A Weekend Makeover!

Rocco and me… this photo was taken at
Rocco's first dog show
when he was 4 months old!

Ta-da! Welcome to a whole new us!

Rocco and I spent the weekend at the blogger makeover spa where our pal Glogirly gave us the full fluffing and puffing.

The result?

A lighter, brighter us with a look that better fits our current lifestyle.

We've had the same look since I started blogging nearly four years ago, which is like 40 years in blog years. And so we were long overdue for some updates to make us both more stylish and functional.

Camouflage Kitty

Can you find the kitty in this picture?

Our neighbor kitty keeps an eye on Cosmo's backyard!

Help Feed Shelter Pets with Iams Home 4 the Holidays

Each year from October  through January, the Iams Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption campaign seeks to place orphaned pets into loving homes. And since it began 13 years ago, the program  -- along with more than 3,500 pet adoption centers and rescue organizations -- has helped 5.8 million families experience the joy of pet adoption, including 1.1 million pet adoptions from last year's campaign alone.

This year, the goal is to adopt out 1.5 million orphaned pets and also to donate 5 million meals through the Iams Home 4 the Holiday Bags 4 Bowls program.

Here's how you can help feed the shelter animals

From now until 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 15:

• For each comment on this blog post, Iams will donate 10 bowls of food to shelter pets. So  please leave a comment and share this post so we can get lots of food donated!
• For each holiday card shared from Iams new e-card collection on Facebook, Iams is donating a meal to shelter pets. However, if you share the card with To Dog With Love  via email at diane(at) todogwithlove(dot) com, Iams will donate  25 bowls!
• For each tweet stating: Help Feed Shelter Pets with Iams Home 4 the Holidays http://bit.ly/vyJYoy #CosmoIH4TH Iams will donate 10 bowls of food.

Iams holiday e-card from its Petmail collection

To Thank You for Helping Feed the Shelter Animals

Iams will give away an Iams Home 4 the Holidays New Pet Parent basket to one lucky To Dog With Love reader. To enter, please leave a comment on this blog post stating you'd like to be entered in the drawing by 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 15. Winner will be picked at random using random.org. Shipping to U.S. and Canada only.

Gift Basket Details:

• Warm snuggly pet bed
• Iams ProActive food -- One month supply
• Toys to engage and entertain
•  Collar/leash -- safety first!
• Bounce Dryer Bar -- did you know that four out of 10 Americans say that if they have a 'pet peeve' about their four-legged friends it's the shedding. One trick is to use the Bounce Dryer Bar or Bounce dryer sheets when doing laundry -- they actually help repel pet hair so owners can hug their furry friends.

Good luck and let's go feed some animals!

Music to dance with your dog by!

Ever notice how some music can change your whole mood? .... music that puts a smile on your face, melts away the stress and makes you want to get up and dance with your dog?

I do, and luckily I have a dog who tolerates all my silliness and enjoys a good dance!

Now, just in time for the holidays and all the stress it brings, the Cesar® Brand in partnership with Pandora Internet Radio is launching a branded radio station to help you share moments of perfect harmony together with your loved ones.

Connect via www.pandora.com/cesar and for the first time via a QR code on signage at shelves in more than 14,000 major retail stores across the country through January 1, 2012.  You can also access the complimentary station through www.cesar.com, Facebook (www.Facebook.com/Cesar) or Twitter (@cesarcuisine).

Think Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz , Train and Sara Bareilles ...  a nice blend of easy-on-a-Sunday-morning listening music, contemporary holiday favorites and up-tempo pop hits. If you're like me, you'll probably discover some new favorites too. It's a super nice playlist!

♫ ♫ ♫ 

Winner of Purina ProCare Prize Package and Pet Care Cleaning Tips!

We received some great cleaning tips from the entrants to our Purina ProCare giveaway, and today's the day to announce our winner!

No, Cosmo, you can't eat these, but they will keep your home fresh and clean!

But first, a few tips from our readers to help make your home -- and litterbox -- spic and span this weekend:

• Cynthia Downer shares, "If you've got hard water that leaves that 'crusty' calcium build-up on dog bowls, bath tubs, etc., vinegar dissolves it right up. Just soak it overnight! If it's in a hard to reach area a good idea is to leave it covered with a vinegar-soaked rag."
• Kelly Ann says to "use vinegar to clean up messes on tile and concrete."
• Amy Orvin says, "my tip is using baking soda in the catbox. It helps to absorb odors."

Training pads can also be used for purposes beyond house-training puppies.

• Pepper Pom writes, "I use pee pads at night, and in bad weather, and when traveling. I even used one on a train! BOL!! I also line my pet-a-roo with one." 
• I also keep a training pad in my carry-on in case of emergency, like I did when we traveled to Italy with Cosmo!

Thanks for some great cleaning tips, and now one lucky reader will win a prize pack from Purina ProCare -- including new Purina ProCare Ultra Dry Advanced Training Pads and Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator.

Drum roll puleeeez >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The winner is Amy Orvin! Congrats to you and thanks to everyone for playing and sharing your cleaning tips! 

My 7 Links: Our Addition to the Tripbase blog post project

Thanks to Champion of My Heart for tagging us in Tripbase's My 7 Links blog post project, created to unite bloggers of all types to dig up some of their favorite posts that deserve to see the light of day again.  The idea is, we post our links in the 7 categories below and then we nominate five bloggers to carry on the torch.

So here we go:

1. Most beautiful post: Travel to Italy with Your Dog: Arriving in Rome

This post makes me feel like we're in Rome all over again. You can see it, hear it and almost taste it!

Grab your cappuccino and brioche and read on!

2. Most controversial post: The Hundstol Dog High Chair from Ikea

Ok, so we're not very controversial. But this post stirred up a lot of fun speculation whether this was real or not! Some folks even believed Cosmo actual toured the Ikea factory in Sweden!! ROTFBOL! Afterall, he did travel to Italy, so why not?!

We did follow up with a confession!

3. Most helpful post: How To Prepare Your Dog for a Long Plane Flight

This one answers the age old question: To Pee or Not to Pee...

Cosmo checks out the dog park at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport

Speaking of pet travel, our Travel Bag Comfort post has some pretty useful tips too.

4. Post whose success surprised us:  Iams Will Donate 50 Bowls of Food for Every Tweet with #CosmoIH4TH and The Final Count is in for #CosmoIH4TH

The anipal community never ceases to suprise us with their support, passion and generosity. This time, they rallied together to help raise 297,600 meals donated to animal shelters in need as part of the Iams' Home for the Holiday's program.

Cosmo led the charge on this program!

5. Post that didn't get the attention it deserved: A Walk Through Parco della Villa Borghese

Just a simple post of a lovely walk through a lovely park in Italy. Don't miss it, it you plan to be in Rome with your dog!

6. Post we're most proud of: Noms for a Cause

One of our first blog posts, we took the Be The Change for Pets challenge and organized a neighborhood pet food drive. Together our neighbors donated 230 pounds of pet food to our local food pet food bank.

Passing on the torch

Here are the five bloggers who graciously accepted our challenge to keep this relay alive!

Carol Bryant at Fido Friendly Blog
Prudence and Ashley at Of Cows' Tails and Chew Toys
Mary and Roxy at The Traveling Dog
Ryan Rice at Houston Dog Blog
Monica Ricci at Your Life. Organized

Giveaway Winner: SturdiBag Pet Carrier

Me and Cosmo, in his SturdiBag,
during a rcent trip to Chicago

If you're planning a trip with your pet, it's so important to have a quality carrier that both you and your pet are comfortable with.  We've been using the SturdiBag the past few years, traveling twice to Italy and all across the United States. So we were so excited when the folks at SturdiProducts, makers of the SturdiBag, provided a large SturdiBag, the size Cosmo travels in, for our To Dog With Love birthday giveaway!

So without further ado, the winner of our SturdiBag Pet Carrier giveaway is >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Maura Warnecke, who says she'd like to win a bag "so both my little mutts can travel all over with me on vacation and to agility/nosework matches around the U.S.!"

Maura, if you're ever traveling to Atlanta for agility, let us know. We just might be competing too!

Thanks to all who entered our giveaway. And safe and happy travels this summer!

Pet Art: Anita Edwards Handcrafted Jewelry and Wall Art

The bone moves in this doggies mouth!

We get the chance to see lots of talented artists at art fairs and festivals in the Atlanta area, and we find ourselves drawn to some of the pet-related products and designs. So over the next few weeks, To Dog With Love will feature some of our favorites, starting with an artist we met last weekend at the Virginia Highlands Summerfest.

Jewelry designer Anita Edwards creates whimsical animal jewelry and wall art -- hand cut with a jeweler's saw from sheets of sterling silver, brass and copper. Her creations are hand-finished and hand-assembled, and even have moving parts. She says her goal is to bring you art that will make you smile, and we can't help but smile at these fun creations.

Here's a look at Anita's booth at Summerfest.

Anita's jewelry collection includes pins, earring and pendants. She's has many breeds represented and will also create custom pieces from your photo...

                                               From this...                 To this!

Anita says she is a life-long animal lover. Her father, a wildlife biologist, introduced her to animal rescue by constantly bringing her homeless animals he had found in the woods.

As an adult, Anita has surrounded herself with dogs and cats and works with her local humane society as a pet-facilitated therapy volunteer. Her current loves are a terrier mix puppy, Zoe, and two big-boy, fat cats (Anita's words!) Stan and Ollie.

That's a photo of Zoe in the upper right-hand corner.

For yourself or a gift for your favorite pet-lover, we love these adorable creations!

Now, let's hop on over the the Saturday Pet Bloggers Hop!

Win an EYENIMAL Pet Cam on FIDO Friendly!

Imagine what this would look like from a dog's-eye view?! 

We've always thought it would be pretty cool to strap a camera on Cosmo and see the world from his short and fluffy point of view. So we found the EYENIMAL pet cam review on FIDO Friendly Blog particularly interesting.  (Check out the video from the Dexter Cam, pretty darn good quality I'd say!)

And our ears perked up even more when we heard FIDO Friendly is hosting a chance to win an EYENIMAL from DOGTEK -- the contest runs through June 17, 2011 and all the details on how to enter are here.

Is a Cosmo Cam in the future? We sure hope so. From Cosmo's travels to his athletic pursuits, we'd love to see Cosmo's view of the world!

Friday Fun With Cosmo Havanese in Hats!

It's been a week since the Royal Wedding, but it's never too late to have fun with hats. Here, Cosmo Havanese shows some of his favorite uses.

We think Princess Beatrice's hat makes a fine agility obstacle!

Here, Cosmo models a look he created for last week's Atlanta Brave's game.

Happy Friday and have a lovely Mother's Day weekend!

Wordless Wednesday: Atlanta Braves Bark in the Park

We had a great time at the Atlanta Braves Bark in the Park event on Saturday! Cosmo enjoyed a great view of the field... and the ballpark hot dogs!

We sat in the upper deck, in a section reserved for dogs on this special day at the Turner Field. The view was spectacular and all the dogs were so well behaved.

The entire midway outside of our seats was designated the doggie paradise, complete with wading pools! Cosmo didn't hesitate to jump in and enjoy a nice soak.

Afterward, he was refreshed and ready to go!

There was plenty of fresh water for the dogs.

And lots of vendors to visit... including an mini agility area... this one compliments of Canine Ph.D. Dog Training in the Inman Park area of Atlanta.

And lots of treats, naturally! These were from Nature's Variety.

Later in the game, we found a nice shady spot to sit. It was all general seating in the doggie area, but finding good seats was easy.

The stands were filled with dogs, large and small!

The Braves did a terrific job making this an enjoyable event for all.  The next Bark in the Park is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. We'll definitely come back!

For more photos from our fun day at the Braves game head to our To Dog With Love Facebook page!

Now let's hop on over to the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop for more photo fun!

Pet Blogger Hop: The Week That Was

What a week it's been! From devastating tornadoes near our neck of the woods to The Wedding (need I say more!) it's been a week filled with news, both good and bad.

So first, turning some bad news to good... we received a note from VCA Animal Hospitals that may help some of the victims of the severe weather in Georgia. The VCA Catoosa Animal Hospital in Ringgold, Ga., is providing free boarding assistance for companion animals whose families have lost homes or have been evacuated. Owners can call VCA Catoosa at 706-937-4171 to ensure the facility has space available to accept additional pets.

We loved watching The Wedding, but wondered, 'Where were the Corgis?'  Apparently they all were watching on high def. Check out this fun Corgi advert  over at I Still Want More Puppies!

We had a fun time meeting other pet bloggers this week at CatTipper's Meet and Greet. (Our Meet and Greet chit chat here.) And tomorrow we're headed to the Atlanta Braves' Bark in the Park. Let us know if you'll be there too!

And with all that activity, Cosmo sure was happy to have his new bed from P.L.A.Y.  for some much-needed naps!

Cosmo, with his favorite big green bone, relaxing on a stylish, new dog bed from P.L.A.Y.

Now let's go to the Saturday Pet Blogger's Hop!

Meet & Greet Party Blog Hop with DogTipper / CatTipper

Our pals at DogTipper are hosting a meet and greet party of sorts to introduce their new CatTipper site (maybe we'll just call it a cattail party). And just like you would do at any party, Paris and John from DogTipper are asking all of us to introduce ourselves, share a little small talk, and then party hop on over to each other's sites!

Cosmo and Diane at BarkWorld Expo

So here goes... I'm Diane Silver, by profession a writer, public relations and social media consultant. I live in Atlanta with Cosmo Havanese, the inspiration behind To Dog With Love.

It actually all started a couple of years ago when I put Cosmo on Twitter as a little social media experiment. Next thing I knew we were part of an amazing community of pets and pet lovers, and helping raise funds and awareness for animal rescue organizations on Twitter.

Cosmo and Diane at the Reindog Parade

I started To Dog With Love last July to provide a platform to share our adventures and stories about the fluffy side of life in more than 140 characters, including:

• Travel -- Cosmo's been to Italy twice now
• Agility -- the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat
• Products we love
• Reviews and giveaways
• Helping the animals who need it most

And now, to play a little party icebreaker game, here are some Little Known Facts  (LKF) about me and Cosmo.

About Diane

• Was a sports writer in Michigan, then a publicist during 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta
• Traveled the NASCAR circuit for 7ish years (for work, not as a groupie... not that there's anything wrong with that)
• Bought a backyard for Cosmo (with a modest house for me that I renovated)

Cosmo shares some love at BlogPaws 2010

About Cosmo

• Was one of the first "anipals" on Twitter @CosmoHavanese
• Has attended every BlogPaws and BarkWorld Expo event and plans to keep his string alive this year
• Now an agility dog, started his performance dog career in conformation

Where you can find us after the party:

- To Dog With Love on Facebook

- To Dog With Love on Twitter

- Cosmo Havanese on Twitter

- Cosmo Havanese Facebook personal page

- Cosmo Havanese Facebook fan page

- Diane Silver on Twitter

- Cosmo Havanese on YouTube

What are some of your LKFs? Leave them in the comments below! Then, let's go Pawty Hopping! 

Pet Blogger Hop / Buckle-Down Collar and Lead Winner

It's been a busy week in To Dog With Love land... with Paws for Japan Day, Petfinder's Birthday and Dog Bless You, among other things. And, today's the day we announce the winner of the Buckle-Down Collar and Lead giveaway.

Drum roll please...


The winner, picked at random, is Wrigley Schnauzer! Wrigley left the comment, "I like the Born to Raise Hell collar because that is my motto!"

Congrats to you Wrigley. And for some reason, your comment makes me want to break out in this song... Straighten Up and Fly Right my Schnauzee pal!

First, a little jam with Natalie Cole and the late, great Ella Fitzgerald. Their jam starts at :40.

Want to listen to the whole song! Warning: you'll be snapping your fingers to this the rest of the day! Here's the Natalie Cole version in honor of her father, the amazing Nat King Cole.

Now, let's go to the hop, oh baby!

Atlanta Doggies Get Your Irish on in Piedmont Park!

The doggie events in Piedmont Park typically sell out, so here's a chance to reserve your spot in advance.  Cosmo and I already have our tickets and can't wait for this special St. Patty’s Day celebration in Piedmont Dog Park on Tuesday! There will be beer for humans and doggie bags filled with treats... for the doggies!
     Tuesday, March 15 - Wagging Tails and Ales
     6 pm - 8 pm
     Piedmont Park Dog Park, $15 in advance, $20 at the gate
Ticket prices are per person and all proceeds benefit the Piedmont Dog Park. Not an Irish Wolfhound or Irish Setter? No worries. Dogs of all types are sure to have a barking good time! Erin go Bragh in the Piedmont Dog Park! Order your tickets here! 

Help rescue animals across the U.S. with Pedigree and in Atlanta tonight with Mostly Mutts!

We love Pedigree for all they do for rescue animals and we love Betty White and adorable Yogi in this video.

Like Betty White says, you can help the animals who need it most at PedigreeFoundation.org.

And if you're in Atlanta, join us tonight at HOBNOB For the Hounds at -- where else -- HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern where we'll be helping the doggies and kitties at Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue and Adoptions.

Wordless Wednesday: Early Spring Edition!

One of the things I love most about Atlanta is that come February, just about any day can be a glorious Spring day! Enjoy our early Spring... these pics snapped this morning! 

Pet Blogger Hop / From Rome to Atlanta

High above the Spanish Steps in Rome, Cosmo Havanese enjoys the view and watching the bride and groom below. Can you see them?


We still have plenty more pictures and posts to come from our trip to Italy including exploring the sights of Rome, day trip to Frascati, the road to Milan and a day at Lake Como! There were also plenty of great meals and shopping along the way.


If you're planning a trip to Italy or an international trip with your dog, here are a few posts you might enjoy:

• International Paperwork Preparation
• How to Prepare Your Dog For a Long Plane Ride
• Arriving in Rome, Dog-Friendly InterContinental Hotel, Piazza del Popolo
• A Walk Through Parco della Villa Borghese
• Great restaurants to enjoy with your dog in Parco della Villa Borghese
• Circus Maximus: Cosmo says bring on the gladiators
• St. Francis Watches Over All Animals
• Milan: The Duomo

Then, back in Atlanta we've come across an amazing deal. If you are even remotely thinking about coming to BarkWorld Expo, now is the time to fetch a few tickets. Until February 28, you can purchase tickets for this pet industry social media event for 50 percent off! The event is scheduled for Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 in Atlanta, Ga., with speakers from Yahoo! and Dogster already on tap as well as bunches of other speakers and activities that look really fun, interactive AND educational. See you there!

And now, it's time to hippity-hop on over to the Pet Blogger Hop!