Dog Art: New Zealand Dog Sculptures

Edgar Degas once said that “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Throughout history, artists have unleashed their talent through the medium of sculpture to help the public see the true beauty of our pals with paws. In the first of DogTipper's periodic series of articles about fine art and our four-legged friends, we look at New Zealand dog sculptures, monuments that have carved a place in the collective heart of dog lovers.

Tekapo Dog Statue, New Zealand

Since 1968 a bronze depiction of a New Zealand Collie sheepdog has faithfully guarded the serene scenery surrounding Lake Tekapo. Commissioned by area farmers as an homage to the dogs who have protected their flocks over the years, a canine named Haig served as the model for the monument, which was created by sculptor Innes Elliott.

Huntaway Dog, Hunterville, New Zealand

Proud to proclaim itself Huntaway Capital of the World, in the town of Hunterville a bronze statue of a Huntaway dog has stood since 1999 in tribute to the four-legged best friends of farmers in the area. The close-knit community also celebrates their bond with working dogs each year during the Hunterville Huntaway Festival, which includes a dog barking competition and a person/pet obstacle course.

Paddy the Wanderer, Wellington, New Zealand

It's been close to 80 years since Paddy the Wanderer's paws promenaded along Wellington's streets, but his memory lives on whenever a traveler or their tail-wagging chum take a sip from a drinking fountain that bears a likeness of an Airedale Terrier who gained nationwide fame in his lifetime.

His tale began as the pet of a young girl who passed away from pneumonia. Lonely after the loss of his friend, the dog made his way to Wellington harbor, where he became pals with seamen and dock workers. Although he saw the world as a four-pawed passenger aboard ships and a Gypsy Moth plane, Paddy always returned to the land he loved.

Paddy made his final journey on July 17, 1939, when his soul crossed Rainbow Bridge. Today Paddy is remembered with a both life-size statue at the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, where each year a ceremony is held to place a new registration tag on the sculpted Spot, and with a drinking fountain, which features a brass bas relief plaque of the famous Rover and stones from Waterloo Bridge in London.

By Kiwichris – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50412979

Tongue of the Dog Sculpture, Hamilton City, New Zealand

A depiction not of a dog's personal appearance, but rather the loving spirit of a faithful four-legged friend from a Maori legend, the abstract Tongue of the Dog sculpture was unveiled in May 2016. The story tells of the Waikato River's creation by a servant dog who saved the life of his ailing human by cutting a path for the curative waters from the beloved land of her birth to reach her at her new home. Brought to life by Michael Parekowhai, the three-story sculpture is located at the entrance to Hamilton City's Waikato Museum, which houses information regarding the ancient tale.

Hairy Maclary Sculptures, Tauranga, New Zealand

A dog walk along the waterfront in the city of Tauranga is a stroll down Memory Lane for New Zealanders as they promenade past four-legged figures that have seemingly leapt from the pages of their favorite childhood picture books, the Hairy Maclary series. In July 2015 fans got their first glimpse of all of best-selling author Dame Lynley Dodd's beloved characters immortalized in bronze:

• Whippet Bitzer Maloney


• Dalmatian Bottomley Potts


• Old English Mastiff Hercules Morse


• Old English sheepdog Muffin McClay


• Tom cat Scarface Claw


• Dachshund Schnitzel van Krumm


• Black cat Slinky Malinki


• Duckling Zachary Quack


• And of course, tiny terrier Hairy Maclary

Brigitte Wuerst, a sculptor who has played a part in molding the minds of movie buffs, carved each canine and cat. Film fans have seen the big screen creations of Weta workshop's head sculptor in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and more.

Zac Efron Mourns the Loss of his Beloved “Puppy”

Zac Efron is the latest in a string of celebrities to suffer the pain of losing a pet this month. His dog, Puppy, passed away earlier this week.
Read more

Happy 8th Anniversary - And an Announcement!

Sunday is a BIG day at our house…not only does it mark the eighth anniversary of the launch of DogTipper but it is also Tiki's eighth Gotcha Day! We've got a big day of fun planned with Tiki including a hike and a swim so I wanted to post this a day early.

On August 28, 2008 we adopted Tiki from what's now Texas Humane Heroes, and we transitioned from travel to pet writing with the start of DogTipper. Today our work now also includes CatTipper and PawZaar as well as our freelance online, magazine and guidebook work in both the pet and travel fields.

The last few years, the online pet space has grown at an amazing rate with numerous mega-sites (including some that we work for as freelancers). We've been thinking about shifting focus for a while to better compete with sites with a staff of writers.

We've decided to focus on our core skills: travel and pets. With over 20 years of travel writing experience including authoring 33 travel guidebooks, we know that the travel world is filled with pet lovers. Some travel with their pets, some do not. Others want to help the homeless pets at their travel destinations.

We're so excited to announce that we're narrowing our niche to concentrate on Tips for Dog-Loving Travelers. We're not a destination directory; many other sites already do a great job at that Herculean task.

Instead, we're looking at:

• tips for traveling with your dog


• tips for traveling without your dog


• ways to help pets when you travel

Travel with your dogs may take the form of a day trip with your dog (after all, our first and longest-running guidebook features day trips), a holiday stay with relatives, a dream vacation–or a move or evacuation.

And, while we love nothing better than traveling with our dogs, we know that's not always possible. For years, our guidebook specialty was the island of Jamaica–a destination that denies pets entry from the US and most other countries. We know that travel to some destinations–as well as much business travel–means leaving your dog in the care of a trusted facility or pet sitter. We'll be offering tips on making sure traveling without your dog goes smoothly for your dog's safety and for your peace of mind.

As always, we'll have a strong focus on rescue, whether that's ways to help your local rescue or ones you discover in your travels.

You'll still find the great giveaways on our pages, ones aimed at travelers with or without their dogs. Look for more great giveaways like the Samsung SmartCam HD Plus camera system giveaway we're running right now so that you can keep an eye on your dog when you're traveling without him, whether you're at the office or on vacation.

Our new focus will include CatTipper as well, which will now offer Tips for Cat-Loving Travelers, whether that trip is just a journey to the vet's office, a cross-country move, or transporting rescue cats.

And finally PawZaar, which showcases gifts for pet lovers with a global style, will feature a growing number of travel-related products that we're so excited to introduce to you in the coming months.

We hope you'll all join us as we narrow our niche and marry our love of travel and pets– it's going to be a great ride!

Win a Samsung SmartCam HD Plus #SmartCamTipper

Whether your schedule has changed as everyone in your home returns to school and work or you're headed off for a vacation and leaving your dog at home in the care of a pet sitter, nothing is as comforting during your absence as being able to get on your phone and check on your dog. The peace of mind that interaction can provide lets you relax about your dog's safety and comfort–and lets you get back to the business of your day.

Now we've got a great giveaway from Samsung for the Samsung SmartCam HD Plus. The new camera (priced at $189) offers a wide range of features:

• 1080p HD streaming


• 130 degree ultra-wide angle lens


• night vision capabilities up to 32 feet

A great feature for pet parents is the Motion Zone Select option, which allows users to monitor movement in specific areas within the camera's field of view. Perhaps you know that your dog is likely to nap in his dog bed in the corner. You can track motion around that dog bed by just drawing a box around the region. The camera will share alerts of any movement in the area so you know when your dog is in the field of view! The camera allows you to select up to three motion zones so you can keep an eye on your dog's water bowl, toy box, or other areas where he's likely to be during your absence.

The camera can notify you of motion or sound via push notification or email. When you get the alert, you can watch your dog in real time or set the SmartCam to record up to 30 seconds of footage to review at a later date.

This model also doubles the storage of a previous model so that you can save up to 128 GB of video on the SmartCam HD Plus through the microSD memory card. Also, Samsung Techwin recently announced the launch of the SmartCloud – a cloud storage service – that enables users to securely store video footage in the cloud. Now, if your pet accidentally damages the HD Plus, the video will be automatically preserved and users will be able to review the footage leading up to the incident. Interested pet owners can subscribe to the SmartCloud at www.mysmartcamcloud.com to gain access to these latest capabilities and start a free 15-day, risk-free trial.

Now one lucky member of our community will win a Samsung SmartCam HD Plus!

How to Enter

You'll enter through the widget below. You may return to the widget at any time during the giveaway period for more entries. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Samsung is providing the prize for this giveaway and will fulfill this prize directly.

Rose Gold Hair At Home | The Quick & Easy Hair Trend You'll Fall In Love With This Fall! https://t.co/0BnYOj0SB5

Rose Gold Hair At Home | The Quick & Easy Hair Trend You'll Fall In Love With This Fall! http://pic.twitter.com/0BnYOj0SB5

- Emma Burton (@EmmasContour) August 25, 2016

from Twitter https://twitter.com/EmmasContour

August 25, 2016 at 03:05PM

Prince Lorenzo Borghese Helps Georgia Rescues

A former reality star with a royal pedigree, Prince Lorenzo Borghese– who end in search of a soul mate in season nine of The Bachelor- helps our four-legged friends in their search for a new lease on life as the co-founder of Animal Aid USA.

In mid-August the high-profile pal to those with paws (who is also the president of the Royal Treatment line of pet grooming products) joined an effort to put 402 dogs on a path to a better tomorrow as the non-profit organization took part in Wheels and Wings to the Rescue.

Borghese was one of the more than 100 volunteers from dozens of animal welfare groups who traveled to Georgia on August 19th and 20th to save the lives of animals in shelters in Laurens, Liberty, Long, Murray and Pierce counties. Familiar faces at the rural facilities, Prince Lorenzo Borghese and fellow Animal Aid USA founder Karen Talbot also helped overcrowded shelters in the Georgia counties by rescuing adoptables on July 23rd as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters event, and their nonprofit organization rescues approximately 250 dogs from high-kill shelters in the South every month.

Other organizations who participated in the August 2016 mission of mercy include Animal Adoption Center of NJ, Camp Papillon Animal Shelter, Delco DAWGS, Friends of Finn, The Humane Society of the United States, Pets Plus Natural, Providence Animals Center and Puppies and More Rescue. Helping the spirits of animal lovers take flight, Pilots N Paws volunteered their time and resources to transport passengers with paws to freedom.

“Animal Aid USA provides all the necessary medical care needed, including vaccinations, heart worm treatment and spay or neuter,” Borghese explained. “The animals then go to our temporary housing center, and when they are ready to be adopted we transport then to our receiving rescues or private adopters across the U.S.”

Since its start in 2012 Animal Aid USA has rescued more than 14,000 companion animals, each one snuggled in a shelter blanket donated by Kona Benellie as they travel toward a future with a forever family to love.

For more information:

• visit http://animalaidusa.org

Photo Credit: Animal Aid USA

Tips from a Mover on Moving with Your Dog

When I was a child, we moved pretty much every year. One cross-country move especially stands out in my mind because we were moving with our dachshund, Peanut.

While a move can be an exciting time for a child, I can just imagine the stress that it caused my parents, worrying not only about moving the two-legged members of the family to a new location but making sure Peanut stayed safe and happy as well.

It was a move that went wonderfully, and I think a lot of that was due to the pre-planning that my parents, by then very experienced movers, put into the relocation.

To help you plan a move with your dog, we have some special tips from Lior Rachmany, CEO and founder of Dumbo Moving + Storage:

• Earlier in the day, before your move take your dog for a long walk. The less energy the dog has, the fidgety the dog will be.


• Some dogs are territorial and do not like strangers in their home, if that is the case hold your dog on a leash when having movers come in.


• Movers will have to leave your front door open at times during your move. So make sure that your dog is confined to a room during that time or on a leash beside you!


• Break out the bones. Moves may take a few hours, keep your dog occupied with a bone or his favorite chew toy.


• If you have a yard, do not forget to go through the yard to make sure you did not leave any of your dog's favorite toys behind.


• Moving can be hectic, so do not forget to feed your dog and give it water throughout the day. Set aside food for your dog before you pack it up. Use plastic bowls to feed your dog and give your dog water while their regular bowls are packed up.


• Remember movers do not move your pets. So take that in to consideration when planning your move. If you drive, make sure there is enough room for your pet in the car. If you have to take a taxi, get a crate for your dog.

How To Age Like a Rock God

Last night I got to rock out at the last North American stop of the Guns n Roses “Not in This Lifetime” tour. In a moment that made me realize just how old I've gotten, I realized the last time they played San Diego- in 1992- I was also there. I was in high school, high on life (and probably a few other things unintentionally, as tended to happen at those arena shows), idealistic about the future. Guns n Roses was the biggest name in rock at the time, at the height of their fame and the zenith of their success.

Things fell apart for them shortly thereafter.

Axl Rose spent the next two decades litigating with his former bandmates, holed up in a mansion somewhere getting plastic surgery and churning out less than awesome music. While his star faded, the rest of us went on with our lives, going to school and having careers and starting families. You know, growing up. Such is life.

I had low expectations for the show, to be honest. The band fell apart due to Axl's temperamental nature and the shows often started three hours late and ended after one or two songs. When he was on, he was ON, and the rest of the time he was a disaster. He was the rock god equivalent of the vet who burns out in a flame of glory and leaves veterinary medicine forever to hole up on a lake somewhere to nurse their wounds in solitude. (Not that I know what that urge feels like, of course.)

I was not the only one who gave this reunion short shrift. The first time he walked out on stage at a warmup show, he broke his foot and everyone said, “Oh, here we go. This is going to be a disaster.” There's a reason Spinal Tap was a cautionary tale, they said. Once you leave something great, you're done. You can never go back. This is no longer going to happen:

via GIPHY

The murmurings were nonstop: Axl's had a ton of plastic surgery. He looks old (hint: he is, as are we all.) His voice isn't the same. He can't move his hips the way he did when he was 20. The band still all hates each other.

All of this is true.

via GIPHY

But they went out there anyway, and played a monster three hour set despite the creaky joints and the lower octaves. They came out on time and nailed everything. It was like being back in 1992 except even better because I can legally drink! When's the last time you sat in a packed stadium arena listening to a power ballad with fireworks onstage and a 10 minute guitar solo? It was before cell phones for sure. And it was awesome. Yes, things changed, but a lot of those changes were for the better.

There's actually something super metal about getting old and refusing to let people stop you from all the stuff you've been told you can't do any longer. About getting up in front of a PACKED stadium with your face looking exactly like what everyone said it would look like and singing about your serpentine with your hips moving exactly two inches in either direction and waiting for the cameras to zoom in on your before flipping everyone the bird- and hearing them all cheer. That takes some brass ones, my friends.

In 2012, a reporter asked him if Guns n Roses would ever get back together and he replied, “Not in this lifetime.”And yet here we are, a little older, a little wrinklier, a little wiser, and clutching our Zippo apps that won't burn your fingers in lieu of the actual lighters.

 

You can change your mind. You can go back. You can embrace what time has changed and laugh about it and refuse to apologize for it and kind of love it. It's the only way to live, really.

I never in a million years would have thought Axl Rose would be doling out inspirational life messages at 54 years of age but I guess I was wrong too. It's never to late to burn down the house.

Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon to Help Animals in Need

Stoked to show their support for a paws cause, some really rad Rovers are getting ready to ride the waves in the Helen Woodward Animal Center's 11th annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon Surfing Competition!

On September 11th a pack of over 80 Moondoggies will hang 20 at Dog Beach in Del Mar, California. The 10-minute heats will be judged on each totally tubular tail-wagger's ability to stay on the board, ride the wave, and how much fun the Fido is having, fer sure! This year there's even a freestyle surf contest for sport-loving Spots to show off their mad skills!

Surf Dog season is officially here! Sign up your pup for surfing and standup paddleboarding lessons today! (Link in profile)

A video posted by Helen Woodward Animal Center (@hwac) on Jun 28, 2016 at 4:20pm PDT

While canines howl “Cowabunga!” out in the surf, sightseers will ride a wave of excitement on the sand at the Wagging Wellness Village, where they will:

• cheer for furry fashionistas as they make a splash in pet apparel during the canine costume contest.


• applaud the canines who show off their abilities during Dog Agility and Tricks demonstrations.


• tap their feet to the beat of live tunes.


• mull over pup-themed products at vendor booths.
  
  …and much more!

Taking place on 9/11, the event will be more than a day of play for a paws cause– it will also be a day of reverent reflection. Saluting the brave first responders and working dogs who answered the call of duty on one of America's darkest days, the event will include a Color Guard, the National Anthem performed by Hospital Corpsmen Third Class Grace Layugan, and a moment of silence.

The Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is an annual fundraiser for the Helen Woodward Animal Center, a no-kill, non-profit organization in Rancho Santa Fe, California which has helped to save and enrich the lives of animals in need for over four decades.

When: September 11, 2016 starting at 8:30 A.M. (The Wagging Wellness Village will be open from 8 A.M. – 2 P.M.)

Where: Del Mar Dog Beach in Del Mar, California

For more information regarding participation in the event, fundraising, or attending the Surf-A-Thon:

• visit www.animalcenter.org/events/surfdog/

#SurfDog2015 #Sunday @marisatheflores

A video posted by Heather Loshbaugh (@frecklefeather) on Sep 27, 2015 at 3:33pm PDT

Photo Credit: Helen Woodward Animal Center

Download a free copy of The Dog Treat Travel Cookbook!

If you love to make treats for your dog–and travel with your dog, we've got a fun, free cookbook to share with you: The Dog Treat Travel Cookbook! We've gathered some of our top road-friendly recipes in this ebook with recipes ranging from Growling Granola to Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chews.

The free ebook is part of a new subscriber-only downloads section we've launched. Not only do subscribers get access to our free ebooks and printables but they also receive a code for 100 free points in each of our giveaways.

If you're not already subscribing, please sign up below then watch your email for a link and password to our new subscriber-only section. If you're already subscribing, many thanks and watch for your next issue with the link and password. Happy travels!

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Email Address *

How often would you like to receive our newsletter

• Send 1 summary email each week with links to all posts


• Send an email of all DogTipper posts as they're published


• Send an email of all CatTipper posts as they're published


• PawZaar special offers

View previous campaigns.

#PawPromise Adoptable Dog of the Week: Chaparro

Hey there! I'm Chaparro, which means “short.” Personally, I don't think people call me that because of my stature…I think it's my name because I'm nothing short of amazing!

I bet I know what it was about me that caught your eye…it was my pretty peepers, right? I have corneal dystrophy, which doesn't affect my sight, but in the words of a country classic, don't it make my brown eyes blue! In fact, in the right light I think I bear a striking resemblance to Paul Newman!

As a dog with movie star good looks, I lap up the limelight wherever I go. I like to promenade outdoors to greet my adoring public whenever I can, and my fans love to lavish me with attention. Sometimes I want to say “No pawtographs, please!” because I really just want to share some special one on one time with my favorite human.

I have to admit that I'm more of a romantic leading man than an action hero. Because I'm a Beagle with some Dachshund thrown in for good measure, I have to be careful with my back. I shouldn't be jumping or walking up and down stairs, but I like to think of my restrictions as a good excuse for a cuddle in your arms as you sweep me off my feet to help me out!

Already neutered and up to date with his vaccinations, eight-year-old Chaparro is just one of the many dogs, cats, puppies and kittens (like Sadie and best buds Charlie Brown and Angel) in the care of DogTipper's PawPromise Rescue of the Month, Friends for Life in Houston, Texas. As the city's fastest growing shelter, the no-kill animal adoption and rescue shelter saves the lives of many companion animals who would be deemed unadoptable by most shelters due to age, physical disabilities or breed discrimination.

Help the Adoptables of the Week with Your PawZaar Purchases!

Ten percent of the week's proceeds from purchases in our PawZaar store will be donated to help the dog and cat of the week. Help with your purchases of our pet-friendly jewelry, bags, cookie cutters, and more!

Photo Credit: Friends for Life/PetFinder.com

Daffodil's New Wheels Allow Her to go Literally Anywhere!

Daffodil's new wheels let her be every bit as active as any other dog born with all four legs.
Read more

Planning a Dog Days of Summer Day Trip

I have to say that our daily schedules don't really change with the end of summer. With no children at home, we don't have a bustle of activity with the change of seasons. Being self-employed, we schedule our trips to town at times when we can avoid the traffic anyway, so the change in school traffic doesn't really impact us.

But, nonetheless, there's still a feeling that summer is ending and new season is soon beginning. Although hot weather will go on well into September here (if not longer), there's nonetheless a shift in the air. The breezes begin to come from a different direction, and, soon, our big sycamore trees will begin to rustle just a bit, hinting at the promise of cooler air.

During these dog days of summer, be sure to take some time to plan a quick day trip before you get caught up in the change of seasons. Yesterday we took off for the Texas Hill Country and enjoyed a day in Fredericksburg and Johnson City before returning home and stopping at a lakeside park in Jonestown. Here at look at some of our favorite stops on Friday's getaway:

Altdorf, Fredericksburg

We love this dog-friendly restaurant and try to go every time we go through Fredericksburg. The restaurant specializes in German fare, and it's really like a mini trip to Europe right in the heart of Texas. Although yesterday we found ourselves beneath the restaurant's covered patio because of the threat of rain, here's a look at the extensive dining area beneath umbrellas.

Marienkirche at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Fredericksburg

Just down the street from Altdorf stands the historic St. Mary's church. The church dates back to 1846, ancient by Texas standards, and the tower of the Marienkirche has stood here since 1861.

Vereins Kirche Church, Fredericksburg

This octagonal building, also called the Coffee Mill Church, is a historic museum now. It makes a great photo backdrop in this community with strong German roots. The building is located in the Marktplatz downtown park, a great place for a dog walk.

Marktplatz, Fredericksburg

As I mentioned, the Marktplatz or Market Square is found in downtown Fredericksburg right on Main Street. The park is the site of the city's festivals and special events but we love visiting during quieter times. The park contains a waterwheel, beautiful gardens, and sculptures of the community's historic figures including this statue of settler John O. Meusebach passing a peace pipe to Comanche leaders.

LBJ State Park, Stonewall

This park, just across the Pedernales River from the LBJ National Historic Site, recalls the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird. The park has some great walking trails (and the opportunity to check out the herds of Longhorns and buffalo).

Starbucks, Marble Falls

Irie knew we were passing the home of the Puppuccino.

Jones Brothers Park, Jonestown

This Lake Travis park was a new discovery for us! The dog-friendly park is free (except for boat launching), with swimming on a quiet arm of the lake. We're looking forward to many more visits and picnics here!

I hope you enjoyed a look at our fun day trip–and I hope it inspires you to plan a Dog Days of Summer Day Trip of your own!

 

 

Rescue Stars in “Downward Dog”

When the ABC comedy series Downward Dog makes its debut as a mid-season replacement, television viewers can tune in to cheer for the acting chops of a dog who has gone from life in a shelter to a life in the spotlight.

A dog named Ned portrays Martin, a shelter dog who finds his forever friend in Nan (actress Allison Tolman, an Emmy nominee who gained fame for her role in Fargo). Ned's journey to Tinseltown began in July 2014 when he was “discovered” at a rural shelter in Mississippi. His big break led him to PAWS Chicago, a non-profit which has been saving lives since its start in 1997.

Conquering his behavioral quirks (fear of loud noises, large people and children; growling at strangers and turning away repeatedly from human touch) with help from the PAWS Gold Star program, fame soon loomed on the horizon for Ned thanks to his adoption in the fall of 2015 by professional animal trainer Joy Ronstadt.

By stepping on to the small screen, Ned is following in the footsteps of other rescued Rovers who play vital roles in TV series and movies, among them Dodger (a Jack Russell Terrier from Dogs Trust, who stars alongside Martin Clunes in the British dramedy Doc Martin); Barley, a rescue from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, who portrays Demelza's devoted dog Garrick in the BBC production Poldark; Higgins, who was adopted from the Burbank Animal Shelter before capturing the collective heart of film fans in the iconic role of Benji, and Marti, a Golden Retriever/Chow form a New York animal shelter who played Sandy in the 2015 movie adaptation of Annie.

Downward Dog is based on a web series by the same name, which was co-created by the “voice” of Martin, Samm Hodge. While viewers will have to wait until early 2017 to watch Ned in action, fans of Fidos can find out more about Ned in the summer 2016 edition of PAWS Chicago magazine– he's the issue's cover dog!

Fido + Fluffy's #FreebieFriday Ends a Soggy Week

Well, as we surpass nine inches of rain this week, we're finding ourselves in a very unusual position: wishing for SUN in August! In what's traditionally the hottest, driest month here (so hot and dry it's basically miserable), we've been having record rainfall all week.

It looks like we might have a break coming up, though, so we're hoping to sneak out and hike one of our favorite state parks: Enchanted Rock State State Natural Area. Although dogs are no longer permitted to climb the dome, there are many great hikes here, perfect for a getaway if we can just keep these temps in the 80s a few more days!

We hope that you're enjoying a great week…and that you have a few minutes to enjoy Fido + Fluffy's Freebie Friday blog hop that we co-host with To Dog With Love and CatTipper!

Some of the giveaways below are our giveaways–but others are found elsewhere on the Internet. If you're a blogger with a pet-related giveaway, be sure to link up! Please link directly to your giveaway, not to your home page. (PLEASE don't link to non-giveaway posts.) We post a new blog hop every Thursday afternoon at 4pm ET. Good luck!

Disclaimer: Each giveaway has its own entry rules. CatTipper, To Dog With Love, and DogTipper assume no responsibility for the legality of the rules governing the listings on other sites and giveaways that are posted here. We simply provide this forum as a gathering place for pet product giveaways to be offered. Fulfillment of each giveaway is done by the blog conducting the giveaway, not by the hosts of this giveaway hop; please contact the giveaway host with any questions regarding a giveaway or giveaway prize.

Queen Mary 2 Expands Kennels on Pet-Friendly Cruise Ship

From Elizabeth Taylor's tail-wagging chums to The Duke and Duchess of Windsor's regal Rover, historically pampered dogs and cats traveled in style aboard the original Queen Mary. Today dog passengers are treated like the stars they are when they board the  Queen Mary 2, the only pet-friendly cruise ship that welcomes pets (although they must remain in the kennel and designated pet areas, not in your stateroom). This summer the luxury liner launched its expanded kennel service as part of the Cunard ship's multi-million dollar renovation.

Expanded Kennel Offerings

The cruise ship has added 12 new pet kennels for a total of 24 kennels for dogs and cats. The Queen Mary 2 also offers passengers with paws extras that add to the elegance of their cruising experience:

• An English lamppost and an American fire hydrant decorate the area of the deck reserved for pups promenading with their pet parent.


• Featuring Fidos enjoying the high life in London, New York and aboard the QM2, “Posing Pooches” illustrations by artist Karen Katon-Osprey (the daughter of Queen Mary 2 Captain Kevin Osprey) brighten the Pet Playground area and the owners' lounge.


• 'Pet Name Plaques' adorn each kennel.


• Fashion forward Fidos can dress to the K-nines in jackets, collars and leashes by British sportswear brand Barbour.

Each four-legged passenger on the pet-friendly cruise will also receive:

• freshly baked biscuits at turn-down


• a choice of new beds, blankets and toys


• a stainless steel bowl and a coat complete with a QM2 logo

Because safety is the ship's top priority, the QM2 has been equipped with dog and cat life preservers.

Onboard the pet-friendly cruise, the Kennel Master is responsible for feedings, walking dogs, cleaning the kennels, and compiling the companion animals' likes and dislikes for reference during the journey.

All this luxury comes at a price: kennels start at $800 for upper kennels. (Also, if you're traveling with a cat, you'll need to book two kennels to accommodate a litterbox.)

For more information

• For more information regarding pets aboard the pet-friendly Queen Mary 2 including size and breed restrictions, visit www.cunard.com

Photo Credit: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Cunard

Infographic: Moving with Pets

Moving is a stressful time–whether you have two or four legs. With so many details to manage, from coordinating arrangements with movers to finding and settling in a new home, it's especially important to put one person in the family in charge of your pets' care. That person, whether you're boxing and unboxing or checking into a hotel for the night, will always know where your pets are and if they are in need of food, water, or a potty break–and will help you avoid a potential “I thought you were watching them” discussion.

Today we have an extensive infographic with helpful hints on what you can do both before and after the move to make the transition easier on your pets.