Archive for October 2012

A small group of dedicated, hardworking, passionate people can make a difference in a big world. One small group of people in Lyndonville, Vermont is changing the lives of Pugs in several states around the United States—Green Mountain Pug Rescue. BestBullySticks.com had the opportunity to speak with Karen Powers about how the rescue began, it’s 11 year history and how you can help Green Mountain Pugs. 

When & Why did you start? 
I started GMPR in early 2001.  I had been volunteering for a new England based pug rescue and thought it would be nice to have a group for pug meet ups and education on the breed.  At my first gathering it was obvious we were starting a rescue, too.

What's different about your rescue? 
This is a hard question, as all rescues work so hard to save lives.  We are a small group of Board Members making decisions in Vermont.  But we take in pugs from puppy mills as far away as Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas and as south as Georgia.  We do whatever vetting needed.  We do surgeries on the pugs as needed too- most rescues just don't have the capabilities to do this.

What is the greatest success story or "win" that your rescue has had? 
There have been so many pugs we brought in with heartworm that got better through treatment here to be adopted out and adored and spoiled by their new homes. Or one senior pug that got ran over by a car, brought into vets to be put down as the family could not afford the vet bill.  The vet called us up and we took custody of him and did a lot of work on him - costing $4,000.00 by the time it was done. Miraculously, while he had tire tracks on his side- there was no broken bones or internal injuries.  Just his mouth was a mess.    He lost his lower jaw in the process but could still eat fine with his special diet of soft foods in meatball size.  Big John, as he was called, went on to live several years loved and adored adopted by a very special friend to GMPR.  His will to live was simply amazing and donations came in to help cover some of his costs.  Sadly we lost him this year, but his memory lives on in our hearts!

What's the most rewarding thing about working at your rescue? 
Our pug social that we host yearly, seeing the puppy mill survivors not scared and cowering but flourishing and happy; tails just a wagging!  And seeing adoptions happen with one of your special fosters, when you thought it would be with you forever!  There are many days like this!  This helps us get through the worst when we get in so many puppy millers that are a mess medically and emotionally so bruised.

What can people do to help your rescue?
If you live in NH, VT or around Albany NY area, we definitely need fosters to continue our mission.  Volunteering at events, helping transport pugs when needed, make crafts to sell at our silent auctions, definitely need graphic artists help, too!

Congratulations to Green Mountain Pug Rescue on winning 2^nd place in BBS’s recent “Every Dog Has Its Day” Charity Photo Contest. The money they won will be going to help pay vet bills for the 9 Arkansas pugs rescued on 8/24/12. One of these pugs, Angel, is pictured to the right. These pugs had severe flea dermatitis, infections, ear and eye issues. One of the pugs is losing both eyes.

If you’d like to find out more on Green Mountain Pug Rescue, visit their website or Facebook. 

Sometimes called the easiest of all Dog Sports, Dock Jumping is certainly an entertaining event to watch and be involved with. Not only is this Dog Sport easy and fun, but it’s also open to any dog willing to take a jump off a short pier. BestBullySticks.com outlines the great world of Dock Jumping in today’s Dog Care 101 spotlight on Dog Sports!

What is Dock Jumping?
Also called Dock Diving, this dog sport is a competition of jump distance and jump height off of a dock into a body of water. This sport is governed by a few different organizations including Dock Dogs, SplashDogs and Ultimate Air Dogs, who partners through the United Kennel Club. For these clubs, there are two basic kinds of play: Long Distance Jumping and Vertical Height Jumping.

History
This sport really doesn’t have one particular point of origin. However, it can be pretty well guessed. Most likely a couple of guys were with their loyal companions for a romp down by the lake. One guy probably said, “Hey, Watch this!” and threw a tennis ball off the dock, into the water and his dog soared far through the air after his favorite toy. Voila! Dock Jumping was born.

Even though there is not a definitive account of who thought of Dock Jumping or where it originated, it is known that in 1997 Dock Jumping first appeared in Purina’s Incredible Dog Challenge. Since then, many clubs have sprung up and some dog’s can earn titles in the UKC for their competitions. Dock Jumping competitions are now in the UK and Australia. Read more

Looking for a dog treat to keep your dog entertained for hours? Try these delicious treats for your pet! We at BestBullySticks.com have two products your dog will love: Jumbo Smoked Cow Ears, and our Bison Femur Bone.

This Bison Femur Bone is huge, over a foot in length, and weighs up to 4.5 pounds and between 14-20 inches in length. Containing no hormones or preservatives, this bone is made from 100% all natural Bison. As an added bonus, there is still some meat on the bone for your dog to chew on!

Our Jumbo Smoked Cow Ears will have your canine's mouth watering! These treats have a savory smokey flavor that's extremely. At twice the size of our regular cow ears, these treats will make for some great chew time for your dog. With no artificial flavors, preservatives or hormones in this dog chew, these treats are perfect for your dog.

Both of these 1-ingredient dog treats can fit your dog's size and chewing temperament. Your dog will have hours of entertainment chewing on these and you can ensure peace and relaxation in your house! 

Jumbo Smoked Cow Ears: $10.80
Bison Femur Bone: $9.99 

Did you miss any of BestBullySticks.com BARK-tastic blogs this week?  If you did miss any of the Sit & Stay/Obesity Awareness/PB Apple Treating/Springy Dog topics, catch up before Monday with all of this week's great BBS Blogs!

So snuggle up to your favorite pooch (or pooches) and read the BBS Healthy Dog Blog! Happy Weekend Reading! Click the links below to find out more about:

Dog Sports: Obedience Trials • Pet Obesity Awareness • Peanut Butter Apple Dog Treats • Breed Spotlight on the English Springer Spaniel

Also in your free time this weekend, check out our fun Pinterest Page! We've got TONS of great dog videos, adorable dog photos, funny dog photos, DIY dog project and more!

A loveable and beautiful dog, the English Springer Spaniel is the favorite of both hunters and families wanting a great all-around dog. With an eager to please attitude and a stunning look, it’s easily understandable why these dogs are highly sought after. Learn more about the English Springer Spaniel on the BestBullySticks.com Breed Spotlight.

History & Background: English Springer Spaniels were the predecessors of all other Spaniels, except for Cockers, which used to be born in the same litter. Both of these dogs were used for hunting: Cockers for woodcocks and Springers for flushing out “springing” game. Both of these dogs have been around since the Renaissance. It wasn’t until 1902 that Springers received their own status as a separate breed by England’s Kennel Club. In 1924, the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed, making this breed more popular in the U.S. This dog is still makes for a great hunting dog and serves many homes as a wonderful family companion.

Height: Males 18 to 20 inches; Females 17 to 19 inches

Weight: For show dogs: Males 50 to 55 pounds; Females 35 to 45 pounds. For field dogs, weight is less and they are much more lithe than show dogs.

Coat: A Springer has an outer and undercoat, which are easily differential on the body. The medium-length outer coat is flat or wavy and the undercoat is short, soft and dense. Depending on the season, the dog will have more or less of an undercoat, but when both coats are fully intact, a Springer is virtually waterproof and weatherproof. This dog also has considerable fringe on the ears, chest, legs and belly. Everywhere else, the hair is short and fine. Working Springers usually have shorter, harder coats.

Color: These Spaniels are usually colored in a few different ways.
Liver or black with white markings
White with liver or black markings
Tri-Color
Blue or Liver Roan
Any white portion of a Springer’s coat can have ticking.

This dog’s nose is liver or black depending on the color combination. Eyes are the same way, and are usually dark hazel in the liver and white dogs and black or deep brown in the black and white dogs. Read more