Archive for June 2012

A breed with the “look of a lamb and the heart to of a lion,” the Bedlington Terrier is quite a unique dog. Best Bully Sticks is amazed at the distinctive look, attitude and features of this dog that truly puts this dog in a class of its own. BBS thinks you’ll be equally delighted in this friendly but feisty breed.

History & Background: The Bedlington Terrier is named after a mining town, Bedlington, in the county of Northumberland, England where it was first bred. This dog was first called the Rothbury or Rodbery Terrier after an area on the English coast where one of the first ancestors of this breed was kept for studding. This breed was originally used to hunt rodents in the mines and then later for racing. The Bedlington was also used as a hunter for foxes, hares and badgers because of its build for speed. It’s said that the Bedlington could have been the ancestor of the Irish Kerry Blue Terrier. This breed was recognized early on by the AKC in 1886.

Height: Males: average of 16 ½ inches; Females: average of 15 ½ inches

Weight: 17 to 13 pounds

Coat: The Bedlington’s coat is somewhat odd because it is made up of both soft and hard fur. The hair stands away from the body and curls, especially on the head and face. Some say this breed’s coat has a “lint” texture. Even more distinctive is the cut of this terrier. When this dog has been groomed for the show ring, the body coat doesn’t exceed 1 inch, however the face, ears and legs usually have longer hair. Pared with the shape of this terrier’s head, this cut makes the Bedlington look much more like a lamb than a dog. Read more

Homemade with a twist of lemon and a sprig of spearmint and it’s just for your dog! Best Bully Sticks is sharing Doggy Dessert Chef’s Mint Chicken Jerky recipe with you today! Chicken is an all-time favorite flavor for dogs and along with the lemon and mint, you can’t go wrong. The lemon flavored chicken will be a yummy treat and the mint will help freshen your dog's breath! Try out this easy, homemade Mint Chicken Jerky recipe on your dog!

Ingredients
3 Chicken Breasts
2 cups Water
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon dried Parsley
2 tablespoon dried Spearmint

Directions
1. Combine water, lemon juice, parsley and spearmint in a bowl.

2. Clean the chicken breasts, then carefully slice them into strips, removing all the fat you can from the meat. They are easier to cut if allowed to freeze slightly.

3. Place chicken strips into the mint marinade and let marinate for at least an hour.

4. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.

5. Place on a cookie sheet 1/2 inches apart.

6. Dry in an oven, with the door slightly open to let out moisture, for about 3 to 4 hours, until meat is dry appearance and texture.

Cool and store in an airtight container.

(Recipe & Photo courtesy of Doggy Dessert Chef)

Want more drool-worthy dishes? Check out all of BBS’s Weekly Drool Recipes! 

Best Bully Sticks loves holding 1-Day Animal Shelter/Rescue Giveaways each month because we get to give away BBS product to support rescue efforts all over the country. Even though it is rewarding to give to a shelter, we also love being able to learn more about shelters ourselves and then sharing their struggles, stories and triumphs with our readers. This week we we’re profiling Recycled Pets NorCal, a rescue based out of Sacremento.  Co-founder Elsie Lodde told BBS more about their young but successful rescue group. Reyclced Pets NorCal won BBS’s 1-Day Giveaway just two weeks ago.

When & Why did you start?

I have unofficially been rescuing dogs for years. I would always find stray animals and take them and get them vetted and find them homes. Then a couple years ago, a friend (who is in rescue and moved across country) needed help with a local case, and so I was whisked into the world of rescue.  I was working for a national organization that only rescued specific animals, and I felt the constraints too limiting (because to me an animal in need is worthy of help regardless of whether it is in a shelter, in someone's backyard, or dumped along the side of the road) and so this year I began Recycled Pets NorCal (a sister rescue to Recycled Pets SoCal).

What's different about your rescue?

Well, unlike many rescuers we think locally.  We only adopt out to local families and we try to only rescue locally (occasionally there is a special case that may draw me to drive 400 miles but it is rare).  I never transport animals as I provide on-going support to my adopters and I am unable to do that if they are far away.  I am responsible for the lifetime of the animal and I take that seriously. I would have to say, I probably also have one of the youngest groups of volunteers and fosters than most rescues (likely due to the fact that I am only in my mid-30s).  And since I provide everything, younger people (who often cannot afford to pay for food, treats, or other necessary items) can get more involved.

What is the greatest success story or "win" that your rescue has had?

I take on a lot of medical cases, so for me there are many.  Arnie (the emaciated and chained bulldog) won my heart enough to not leave, Tyson had severe demodex mange, I have had puppies with all sorts of issues like being starved to death, abandoned, with parvo and all sorts of things. And a case from the end of last year, Otis, was the hardest.  He was born with a condition called PRAA, where his heart and esophagus were all wrapped up together so he was unable to eat and ended up with a secondary condition called Mega Esophagus. I worked so hard to save him, but surgeries were not good enough for the sweet boy- I miss him a lot.   They all have a special place in my heart. I say we need to treat them (and place them) like they are our own animals, because they deserve that.

What's the most rewarding thing about working at your rescue?

Perhaps this should be asked to one of my volunteers.  For me, it is taking an unwanted animal, that has been discarded, and helping it to find the right home for it.  I just appreciate animals' abilities to forget the past and forgive and move on to love again, I think humans really should take note of their ability to leave their baggage behind. Plus, I have met some amazing people doing rescue who also like animals as much as I do.

What can people do to help your rescue?

Since we only adopt locally, many people feel like they cannot spread the news. But help can be found in the most unusual places. Obviously we are always needing donations, whether that be monetary or for items such as puppy pads, food, bully sticks (which my rescues are spoiled with), formula, vaccines, and all sorts of items. Also just liking our Facebook page can do a lot of good. Sharing and even voting in contests like [1-Day Rescue/Shelter Giveaways] mean a lot.

A big thank-you to all that Recycled Pets NorCal does in their community: for the care of the animals in their community. Find out more about Recycled Pets NorCal on Facebook.

We have another 1-Day Animal Shelter/Rescue Giveaway in a couple weeks! Stay tuned to the BBS Facebook Page for our announcement! 

Best Bully Sticks knows that trends come and go, but one thing remains constant: saving a buck here and there is always a great thing. In today’s culture, one trend that is making a comeback is the concept of making our own household goods from “scratch” instead of buying from a store. Do-It-Yourself culture is returning and Best Bully Sticks hopes it’s here to stay! It might take a little more time, but in the long run a unique, cost effective, and homemade product is worth it. This week BBS will show you some of the neat-o Doggy D.I.Y. projects you can make for your pup!

Doggy D.I.Y. will be a three part series. This week we’re covering a couple simple projects: a dog-friendly soap & a quick and easy tug toy!

Herb & Peppermint Soap
Bathing your dog is essential for a lot of reasons; keeping flea and ticks away, a better smelling and feeling Fido and a happier, more comfortable pet just to name a few. This D.I.Y. soap recipe is full of beneficial ingredients to keep your dog healthy and pest free, like herbal shampoo and peppermint oil. This soap can substitute for any current dog shampoo or soap you’re using. Plus, it’ll make Fido smell GREAT!

You’ll Need:
4 oz melt and pour base or soap flakes
1 1/2 tablespoons of herbal shampoo
10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil
Soap molds

Process
1. Melt your soap down using a double boiler method.

2. Once your soap is melted add the shampoo and essential oil.

3. Make sure you don't stir too vigorously or the shampoo will become frothy.

4. Keep stirring until completely mixed and then pour into your soap molds.

5. You can use some dog-shaped molds or bone-shaped molds for these soaps.

T-Shirt Tug Toy

Some dogs that are of the aggressive playing persuasion can chew up toys like it’s going out of style.  Buying new toys for your dog might be a permanent line on the shopping list. So why not save a little cash while recycling some of your old t-shirts? This T-Shirt Tug Toy D.I.Y. is so easy that your kids or grandkids could put it together! Check out this great toy your dog is sure to love!

You’ll Need:
20 1 inch x 20 inch (2.5cm x 50cm) Recycled stretch knit from pants or tops in assorted colors. (You can use recycled stretch knit from old t-shirts or pants or if you like or you can use new fabric.)

Process
1. Cut the fabric into 20 pieces that measure approximately 1 inch x 20 inches (2.5cm x 50cm) for a large dog. For smaller dogs reduce the length and quantity but not the 1-inch width.

2. Lay your pieces together in 2 sections of 10. Twist the 2 sections together and tie a large knot at each end as shown in the picture. Your knot should be tight and secure. There is no need for gluing or sewing.

3. Alternatively you can plat your strands together or add extra knots depending on your dog’s desire.

Check back here next two Mondays for 2 more Doggy D.I.Y. Projects!

For more Doggy (& a few cat) D.I.Y.’s check out Best Bully Stick’s Pinterest “Pet DIY” Board. We feature lots of great exclusive content on Pinterest and this board is all about “doing-it-yourself” for your pets! Tutorials include everything from a pet ramp, doggy origami and even instructions for assembling a doggy cake! Check out our Pinterest page for more great content!

Best Bully Sticks has seen some furry dogs, some fuzzy dogs, but today’s Breed Spotlight is all about a shaggy dog! BBS is talking about the Briard, a French herding dog with a lot of spunk and a lot of heart. Read more about this shaggy dog below!

History & Background: It seems the Briard has been a popular dog for many ages. The dog originated as a French herding dog, as a mix between the sleek Beauceron and the wooly Barbet.  During the Middle Ages, the Briard was a beloved dog that has been seen in tapestries and written records. The breed was used mostly as a livestock herder and guard that was more prone to bite a stranger in defense of its breed, but became a “softer” dog through selective breeding. The Briard was used in the French Revolution & WWI as a messenger, sentry and to search for wounded soldiers. However, they’re most commonly used as pastoral dogs and served as herders, watchdogs and guard dogs. It’s said that Charlemagne, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette all owned Briards. The stories are conflicting about who, Jefferson or Lafayette, introduced the Briard to America.

Today, the Briard serves in many roles, such as police, military and search and rescue dogs. The Briard breed has also had a handful of on-screen roles that have included appearances on Dennis the Menace, My Three Sons, Get Smart, Married…with Children and Dharma & Greg.

Height: 23 – 27 inches (males); 22 – 25 ½ inches (females)

Weight: 66-88 pounds (males); 55-77 pounds (females)

Coat: The Briard’s coat is one if its most distinctive features, truly making it a shaggy dog. The long outer coat is dry and hard, so much so that it even makes a scratchy noise if strands of fur are rubbed together between fingers. Even though the coat is dry, a good coat will have sheen, denoting healthy hair. The hair falls flat on the body in long wavy locks, including the head. The head’s hair naturally lies flat and has a natural part down the middle, however the Briard’s long eyebrows do not lie flat and curve up and out to create a light cover over the eyes. The Briard also sports a mustache and beard. The undercoat is fine and tight against the whole body. As much hair as this dog has, it’s never so much that it covers up the dog’s shape or impedes vision. This dog needs steady grooming to look ideal and also be comfortable. An ungroomed Briard can develop matted fur. Read more