In the small town where I grew up, the 4th of July celebration was a big deal. Of course, we considered a supermarket opening a big deal. In the morning, everyone would go to Main Street and find a good place to sit. The earlier you got there, the more likely you were to find shade; so it was worth getting up at 6:00 in the morning. Most of the town turned out including lots of kids and many senior citizens. And, some times we brought our dogs.

America celebrates July 4 as our Independence Day because it was on July 4, 1776, that members of the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. In the next year on July 4, Philadelphians remembered and bells were rung, guns fired, candles lighted, and firecrackers set off. Now it is a tradition you should enjoy, too.

To add to your fun during your 4th celebration, how about dressing Spot up to show that dogs are patriotic, too? You can get a real Yankee-doodle dog costume from Tails By The Lake. The red, white, and blue outfit includes tuxedo tails, a bow-tie collar, a top hat, and a blue body covering with stars. The outfits come in several sizes from extra small to double-extra large.

Posted by Barbara.

In 1976, Kong came out with its first durable dog toys including the famous and useful stuff-it toy in which you could hide hard to reach treats that kept your dog entertained while you were away or busy with other non-dog things. Now they have a new all-purpose toy with bells and whistles for your dog’s favorite playtime activities.

The Q-Tease Duck Plush toy for dogs combines a plush toy, a tennis ball, a rope and a squeaker into one great toy. The plush critters have squeakers in their heads and squeaker tennis balls in their body. There is a tough rope tail that can be used for tugging games or toss and fetch. It is double stitched to survive rough puppy play and the tennis ball can also be easily removed and replaced if the dog’s enthusiasm damages it. The toy is about seven inches high and made with non-toxic materials.

Posted by Barbara.

A summer day on the lake is relaxing and stimulating at the same time. The wind in your hair, the cool breezes off the lake, and the chance to sit for a moment’s quiet reflection are all part of the boating experience. If you want to share that experience with your dog, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind.

First, your pup needs a personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket. Just like for people, this will protect your pet should they accidentally (or on purpose) go over-board. Although most dogs can swim, some cannot. And all dogs have a short endurance and can get hypothermia in cold water. A PFD will keep your pet from drowning and limit fatigue until you can return them safely to the boat.

PFD's made just for dogs may be purchased all at major marine vendors. Make sure the PFD fits securely. You should have your dog practice swimming in controlled conditions. Give your dog time to get comfortable with it before actually getting on the boat. BoatUS provides additional information on boating safety and your dog. You can find some very nice dog PFDs at EZYDOG. Their special dog PFD has an ergonomic and comfortable fit that keeps your dog in a natural swimming position at all times. The vests have a grab-handle and strong nylon D-buckle that allows you to transport and secure your dog as needed.

In addition to your pet’s PFD, you should provide: water, shade protection from the sun, and you need to consider doggie elimination. You may want to include some piddle pads and designate a place for Fido to use, if needed. Or, plan to make some pit-stops on land during your outing.

Posted by Barbara.