The way to Laly’s heart is through treats. Lots of them at all times of day. Keeping this in mind, Mr. Chewy seems to have won her over. Mr. Chewy is a new online pet store that carries 70 plus brands of dog food, treats, and some supplies. We recently received a $50 credit to shop on Mr. Chewy and in turn provide an honest review of the site and service.

Using the site’s “grain free” search feature we set out on a quest for yummy treats. We were  happy to find our favorite Stella & Chewy treats otherwise known as doggie crack for a reasonable $9.99. The new chain pet store that opened in our neighborhood doesn’t carry these and the ma and pa stores charge anywhere between $10 and $13 for them. We spent the rest of our credit on Greenies, a massive Merrick bone and Wellness treats.  Check-out was hassle-free and  to Laly’s delight our package arrived in one business day

Laly enjoying her messy bone! Yes, she uses a placemat to not make too much of a mess.

Overall, we give Mr. Chewy three out of fours paws for having a well designed and searchable site with a great selection of food and treats. I’ll save that fourth paw for when they carry  a wider range of products such as dog toys and gear to truly make it a one-stop-shopping experience.

Here’s what we like the most about Mr. Chewy:

• Subscription based ordering for hassle free delivery of your favorite products. The site lets you set up a monthly shipment of your pet’s food and forget about it.
• Referral program-Friends get 10 percent off their first order and Mr. Chewy donates $10 to an animal charity of your choice for each referral.  Use referral code MILE 6114 (I don’t receive any incentives from this)
• Free shipping for orders over $49
• Fast shipping-our order came within 2 days

Puppy Social Hour

For pups 4 months and under and their owners.  Learn about dog behavior and problem solving tips while you and your new pooch socialize with others.  The critical period when canines form ‘opinions’ of the world is between week 3 and 16.  If you want a cool, calm companion for years to come, this is an important first step. The class is supervised by certified trainer Robert Haussmann CPDT-KA of Dogboy, Inc.  Drinks are provided by Waterfront Wines & Spirits.  So it’s not just about whining puppies…it’s about wine and puppies!

Dog Beach, Key West

The island’s motto, one human family, extends to four-legged friends since they are welcome just about everywhere. Something should have tipped me off when I noticed a large offering of dog friendly hotels in my guidebook. Visitors traveling to Key West with dogs have their pick of accommodations ranging from swanky digs at the Casa Marina to the quaintness of the Francis Street Bottle Inn.

Key West Dogs Love Bike Rides

While in the Conch Republic, we came across tons of dogs living the good life but one in particular stands out. Her name is Cleo, a boxer short wearing golden retriever who is part of the island’s famous sunset celebration. Cleo earns her kibble by doing tricks and cleverly collecting dollar bills from the audience.

As winter sets in, consider taking a warm weather escape to Key West with your dog. I know one day we’ll return with Laly.

Cleo earns the kibble

The Brooklyn Paper covers news of Pink Dogs Unite, an effort led by Tyra Bombetto to replace the pink gravel in the Pier Six Dog run with a non-staining surface.

Heights Veterinary Hospital closed its doors for good this month after a fifty year run. The Brooklyn Eagle shares news of Dr. Turoff’s sudden retirement and history of the practice.

Our condolences go to Andrea and the team at Rocco and Jezebel for Pets as they mourn the loss of Rocco. The beloved shop dog recently lost his battle with bone cancer. Read about his under dog to wonder dog story in the Brooklyn Heights Blog.

Scuffy, the Pekinese known for the attempted abduction from Sean Casey Animal Rescue found a forever home with the Tranchina family in Carroll Gardens. Read about it in the Brooklyn Eagle.

When you first get your puppy or dog there will be many things on your mind. What is the best diet to feed your new pet? How often should you take them for a walk? When will they finally be house trained? However, one of the first things you should take care of is securing a comprehensive dog insurance policy.

Having dog insurance is extremely important. Should your dog be injured or fall ill and require treatment, you could be faced with a large vet bill to pay. Unfortunately, vet prices continue to rise, often placing pet owners under financial duress when their pet needs treatment.

In today’s economic climate any unsuspected extra expenses can cause difficulties. While dog insurance doesn’t cover routine visits to the vet for checks and jabs, it will cover more substantial treatment needed for injuries or illnesses.

When you’re comparing policies, make sure you choose one that provides adequate financial coverage for short term and long term courses of treatment.

 One of the best ways to compare policy details and prices is to use online comparison sites. Using the services of these internet sites can help you find cheap dog insurance quotes and ensure the policy you purchase provides the coverage you require.

What else can dog insurance provide? If your dog causes damage to someone’s property you may be held liable for any costs involved. It’s wise to ensure liability insurance is included within your policy to make sure you’re covered for any expenses resulting from accidents involving your dog.

Nobody likes to think about the possibility of their pet being stolen, lost or passing away, but sadly this can happen. When shopping for dog insurance you may also want to consider a policy that will assist you with replacing your pet should you experience their loss.

You should also ensure that boarding fees for your dog will be covered in case you need to be away from home unexpectedly and can’t find someone to care for your pet. This particularly applies to people who live alone with their dog.

Invest time and effort into finding the right dog insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage. After all, it’s the best way to protect you and your dog.

This post was provided by Pets at Home

 
We hope 2012 is filled with doggie kisses, treats, pack walks and love! 
 

 
Laly was even allowed to enter burger nirvana by an employee who assumed the place was dog friendly since they served dog treats. We thought it was weird but went along with it until we were told to wait outside by another staff member. Once home, Laly only had eyes for her Pooch-ini and actually let us eat our food in peace. I’m also happy to report that a big serving of custard didn’t make her sick. Tonight’s dinner was a win-win for all.  
 

In need of a good book? Visit the Brooklyn Public Library this evening for inspiration as they host a reading with Julie Klam, on her new canine-inspired chronicles Love at First Bark: How Saving a Dog Can Sometimes Help You Save Yourself. Klam is the best selling author of You Had Me at Woof, and her new book offers more doggie tales with profound insights why humans need the companionship of our four-legged friends.

Brooklyn Public Library’s Dweck Center 
10 Grand Army Plaza
Wednesday, December 7 at 7pm 

Dogs love Dekalb Market and you will too. We can’t get enough of this dog friendly, shopping and food oasis in Fort Greene. The space is made up of colorful shipping containers converted into shops that feature jewelry, crafts, housewares and lots more. You’ll even stumble upon an urban garden and art installations as you explore.

Dekalb Market is the perfect place to bundle up and enjoy an outdoor lunch with your pooch. Food vendors surround an open space filled with picnic benches, making the market one of the few places left to eat outside this winter. Our favorite bites so far have been from Arancini Bros., Dub Pies and the Filipino BBQ joint. Dekalb Market is open through January, making it easy to support Brooklyn small business during the holiday shopping season. When you visit be sure to take your dog’s picture in the Sant-A-Box.

Dekalb Market   

Flatbush Avenue Extension and Willoughby

Open seven days a week 8am till 10pm

The market on a whole is dog friendly but do ask individual shops if furry friends are welcome.