Buying a Puppy for Christmas ...food for thought!

Who wouldn't want to see a puppy wrapped in a bow underneath the tree on Christmas morning? A dog is on many children's lists to Santa! But as the young animals grow, so do the responsibilities.


When you're searching for the animal that may share your home for the next 15 to 20 years, you don't want to make an impulse buy. Kittens and puppies aren't like other gifts you can return.

The president of the Aiken, South Carolina SPCA Gary Willoughby said, "This isn't something that's like exchanging a gift, it's really a long term commitment."

But it's a commitment that too many times is forgotten as soon as the holidays are over. Not to mention many of the animal shelters are FULL of unwanted Christmas gifts in January.

"It really breaks our heart when we see animals coming back to any shelter after the season is over," Willoughby, said. Willoughby said the best time to bring an animal home is before Christmas, "Get a puppy or kitten a couple weeks before Christmas. That way you have enough time to think it through before you have everyone come over and your house is really crazy." Willoughby also recommends picking the pet with the entire family; so you can decide which animal will be the best long-term fit for your family.

As you search for the perfect pooch, beware of puppy scammers; there are plenty of bogus web sites, shelters and breeders. These scammers may sell you animals that aren't healthy, have been interbreed, or lived in cruel conditions. Do your research first! You can protect yourself by checking their credentials, because you can't be too careful when choosing your loved ones next best friend. After all, getting the right puppy for Christmas is the gift that keeps on giving; no matter what the season.

To check a breeder's credentials, ask the American Kennel Club if they are a member.

If you're interested in adopting a puppy, check your local shelter first! Also try www.petfinder.com


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Introducing Lady Greyhound of the Greyhound Bus Lines

Lady GreyhoundThe Greyhound Lines Bus Company used a greyhound dog for their mascot in the 1950s. Greyhound dogs have been known for their great speed and agility and have often been used in racing. Today many families have adopted Greyhounds, and they make wonderful pets.
The Greyhound Lines had used the greyhound symbol since the 1920s, but by the 1950s, the company was competing with the increase of the private car ownership. Grey Advertising, Greyhound's advertising agency, came up with a marketing campaign using an animal mascot. The first dog to take the mantle was a white and gold greyhound born on January 28, 1957 in Kansas. Her TV career began as a puppy in a Greyhound TV commercial for The Steve Allen Show where she was dubbed "Steverino." The Greyhound Bus Company was a sponsor for the show until 1959. The Dog Welfare Guild chose her as Queen of National Dog Week the same year. She also had her own fan clubs, was a symbol of a Philadelphia safety campaign and was insured by Lloyd's for $300.000.
When the Greyhound company stopped its sponsorship of The Steve Allen Show in March 1959, the dog was renamed Lady Greyhound and the name change was announced in two Jack Benny programs. She was outfitted with a diamond-studded tiara and collar. She also gave birth to three puppies on June 18, 1959, and they were given away to children.
In the beginning of the 1960s, Lady Greyhound continued to appear on television, in charity events and public parades. In 1961, she was the symbol for World Animal Day. She was able to appear all over the country because she traveled mainly by plane.
Lady Greyhound had a whole wardrobe with traveling coats and mufflers. She was the dog fashion star of her day. She appeared in hospitals, gave "interviews" in radio and TV, and she also appeared with models in fashion events and department stores. In 1963, Lady Greyhound attended the New York World's Fair where she had her own fashion show and handed out "pawtographs." The Lady Greyhound campaign ended in 1970. Perhaps, she was the forerunner of Pawlaps Parties for Dogs!

Information for this blog article was seen on TV and also on Wikipedia. Written by Nathan S., Paw Laps Intern

 

Dog-Gone It! My Pal Has Arthritis..

Arthritis is a common disease that affects dogs. Just as with humans, arthritis is more likely to get worse with age. The larger breeds of dogs such as the Golden Retriever and German shepherd are more likely to be affected than small breed dogs, but small dogs are not immune to arthritis by any means. Heavy and overweight dogs are more likely to experience symptoms because of the extra strain placed on ligaments and joints. It is estimated that over 30% of dogs do suffer from some form of arthritis, and it is the responsibility of the dog owner to notice the changes. There are many clear signs and symptoms that your dog will display when arthritis is affecting them. It is the pet owner’s responsibility to notice the changes and find some form of treatment to help their dog. Once the arthritis has been correctly diagnosed it can be treated effectively. Reducing the pain and swelling that the arthritis is causing is the best way that this condition can be treated. If you do not notice the differences in your dog, and symptoms that they are displaying the arthritis can be incredibly painful. You may also notice that it can lead to other health problems, and may result in death.

As your dog gets older they will sleep far more than usual, and may have problems walking, standing and sitting. These are extremely common signs of arthritis and you need to keep an eye on your dog. Healthy dogs will be able to climb stairs and go for walks with no problems; however, a dog with arthritis will display a reluctance to perform these tasks. Any unusual behavior by your dog should be investigated, and if in doubt a professional opinion should be sought.

written by Nathan S., Pawlaps Intern

1010 WINS 9/11 Series: Rescue Dogs Honored For Efforts After Attacks

1010 WINS 9/11 Series: Rescue Dogs Honored For Efforts After Attacks

Springtime is finally here, Let's Pawty!!

As the weather proceeds into that of springtime breezes and warm, calm nights there is no better time to have a Pet Pawty.

At Paw Laps we understand the essence of glamour, comfortability, and fun as it pertains to pups and with it being spring, we know that there is no better time to plan a grand pet pawty outdoors! Beautiful weather, green pastures, and pet pawties were made for each other and with a pet pawty in the spring time by Paw Laps, there is no better way to take advantage of this weather. Besides, your four legged pal would love to dress to impress in weather like this and every pawed pal knows that green grass and aqua skies are compatible with every Dog. If you're not sure how you'd like to go about showing your pet and some of his/her anipals a good time, just visit our website at www.pawlaps.com and check out some of our spring time events. You and your pup are sure to be the highlight of this spring with a pet pawty so check us out and have a Spring Time blast worth sharing!
~ William Parks, Intern Paw Laps

Paw Laps is Hiring an Intern

Paw Laps is the Perfect Pet Pawty Planner specializing in pet pawties/events; gourmet treats/snacks/ice cream; and customized gifts/gift baskets. Located in Atlanta, GA we are currently looking for a Marketing Intern. This is a part-time unpaid internship that has the potential to turn into a permanent position, if interested. We are requiring a minimum of 8 hours per week but no more than 15 hours per week. This position can be tailored to your interest or background. Most of the work can be done from home, with an in person weekly to bi-weekly meeting. Contact and guidance can be as little or as often as required by the individual. We are here to teach and help you grow. Successful interns will receive a letter of recommendation, networking exposure to others in the industry and have sufficient work experience to put on their resume for an entry-level position in the field.

POSITION FOCUS:
- Marketing Research & Analysis
- Social Media Marketing
- Internet Marketing
- Marketing Communications
- Event Planning

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Assists with market research, coordination and implementation of strategic marketing plans.
- Maintain accounts and develop content for Social Media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and other networking sites.
- Assists with website updates and maintenance, SEM (Search Engine Marketing) programs, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) research and updating. Weekly reporting on website analytics data.
- Work may include but not limited to collateral development, promotions, press releases, newsletter and blog content.
- Maintenance of Client Database and newsletter distribution.
- Assists in establishing database of news media contacts. Analyzes impact of news media relations programs.
-Occasional Event Planning Assistance and Appearances

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

- Must have access to a computer with Internet.
- Must be a highly motivated, organized, self starter with the ability to manage multiple projects.
- Must have a basic understanding of Marketing principles.
- Must be proficient in MS Office & Internet.
- An interest or love for pets is strongly encouraged.

** NO PHONE CALLS! ** Emails only!!! Tosha@pawlaps.com

Email your resume with a brief cover letter describing why you are interested in the position and why you feel you are the perfect candidate. Please include any supporting documents to support your application (ie. Brief self-commercial, YouTube Video, Sample Marketing Campaign, Brochure/Flyer Design, Writing Sample)

~Paw Laps, LLC is an equal opportunity employer ~

Winterizing the DOG!!

Yappy New Year! Winter in the South is here!! Atlanta has been shut down for the past 2 days and my dog, London Paris, is freezing her tail off… literally!!
Just a few cold weather protection tips for our dogs, so they too can enjoy the New Year with their tails on!

Depending on where you live, winter can mean sub zero temperatures, reasonably mild humid conditions or anything in between these extremes - but wherever you are, you need to be aware of how colder weather can affect your dog's health.
Some dogs are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures, including:
• puppies under six months of age;
• elderly and arthritic dogs who suffer because the cold can make their joints stiff and moving around becomes awkward and painful for them;
• dogs suffering from diabetes, heart disease, a hormone imbalance or kidney disease because they find it hard to regulate their body temperature;
• under weight dogs;
• dog breeds that have short hair;
• small breeds of dogs
• dogs with short legs because when you're out walking in the snow their chests and tummies are more likely to be in contact with the snow.
Cold dogs can suffer from hypothermia, and in extreme cases frostbite. Hypothermia occurs when your dog's body temperature drops below it's normal level of 101.5 - 102.5F, and depending on the severity, symptoms can range from shivering to decreased heart and breathing rate, lethargy and collapse. In severe cases hypothermia can prove fatal.

Dogs that are sensitive to the cold and dogs who have been outside in the cold for too long are at an increased risk from hypothermia .
When you're outside with your dog be aware for the signs that (s)he is cold :
• whining
• shivering
• looking anxious,
• slower movements
• looking around for somewhere to hide away from the weather.
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, make your way home as quickly and safely as you can. It would be a good idea to carry your dog if you can - your body heat will help to keep him/her warm. When you are outside with your dog don't forget about the wind chill factor. If you've ever noticed that the windier it is the colder it feels then you're experiencing what is known as the wind chill factor. So before going outside, put a coat or sweater on your pooch to help shield the wind chill factor. Speaking of the wind chill factor, the wind carries away our body heat very quickly, and will do so even quicker when we are wet - this is what makes the temperature feel much colder than it actually is. Being a smaller body mass than us, and more likely to be wet from wading through snow, our dogs will feel the cold more quickly than we will. Here's a quick example of how the wind chill factor works: if the actual temperature is 20F and there is a 20mph wind blowing, then it will feel like the temperature is minus 10F.
For now I’m signing off to help London Paris thaw out her tail!!!!!