Take Care of Your Dog's Chompers with New Dentastix Fresh from Pedigree!

Cosmo hopes more Dentastix will fall from the sky

Maintaining good oral health should be part of every doggie's routine, and Cosmo knows the importance of a nice smile and fresh breath too.

That's why he's super excited about new Dentastix Fresh Oral Care treats from Pedigree and today's giveaway -- a "Stay Clean and Fresh" gift pack! Read all the way down for how to enter. But first, some tips on good oral care from Pedigree.

Let me at 'em!

• Daily brushing is the most effective way of keeping a dog's teeth clean. Be sure to use a toothbrush that's specially designed for dogs and never use toothpaste that was developed for humans. Use only doggie toothpaste. 
• In addition to daily brushing, you can also feed your dog snacks that aid in oral care like PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX® treats for dogs. They're clinically proven to reduce tartar buildup by up to 80% when fed daily.
• Take your dog to the vet on a regular basis. This is imperative for your dog's oral health (and overall health too, I might add). Your vet will look for signs of gum disease, provide treatments, and recommend ways to help manage or prevent oral disease.

I can smell the fresh!

Now, both the original Dentastix and new Dentastix Fresh are available at grocery and mass merchandise stores nationwide. Dentastix Fresh is not only clinically proven to reduce tartar build up, just like the original DENTASTIX®, but it also helps freshen breath as DENTASTIX® Fresh Treats for Dogs contain a patented active ingredient combination.

Win a "Stay Clean and Fresh" gift pack!

One lucky To Dog With Love Reader will win a "Stay Clean and Fresh" gift pack to include:

• Dentastix  Fresh Samples
• Two (2) packs Dentastix Coupons (Dentastix or Dentastix Fresh)
• NEW “Dogs rule” Gear
• Doggie Toothbrush and Toothpaste 

Enter via our Rafflecopter giveaway below. Contest is open to U.S. residents until September 16 at 12:01 a.m.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Finally! chomp, chomp, chomp...

Share the Happy with Purina and Win a Custom T-Shirt!

We used the new Be Happy by Purina iPhone
app to create this corner of happiness!

Anyone who knows Cosmo knows he doesn't need much encouragement in the category of happiness. But we still believe the world can always use a little more happy! 

So does Purina®, and that's how they found the inspiration for their newest brand of dog and cat food, Be Happy™.  Based on the idea that there's more good in the world if you just know where to sniff it out, the new pet food brand is launching with calls to action for owners to join the happiness movement.

Here's how to get and share the happy!...
 Be Happy has two great ways for anyone to get fun, “happified” photos of their pets, which are easily sharable via social media. People can either download the Be Happy iPhone and Android application or visit PurinaPetFun.com. Both the app and website allow users to upload photos of pets, which can be customized with different visual elements, characters and thought bubbles, and then share those photos on Facebook.

... And how to win the happy!

The Be Happy™ Facebook page has an area where  fans can create custom t-shirts, and we think they are super cute!  

The nice folks at Purina have provided us with codes for five FREE t-shirts so that five of our To Dog With Love readers will have even more ways to join the happiness movement!

Created at PurinaPetFun.com!

Here's all you need to do to enter

Create a photo using either the app or the PurinaPetFun website and submit them to me via email. After you create your photo, you'll see an option for email and simply send it to diane (at) todogwithlove (dot) com.  That's all that's required to enter! If you like, you can also post your photos to our To Dog With Love Facebook page, but it's not required to enter. 

Rules: By entering our t-shirt giveaway you agree that To Dog With Love has the rights to post your photo on our Facebook page and on the To Dog With Love website.  Contest is open until Saturday, Sept. 8 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Open to U.S. residents only. Five winners will be notified via email by September 10.

A few more things to know!

In addition, the brand launched a Pinterest page that includes a board for “Happiness Art,” featuring original craft projects inspired by the Be Happy philosophy. To experience Be Happy on Pinterest, please visit Pinterest.com/BeHappybyPurina.

Be Happy is a dry pet food available nationwide in cat and dog formulas. It helps support strong bones and teeth, healthy vision, and healthy skin and coat. In addition, the brand offers the Purina Happiness Guarantee: if a consumer is not completely satisfied with his or her experience, Be Happy will provide a refund.

Be Happy is available in two varieties for cats:

-       Deep Sea Duos Crunchies with Ocean Fish and Salmon Flavors

-       Poultry Pair-adise Crunchies  with Chicken and Turkey Flavors

Be Happy is available in two varieties for dogs:

-       Beef Flavor

-       Chicken Flavor

For more product information about Be Happy, please visit Purina.com/BeHappy.

Disclosure: We were not compensated for this post. We are members of the Purina Dog Blogger Panel and are happy to share this information with our readers.

Wordless Wednesday: The Wind Beneath My Furs

Cosmo Havanese enjoys the wind and water at the Wednesday night races at the M&M Yacht Club in Menominee, Michigan earlier this month.

Sail away!

What's in a Dog Name? -- The Ultimate Star Guide!

We love this latest infographic from Matt Beswick for Pet365. Has your dog lived up to his name?

I think Cosmo was destined to be a Cosmopolitan dog from the start... worldy and well-traveled. How about your pup? Was his or her name predestined?

Dog names graphic produced by Matt Beswick for Pet365. Click here to view the original post.

How to Learn About Dog Breeds

Attending an all-breed dog show is a terrific way to see lots of breeds all under one roof. Or, spend time learning more about your favorite breed!

This past weekend we attended the shows in Atlanta, and of course, spent most of our time at the Havanese ring.

Lots of beautiful pups and a great way to see all the different colors of the Havanese.

Pups are eligible to show starting at six months old.

Then afterward, you can chat with the breed folks ringside to learn more about their breed. To find a local show in your area check out the event search at AKC.org.

Fred: The Town Dog, a Documentary in the Making

This wistful little guy is Fred: The Town Dog. He's no longer with us physically, but the memory of Fred lives on in the tiny town of Rockford, Ala.

Fred's story starts in 1993, when he walked into Rockford as a dirty and disheveled dog. The townspeople nursed him back to health, cleaned and adopted him and he becoming known as “Fred” – the town dog. Fred was a beloved member of the community for many years before passing away on December 23, 2002, but not before befriending many of the townspeople.

Now, a documentary is being made to tell the story about a struggling small town and its adoption of a new friend, exploring his relationships and the effect he had on both individuals and the community as a whole. Fred is currently in pre-production and shooting is planned to take place in October of 2012.

This story reminds us a bit about the legend of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who helped unite his 19th-century Edinburgh, Scotland hometown after becoming an orphan when his owner died. We'd love to see Fred's story come to life in much the same way, but first the filmmakers are looking to reach their fundraising goal.

Director Ava Lowrey, a current student at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and native of the nearby town of Alexander City, Ala., has set up an Indiegogo campaign to help raise funds to cover the film's expenses.

Learn more about the project and how to contribute on the Indiegogo campaign site. 

Discover Stylish Pet Products From Inubar

A few weeks ago we discovered a new online shopping experience that offers just the type of stylish, well-designed pet products we love to find. And what makes it even better is they offer the products at introductory prices (below retail) for a limited time.

If you haven't checked them out yet, head over to www.inubar.com for some terrific pet product eye candy! Sign up and you'll receive an email chock full of new products each week! And best of all, Inubar is offering readers of To Dog With Love an additional 10 percent off their first order.  Just enter the code COSMO at checkout to get your first stylish find for 10 percent off!

Inubar spends their time searching for beautiful, well-designed pet products across the categories of  Bedding, Dining, Toys & Accessories. So all you have to do is click and enjoy!

Here's a look at a few of our favorites that are currently available!

First, it's no surprise we adore these Hermès-inspired Westwood Bowls! Just see our post from yesterday!

We love this preppy chic navy sailor collar. Perfect for our next boat ride! 

Anyone who knows Cosmo knows how he LOVES interactive treat toys. I think he'd really dig these Mazee Balls.

Who wouldn't love a Tangerine Modern Lounger -- the ultimate indoor and outdoor lounge bed! I think I could fit on this with Cosmo!

See anything you like? Head over to www.inubar.com for more treats for you and your pet... and don't forget to use the promo code COSMO at checkout for 10 percent off your first order! 

Happy shopping!

Wordless Wednesday: Hermès Havanese - Chicago Shopping Day with Cosmo!

Cosmo Havanese enjoys some window shopping during his visit to Chicago last week!

Now let's see what everyone else is doing at the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!

Chillin' in Style with Cozy New Chillspot Tile Covers

Cosmo Havanese keeps his cool with new waterproof tile slipcovers on his Chillspot cooling dog bed. We reviewed the Chillspot earlier this summer and love how it keeps Cosmo cool without having to submerge him in water! Though he loves a good splash as well!

Chillspot without tile slipcovers

The slipcovers stretch to fit around each tile and provide some extra traction which seems to make the surface even more comfy for Cosmo. We also noticed that some condensation will appear on the tile surface, especially in our humid Atlanta environment. The new slipcovers eliminate any moisture coming through, while still keeping Cosmo nice and chill. 

We also like the choice of colors to help customize your look! Pictured here are the Seaspray tile covers, providing a nice complement to Cosmo's black and white fur coat. The slipcovers also are machine washable. 

Chillspot and its accessories can be ordered online at Chillspot.biz.

Cosmo says, come on over and chill with us; there's plenty of room for more! 

Chillspot provided us with the tile slipcovers to review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely mine and Cosmo's.

Chicago Canine Cruise

Last week we had a great adventure to Chicago and traveling through Wisconsin and Michigan. And one of our favorite outings was the Canine Cruise from the Mercury Chicago Skyline Cruiseline. If you live in the Chicago area or you're passing through with your dog, we highly recommend taking a trip on this 90-minute river and lake cruise.

Cosmo and I enjoyed the breeze during the portion of the cruise that heads out onto Lake Michigan

From July 8 until September 30, 2012, the Canine Cruise departs every Sunday at 10 a.m.  from the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue bridge at Wacker Dr.

The boats depart on the south side of the Chicago River

Once humans and canines board the boat, it heads down the Chicago River past the Wrigley Building, the Merchandise Mart, the Civic Opera house and on to the Sears Tower.

A narrator/tour guide provides lots of interesting history about  the buildings and Chicago architecture.

Cosmo makes new friends with a Boston Terrier and his humans. I think he's really looking for snacks

Along the way, there's also plenty of time to make new friends!

And take in the smells as well as the sights!

Then the boat heads out through the locks to Lake Michigan for a spectacular view of the city.

The dogs seem to thoroughly enjoy the ride. This was our second time on the cruise and we were surprised there were only four dogs on this particular tour and lots more humans.

Cosmo doesn't mind getting a little extra attention from the humans on board!

When we met Steve Dale a few years back, we learned he had a hand in launching the Chicago Canine  Cruise on his WGN Radio Show.  We may need to make this a yearly tradition, and hopefully next year there will be even more dogs on board!

Anchor's aweigh!

Help Feed Animals in Need with Natural Balance

Here's another way to help feed more dogs who need it most!

From now through August 31, "LIKE" the  Natural Balance Facebook page and they'll donate one pound of food  to Angels in Fur Dog Rescue for each new Facebook fan!

Since 2006, Angels in Fur has rescued and rehomed approximately 1,000 abandoned dogs from the pound or neglectful owners, many needing orthopedic surgery and months of rehabilitation. The campaign runs from July 30 to August 31 to donate up to 5,000 pounds of food to this very special group.

“Everyone here is so beyond happy and our hearts have all been touched by the support of Natural Balance,” says Rachelle Lynn, the founder of Angels in Fur. “We’re a non-profit organization that is solely supported by donations so we truly appreciate every LIKE received for this campaign!”

Please Help Us Help Animals by spreading the word!

Like! 

Where in the U.S. is the Science Diet Ideal Balance Pet Café Truck?

We captured this shot at the 2010 Chicago Air and Water Show!

If you're heading to the Chicago Air and Water show this weekend, here's a food truck that your pet will want to make sure you don't miss! This summer, the Science Diet® Ideal Balance™ Pet Café Truck tours the country and it's first stop is this weekend in Chicago!

While touring the U.S., the Science Diet Ideal Balance Pet Café will give away free samples of Ideal Balance dog and cat food and new Ideal Balance all-natural treats. In addition to the tasty samples for your pet, there will be fun photo opportunities and friendly contests. 

What's super cool is that Cosmo and I will be in Chicago this weekend, so we'll get to stop by for a few samples. I think he's going to really dig these...

Science Diet Ideal Balance treats and pet food feature 100 percent all-natural ingredients: real beef, chicken, fruits and vegetables. Additionally, all Ideal Balance products have no corn, artificial flavors, color or preservatives. 

The air and water show view from Lake Shore Drive and
North Avenue. The Ideal Balance truck will be parked near here.

The Science Diet Ideal Balance truck will be parked near the North Avenue underpass at Lake Shore Drive. Look for it just north of the Chess Pavillion. 

Cosmo likes to get an early start on the air and water show. 

We like to get to the show early to watch folks set up. Cosmo thinks that might mean more treats for him at the Science Diet Ideal Balance food truck too!

If you won't be in Chicago this weekend, look for the truck at a location near you:

Truck Stops	Location	Dates
Chicago Air and Water Show	Chicago, IL	Aug. 17 – 19
Minnesota State Fair	St. Paul, MN	Aug. 23 –  Sept. 3
New York City The Big E	Various West Springfield, MA	Sept. 12 – 15 and Sept. 26 - 28 Sept. 20 – 23
Santa Monica Promenade Santa Monica 5000	Santa Monica, CA Santa Monica, CA	Oct. 6th Oct. 7th
San Diego Pet Expo	San Diego, CA	Oct. 13 –  14
Arizona State Fair	Phoenix, AZ	Oct. 18 – 28

The Science Diet Ideal Balance team will also give away pet food and treat samples at:  

Tent Events	Location	Dates
Taste of Colorado	Denver, CO	Aug. 31 –  Sept. 3
Fell's Point Fun Fest	Baltimore, MD	Oct. 6 –  7
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival	Half Moon Bay, CA (San Francisco Area)	Oct. 13 – 14

For tour updates and more on Hill’s Science Diet Ideal Balance at Facebook.com/HillsPetUS

Hope to see you in Chicago!