Best Bully Sticks Celebrates

Happy Memorial Day!

BestBullySticks hopes you’re making the most out of this history-rich and important holiday. Originally celebrated to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the American Civil War, this holiday has grown to honor the men and women who’ve died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Memorial Day celebrations usually consist of visiting cemeteries and memorials of fallen soldiers. Often, these memorial services are followed by a potluck style meal or cookout. The common practice among many Americans to have a potluck-style dinner or cookout originated from a pre-Civil War tradition to have a “dinner on the ground” as part of a religious service.

People all over the country have family members proudly serving in our military. And while these fine folks have earned great respect for their duties, there are some heroes who often get overlooked — dogs!

Military Dogs

Dogs have played pivotal roles in the military dating as far back as 600 BCE. Trainable, loyal and fearless, many breeds were well suited for military service. While there are few breeds entirely excluded from becoming a service animal, there is an explicit preference for certain breeds. German and Dutch Shepherds are the most common because of their high intelligence, dependability and trainability.

Officially called Military Working Dogs (MWD) or K-9, service dogs fill a huge variety of roles and bravely stick by the sides of their handlers. Ancient military dogs were even seen in the front lines of battle, often covered in armor and charging the front lines in an attempt to break enemy ranks! However, the role of the MWD has changed as militaries have evolved. Now, militaries now use dogs as scouts and sentries because of their comparatively heightened smell, hearing and sight. Read more

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Yes, it may be cliché, but BestBullySticks.com thinks resolutions are a great way to start off a new year! However, we also know good resolutions are the kind that are within reach and, even better, if you have someone keeping you accountable. And if you don’t want to make a personal commitment, why not for your dog?! You don’t want to let your dog down, do you? Of course not! Here are some doggy resolutions to consider this New Year!

1. Annual Checkup: Not only is your dog’s annual checkup very important, it’s only once a year! These easy appointments make sure your dog’s health is up to par, shots and vaccinations are up to date and can catch illnesses early on.  You can check this resolution off your list quickly and ensure your dog is in tip-top shape all in one vet visit.

2. Exercise: This year will be the year! Well, for your dog it definitely should be. Dogs love to explore and roam, so walk might be a great way for your dog (and you) to get the blood moving! A good game of fetch or Frisbee in the back yard is also a great way to make sure Fido gets good exercise. And if Fido is harboring a little extra weight around the middle, this will help shed those pounds.

3. Diet: This topic is shirked by both two-legged and four-legged species! We all love a good meal, but maybe it’s time to revamp Fido’s daily diet. This doesn’t necessarily mean cutting back, but giving your dog quality food. However, if your dog does need to cut back, why not now? Dogs at a healthy, optimum weight live longer and fuller lives.

4. New Experiences: Even if your dog is a homebody or couch potato, there’s nothing wrong with new experiences. Socialization and new experiences make a better, well-rounded, “ready for anything” kind of dog. Trying out a new dog park, taking your dog to the beach or meeting new dogs! And, you can teach an old dog new tricks! Try teaching your dog to shake or high-five! Even a new challenge like a tough dog treat or chew will keep Fido's mind working! 

5. More Quality Time: Don’t get too caught up on your daily busyness to only pat Fido on the head in passing. Your dog needs daily love and support from you, so in the new year, set aside quality time every day or week to give your dog one-on-one time. It will be meaningful to the both of you. Cuddling in bed, a game of fetch in the yard of a walk around the block make the bond with your dog stronger and more special.

Make a resolution to your dog this year! BestBullySticks.com think it’s won’t be too hard to keep. Happy New Year, Bully Fans! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

from

BestBullySticks.com!

The Night Before Christmas graphic produced by Pet365.co.uk and Dogorama. Click here to view the original post.

Adopting a dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make. However, you want to head into this decision with a lot of wisdom and research. Adopting puppies are great, but BestBullySticks.com wants to let you in on another choice that might be even better for your family: adopting an adult or senior dog. November is Adopt-A-Senior Dog Month, so here are some reasons why adopting an oldie, but a goodie might be a wonderful option.

Less Work: Puppies are a lot of work; they need lots of just about everything including exercise, training, socialization and more. For most old dogs, this is old hat.

Mature in Every Way: An older dog already has a well-defined personality, emotional and physical characteristics. Whereas a puppy goes though many changes, a mature dog doesn’t hide much.

Good for First-Time Adopters: If you’re a first time adopter, or even dog owner, an older dog is probably the best match for you! This way a future puppy parent can ease in to dog ownership and responsibility, whereas adopting a puppy requires much more time for training, exercise and socialization. Instead of potential chaos, you’re sure to get plenty calm and ease from a senior dog.

Will Love You Just As Much: No matter a senior dog’s former life, dogs have very large hearts and when they’re truly cared for, will love their companions wholly.

Be A Rebel: At a shelter, many people overlook older dogs, but you can be a rebel! Do something others don’t; love on an older dog. BestBullySticks.com knows it will be a rewarding experience.

To find out more about adopting a senior dog, read the ASPCA’s Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog. 

Have you adopted an adult or senior dog? Tell us your success stories!