Archive for August 2012

The Japanese Chin is a royal dog with a royal disposition. “Chin” means “royalty” and any Chin owner could tell you the name fits the personality. Also called the Japanese Spaniel, this dog is a great family pet with a lively and funny personality. Read more about this royal dog in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Japanese Chin!

History & Background: Always and forever a companion dog, the Japanese Chin was first bred for accompanying the ladies of the Imperial Court to the palace where the dogs warmed the laps of the Chinese ruling class. When these dogs first entered Japan is debatable, but most historians think Buddhist monks brought them to Japan.  Japan is where the dog was selectively bred to be distinct from all other dogs. Dogs in Japan during this time were only used for work or herding, so a companion dog was new to the Japanese. Chins became the dog of the ruling class and only those of royal or noble blood could own these dogs.

There are differing stories about how and when Japanese Chins came to the Western world. What is known for certain is that these dogs were frequently given as gifts to prestigious foreigners.  One story goes that in the 17^th Century Portuguese sailors brought the breed to Europe, presenting them to Catherine of Braganza, Queen Consort to King Charles II. Another story says Chins were a gift to an American Naval officer, Matthew Calbraith Perry, in 1853 by the Emperor of Japan during trade talks.

Height: 8 to 11 inches

Weight: 4 to 15 pounds, but averaging 7 to 9 pounds Read more

Labor Day is just around the corner, which signals the end of the summer season. Best Bully Sticks doesn’t want to say, “So Long Sweet Summer” just yet, so we’ve found a great dog-friendly party food for your Labor Day shin-dig. Erica from For the Love of Pooch blog shared her Pigs In A Blanket recipe with us and we think you’ll have as much fun making these adorable treats as Fido will have eating them.  We know Mochi, Erica’s terrier-mix, did!

Ingredients
1 C. whole wheat flour (regular or white)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 C. grated cheddar cheese
1/3 C. water
2.5 oz jar of Gerber Graduates Lil' Sticks Meat (7 pieces)

Recipe Note: Gerber Graduate Lil’ Sticks Meat Sticks are fine for dogs, however you can also use organic hot dogs, veggie hot dogs or any other all-natural hot dog your dog likes. Read more

It’s pretty easy to figure out. Just about all of Best Bully Sticks company branding features an adorable little pug. So when Pug Rescue of Florida won our 1-Day Animal Shelter/Rescue Giveaway, it just sort of made sense. We have a soft spot for pugs because they helped launch our company, so we loved having the opportunity to donate to Pug Rescue of Florida. Read more about this rescue below.

When & Why did you start?
Pug Rescue of Florida is the result of the merger of two rescues about three years ago: Tampa Pug Rescue and Orlando Pug Rescue and Adoption. We exist for the sole purpose of finding caring, safe, and loving permanent homes for rescued, displaced, and homeless dogs of the Pug breed regardless of age or condition. PROoF operates through an organized network of volunteers and sustains itself through both fund-raising efforts and the generous financial support of private individuals and commercial entities.

What's different about your rescue?
We cover most of the state and have volunteers all over. Last year we helped 355 pugs. Home checks, vet checks and reference checks are done on all foster and adoptive homes. We also use a pug kissing booth at our events!

What is the greatest success story or "win" that your rescue has had?
Our greatest success story would be the adoption of some of our special needs and senior pugs like Cubby who had spinal surgery and Captain a senior blind and deaf sweetheart of a boy who both found their forever homes just this year.

What's the most rewarding thing about working at your rescue?
The most rewarding thing would be finding forever homes for pugs who might not have had a chance at a happy life or have a second chance without the help of our all-volunteer base.

What can people do to help your rescue?
What can people do? We always need foster homes. However, since not everyone can foster, funds for medical expenses of course, as well as donations of food and flea and heartworm preventions. We also need transport volunteers to get pugs from one area to another, or from a foster home to the vet. Some of our foster homes are unable to get a pug to the vet during the week due to work etc. so that’s an area where transport is needed.

Our 10th annual Pugsgiving, is a fundraising/adoption event being held on November 10th this year. We currently need items for raffle and silent auction baskets; anything at all. It doesn’t even have to be dog related.

Thank you to Pug Rescue of Florida for their dedicated work and service to the animals of their community.

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

Herbs make your best recipes burst with flavor and flowers and plants help spruce up our yards each spring. But these plants have hidden health benefits as well. Naturally occurring plants and herbs have been aids to good health for hundreds of years. Best Bully Sticks compiled a list of great herbs and plants that you can use to boost your pet’s health and can help with ailments from itchy skin, cuts, digestive problems and more!

Aloe Vera
This soothing plant has great health benefits for humans and dogs alike. Break off an Aloe plant’s spiky tendril and use the “juice” on minor cuts, scrapes and even sunburns.

Calendula Flowers
A pretty flowers, with powerful health benefits, the Calendula is a handy plant to have in your yard. This flower has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that you can use in a few different ways. The petals can be directly applied to a wound dressing or even brewed into a tea for an antiseptic wash. You can also add the Calendula flower’s petal tea to Shea Butter or Vitamin E lotion to make an ointment. These mixtures are great for cuts, scrapes, burns and even minor ear infections. 

Ginger
This knotted root is a great way to solve your dog’s tummy issues. Whether it’s motion sickness or nausea, ginger tea and dog biscuits are great ways to give your dog ginger. To make ginger tea, simply peel and slice ginger into roughly one-inch x 1/4-inch x 1/8-inch slices. Put 5-8 slices into a pot with ¼ cup water, bring to boil and continue boiling for 5 minutes. Let this mixture cool and add to your dog’s food. You can even feed your dog ginger slices by wrapping them in a slice or lean meat. If you’re on a trip, pack ginger snaps for your dog. 

Goldenseal
Despite its lofty name, Goldenseal is a fairly ambiguous looking plant with a small red, berry that blooms on top. This plant inhibits bacteria from latching on to cell walls and is particularly good for body parts with mucus membranes, such as the respiratory system and mouth. Mostly just the root is used in treatments and can be used to make poultices, teas and tinctures.

Chamomile
Hyper dog? The flowers of the chamomile plant work to soothe and calm your dog’s hyperactivity, upset stomach or even nervousness. This mild and gentle plant can be used in a tincture, water or oil infusion, salve or ointment. You can grow Chamomile yourself or purchase it in any health food store.

Echinacea
This handy plant can boost your dog’s immune system when he’s feeling a little under the weather. The root of this plant is what is used most often, but the leaves, stems and flowers can be used as well. Although Echinacea is most beneficial for the immune system, it can also be of help for urinary tracts and lymph systems. But no matter how it’s given to your dog, it give your dog the boost he needs!

Herbal Remedies are wonderful tools, but you should always contact your vet before starting any herbal treatment. These remedies can be toxic if not given the correct way or can cause allergic reactions. Every dog is different, so use talk to your vet prior to any herbal treatment.

Visit back next week when we talk about Supplements For Your Dog and be sure to read our simply Home Remedies For Dogs! 

Join the Parade, the Pooches’ Parade, that is! Pooches on Parade, a new Best Bully Sticks Photo Contest, celebrates dogs and the adorable qualities that make them special!  August 26^th was National Dog Day, but BBS is taking a whole week to celebrate the dogs in our lives. Enter your dog under one of these categories: Best Dog Ears, Best Dog Eyes, Best Dog Expression, Best Tail Wag. After all photos are in BBS will also choose a 5^th winner for the Best Overall Pooch award from all photos.

Make sure you read rules & regulation before participating!

Individual Category Winners (x4) will receive:

$50 Gift Certificate

Overall Winner will receive:

$150 Gift Certificate & dog’s photo used in a special FB Cover Graphic that will appear on our website for a week. (excluding other promotional graphics)

Contest Ends September 3^rd @ Midnight. Winners will be announced Tuesday, September 4^th on the BBS Blog.

How It Works

1. Find a photo of your dog that fits into one of these categories. The categories are: Best Dog Ears, Best Dog Eyes, Best Dog Expression and Best Tail Wag.

2. Upload this photo to the OfferPop app on Best Bully Sticks Facebook Page in the category that suits your dog’s photo the best.

3. Each dog can only be entered into one category apiece. One submission per person.

4. Best Bully Sticks will judge each photos in each category based on relevance to category and quality of photo. A panel of Best Bully Sticks employees will also have input on these photos chosen in each category and in the Best Overall Pooch choice from all categories.

Ends Monday, September 3rd @ Midnight.

Best Bully Sticks Contest Rules & Regulations

Only U.S. Residents, 18 and older, are eligible to win contests.

Contest begins Monday, August 27^th & ends Monday, September 3^rd at Midnight. Entries must fit one of the categories of Best Dog Ears, Best Dog Eyes, Best Dog Expression, or Best Tail Wag.

This will contest will be judged by Best Bully Sticks and winners will not be determined by votes. The criteria for judging will be based on the quality, composure, and best fit for each category. We will also be choosing a general excellence category out of all entries called, “Best Overall Pooch.”

Upon entering the contest, each entrant is releasing their information for use to Best Bully Sticks and is held responsible to Best Bully Sticks contest Rules & Regulations. When submitting a photo for this contest, you are releasing Best Bully Sticks and it’s affiliates to repurpose or reproduce the photo.

We do not condone cheating. Any suspicious activity will be monitored by contest managers. If we in the least are suspect of any person, we will remove the entry. We reserve the right to remove any derogatory comments. No purchase necessary to win. You must meet the requirements of the contest to be eligible. If you, or an organization you represent has won a Best Bully Sticks contest in the past 6 months, you will not be eligible for any prizes.

Because of Facebook Policy, any comments that appear to be votes and are outside or our OfferPop Photo Contest App on Facebook, will be deleted to comply with Facebook Promotion Guidelines.

Best Bully Sticks is the sponsor and administrator of this contest. Best Bully Sticks is located at 1221 Admiral Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

How Can You Stand Out From The Crowd?

Provide us with as  much information as possible in the form. 

You can only enter ONCE, so double check ALL your information before you upload. 

Choose the absolute BEST photo you can find of your dog. Blurry, dark, or low-quality photos probably won't be chosen. Also, choose the best photo that shows off your dog's qualities.