My First Day With Just Dogs! Gourmet.

Hey mom, do you have anymore of those great, new treats? I ate the one you gave me, and am looking for more!

Well, folks, it was just as great as I thought it would be! When I came into work a little before noon, the store was packed, literally! Little Victories had a table set up with 2 poster boards full of pics of dogs up for adoption, literature on the shelter, and a donation jug. I headed to the back to get my apron, full of excitement.

When I came back out, I noticed a lady, well dressed, talking to the owners, Jeff and Audra Sowards. Come to find out, it was the founder and president, Colleen. She surprised the Sowards by coming to the grand opening. Her daughter was with her, too. She is a groomer, also. I am not sure if her salon is located in the corporate headquarters in Washington, PA., or separate. And, the company representative, Sharon, that came in to help set up the store, is a groomer. I was so surprised.

After I clocked in, I started talking to people. They have a unique approach, that I really like, when it comes to their customers. You ask, "what type of dog do you have?" It was amazing the many different breeds I got to talk about with people. The most common breeds were, Boxers, Labs, Yorkies, Poodles and Chihuahua's.

It was so funny the reaction of people when they saw the gourmet treats. The display case is at the front of the store and is so well lit. A lot of people thought they were for humans! These are the treats that are decorated with yogurt and carob. I brought 3 of the happy bones home to Chance. He would have never forgiven me if I came home empty handed. He wasn't sure at first, so he just mouthed it a bit. Then the yogurt started to melt in his mouth, and he went nuts! He loved them, and I mean, loved them!

I hope you will come out and visit the store. The hours are 10am till 9pm, M-S and 12pm till 5:30pm, Sunday. If the time on Sunday is wrong, I will get it changed by tomorrow evening. I am taking it from the schedule I have.

What A Cool Store!

Chance said he wants a new toy. Mr. Lizard is great, but he knows Just Dogs! Gourmet has some really cool new toys.

Well, I got a chance to see all the neat stuff at the new store I will be working for, Just Dogs! Gourmet. It has things for every type of dog. And, it has a small section for cats, too. I was in charge of putting the bakery treats on the trays that go in the bakery case that is located in the front of the store. These treats are so cute. They are hand decorated.

When the store gets up and running, we will doing the hand decorating ourselves. I can't wait to learn to do this. Some of the designs are so cool. They have one treat that is decorated like a sailboat, and to go with that, ones that are decorated like a life-saver (the kind you would find on a ship.) There are ones shaped and decorated like individual slices of pizza, hot dogs, cheeseburgers with fries, paw-prints, baseballs and bats, flip-flop shoes, bone shaped treats with sea creatures on them, three flavors of ice-cream cones and so much more.

In the gift area, they have coffee mugs with different breeds on them, all types of leashes, collars and some really unique harnesses. If you like magnetic stickers, they have them, with your favorite breed on them. And for you football fans, they have WVU t-shirts, bandanna's, leashes with matching collars and more. And, they didn't forget about Marshall. They have leads and collars and will have bandanna's, but the t-shirts are still being discussed. It seems they are having a bit of trouble with the university on this item. I will let you know about that. But right now, they have more WVU items than Marshall. They also have a multitude of wearable clothing. i.e. bandanna's, matching clothes w/hats and more.

So, come out and see for yourself. I think Huntington and the surrounding areas are ready for this type of store. And remember, what they make the first 3 days they are open, they are donating 10% of that to Little Victories No-Kill Shelter.

Ex-Boyfriend Beats Puppy To Get Back At Girlfriend.

I just watched a video on the CNN website about a little Schnauzer mix puppy that was beaten and had detergent forced into his mouth. This little guy they say, is getting better, but has an air bubble in his lung. If it bursts, he will suffocate. The perpetrator was the owners ex-boyfriend. He broke into her house and beat and kicked the puppy to get back at her. The police are looking for the sicko. The vet in the video said she can not see him getting off easy. I certainly hope they throw the book at this creep.

I have posts on the correlation between animal abuse and domestic abuse. It is sickening. The abuser uses violence to scare the victim, and often, the animals in the home are the target. If you know of anyone abusing an animal, please contact the police. You can remain anonymous, I promise you that. I know this for a fact.

A Little History Of Just Dogs! Gourmet.

King Chance says, "It is my royal order that all come out and visit Just Dogs! Gourmet!"

source: Just Dogs! Gourmet website.

In August of 1998, the owner and President of Just Dogs! Gourmet, Colleen, bought a Golden Retriever puppy that she named Lucy. Since she raised her children on homemade meals, she figured she would do that for her new puppy. So, over the next few months, she started to make homemade treats in her kitchen, that Lucy just loved. Soon, demand for her treats became too much for her kitchen at home. She convinced her daughter, whom is a groomer, to move her grooming business to a historical area in Washington, PA. called Quail Acres.

She, (Colleen) opened a shop there that sold her baked treats and speciality doggie merchandise, and her daughter's grooming salon was there, too. They also had a playground that they held doggie birthday parties, with none other than cake and ice cream made especially for dogs.

Now, they are in a 7,000 sq. ft. building that is their bakery and home office. And, yes, Lucy is the official taste tester.

I hope that you will come out and see the shop for yourselves. I look forward to seeing all the dog lovers in the tri-state.

Buyer Beware.

I was looking through the pet classifieds in the HD, and came across one that said, "New Designer Breed." This stopped me cold. It was for Newfidore puppies. This is a cross between the Newfoundland and the Labrador Retriever. I called the number. The man told me this was not a planned breeding, but decided to let the puppies be born. I asked him if the parents had been OFA certified, and he said no.

These two breeds are notorious for bad hips and knees. The Newfoundland is one of the giant breeds and has a lot of problems if not bred correctly. The Labrador Retriever is a medium breed, or some consider them a large breed. It depends on who you talk to . This man said that his dogs didn't have hip problems, and their parents didn't. But, that does not mean that it won't show up down the line.

People that are breeding these "designer" dogs don't know what they are doing. That is a personal opinion, by the way. I have seen too many problems with these dogs when I was grooming. Mostly with the small guys, your peekapoos, puggles, oh, I could go on and on, were skin and knees. With the Labradoodles, I saw hips and eyes. Just because you think a dog is cute, does not mean it is sound.

I am what is called a "purist." I do not believe in mixing breeds. You get the worst of both breeds. People that are doing this are just in it to make a buck. They don't care about the puppies. That will be the new owners responsibility. That is the mind set. Oh sure, they have a health guarantee, but examine it closely. It has loop-holes. Just like the pet stores guarantees.

Do not buy designer dogs. They are just like puppy mill puppies. Most are sick and will have serious health problems down the road.

Electric Fencing And Invisible Fencing - Torture Devices.

Do you know of anyone that uses an electric fence to contain their dog(s)? Do you have any idea of how the dog(s) learn not to go over or under the fence? One way is letting the dog(s) learn on their own. The other way, which is how most people "train" their dog(s), is by taking them up to the fence and forcing them to touch it. This is nothing but abuse. Can you imagine someone taking their dog(s), that they supposedly "love" and making it touch this fence, repeatedly?

Another stupid thing is the invisible fence. I just read a story on PETA's website about a dog that the invisible fence "shock" collar that it was wearing had malfunctioned and burned a hole in the dogs neck. This went unnoticed for almost 3 days, because the owners had left town and left their dogs with a dog-sitter. Finally, after the dog stopped eating, playing and everything else a dog does, the sitter decided to take a closer look at the dog. It has a gaping wound where the 2 prongs of the shock collar had burned, literally, into its neck.

I looked at the official website of the invisible fence company, and it is really a sham. I mean that. A total sham. As the PETA site said, if you cut corners in your training methods, bad things are bound to happen. I usually don't agree with PETA, but on this I do. If you are thinking of getting one of these invisible fences or using an electric fence, please don't. You can put up chain link for about the same price, or do a wood fence and put chicken wire on the inside. The wire can be painted to match the fence. I know, I have a friend that did that. Her fence is white, and she just spray painted the wire white. I have also seen wood fencing with wire on the inside. The wire was painted brown to match the wood.

Also, if you are having financial difficulties, which is happening to a lot of people, the organization, Dogs Deserve Better can help you with fencing. You can go to their website, http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ and get the information. Remember, training with pain only does one thing, makes your dog afraid. What good is that?

A.K.C. Contest.

source: 1st paragraph taken from HSUS website, Waynes Blog.

Over the weekend, at www.presidentialpup.com, the American Kennel Club launched a public contest to help the Obamas choose a dog, identifying five "hypoallergenic" breeds—the bichon frise, Chinese crested, miniature schnauzer, poodle, and soft-coated wheaten terrier—as the best choices for the Obama daughters, since one of the girls reportedly has allergies.

For many years, I have been an advocate for the AKC registry. But, I am sorry, I feel, and this is a personal opinion, that they are just trying to get their name in the limelight. There are so many dogs, purebreds, that are in shelters and breed rescues that need homes. I feel that the Obamas should go to one of those to adopt a dog.

If anyone of my readers have an opinion, please post your comments.

Just Dogs! Gourmet. A New Store For Dogs.

Chance says, "Oh boy, more treats! Hey mom, see how pretty I am and I am being so good!"

Finally, we have a store that will be opening July 18Th at the Huntington Mall that is, as the name says, just for dogs. The owners, Jeff and Audra Sowards, are local folks, who realized that there is a need for this kind of store. It will have all kinds of fabulous baked goods for your best buddy to munch on, and all kinds of supplies, from collars and leads to shampoos and odor absorbing candles. They will also have a gift section.

The headquarters for this chain is located in Washington, PA. I have always order online from Three Dog Bakery, but now, I can just go to the mall and get my best "bud", Chance, all kinds of great goodies. And, the best thing is, they are going to donate 10% of the money they make on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 18Th, 19Th and 20Th of July, to Little Victories No-Kill Shelter.

The store is located by Regis Hair Salon. Go through the main entrance and the food court. It is very easy to find. Come out the week-end of July 18Th and see what this new store has to offer. Plus, if you buy something, you will be helping the animals at Little Victories.


Here are some of the goodies that Just Dogs! Gourmet will have for your best friend to munch on: Bacon Pups, Janie's Tail House Cookies, All-Star Peanut Butter Treat, Mischief's Munchies, Carrot Crunchies, Parmesan Twists, Cheddar Cheese Pretzels, Peanut Butter & Banana Pinwheels, Chicken Fingers, Peppermint Bones, Healthy Hearts, and Pizza Bones. These are just some of the many, many great treats for your dog. Come out and see us. I will be working for this great store. I am so excited. Remember, they are donating 10% to Little Victories.

Will The New GA. Dog Fighting Laws Hold Up?

source: HSUS website.


Madison County, Ga. — The Madison County Sheriff's Office, acting on intelligence provided by The Humane Society of the United States, raided "Shake Down Kennels," an alleged dogfighting operation in Danielsville, Ga. Johnny Johnson, the apparent owner of the operation, was arrested and charged with felony dogfighting. Authorities seized seven dogs along with suspected dogfighting paraphernalia.

"Today's raid is the first salvo in what we hope will be a long list of law enforcement actions that utilize Georgia's newly strengthened law to end the horrible spectacle of dogfighting in the state," said John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for The HSUS. "The Madison County Sheriff's Office deserves great recognition for taking such quick action against a suspected dogfighting operation. The raid shows that once law enforcement is given the necessary tools, they are ready and able to bring animal fighters to justice."

Information regarding Shake Down Kennels was first provided to The HSUS via its tip line, 877-TIP-HSUS. The HSUS animal fighting tip line was established as a pro-bono venture by Atlanta-based security firm Norred & Associates in the wake of the Michael Vick case so that Georgia residents can easily report illegal animal fighting to authorities.


You can go to the HSUS website and order an information packet that includes reward posters and brochures that you can put out to let people know that the HSUS offers a $5000.00 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone that is fighting dogs or that attends a dogfight. If you know of someone that is breeding dogs to fight, fighting dogs or is attending dogfights, call the number in the paragraph above this one. You can remain anonymous.


I see so many people in our area that are selling Pit Bull puppies. If you are intent on getting one, please, please look at the bloodlines. If you find any of these bloodlines, don't buy and report the breeder. The fighting bloodlines are: Redboy-Jocko (shortened to RBJ in many classified ads), Jeep, Mayday, Barracuda, Chinaman, Frisco, Eli. There are more. But these are the most prominent. I have met some really nice Pits, but I also have met some that were so vicious they needed to be put down. The people that owned these dogs didn't fight them, they just didn't do the research and bought from a backyard breeder, because they "wanted one so bad."

Dangerous Pet Insurance.

Chance says, "Labs are not vicious. We are extremely loving, and I tolerate a lot of silly things that my mom makes me do. But, I love her very much"

source: mypetcover.com

It can be difficult to find insurance for your dangerous dog/pet. Even if you obtain it, dangerous pet insurance is often more expensive than insurance for your common or ill animal. That is because there is always a danger of someone being hurt by your animal, and as a result, the insurance companies include dangerous dog liability insurance on the policy, to protect you from the possible problems your dog could cause.


Classifying Dangerous Pets: Dangerous pet insurance is usually applied to dogs, since they are the most common pet to cause injuries and deaths. Insurance companies classify dogs for dangerous dog breed insurance based on their breed, for the most part. There does not have to be any history of dangerous behavior for a dog to need dangerous dog insurance. It can come down to simply what breed you choose for your new pet. What has happened; is many insurance companies have classified particular breeds as high risk breeds, meaning that these dogs are in a high risk of biting. Often, people who own a high risk breed dog have trouble getting housing insurance, because the liability portion of the housing insurance covers dog bites. This is where dangerous pet insurance comes into play. Many insurance policies are providing a separate policy to cover the dangerous pet, instead of requiring the dog to be covered in the housing policy.


Dangerous Breeds: The most common breed to be classified as a dangerous breed is the pit bull. In fact, some cities are now banning pit bulls. These dogs are often bred to be fighting dogs, and once pit bulls have been trained to fight, it is next to impossible to retrain this behavior, making these dogs dangerous no matter what their training may be. Other dogs that are sometimes classified as dangerous dog breeds are Rottweilers, Dobermans, and shepherds.



Risks of Owning Uninsured Dangerous Pets: You may be thinking of purchasing a dog that is classified as a dangerous pet. Before you head to the breeder, check with a dangerous dog insurance company to find out what your insurance options are. You do not want to own a dangerous dog without insurance.

There are a few things that could happen if you do. If you are caught, your dog could be taken away from your family and sent to a shelter. If the worst should happen and your dog was to bite or attack someone, you will be liable for the damages, without the protection of dangerous dog liability insurance. Not only that, but you will be fined and possibly sued for not having coverage if it is required in your city.


Getting Your Dangerous Dog Insured: If you own a dangerous animal, it is your responsibility to get the animal insured. Start by checking with several insurance companies to find out if the dog you are having insured is considered high-risk. Then, find out what the policy covers, and how much it is going to cost. Keep a list of several companies that you could get the insurance through. Choose the company that has the best policy combined with the best price. Make sure that any damage your dog causes to another person is covered by the dangerous dog insurance.

Once you have your policy, take steps to make sure you never have to use it! For example, make sure your pet is securely fenced in at all times. Keep in mind that a tie out is not always secure. Many dogs are able to break free from their leashes or chains. A dangerous dog must be kept in a fence! If your dog proves to be somewhat aggressive, consider keeping him or her muzzled when on walks or in public. This will be an added level of protection should your dog do something unexpected. Do not leave your dangerous dog alone with people that are strangers to your family.



Dangerous dog breeds tend to be protective of their families and territory. If you have your heart set on a certain breed of dog, but would like to avoid the necessity of having dangerous dog liability insurance, consider adopting a mixed breed that has your favorite breed as part of the mix! This is a great way to have the qualities you want in a pet, without needing the dangerous pet insurance. Not only that, but you will save a life by adopting a pet from a local shelter!

Tips To Protect Your Pets On The Fourth Of July.

Chance and my son, Keith, whom is a volunteer fireman with the Ohio River Road Volunteer Fire Department, want everyone to stay safe and be careful when putting off fireworks.


1. I know many people like to take their pets on outings, but resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
2. Never, never leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
3. Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. It has been proven that leaving a television or radio playing at normal volume will keep your pet company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
4. If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4Th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
5. Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death. People that chain dogs, really don't care about them anyway.
6. Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners. Micro-chipping your pet is a great way to ensure that you will be reunited, if your pet should become lost.

source for some of these tips came from the HSUS website.

Designer Dogs And Pet Store Puppies.

Chance and Mr. Puppy say, "Don't buy from a pet store, they sell puppy mill puppies and mixing breeds brings out the worst of both breeds."

I have been cruising the Internet and found a site for "puppies for sale" in the Ashland/Huntington area. I was dismayed to see the number of "designer" puppies for sale on this site. Also, there were many people looking to buy these dogs, because they looked "sooo cute." Buying a dog because it is cute is a really, really bad idea. You need to research very carefully when purchasing a puppy.

In the Herald Dispatch opinion section today, a lady wrote about a puppy she bought from a retail store that was sick. I wish she had read my blog. I have many, many posts on why not to buy a puppy from a pet store. I am sure I know the one she is talking about, but for legal reasons, I am not going to mention it. Pet stores have what is called "Pet store doublespeak."

From what I read in the letter to the editor, the lady's puppy survived. She is very, very lucky. I will continue to speak out against "designer" dogs and buying a dog from a pet store. If you want to ensure you are getting a healthy puppy, never buy a dog from a pet store, through a classified ad either in the physical paper or off a classified ad on the Internet. Any reputable breeder never sells through these means. You need to see both the parents or if both are not on site, contact the owner of the parent dog that is not available to view and talk to the owner of that dog.

But, I advocate getting a dog from a shelter, as they have many purebred dogs, and there are many, many breed rescues out there. And, let it be known, that these places will not place a dog with special needs to just anyone.

Make Sure Of All Information When Contacting Animal Control Or The Sheriff's Dept.

Our world is one of "I don't want to get involved, or I am afraid of getting sued." I had a person post a comment, anonymously, but posted nevertheless, about a possible abuse case in Huntington, WV. Unfortunately, the address I was given is non-existent.

If you see abuse going on, report it, as this person did. Be sure, though, to get the correct address. I had left a message for Chief Deputy Jim Scheidler over the week-end. First thing this morning, 6/30/08, he returned my call. I was, needless to say, very, very pleased. He personally went to the address I gave him, but it didn't exist.

Anonymous left the comment on my post about "Cloning of dogs and cats." I wish more people would take action as this person did. You can do this anonymously. It seems that our Animal Control was contacted, but never responded. The person said they had contacted the shelter, but never saw any of the control vans at the residence. But, if the address they gave me is wrong, and they gave that address to the control officers, then, of course they didn't show.

Please, please, make the call. But, again, get the correct address so the proper authorities can come and do their jobs. Anonymous had the courage to contact me. Thank you to them. If you have information on abuse, you can post it on this blog, and I will do my best to get help for the animals.

Largest Puppy Mill Bust In TN. History.

** some info taken from www.hsus.org **

On June 26, 2008, the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) along with local authorities executed a warrant on a puppy mill called Pine Bluff Kennels. The suffering they saw was unimaginable, even to the seasoned officers. More than 700, yes 700, dogs, 25 horses and donkeys, 20 cats, 4 parrots and 15 chickens were seized.

There was the the smell of massive tragedy. The most neglected area of this puppy mill housed mother dogs and young offspring. These animals were left to wallow in mounds of their own feces, most of them with no food or water. Because the youngest animals are most vulnerable they found several puppies who succumbed to neglect.

These animals died without ever having a chance. They never even had names—nothing but misery. The older breeding dogs at the facility didn't fare much better. They were housed in a sea of tiny wire cages that made it impossible for them to stand comfortably—forcing their legs through the grates. Many had never had the opportunity to feel the security of solid ground beneath their feet.

The team came across the grave site of a pile of dogs with multiple gunshot wounds in their decaying bodies. Shot and thrown away like garbage. But, people that have puppy mills don't care about anything but money. These animals are garbage to them when they can no longer produce.

The owner of this horrid operation had agreed to surrender all of the animals to the local district attorney's office. May the punishment fit the crime this time. So, remember, if you purchase a dog from a pet store, this is the kind of operations you are keeping in business. People who just breed dogs to death.

I have many, many posts on puppy mills, but this one took my breath when I read about it. Please, please don't purchase a dog from a pet store or off the Internet, or through classified ads in the paper. Remember, reputable breeders do not sell their dogs through these means. If you absolutely think you need a purebred dog, there are many, many breed rescues out there. I have heard people say, "Oh, I don't know what these dogs have been through, and I bet they have all kinds of behavioral and genetic problems." This is not the case.

Breed rescues know what animals are special needs and only place them with people who can give them that special care. And, your local shelters have many purebreds up for adoption. Give a shelter dog or a breed rescue dog a second chance.

Depression and Dogs.

"I know when my mom needs one of my famous "puppy kisses."

If you are like me, you get down in the dumps sometimes. It never fails, though, that my dog, Chance, knows when I get this way. He has a way of just coming up to me and giving me the sweetest "puppy kisses," as I call them. Dogs, and cats, are the best therapy for the "blue" times in our lives.

I have several posts on therapy dogs on this blog. My old girl, Kallee, was a certified therapy dog, as is my boy, Chance. I have seen first hand what a dog can do to bring someone out of a "funk." My ex sister-in-law was in the hospital some time ago. I went to visit her, and low and behold, sitting on the bed next to her bed, was the cutest little dog. His owner, a nurse, brought him to visit her friend who was battling cancer. Unfortunately, she passed away sometime after that.

But, this little guy was so sweet. He just cuddled up to her, it was great. My dog, Chance, has been by my side as I battle with my cancer. I am in remission right now, but am having a little scare. So, needless to say, I have been pretty depressed. But, my buddy just keeps on giving me the "puppy kisses" that he does so well. I couldn't ask for a better therapist.

If you are feeling down, lonely or just a little blue, give your companion animal a hug and kiss. You will be surprised at how much better you will feel.