex mysteries of the animal consciousness.

Tonight The Nature of Things with David Suzuki is featuring a special episode for animal lovers. Mysteries of the Animal Mind is airing Thursday January 26, 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), on CBC Television. Here we will meet the researchers who are finding growing evidence of compassion, cooperation, altruism, empathy, intelligence and communication in all sorts of different species. We’ll meet Diana Reiss of Hunter College who takes viewers underwater at the Baltimore Aquarium. She discovers that dolphins can recognize themselves—joining a select group known to have this ability.

I'll be watching this....it looks pretty cool!

So Touching - Watch One Very Scared Shelter Puppy Turn Into A Bundle Of Love!

2012-01-25T15:17:00.002-05:00

The First Photo Contest Of 2012 Is Here.....MEOW Your Way To 100 Bucks!!

2012-01-23T15:45:00.001-05:00

That's right, it's time we paid attention to those kool kitties. So many of you comment that there's not enough love for cats on the TPD, and while you may be right, there's a good reason : Dogs are simply cooler than cats. Don't agree? Then prove me wrong by sharing the best pic you've got of your cat(s) with all of us! For the record I kinda love cats, even though my 21 year old girl Lucy did spend most of her life plotting against me, using the jump/scamper tactic on me countless times throughout the nights.

Here's what to do :

1. Share your photo on either the petbusinesses.ca Facebook page or the Toronto Pet Daily Facebook page. Please include cats' names as well! You've only got 10 days to do so.

2. On February 2, the top 10 entries will be posted on the site. These will be determined by myself, Illona from Scruffy Dog Photography, and Erin from Pet Care And The City. There will then be three days of voting by the TPD readers.

3. The top three will be announced on February 6.

Here's what you can win :

1. The first place prize is $100.00 cash, as well as $100.00 donated to the shelter or rescue organization of the winner's choice.

2. The second & third place finishers will each win $50.00.

Good luck kitties!