Loving our purebred and mixed-breed dogs

We all love our pets dearly – maybe even more than we love people.

As a culture, we show it by treating them like one of the family, taking them on vacations with us, celebrating their birthdays, buying organic pet food and for some pet owners, even dressing them in clothes. We even have TV shows that are entirely about dogs.

The Animal Planet documentary series Dogs 101 takes specific breeds of dog and explores how they live and act. Each episode includes information about the dog breed straight from experts who know dogs best. 

BlogPaws 2013: Watching from home

As I mentioned on Monday, this is the very first BlogPaws conference that I am not able to attend. Lucky for me (and you), BlogPaws is streaming important parts of the conference live on Ustream!

Last night, I got to watch my blogger buddies enjoying the musical stylings of Ron Trotta (@pianoweatherman) during the opening reception. I also got to hear welcome remarks from BlogPaws staffers Chloe DiVita (@twigglet2), Yvonne DiVita (@mypetblog) and Tom Collins (@Tom_Collins). It truly was the next best thing to being there!

For those of you who weren't able to watch the live streaming, here are couple of key points you may want to know:

New study reveals high level of Lyme disease concern among pet parents

Via PR Web - In honor of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, industry leader PetCareRx is announcing the results of its first Spring Tickitude Survey, revealing how pet parents across the country feel about the threat of ticks as well as their lifestyle choices around tick prevention and protection.

With over 400 pet parents polled nationwide, the survey reveals that four out of five pet households are concerned about tick-related threats this season, and the pending threat of Lyme disease is top of mind in 64% of pet households around the country.

Tickitude results indicate Lyme disease concern levels vary significantly by region, ranging from a high of 82% of pet households in the Northeast down to just 33% of pet households in the West. Seventy percent of pet parents in the Midwest and 60% of pet parents in the South are worried about the Lyme disease threat for their pets and human family members. Lyme disease is named after Lyme, Conn. where the disease was first discovered, but every state has reported cases of Lyme disease, which is transmitted by deer ticks.

PetArmor provides ultimate protection to police dogs with protective vest donation

Via PR Newswire - PetArmor, known for its products that protect dogs and cats from fleas and ticks, will now also help protect four-legged K9 officers in the line of duty. As part of a yearlong partnership with Vested Interest in K9s, PetArmor will provide funding in 2013 for bullet and stab protective vests for law enforcement K9s.

More often than not, law enforcement agencies do not have the budgets to provide vests for K9 officers — which cost around $1,000 each — leaving police dogs unprotected while helping to fight crime. Vested Interest in K9s is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing bullet and stab protective vests to police organizations nationwide. Since 2009, the non-profit organization has provided 375 vests.

"As a leader in pet protection, PetArmor is excited to partner with Vested Interest in K9s and protect the dogs that put their lives on the line to protect us," said Alex Kaufman, President and CEO of FidoPharm. "This partnership is a continuation of our ongoing animal welfare and charity efforts."

Purina Cat Chow will donate up to $200,000 to 50 cat-focused shelters nationwide

Via PR Newswire - Whether you're a new cat owner or have enjoyed the companionship of cats over the years, you know and appreciate the comfort and camaraderie of a cat – from hungry head butts in the morning to the way she greets you at the door every day.

This year, Purina Cat Chow is celebrating 50 years of feeding great relationships between cats and their owners and all of the everyday moments that make each relationship unique.

To mark this anniversary, Purina Cat Chow announced the launch of the Purina Cat Chow "50 Years, 50 Shelters" program that will support 50 cat-focused shelters nationwide – one in every state – and donate up to $200,000 in product and monetary donations to acknowledge these shelters' dedication to the cats they serve and help facilitate the start of more cat-owner relationships.

Bon Voyage BlogPaws 2013!

Sadly, I will be watching from the dock when BlogPaws 2013 sets sail on Thursday, May 16. John Lennon said “Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans,” and my life requires that I stay home this year.

I have been lucky enough to attend every BlogPaws conference since the very first one in April 2010, and I will greatly miss seeing all my blogger buddies – as well as the opportunities to learn and network with the event sponsors. But that doesn't mean I'll miss all the fun!

First, my dear friend Cathy Keisha will be taking plush Bunny Jean Cook along with her to the conference. I’m counting on everyone to post lots of pictures of BJC in the sessions and at the social events!