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New from Hasbro: LITTLEST PET SHOP Favorite Pets Assortmen
LITTLEST PET SHOP Favorite Pets Assortment
(HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $3.99/Available: Spring 14)
Fans can collect exciting and adorable new pets from the “Littlest Pet Shop” animated series. Each of the LITTLEST PET SHOP Favorite Pets Assortment packs include one stylish mommy pet with bobble-head motion and fabric bow, one baby pet, and a fun accessory making these the ultimate collectable pets. With 12 pairs to collect, fans can Bobble in Style with their favorite pets, including a Bulldog, White Tiger, and Bunny. Each pack sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.
LITTLEST PET SHOP Singles Assortment
(HASBRO/Ages 4 & up/Approx. Retail Price $2.99 /Available: Spring 14)
Bobble in Style this spring with the return of the fan-favorite bobble-head pets in the LITTLEST PET SHOP Singles assortment. Fans can collect 24 adorable pets from the “Littlest Pet Shop” animated series, including ZOE TRENT spaniel, SUNIL NEVLA mongoose, and PENNY LING panda – as well as tons of other cute pets like dogs, cats and birds! Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.
LITTLEST PET SHOP DECO PET Assortment
(HASBRO/Ages 6 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 14)
Fans can design their pet to look the way they want with the LITTLEST PET SHOP DECO PETS assortment. MINKA MARK monkey and PENNY LING panda are already adorable in the “Littlest Pet Shop” animated series, but once fans add a dash of creativity with the fashionable stickers and colorful markers, these pets have a look that’s totally unique. Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide.
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Get a New Perspective: @Petcube
Petcube is a home gadget that lets you watch, talk and play laser games with your pet through mobile app anytime, anywhere.
Petcube was funded with Kickstarter and became the most successful crowdfunded pet product in history. The first batch of gadgets will ship in May 2014.
- Play with your pet using a laser pointer. Real time, like a video game!
- Share fun pics and videos with your friends in the process
- Call your pet up if he or she is out of sight
At Petcube we are working on a device for pet owners that allows them to watch, talk and play laser games with their pets through a mobile app. Petcube became the most funded pet product on Kickstarter and got a lot of media attention, raising $250,000 for the gadget back in November.
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Top 10 Cat and Dog Breeds of 2013 – Pets Best Insurance
Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (Pets Best), a leading U.S. pet insurance agency, today released its list of the top 10 most popular dog and cat breeds enrolled with the agency in 2013.
In the company’s eight years of insuring dogs and cats, the top 10 most popular breeds have remained relatively consistent. However, the agency has noticed definite trends during the years, with certain breeds gaining popularity and others falling in the rankings.While a number of breeds have gained popularity in recent years, the French bulldog has seen the most dramatic rise. In 2006, the French bulldog was the 55th most popular dog breed enrolled with Pets Best. By 2013, the small, muscular pooch soared up the list to become the 19th most popular breed.
“Several years ago, French bulldogs started popping up in television commercials and print ads,” said Dr. Jack Stephens, president and founder of Pets Best. “When a relatively unknown dog breed begins to enter the mainstream, it creates a buzz among prospective pet owners and begins to affect ownership trends.”
Compared to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) 2012 dog registration statistics, the Pets Best top 10 list offers several surprising findings. First, the No. 1 most popular dog breed enrolled with Pets Best not only in 2013 but throughout the agency’s history is a mixed or designer breed. This is of note because the AKC only recognizes purebred dogs, without highlighting the popularity of mixed breeds. Pets Best found mixed-breed dogs solidly hold the No. 1 spot. In 2013, mixed breeds made up nearly 30 percent of all canines enrolled with the agency.
While the AKC list does not include pit bulls, the Pets Best rankings show pit bulls as the seventh most popular dog of 2013. Based on data from Pets Best, this category includes the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. The category climbed from 10th place in 2007.
In addition to these rankings, the ever-popular Labrador retriever held second place for most popular dog breeds. Among the top cat breeds, the domestic shorthair ranked first, followed by mixed-breed cats and the American shorthair.
Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2013
1. Mixed breed2. Labrador retriever
3. Yorkshire terrier
4. Golden retriever
5. Chihuahua
6. Shih Tzu
7. Pit bull
8. Dachshund
9. German shepherd
10. Maltese and English bulldog (tie)
Top 10 Cat Breeds of 2013
1. Domestic shorthair2. Mixed breed
3. American shorthair
4. Domestic longhair
5. Domestic medium hair
6. Siamese
7. Maine coon
8. Ragdoll
9. Bengal
10. Persian
“While the popularity of dog and cat breeds can be affected by factors such as a spotlight in the media and pop culture, I encourage people to do their research on breeds to learn whether a specific dog or cat will be the best fit for their lifestyle,” Dr. Stephens said. “Additionally, pet owners should ensure that they are financially prepared to take care of this pet and the inevitable health issues that will arise over the pet’s lifetime.”
Pets Best offers a multitude of pet health insurance plans for both cats and dogs. These include a Cancer Only plan covering the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in dogs and cats, as well as a Feline Illness plan that covers 21 common feline illnesses. For more information about the agency and its plans, visit www.petsbest.com.
About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
Dr. Jack L. Stephens, president of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn’t afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats and is the only veterinarian founded and operated pet insurance company in the United States. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinarian medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit www.petsbest.com for more information.Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Some existing business is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.
Pets Best is a proud member of the North America Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).
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Pets and the Holidays with @AVMAvets
Just in time for the excitement of the holiday season, the wonderful Dr. Doug Aspros, from the Bond Animal Hospital, has offered us some valuable advice when caring for our precious pets.
If we have a holiday party, should we let our pet be with the guests or not?
Mixing guests and pets often doesn’t work out very well advises Dr. Aspros, instead he suggests that closing off your pets in a bedroom or, another protected area, might be the better solution. Owners know their own pets, so the solution will have to suit the needs of your particular pet. However, it is important to keep in mind that just because you are happy to see your friends, doesn’t mean your pets might not feel the same way. Changes from routine such as new people and loud noises can cause great anxiety for your pets. For some pets, the stress from these routine deviations can cause soiling, chewing, scratching, or even the potential to harm guests. Dr. Aspros also stresses that it is important to remember that pets are allergic to a lot of the foods we serve during the holidays. Often your guest will be unaware of these hidden dangers and could potentially feed your pet something poisonous to them. The best bet is to keep them stashed away
somewhere safe!What should we do if our pet eats something they shouldn’t?
Dr. Aspros suggests that the first thing to do, if you have a concern about your pet eating something they should not have, is to serve them a healthy meal. Even if they are not showing any symptoms of illness, a big meal will likely help anything inappropriate pass.
If an object is accidentally swallowed, compelling your pet to vomit can help remove the item. Serving them a few tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide or placing a bit of salt in the back of their throat will induce vomiting.
Dr. Aspros always recommends that you call your own vet and see what they suggest given the particular circumstances. If your vet is closed over the holidays, call a 24 hour vet clinic or emergency clinic if the situation is serious.
What are your thoughts on travelling with pets over the holidays?
Although dogs generally like car travel, cats are usually not big fans. Dr. Aspros recommends leaving your cat at home whenever possible, as a car ride can prove to be incredibly stressful. If you are required to travel with kitty, then be sure that they are in a proper carrier and secured to the floor.
Dogs are a bit different story; Dr. Aspros proposes that if your dog enjoys car rides then there is no harm in bringing them along! Be sure to properly secure your dog in the car by anchoring them to a seatbelt instead of letting them move around. There are plenty of products on the market today that allow you to attach you dog to a passenger seatbelt or to the floor of an SUV or hatchback. If not properly secured, in the unfortunate case of an accident, a pet can become a dangerous projectile.
Can I give a pet as a gift?
This is a big no, no. Although it seems like a wonderful gift, Dr. Aspros suggests that
holidays are not really the right time to be giving a pet. There are too many other
distractions during this time, so the new companion will be competing with lots of other
things.Dr. Aspros stresses that a pet is a long-term commitment. One that is emotional,
psychological and physical. It is important that the owner themselves plays a part in this
choice, and gifting makes that a challenge.Where can we find more information?
Dr. Aspros suggests the following sites for additional information about keeping your pet
happy and safe, no matter the season.Happy holidays everyone!
*Guest post written by Roslyn Small
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What Kind of Pet Parent Are You?
“You can tell a lot about a person by the type of pet they have,” says Kristen Levin, a pet lifestyle expert and author of Pampered Pets on a Budget. Whether your cat has her own Facebook page or your dog is a regular on Dog-Shaming.com, it’s likely your pet has pawed its way into your heart — and the hearts of your friends and family — and you couldn’t imagine life any other way.
Take the following quiz to figure out what type of pet parent you are, and then explore the suggested pet care options that best suit both of your needs.Pet Quiz! From pageant to hipster, what type of pet parent are you?: Find out on CARE.com
No surprise here
You probably hate the word “hipster” and why wouldn’t you? Your unique taste and style aren’t based on current trends, but actual interests. And the fact that it’s now trendy to be hip is pretty annoying. But you and your pet can shake it off. You both have a pretty aloof and independent vibe, so nothing bothers you too much. Your up-and-coming trendy urban area has lots of animals, parks and coffee shops with dog treats at the counter. But you actually lived there before it was cool. You love being outdoors and have contemplated living in Boulder or Portland, somewhere you can ride your bike everywhere and bring your pet to lunch.
For Dog Owners: You love being outside with your hound, and are always researching new pup-friendly restaurants, cafes and parks.
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Do You Believe In Miracles?
Do you believe in miracles? Well, you will now. Found at the home of an animal hoarder, Marshall was rescued and later adopted Cyndi Willenbrock. Inspired by Marshall’s own true story and how his spirit and resiliency affect those around him, Cyndi brilliantly penned a story told from Marshall’s perspective. A beautifully illustrated picture book for ages 5 and up, Marshall the Miracle Dog will encourage readers of all ages to always remember that hope is just around the corner. Marshall does not let circumstances beyond his control define him and his remarkable resilience inspires us all.It is amazing to think what love, acceptance, and nourishment can do to change a life. From a dirty and crowded pen with barely any food, protection, or love—to a loving home where food, comfort, and love abound, Marshall and Cyndi are “walking the talk” and making a difference. In fact, Cyndi left her “day job” in order devote all of her time and efforts to inspiring the lives of others. She started The Marshall Movement in order to give voice to the importance of teaching children anti-bullying and anti-animal cruelty amongst numerous other social issues facing our children today. Trained as a Certified Therapy Dog, Marshall and Cyndi visit classrooms and children’s hospitals in order to carry his message of not giving up five minutes before the miracle! `To find out more about The Marshall Movement and to pre-order Marshall the Miracle Dog, make sure to visit www.marshallthemiracledog.com.
First book review – Marshall the Miracle Dog is a story to be savored—and read over and over again – New York Journal Of Books
by Cynthia Willenbrock, Illustrated by Lauren Heimbaugh
Reviewed by Lisa Rojany Buccieri
