Dog Service Network, LLC

Free Dog Calorie Calculator for all Dog Websites

Dog Service Network — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:49:56 +0000

TrainPetDog.com’s Dog Calorie Calculator gives the calorie needs for Dogs based on their age and lifestyle.

West Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) January 4, 2010 — TrainPetDog.com, a long-known resource for free dog training courses and videos, is now offering a free online calculator for website visitors to calculate a dog’s daily calorie count. This Dog Calorie Calculator gives the calorie needs for dogs based on their age and lifestyle. It also suggests the amount of food to feed your dog based on the quality of the dog food.

Now, TrainPetDog.com is proud to announce the offering of this free calculator tool to any dog website owners for use on their pages. Whether the website is about dog training or different types of dog breeds, like a Boston Terrier or Rhodesian Ridgeback, the calculator is free to use. “Because many pet owners are now concerned with the households’ dog diet, including the nutrients and amount of food they should be getting each day.” Nipa, Director of TrainPetDog.com, said. “The Dog Calorie Calculator will help a dog website’s visitors discover the exact calorie requirements for their dog, the ingredients in the food they’re feeding their dog now, and how they should be feeding them.”

While this tool is free, TrainPetDog.com is making this dog calorie calculator available to only a select few dog training and dog-themed websites in order to keep it exclusive and in demand. Dog website owners can get the code now from http://www.trainpetdog.com/calorie-calculator.html.

Besides providing the free dog calorie calculator, TrainPetDog.com offers a wide variety of information for dog owners and enthusiasts. Dog training videos, including the “4 P’s of Dog Training” are popular, as well as summaries on different dog breeds, which dogs shed the most (and how to control it), and which dogs are best for children.

About TrainPetDog.com

Founded 5 years ago by dog enthusiasts, TrainPetDog.com was created with the intention of providing a much-needed resource to help owners train their dogs and puppies, based on their natural breed instincts. Today, the website has more than 875,000 subscribers to their free, breed-specific dog training course. It also has information about all kinds of dog breeds – from small breeds like Italian Greyhounds to large breeds like the Great Dane. The website’s staff is constantly researching, conducting surveys, and experimenting with dog training techniques to ensure that the information provided is the best and most current available. For more information, please visit www.trainpetdog.com.

Source: PR Web

Head Over Tails for Pets Offers Alternatives to Giving Pets as Gifts

Dog Service Network — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:19:02 +0000

Fargo, ND (Vocus/PRWEB ) December 24, 2009 — Giving a live animal as a gift, especially during the holidays, is not in the recipient’s or the animal’s best interest. The holiday season is hectic and puppies, kittens and baby bunnies need a lot of attention and a strict schedule. Head Over Tails for Pets offers are a few creative alternatives to giving the gift of animal companionship.

Give a gift certificate for a local humane society. A pet should be chosen by the potential owner so a personality and lifestyle match can be established. The bond formed at the initial introduction is crucial to the success of the human/animal friendship.

Purchase pet products that are not species or breed specific or a gift certificate with a note sharing the excitement of the future arrival of a new pet.

Give a breed-specific book to assist with planning for the adoption. If no decisions have been made regarding a breed, select a book that will help explore various pet temperaments, grooming requirements, diet restrictions or any special needs.

In the case of a recent loss of a pet, a tasteful memorial such as a stone, marker, urn or a framed photo is a gift that will always be cherished.

Head Over Tails for Pets offers a better way to shop for your dogs and cats. The company specializes in offering the best pet products available, including organic pet food, healthy treats, natural pet supplements and professional grooming tools. At headovertails.com–the premium online pet store–you will find over 500 of the finest products available for your favorite dogs and cats.

Source: PR Web

Holiday Book Sales Raise Funds for Animal Nonprofit Organizations

Dog Service Network — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:20:13 +0000

Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) December 11, 2009 — Animal shelters, rescues and other nonprofit pet-related organizations will see an improved bottom line this holiday if sales of “The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer” go as planned. The new memoir by Denver attorney Doug Koktavy is the centerpiece of a unique fundraising project in which animal groups take home significant slices of the pie.

Koktavy, who has never written a book before but felt driven to share his story about his two dogs, wants to make a difference with this book. In order to offer this program, he is doing the publishing himself and will donate 40% of retail sales to participating nonprofit animal organizations. As partners in this venture, the nonprofits become the salespeople for the book, tapping into their own connections.

The book tells the story of Koktavy’s two sibling Labrador retrievers, who both were diagnosed with terminal illnesses. During the time frames of their illnesses, Koktavy went from basket case to being at peace with the whole situation. Instead of asking why me?, after his first dog died and his second dog got bone cancer he learned to relax and be open to the lessons. Feeling huge gratitude to his dogs, who were his “teachers” during this difficult time, Koktavy in turn wanted to help nonprofit animal organizations in some small way. And when he read that President Barack Obama was calling for “a social innovation framework for the 21st century that reflects a new social contract: citizens actively serving their communities…connecting their services to a larger effort,” his plan fell into place.

Wearing the hat of “cause marketer” now, Koktavy believes help can actually come to nonprofits in a large way through book sales. “Did you know that half of all Americans consider their pets as family members, and another 36 percent say their pets are at least part of the family? That is a huge number of people who will be caring for and outliving their family members,” he says. “My book gives hope and help to them. Nonprofit animal organizations have unique relationships with pet people, and since many nonprofits are struggling to keep their doors open these days, what better way to help the community than through a fundraiser involving purchases of an animal-related book?”

“The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer: Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Brothers,” published by B Brothers Press, is a hardcover book with 328 pages, numerous photos and illustrations. It is $24.95 and is only available through www.BeezerAndBoomer.com. However, if a copy is purchased through a nonprofit’s link to Koktavy’s website, the nonprofit will earn 40% of the sale.

When he is not publishing and marketing his new book, Doug Koktavy is a creditor’s attorney in Denver. He has played ice hockey and competed in triathlons, and enjoys helping animal organizations when he can.

For more information, visit www.BeezerAndBoomer.com or call 1-888-906-BEEZ. To pass the word along about the B Brothers Project fundraiser, contact your favorite nonprofit animal organization and tell them to sign up at www.BeezerAndBoomer.com/npo.html.

Best Friends Network Charities Challenge Exceeds Goal in Fundraising Drive

Dog Service Network — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:37:43 +0000

(Vocus/PRWEB ) November 24, 2009 — Despite the sluggish economy, Best Friends Animal Society is doing something most other nonprofits would never dream of — allowing other animal groups to fundraise through their website. In just 14 days Best Friends raised $100,000 for homeless pets during this holiday season.

What’s even more shocking is that the national organization has matched people’s donations. Best Friends proves there’s no such thing as friendly competition when it comes to helping homeless pets. The organization’s new charitable arm is boosting collaboration among groups.

Best Friends Network Charities is an outreach program of the national animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Society. On Nov. 9, 2009, Best Friends launched the Double Your Impact Challenge, offering to match people’s donations to their local animal rescue groups participating in the Network Charities program. The original challenge to match donations from Best Friends Animal Society started with the goal of reaching $25,000 in 25 days — in honor of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary year — for a total of $50,000 to be distributed. But that goal was met in just eight days.

“The response to the Best Friends Double Your Impact Challenge was overwhelming. The public has taken the challenge to a new level of serious generosity. With success coming so quickly, we had to double down and let ‘er ride, and then our second goal was met in another six days. So now animal rescue groups across the country will each be getting a share of the $100,000 raised,” said Anna Gonce, associate director of Best Friends’ Community Programs and Services division.

The promotion with the new $50k match ended in just 14 days, on Nov. 22, when the $50,000 was achieved. So far 48 groups have registered.

Network Charities was developed to meet the needs of local rescue organizations that don’t have enough funding, or the ability to build and maintain an online marketing and fundraising campaign. Gonce said Best Friends Network Charities fits with Best Friends’ mission. The mission known as No More Homeless Pets® is aimed at ending the killing of animals in shelters, dedicated to the spay/neuter of all pets, and increasing adoptions of rescued homeless pets.

According to Janet Cain of Lifelong Friends: “The money could not come at a better time, since we have already spent it (thanks to kind-hearted vets extending us credit) to save Lacy the dog. She was starving on the streets and then was the victim of a hit-and-run accident. We are very thankful for these funds.”

The benefits to the local animal rescue groups that participate include:

A free and easy-to-maintain mini website, through which the groups are able to receive online donations
Using the mini website for recruiting volunteers and publicity
Tying into Best Friends Network website traffic, promotions and partnerships

“This is just the start for Best Friends Network Charities and we welcome all registered 501(c)(3) animal welfare groups to apply, to come be part of this unique collaboration. Together we will create a world where there are no more homeless pets. This is the possible dream,” Gonce said.

About Best Friends Animal Society:

Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit, membership organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets®. The society’s leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country’s largest no-kill sanctuary. This work is made possible by the personal and financial support of a grassroots network of members and community partners across the nation. In 2009, Best Friends celebrates its 25th anniversary.

For more information contact:
Barbara Williamson (435) 644-2001 ext. 4408, (435) 689-0200 (cell) or barbara(at)bestfriends(dot)org
John Polis (435) 644-2001 ext. 4858 or johnp(at)bestfriends(dot)org
Temma Martin (801) 953-8876 (cell) or temmam(at)bestfriends(dot)org

Animal and Pet Lover Gifts Top 10 List for Christmas Holiday Season from Anwo.com Animal World

Dog Service Network — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:44:11 +0000

Shopping is always a challenge every Christmas Holiday Season but with the following animal and pet lovers Top 10 gift list the selection process is easier. To find the perfect gift Anwo.com Animal World brings it’s 24 years of experience and ranks the Top 10 animal and pet lover gifts for ideas that show thoughtfulness and are sure to be appreciated.

Chesapeake, VA (PRWEB) November 24, 2009 — Shopping is always a challenge every Christmas Holiday Season but with the following animal and pet lovers Top 10 gift list the selection process is easier. To find the perfect gift Anwo.com Animal World brings it’s 24 years of experience and ranks the Top 10 animal and pet lover gifts for ideas that show thoughtfulness and are sure to be appreciated.

Dog Plush Stuffed Animals are #1 Animal and Pet Lover Gift

1. Dog Plush Stuffed Animals – Toy Plush stuffed animals have come a long way from teddy bears and bunny rabbits and they have never been more popular. With a Portuguese Water dog in the White House even more attention has been brought to dog ownership. “Dog plush stuffed animals allow anyone the opportunity to have their very own dog”. Best of all, dog plush stuffed animal toys are always ready to provide unconditional love and companionship.

2. Wildlife Plush Stuffed Animals – Similarly people who love the allure and enchantment of wild animals can “capture a sense of the untamed spirit in Wildlife plush stuffed animals”. Available in a wide variety of land, sea, and air plush wildlife stuffed animals allow a safe hands up close and personal encounter unavailable with real animals in the wild.

3. Animal Toy Miniatures – When people think of their childhood plastic toy miniatures only cowboys and Indians or army men come to mind. Those days are long gone. Today there is an extensive selection of “animal toy miniatures in safari, dinosaur, farm, ocean, bird, river, prehistoric, mountain, and pet themes”. While children play with animal toy miniatures they sound out and memorize animal names, habitats, diets which spark imagination and creativity.

4. Animal Blanket Throw Tapestries – People spend a lot of time during winter months covering up on the sofa to watch TV or read a book. “Animal blanket throw tapestries can combine love of animals with home decor” and are a perfect solution for warmth on a chilly days. Animal Blankets capture famous wildlife artwork with made in the USA quality that is highly regarded.

5. Dog Blanket Throw Tapestries – Dog blanket throw tapestries also make great gifts. For many pet owners this may be their first Christmas Holiday season without their beloved pet. To lift spirits and help fill the lost love “AKC Breed specific Dog Blanket Throw Tapestries made in the USA” can help soften the sadness and cherish the special lost relationship. Dog blanket throw tapestries are available in most AKC breeds from Australian Shepherd Dogs to Yorkshire Terriers and breeds in between such as Labs, Pugs and Rottweiler.

6. Animal Crossing Signs – Concerned animal and pet lovers utilize Animal Crossing Signs for safety function outdoors, but people’s “creativity and imagination has made Animal crossing signs a top seller”. People receive nicknames like bear or moose, love flamingos, have a snake collection, become an eagle scout, or had an encounter with an opossum. After safety function the possibilities are endless for good humored fun and for America’s economy the animal crossing signs are made in the USA

7. Animal Earrings Gold – Jewelry has long been a favorite gift for both giving and receiving. Animal earrings that depict animals makes it a combination hit for animal and pet lovers. “Animal Earrings Gold Jewelry are beautiful”, handmade, lightweight have a luxurious glimmering shine and best of all they are crafted in the USA,

8. Dog Figurines – For pet lover traditional gift needs, dog figurines are a long time favorite for display in curio cabinets, on mantles or on a desk at work. The relationship between people and their pets always seems to be too brief. “Dog Figurines provide a tribute and a way to help a fond memory last a lifetime”. Sandicast is a popular choice for dog figurines because of their wide selection of realistic, heartfelt dog statues in most AKC dog breeds.

9. Animal Figurines – People love going to the beach and the mountains whenever they go on vacations. “Animal figurines take people away from their busy days to a tranquil peace of mind and relaxation”. Animal figurines like dolphins, pelicans, seagulls, and whales take people back to a sunny summer day at the beach . Other animal figurines like wolf, owl, lion, bobcat, tiger and eagles transport people to windswept mountains and a feeling of the wild.

10. Animal Puppets – Puppets are fun and unpredictable because the personality of the puppeteer is translated through the animal puppet. “Teachers especially love puppets” because they are able to capture the attention of their students which makes education easier and learning more fun.

Still stumped on what to give animal or pet lovers? How about a dog or animal t shirt. What to buy for the couple on your list? “His and her animal or pet lover t shirts provide fashion and fun”. Use the Anwo.com Animal World top 10 animal and pet lover gift list to create smiles and happiness this Christmas Holiday Season.

Access to Dangerous Materials is Biggest Holiday Pet Safety Hazard In and Around Homes, according to Pet Sitters International

Dog Service Network — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:20:17 +0000

King, NC (Vocus) November 13, 2009 — Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters reports that the biggest pet safety hazard consistently witnessed by pet sitters during the holidays is a pet’s access to dangerous materials in the home that can be easily ingested.

PSI recently surveyed its nearly 8,000 member businesses to determine the top three hazards professional pet sitters encounter during the holidays. More than 10 percent of the association’s members participated in the survey. While the majority of respondents, 63 percent, said that access to dangerous materials was most prevalent, 25 percent cited electrical appliances left on in the home and 24 percent referenced a pet’s access to dangerous plants.

Other hazards noted were a pet’s access to holiday food and decorations and issues related to weather.

Most professional pet sitters can quickly identify hazardous and potentially harmful material in the home and are proactive in communicating these hazards to clients. Some of the most frequently recommended cautions are:

Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty scraps, bones from pork and poultry, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and other sweets and candies can be harmful or toxic to pets.
Pine tree water can be poisonous, so be sure to cover open tree stand bases. The tree should be secure to the wall with strong wire or twine because a toppling tree can cause serious injuries to dogs and cats.
Keep these poisonous holiday plants away from pets: the berries of the mistletoe, holly, hibiscus, Christmas roses and the poinsettia.
Many holiday decorations are hazardous to pets. If decorations are not pet-friendly, keep them, as well as lights, out of a pet’s reach. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that house fires increase considerably during holidays.

Remember, the most common pet-related emergency that occurs over the holidays is the consumption of human pharmaceuticals. Make sure all prescription and non-prescription drugs are safely stored.

Nancy Haggerty of Paws and Claws Pet Care in San Rafael, CA, believes that the holidays are one of the most stressful times for pets because human behavior changes so much.

“From a pet’s perspective, homes become filled with loud noises, strange people, tasty treats and odd plants and ornaments,” Haggerty said. “We, as humans, become so busy with the festivities that we can easily forget what our pets’ needs are during this time.”

Dolores Barton of Duby’s House and Pet Sitting in Grand Island, NY, has seen this time and time again.

“One client had more than 30 shopping bags with the cord and string handles all over her home,” Barton said. “One of the cats was stuck in the handle when I arrived. I advised the owner how dangerous this was, but upon my next visit the bags were still lying around.”

November and December are traditionally the busiest months for the pet-sitting industry as pet owners fulfill their shopping, travel and entertainment obligations.

Marsha Wheaton, owner of Dog Mom at Your Service in Traverse City, MI, encourages pet owners to plan ahead and take the necessary steps to keep a pet’s routine.

“Keep life as normal as possible,” Wheaton said. “Make sure pets get regular walks, cut out all the extra treats and don’t let your pets get pushed aside with all the hustle and bustle and added activities.”

Planning is key. The PSI survey indicated that the majority of member businesses begin taking reservations three months in advance and cease taking reservations one week prior to the holiday.

For more information on holiday safety or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, please visit www.petsit.com.

About Pet Sitters International

Established in 1994, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing nearly 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad. PSI provides members with access to affordable bonding and liability insurance and educational resources including a comprehensive Accreditation Program (http://www.petsit.com/content331831.html), The Pet Sitter’s WORLD (http://www.petsit.com/content330924.html) magazine and PSI’s annual Quest convention (http://www.petsit.com/content334830.html). PSI also publishes the The Pet Owner’s WORLD (http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/psi/pow2008/) magazine and thepetsitblog.com. For more information, visit www.petsit.com, home of the Official Pet Sitter Locator™ (http://www.petsit.com/locate/) or visit the PSIStoreOnline (http://www.psistoreonline.com/), the largest specialty retailer of products for pet sitters and pet-sitter business owners.

Contact:
Courtney Klein
(336) 983-9222 ext. 318
Terry Chance
(336) 983-9222 ext. 314

Source: PR Web

Daisy Project Seeks To Increase Pet Visitation In Nursing Homes

Dog Service Network — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:43:55 +0000

Akron, OH (PRWEB) November 23, 2009 — The Merriman Good Life Foundation has launched a campaign called the Daisy Project. The Daisy Project is aimed at raising awareness of the general public to the value of pets visiting residents of nursing homes and other institutions on a regular basis.

The Daisy Project seeks to increase the number of dogs and owners regularly visiting nursing home residents who are too often isolated and forgotten.

Daisy is a year and half old Labradoodle who is looking for other dogs to join her to bring sunshine to the lives of people who live in nursing homes and other institutions.

Daisy has visited a nursing home for the past year. She lives to see her “people”. With so many people in need and so few dogs visiting regularly, Daisy inspired the Daisy Project to help get other dogs involved.

The Daisy Project is seeking to not only raise awareness but also inform owners and their dogs of the best way for getting plugged into nursing homes. The Daisy Project will also be documenting stories of life changing encounters that dogs have in nursing homes throughout the state of Ohio and across the nation.

By making a dog the purpose and focal point of regular visits to nursing homes, human volunteers find that visits are comfortable and fulfilling for themselves, residents, and their dogs.

“We have seen first hand what this dog named Daisy has meant to the residents of The Merriman. The purpose of the Daisy Project is to encourage other dogs and their owners to reach out to nursing home residents by visiting regularly.”, said Mayor Don Robart, Chairman of The Merriman Good Life Foundation.

Source: PR Web

“America’s Best Dog Trick” Contest Celebrates Positive Dog Training

Dog Service Network — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:17:25 +0000

The Zoom Room Dog Agility Training Center and exclusive sponsor West Paw Design announce the “America’s Best Dog Trick” Contest, the first nationwide dog trick contest to feature only positive-reinforcement dog training methods. Entrants will submit their best dog trick videos before the Jan. 15 deadline, and the winner will receive $1,000 plus a collection of Zogoflex toys.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 20, 2009 — The Zoom Room Dog Agility Training Center and exclusive sponsor West Paw Design announce the “America’s Best Dog Trick” Contest – the first nationwide dog trick contest to celebrate positive-reinforcement dog training methods. Dog owners are invited to submit their videos before the January 15 deadline. The winner will receive $1,000 plus a collection of Zogoflex toys.

Positive dog training methods include positive praise, clicker training and the use of treats. Positive-reinforcement dog training is now widely-regarded as the most effective and scientifically-researched training method. Contest entrants must affirm that they used only positive training to craft their dog tricks, and that no coercive, punitive, restraint, or other forms of dominance training were used in shaping the trick.

Open to any American resident, dog owners will submit a short video of their best dog trick via the Zoom Room Fan Page on Facebook. Initially, anyone may vote for the Best Dog Trick. The top five dog tricks will then face a panel of judges from the Zoom Room and West Paw to determine the winner.

The first place winner will receive $1,000 plus a collection of Zogoflex toys, including a Hurley, a Huck, a Bumi, a Zisc and a Tux. Second place will receive $250 plus the collection of Zogoflex toys from West Paw. The other three finalists will each receive Honorable Mention, as well as a Bumi, a Hurley and a Zisc.

Only freshly-recorded dog trick videos are eligible; in other words, nothing rehashed from YouTube or elsewhere. In order to demonstrate that the video is fresh, all entrants are required to begin the video by addressing the camera and saying something to the effect of, “Hello, Zoom Room, my name is _______, this is my dog _________, and we made this trick using only positive training.”

The contest begins on November 20, 2009. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2010. Voting for favorite dog tricks will close on January 31, 2010. The winners will be announced on February 8, 2010.

Details can be found on the America’s Best Dog Trick page of the Zoom Room web site.

About the Zoom Room

The Zoom Room Dog Agility Training Center & Canine Social Club is an eco-friendly, active lifestyle dog training center that practices only positive-reinforcement dog training methods. The Zoom Room is the only brick-and-mortar dog training franchise in America and the first dog agility franchise in the world.

In addition to dog agility, the Zoom Room offers obedience, puppy preschool, dog tricks training, therapy dog classes, and much more. As a Canine Social Club, the Zoom Room is the perfect place to host an unforgettable dog birthday party, Bark Mitzvah, Doggy Disco Night, or a charity fund-raiser. The Zoom Room carries only the finest and most Earth-friendly stuff for dogs, including many of West Paw’s great products.

About West Paw Design

West Paw Design believes in providing the best for pets while balancing what is right for the environment. They search high and low for the best, most sustainable material there is to offer and use recyclable and organic material in their bedding and toys.

Their commitment to the environment has guided them to continually strive to reduce the already minimized waste in the manufacturing process, and to offer more environmentally-friendly organic and sustainable products. Using recyclable material in the Zogoflex® line of dog toys permits the incorporation of old products back into new ones, without sacrificing any quality. Discover their unique, world-class pet products at westpawdesign.com.

Source: PR Web

Have Fun and Benefit a Good Cause

Dog Service Network — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:31:42 +0000

Yorktown Heights, NY (PRWEB) November 12, 2009 — What do Italian gelato and dogs in festive apparel have in common? They’re both part of a highly original contest that doubles as a fundraiser for the internationally accredited nonprofit guide dog school Guiding Eyes for the Blind, headquartered in Yorktown Heights.

Dog owners across the country are challenged to “unleash their imagination” by conjuring a flavor name of gelato (Italy’s renowned version of ice cream) suggested by the appearance and personality of their canine friend when attired in a party hat or other fun doggie garb. Contest entrants submit their dog’s “flavor name,” an uploaded photograph of their dog in costume, and a $20 entry donation to www.dogsinpartyhats.com. The website includes a full description of the contest, entry procedure and prizes, as well as photographic examples of festively appareled dogs with matching gelato flavor names such as “Marshmallow Fluffer Lover,” “King of the Rocky Road” and “Toasted Almond Joyful.” The contest entry fee goes in its entirety to Guiding Eyes for the Blind as a donation.

The contest entry period ends at midnight EST, November 30, 2009. Twelve winners, to be announced in early January 2010, will each receive:

The high honor of having a gelato Flavor-of-the-Month created by contest sponsor Via Vanti! Restaurant and Gelateria (Mount Kisco, NY) in the spirit of their entry
A professional photographic portrait of their dog in costume, with a framed copy enshrined for a year on a doggie “Wall of Fame” at Via Vanti!
A festive “party dog gift pack” for each winning canine, courtesy of Just Dogs! Gourmet™ (Mount Kisco, NY)
A “Year of Gelato” gift card good for a pint of “amazing” (ZAGAT®) gelato at Via Vanti! (Mount Kisco, NY) for each month of 2010.

“Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a serious enterprise that brings greater hope and freedom to the lives of blind and visually impaired people. But all dogs – whether they be service dogs or pets – bring much joy to their owners, so we see this upbeat initiative as a wonderful fit,” says Lisa Deutsch, Vice President, Marketing and Development at Guiding Eyes.

The “Dogs in Party Hats” contest and fundraiser was conceived by Carla Gambescia, founder and owner of the acclaimed Via Vanti! Restaurant and Gelateria in the historic Mount Kisco, NY train station. “This contest is all about creativity, community and fun,” says Ms Gambescia. “I hope it’s something that parents and kids and even schools will get involved with. There’s still a place for imagination and lightness and frivolity in the world, especially when it helps out a cause like Guiding Eyes.”

Guiding Eyes for the Blind was founded in 1954 to enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women by providing them with the freedom to travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity and expanded horizons of opportunity. Since that time, Guiding Eyes has become one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, graduating more than 7,000 guide dog teams. It provides superbly bred Guiding Eyes dogs, professional training and follow-up support services to students at no cost to them, and depends on contributions to fulfill its mission. The comprehensive cost of breeding, raising, preparing, training, and supporting a Guiding Eyes team is $45,000.

Contact:
Michelle Brier, Events and Marketing Manager, Guiding Eyes for the Blind
914-243-2208
mbrier (at) guidingeyes.org

Source: PR Web

Former Disney animator, Jim George, has created a delightful new website that captures the special relationship between dogs and their owners.To mark Election Day, the cartoonist took a reader’s suggestion and put the spotlight on a dog who is already famous: Bo Obama.

Dog Service Network — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:04:12 +0000

Former Disney animator, Jim George, has created a delightful new website that captures the special relationship between dogs and their owners.To mark Election Day, the cartoonist took a reader’s suggestion and put the spotlight on a dog who is already famous: Bo Obama.

Westport, CT (PRWEB) November 3, 2009 — Profiling the country’s most famous dog, Draw the Dog’s Election Day cartoon is inspired by Bo, First Dog of The White House.

First Dog, from DrawtheDog.com

Draw the Dog was launched two months ago by former Disney cartoonist Jim George and his friend, entrepreneur and dog lover Bruce Kasanoff. Every cartoon is inspired by a real dog ; owners submit stories via the site.

To make the site unique, each dog cartoon appears to draw itself.

The cartoons range from one about two Great Danes who opened a second-story window only to end up stuck on a porch roof — requiring the fire department to get them — to a Border Collie who kept switching its owner’s lights on and off using a remote light switch.

Last week, a reader suggested that Draw the Dog profile the First Dog. He even described the whole setting of the cartoon, and Jim George sat down right away and drew the cartoon. “When we get a good idea from our readers,” says George, “We jump on it. That’s the beauty of interacting directly with your audience.”

The cartoonist’s talent is evident in this cartoon. President Obama is not an easy person to satirize or capture accurately, but George does a great job here. “Bo looks good, too,” adds Kasanoff.

The site’s two co-founders are highly motivated to make people smile, and to capture the often magical relationship between people and dogs. Says Kasanoff, “For whatever reason, dogs seem to bring out the best in most of us. They’re always happy to see you, always accept you for who you are, and nearly always are willing to play.”

News of the site has spread through word of mouth across dog forums and Web sites. Barely two months after its launch, the website has attracted visitors from 49 countries and receives well over 100 submissions per week.

“First Dog” is on Draw the Dog’s home page all day today, Tuesday November 3.

Permission is granted blogs and media outlets to publish this still image of “First Dog”

To date, the site has included cartoons about Dobermans, Great Danes, Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Bassett Hounds, German Shepherds, Beagles and Boxers. George and Kasanoff are eager to feature other breeds, and look forward to receiving more stories submitted through the Make Your Dog Famous section of DrawtheDog.com.

His brief bio on the site says, “Draw the Dog is drawn by Jim George, one of your typical ex-Disney animators who lives near the beach in Venice and once spent years animating in a cabin in the woods and who has been creating characters for film and TV and who has been a director and book author and who also has a counseling practice and who really likes animals and people, too.”

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Have Fun and Benefit a Good Cause

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Former Disney animator, Jim George, has created a delightful new website that captures the special relationship between dogs and their owners.To mark Election Day, the cartoonist took a reader’s suggestion and put the spotlight on a dog who is already famous: Bo Obama.

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