Love is in the air, and there’s nobody who loves you quite like a furry friend. Show them you care by supporting the Michigan HumaneSociety’s 2013 Valentine’s Telethon, presented by Purina.WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Action News Anchor Alicia Smith will host the event, airing Thursday, Feb. 14, between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Alicia Smith and doggies, photo courtesy of Michigan Humane
“There are so many animals out there who need the Michigan Humane Society, and sadly, this need has never been greater,” said Cal Morgan, MHS President and CEO. “We rely on the support of pet lovers across Michigan to help us care for animals who are homeless, hungry, neglected and abused. On Thursday, Feb. 14, please say ‘I do’ to saving animal lives.”
The 17th annual MHS Valentine’s Telethon will feature adoptable pets and stories that show how your support can make a lifesaving difference for animals in need. As a private, nonprofit agency, MHS receives no government funding and is not affiliated with any national humane organizations, relying instead on the generosity of its supporters to help save animal lives.
MHS Valentine’s Telethon donations can be made online at www.michiganhumane.org on or before Thursday, Feb. 14, or by calling 855-MHS-GIVE (647-4483), 24 hours a day.
In addition to Purina, sponsors of this year’s Valentine’s Telethon include Jim Riehl’s Friendly Automotive Group, US-Mattress.com, Center for Computer Resources, Meijer, Grid4 Communications, Strategic Staffing Solutions and Petco.
The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for more than 100,000 animals each year, while working to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.
Happy Furday everyone! It’s Dakota! Not only do I have “Frosty Paws” from our bitter and SNOWY Michigan weather, I was the LUCKYWINNER of a great give-away over at one of my favorite blogs, Dog Tested Mother Approved, a blog where they share “dogproduct reviews, tips and ideas” or, as they like to say, “the Tried and Chewed”. If you aren’t familiar with them, please check them out!
So, wanna see what I won?
Mom stole this photo from Dog Tested Mother Approved!! Click on the photo to visit them
Now, I have to tell you a funny story. Mom was at the store last week and while she was looking for something decadent to indulge instuff her face with for theSuper Bowl, she stumbled upon the Frosty Paws in the human ice cream section! Of course she didn’t have her coupons with her, so she figured while she saw them in front of her face, rather than wait, she would buy a package for me. We hear Frosty Paws comes in peanut butter flavor and vanilla, Mom only saw the vanilla at our store, so she bought that one.
Mom decided that I could have my Frosty Paws while she and Dad were enjoyingpigging out on their frozen yogurt.
WARNING!!! If you are a dog that inhales his food like I do, Mom has a warning for you! Be sure to thaw your Frosty Paws enough that you can mash it up in a bowl. WHY?Guess what I did?? Mom and Dad took the frozen treat out of the cardboard container and put it in my bowl, without thawing it a bit or mashing it up. Mom thought I would gingerly lick or nibble on it. Mom apparently forgot who she was talking about. I GRABBED THE ENTIRE BLOCK of frozen treat and ran while clenching the entire block between my teeth! I did my best showdog- lineage- prance around the living room, all the while STILL holding the frozen block of Frosty Paws with my teeth. I LOVED it so much that I had to take it to my special hide out under the dining room table where no human hands can reach me! Mom was screaming about how I would mess the carpet and Dad kept saying “Do you believe what he just did!!??” The best part? They never got it on video because I was too quick for them!
I ate that baby up AND licked every bit up from Mom’s beloved oriental fake rug!
Yeah, I know it is freezing cold in many places in the U.S., but join me in a delightful daydream. It’s mid-August, the “dog days of summer” and you are one panting hot dog! Let Frosty Paws transport you back to those days with its cold, delicious and tasty goodness!! Doesn’t matter if it is freezing cold out or boiling hot. I love Frosty Paws by Purina so much that I can eat them ANY TIME! When I do, it reminds me of this:
Donation of hundreds of pounds of food to support the MHS free pet food bank
On the heels of a successful community pet food donation drive that helped fill a truck with food for the Michigan Humane Society’s (MHS) free pet food bank, another gift has arrived just in time for the New Year, and it means a holiday full of hope for hundreds of local animals. More than 8 pallets of Purina® Dog Chow® brand dog food was delivered to MHS this week. This gift of hundreds of pounds of dog food will be used to support MHS’ free pet food bank program, which every year helps thousands of pet owners who love their pets but have fallen on hard times and are struggling to feed them.
“Every day, dozens of pet owners depend on the MHS pet food bank to feed their four-legged friends,” said Debby MacDonald, MHS Chief Cruelty Investigator and MHS Detroit Facility Director. “These are people like you and me who love animals, but who may have fallen on hard times. Without programs like these, they’d be forced to give up their best friend. “We are extraordinarily grateful to Purina Dog Chow for this generous donation, which will help MHS keep hundreds of families together this holiday season.”
(Photo caption: “Former Detroit Red Wings player Kirk Maltby holds Crosby, a 2-month-old Hound mix, in front of a Michigan Humane Society van on Wednesday, December 19 in Detroit. Maltby was helping gather pet food for MHS’ free pet food bank.”)
MHS’ pet food bank assists qualifying low-income families in metro Detroit by providing them with dog or cat food at no charge. The program is supplied through food donations at MHS’ three centers for animal care, in Detroit, Rochester Hills and Westland. Low-income pet owners can pick up one bag of food every week to help feed their hungry pets.
Last Wednesday, MHS was proud to team up with the Detroit Red Wings, including former player Kirk Maltby and the voice of the Red Wings, Ken Kal, at the MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care to help “Fill the Truck” with pet food. Through the community’s tremendous support, more than 100 bags of pet food were collected, and are already being distributed to struggling pet owners.
“No pet should ever go hungry,” MacDonald said. “Thanks to the generosity of Purina Dog Chow and everybody who came out to donate food, dogs and cats across metro Detroit will have a much brighter holiday.”
For more information about the MHS free pet food bank, including eligibility information, please visit www.michiganhumane.org, or call 1-866-MHUMANE (648-6263), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Michigan Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for more than 100,000 animals each year, while working to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.
Thanks to everyone who entered!! We have some winner(s) who really know how to add play to their day! They are going to win this:
Click on the photo to visit the Beneful website!
the lucky winners are:
The doggies of the wonderfully informative and sensitive blog: TALES AND TAILS!!! (click on the above photo to visit their blog!) It was the beautiful “Bunny” who entered, and she was chosen by www.random.org Her comment was:
Oh, Kuster is eyeing that tennis ball like my humans look at steak! I think we’re ahead of the game because my mom plays at work every day, and we do set aside time to play on the weekends a lot!
Bunny
I think they are gonna have a great time with their “Play Pack!”
Bunny, please email my Mom your address to: cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com
Think about it, when was the last time you actually stopped to PLAY? I don’t mean playing a game on the computer, but the kind of carefree, kick-off-your- shoes- twirl- round-and-round- on- the- grass- til-you’re dizzy kind of play that you did as a child. The kind of play that brings on belly laughs that actually bring tears to your eyes. The kind of play that makes you feel exhilarated and free!
It was probably some time ago wasn’t it?
I know for me it was. There’s this thing called “life” that often gets in the way with responsibilities such as kids, paying bills, going to work and the constant onslaught of depressing news. I know I don’t often make the time to actively play, and I bet that you don’t either!
According to a recent survey on the state of play in the U.S., 82-percent of the total adults surveyed say they don’t believe Americans are experiencing enough play in their lives*. Who better to inspire more play than our four-legged friends who bring smiles and spontaneity wherever they go?
Logo courtesy of the Purina Beneful Facebook page. Click on the photo to “like” them!
To help Americans get more play in their day, Beneful® brand dog food is launching a digital video campaign that features some fun-loving dogs that spread random acts of play in the most unexpected places.
Two of my favorites are below:
This last video is my absolute FAVORITE!
The last video reminded me of when I attended the Meet Purina Pet Blogger Summit, and we had all convened in a meeting early in the morning. We were thrilled to be there and were delighted to listen to an assortment of speakers, but it wasn’t until 2 cats strolled into the conference room that the laughter, “ooohs and ahhhs”, and the giggles began! Purina “gets it”, that is why they allow their employees to bring their pets to work!
Beneful® must know that if I am in need of play, Dakota must be too. Look at what they sent to us!
Click on the photo to visit the Beneful website!
Isn’t this stuff just great? Dakota’s personal fave is the green tennis ball! He is all about the tennis balls!
It’s not the same ball that he received but you get the idea!
To inspire more play between you and your four-legged best buddy, Beneful® would like to send you a Beneful® Play Pack like the one I received above! (U.S. only please)! To enter all you have to do is leave a comment telling me how you are going to put more“play in YOUR day!”
DEADLINE TO ENTER IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 24TH
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26TH.
WAIT! THERE’S MORE!!
You can also PLAY when you swing by PetSmart-if you purchase a 31-lb bag of Beneful and a 10 oz. Beneful Prepared Meal, you’ll get a free toy with your purchase (there will be a special display of tennis balls right by the Beneful display). Just one more way Beneful is encouraging PLAY!
We are also proud to tell you that the dog-loving community of Lancaster, Pa., has plenty of reason to play, as local resident AngelaBauman and her German Shorthaired Pointer, Beau, have been named Grand Prize Winner of the 2012Beneful® Dream Dog Park Contest. Bauman wins $10,000 cash and a one-year supply of Beneful brand dog food. In addition, her creative entry for her ultimate play destination will help serve as inspiration for a $500,000 renovation of a dog park in the Lancaster area!
That’s some exciting stuff!
Congratulations Angela and Beau!!
Now, what are you waiting for?
“Play. It’s good for you”
*About the Beneful “State of Play” Survey
The 2012 Beneful “State of Play” survey was fielded online by ORC International on April 16-22, 2012, among a sample of 2,024 American adults comprising 1,001 men and 1,023 women 18 years of age and older. The sample comprised 789 adults who own a dog.
In Full Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I am a member of the Purina Pet Blogger Panel and I was sent a Beneful® Play Pack for Dakota. I was given information to share with my readers if I chose to. Purina did fully pay for all expenses involving my visit to Meet Purina, this past October.
Present $10,000 Donation to Local Pet Organization
Studies Show Bringing Pets to Work Can Reduce Stress, Increase Productivity
One of the MANY things that I loved when I was one of 15 lucky bloggers who attended the “Meet Purina Pet Blogger Summit”this past October was the “pet-friendly” philosophy of the company.
“Ava Kitty” from the Meet Purina Blogging Summit. Photo taken by “Nestlé Purina PetCare”
From cats lounging in meeting rooms, to a Bark Park for dogs, to seeing employees walking their dogs on campus, Purina is a company that “walks-the-walk” when talking about pet-friendly work places!
Brian Frum of the blog Brian’s Home. Participants in the Nestlé Purina Blogger Summit visited Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Mo. Photo taken by “Nestlé Purina PetCare” Visit Brian’s blog at http://www.brianshomeblog.com/
Fifteen years ago, Nestlé Purina PetCarerecognized the benefits of allowing employees to bring their pets to work and started a “Pets at Work” program. For a company whose motto is “Your Pet, Our Passion,”it seems natural that every week hundreds of dogs and cats are brought to Purina’s St. Louis campus, and associates and their furry friends enjoy each other’s company every day.
The “Meet Purina”, Purina Blogger Summit at Nestlé Purina HQ in St. Louis. That’s me! Photo taken by “Nestlé Purina PetCare”
Purina is now conducting a nationwide search to identify America’s most pet-friendly workplaces with the “Purina Pets At WorkContest.” Pet lovers can submit a story and photos about how their company is pet friendly, and Purina will help one winning business become even more pet friendly and donate $10,000 to a local pet welfare organization.
Award-winning actor John O’Hurley, well-known for his role as J. Peterman on the television show “Seinfield,”will help pick the winning company and will visit their office next spring to present the Grand Prize – a makeover to outfit the business with pet-friendlymaterials (valued at $5,000), and a $10,000 donation to a local pet shelter. O’Hurley also appeared in a video that aired during the National Dog Show Presented by Purina on NBC on Thanksgiving Day to discuss the benefits of bringing pets to work.
“I’ve visited the Purina offices and they clearly believe that spending time with pets can help make life better – for pets and pet owners,” said O’Hurley, who serves as co-host of the National Dog Show Presented by Purina. “As a lifelong dog owner and someone who shares Purina’s passion for pets, I’m thrilled to celebrate other companies that see the benefits of encouraging pets in the workplace.”
Purina “Pets At Work Contest”
Pet lovers can log on to www.purina.com/contest and tell how pets have made a positive impact on their workplace and why their workday is better – for them and their pet – because their office is pet friendly. Entrants must describe their employer’s “Pets at Work” program, answer both of the following questions, and provide 3-5 photos that show pets in their workplace:
How do pets truly have a positive impact in your workplace?
How is having a pet-friendly office mutually beneficial for employees and pets?
The nominations will be judged by three criteria:
Does the nomination demonstrate how pets make life at work better for both the employees and the pets?
Will the nomination inspire other businesses to integrate pets into their own office environments?
Does the nomination include a description of the nominee’s “Pets at Work” program?
Nominations will be accepted until January 15, 2013. The winner will be announced in the spring of 2013.
Purina provides five simple steps for pet owners to help create a welcoming, pet-friendly program at their workplace. For more information, visit www.purina.com.
No purchase necessary to participate or win. For complete contest information, visit www.purina.com/contest for the official rules, nomination requirements and eligibility details. Valid in the 50 United States and D.C. Void where prohibited.
About Nestlé Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is a global leader in the pet care industry and promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri. Nestlé Purina is part of Swiss-based Nestlé, the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company.
In full disclosure: Purina paid for all the bloggers to attend the Meet Purina Pet Blogging Summit. I am a member of the PurinaPet Blogger Panel and was given the information about the contest to share with my readers. I was not compensated for this post.
Today is the day that many of us in the U.S. celebrate Thanksgiving. While humans stuff their faces with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and calorie-laden desserts, doggies all over the world are giving thanks!
Here is a short list of the MANY things I am thankful for!
My Mom and Dad
Cody
Delicious food
Bones
a comfy home
My blogging buddies
and soooo much more!
I am also thankful that today I get the TV all to myself and I can watch:
THE NATIONAL DOG SHOWPRESENTED BY PURINA
TODAY ON NBC FOLLOWING
THE MACY’S PARADE
FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T WATCH TODAY
(like my Mom and Dad)
THE SHOW WILL BE REPEATED
FRIDAY NIGHT 8-10 p.m. ET ON NBC!
The NBC Thanksgiving Day special, “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®,” will crown one of America’s great purebreds as its 2012 champion on Thanksgiving Day, bringing canine competition and entertainment into America’s living rooms for the 11th year.
This show is impawtant to me since I am a pure-bred kinda guy and I am registered with the AKC. The show is watched annually by a total of almost 20 million viewers. Over 170 breeds vie for “Best in Show” honors in the tradition-rich Kennel Club of Philadelphia competition.
Can you guess what group of doggies I will be BARKING FOR?
This video is just too wonderful. I found this on the Petcentric website hosted by Purina!
From Petcentric: “Gracie obviously missed her owner as much as he missed her. You can hear her whimpering as she licks his face and climbs into his lap, while he confesses, “I missed you so bad…I’m sorry I went away.”
I live in a schizophrenic household. Since I have a kitty brother, the one who is at the top of the FOOD chain often varies.
When Mom is upset with me for barking too much or taking things that I have no business taking, she tells me to go to TEAM DOG (which has ONE member, my DAD!) On those days she says she is all about TEAM CAT!!
The nerve of her!
Doggies! It’s time for our BARKS to be heard!
Purina® is calling all pet owners and lovers to join in the “America’s Pet Debate.” From now until Nov. 8, you can vote for your favorite pet at www.americaspetdebate.com once a day. Purina will proudly declare whether America is a cat or dog nation on Nov. 9, 2012.
For every vote, Purina will donate $1, up to $100,000, to Pet Partners’ Veteran Programs. The donation will help fund Pet Partners pet therapy teams for U.S. veterans by providing the mental, physical and emotional support of cats and dogs through animal-assisted therapy. There are more than 22.7 million veterans in America today. The current national vote tally is 55% for Team Cat and 45% for Team Dog with a total of 58,856 votes. ($58,856 for Pet Partners Veteran Programs).
You can also join the conversation about America’s Pet Debate on Facebook.com/americaspetdebate.com, Twitter (@petdebate), Instagram and Pinterest using hashtags #VoteCat, #VoteDog and #PetDebate.
Dakota's Den 