Author: Callie

You don't need Rebecca Black to tell you "It's Friday." We're sure you've been looking forward to Friday all week! Did you miss any of BestBullySticks.com BARK-tastic blogs this week?  If you did miss any of the Dog Sitting/NYC Dog Rescuing/Blueberry Pumpkin Treating/Min Pin fun, 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 Care 101 Tip #203: Choosing A Good Dog Sitter • Rescue Spotlight: Rescuzilla •  Vegan Heartland's Blueberry Pumpkin Dog Treats • Breed Spotlight on the Miniature Pinscher

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!

Just like a little brother doesn’t like being introduced as “John’s little brother,” the Miniature Pinscher doesn’t like being confused for a “miniature Doberman.” Any Min Pin lover or fancier will tell you, this dog is a breed all it’s own. With a lot of attitude packed into a tiny body, the Min Pin is both a delight and a doozy. Read more about this rambunctious little dog on the BestBullySticks.com Breed Spotlight on the Miniature Pinscher.

History & Background: Despite popular belief, the Miniature Pinscher isn’t simply a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher. This small breed, German dog has its own origins through the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound. However, both the Min Pin and the Doberman most likely share the German Standard Pinscher as an ancestor. In Germany, the Miniature Pinscher is called the Zwerg Pinscher (Dwarf Pinscher) and Pinscher translates Terrier. Colloquially this dog is called the “King of the Toys.”

It’s thought the Min Pin is an ancient dog breed, though factual evidence of the existence of this particular breed dates back less than 200 years. What is known is the Min Pin enjoyed life in solely in Germany and Scandinavian countries for many years serving as a ratter. It wasn’t until 1919 that this dog was introduced to the United States. In 1930 the AKC reclassified this dog from the Terrier Group to the Toy and in 1972 this club changed the dog’s name from Pinscher to Miniature Pinscher.

Height: 10 to 12.5 inches

Weight: 8 to 10 pounds

Coat: The Miniature Pinscher has a short, hard coat that is smooth and straight. The coat clings tight to the body and covers the Min Pin evenly. Read more

Today, we at BestBullySticks.com are very excited bring you a dog treat recipe chock-full of “good-for-you” stuff! You know, like when you eat a fresh piece of fruit that’s in season and your body loves you for it? Well, these Blueberry Pumpkin Dog Treats from Matthew at Vegan Heartland will do just that for your pup! Read on to learn about Matthew’s Yellow Lab, Keeva and her favorite treat.

Keeva has been on a mostly homemade vegan diet for almost a year now and she's doing amazing! She does eat kibble every now and then and she absolutely loves it!

I know there's one thing I can count on though and that would be these treats! Keeva absolutely loves these! Not only does she love to snack on them but they're super nutritious for her! She get's the antioxidants from the blueberries and pumpkin + the omega-3 fatty acids and lignans from the flax seed meal. I think when I make these next time I'm going to add some sesame seed meal and molasses to add a little boost of calcium to her diet. They're super easy to make and you can cut them out into any shape you like!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 cups 100% whole wheat flour (you could try using oat or brown rice flour for wheat free treats!)
• 1/2 cup flax seed meal
• 1/3 cup blueberries
• 1/3 cup water

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Blend together the applesauce and pumpkin. Once the applesauce and pumpkin are well combined, stir in the flour and flax seed meal. Add in enough water until dough just becomes workable. The dough will be a little stiff, but don't worry, that's what we're going for! Work the rest of the ingredients together with your hands until all have become well incorporated. Read more

BestBullySticks.com loves hearing a good dog rescue story and Rescuzilla out of NYC has a lot of good ones. We spoke to Katherine Good, one of the coordinators at this passionate animal rescue about the successes and needs of Rescuzilla.

When & Why did you start?  
Rescuzilla was founded in 2009 in the hopes of responsibly saving dogs and cats from being part of the millions of animals that are killed each year in the United States. After years of volunteering and caring for animals at the shelter we wanted to be able to make sure that animals we met got the chance to be wonderful family members. Starting a rescue was the next logical step in doing so.

What's different about your rescue? 
We are very much a grassroots and hand on rescue. As active volunteers at the Animal Care & Control of New York City and partners in their New Hope program, we are able to help animals from the beginning of their second life until their new forever home. Our program is small, with usually around 8 animals at a time, but every animal is in loving foster home and receives all the attention it needs whether it be medical or behavioral. 

What is the greatest success story or "win" that your rescue has had? 
This is a tough one! One of the few ways to measure it is by how far an animal has come since we first met him. One that always keeps us smiling is Benjamin Buttons. He was found with what we thought was a sweater that turned out to be a sweatpants leg that someone had fashioned into a shirt for him. A little, emaciated, chronically illsenior rat terrier.  He had to be saved but we knew it would take a one-of-a-kind family to see all his potential! He was fostered by an amazing family that embodies the definition of love. His mama fed him special meals, carried him all over the house in a pouch and let him sleep safely in bed, making sure he had his space right between her and her husband. It wasn't long before Benjamin started putting on weight and his ailments dissipated. The foster family saw how special he is and knew he was meant to be with them forever. He is like a whole new dog; truly a Benjamin (Belly) Buttons.   Read more

If you can’t make it home to let your dog out at lunch or you’re going on vacation, considering a dog sitter is a great idea. BestBullySticks.com knows you want the best caregiver for your dog besides you. That’s why we’re giving you these handy tips on How to Choose a Good Dog Sitter!

Pros of Choosing A Dog Sitter
A few positives of hiring a dog sitter include:

• Keeping your pet comfortable in their own environment
• Keeping your dog’s regular routine
• No social anxiety of a boarding facility
• Attention and care while you’re away and peace of mind you’ll feel knowing this
• Happier friends and family who aren’t begrudgingly caring for your pet
• Checking in on your house so potential burglars won’t know you’re gone
• Miscellaneous services such as plant watering, mail pick up, etc.

What To Look For
Finding a pet sitter is as easy as asking friends and family or even looking to the National Association for Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. Online services such as Care.com are helpful, too.

Once you find a few candidates, look into each person’s qualifications and services. You’ll want to check for:

• Related training
• At least three references
• Liability insurance to cover accidents or negligence

You’ll also want to see if the sitter is:

• Comfortable with your dog and your dog seems comfortable with them
• Taking thorough notes
• Offering additional services such as plant watering, mail pickup or grooming
• Providing a written contract including services and fees
• Outlining when and how long they will be at your home (if not a live-in sitter)
• Checking in with you at a specified time interval
• Setting up a replacement if they have an emergency or are sick
• Familiar with First Aid or an Emergency Vet
• The only person coming into your home
• Leaving your house key in a particular place

Your Responsibilities
Now that you know what to look for, prepare for your dog sitters visit. Here are some basic responsibilities to make your dog sitter’s time with your fur-kid easy and pleasant.

• Notify your dog sitter as early as possible
• Be sure you have current id tags and all medical information and vaccinations are up to date
• Make sure your pet is well socialized and comfortable with your sitter
• Take your sitter on a full tour of your house and be sure they’re familiar with your security system and fuse box
• Leave detailed instructions outlining your dog’s complete routine (feeding, exercise, preferences)
• Leave all your contact, emergency contact and veterinarian information
• Put your dog’s food and supplies in one place
• Leave a key with a friend, trusted neighbor or family member as well as exchange phone numbers between them all.

Now that you’re familiar with finding a good dog sitter, you can go out of town without worrying (too much) about Fido.