PetSugar

Bow Wow Bailout: Free Food For Unemployed Dog Owners

PetSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:10:32 -0700

I'm fed up with this doggone economy! I've found small sacrifices to make, but I know there are plenty of people out there who've had to cut back big time or give up a beloved pet to make other ends meet.

If you've suffered a job loss, salary cut, or reduction of hours (and are struggling to keep your canine companion), Dogswell is there to help! The first 10,000 people to download and fill out the Bow-Wow Bailout Redemption Form will receive one bag of the company's natural, dry kibble. While I know this isn't a long-term fix, it's a great way to make every dollar go further - free food goes out within 45 days of form receipt (with a postmark deadline of May 15) so act fast.

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Do Tell: What Would Be the Hardest to Give Up For Your Pet?

PetSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:00:41 -0800

Would you give up your daily coffee (or tea) order to save for your pets? Well, according to a survey of over 1,000 people by the American Kennel Club, 96 percent of respondents would give up a latte habit to save for their dog's expenses. Hmm, while there are many things I'd do for my furry pal, I'm gonna have to stick with my coffee – North wouldn't want to hear the uncaffeinated grumbling I'd do on his morning walk without it!

With the current state of the economy, I'm definitely trying to save in some areas like fancy manicures or eating out, and can think of several other ways to pinch pennies. Also polled as choices were hair appointments, spa treatments, home remodeling, travel plans, Internet access, shopping, teeth whitening, gym membership, and new cars or other big purchases. Which of these (or other things), would be the hardest for you to live without?

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The Scoop: Pampered Pets to the Economy's Rescue

PetSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:30:46 -0800

Even if you don't exactly consider your pet to be your "child", experts say many people are as dedicated to their animals as parents are to children . . . and will sacrifice themselves before trimming back on four-legged friends. It's expected that Americans will spend $43.4 billion this year on their pets – although that's down from the original prediction, pet pampering doesn't show many signs of slowing down. Morningstar analyst R.J. Hottovy says:

It's definitely more resilient than most categories tied to discretionary spending. It's one of the last categories (people) cut out of their budget.

I couldn't agree more as my weekend trip to Petco found me picking up a bag of gourmet treats for my lil guy in addition to a 20-lb. bag of dog food – while I'm not willing to downgrade my pups' food, I am trying to buy in bulk to save some money. Is the analyst's statement true for you, too?

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Five Non-Costumes You Don't Need to Buy

PetSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:15:39 -0700

Savvy's always helping me save money and stay in the black, and penny pinching often means reusing a costume or even using none at all! Although my pup's got a special getup all ready for tomorrow, there are plenty of ways to transform pieces in your pup's wardrobe – or even your own – into a festive Halloween disguise.

Prepster: If your furry friend already owns a polo shirt or even some tennis chic pieces, put it on, pop the collar, and you're almost there. Layer it with other preptastic gear (argyle, bow ties, etc.) - I finished North's look off with his very own ascot.
Pilot: Think Amelia Earhart and put on your furry friend's Doggles and fave scarf. Let her be a high flier while just walking down the street!

Get three more costume alternatives when you read more.

Rockstar: A studded collar and rocker tee make your pooch into a lil celebrity – this concept works best if you can enlist the help of pals to follow your pet around, snapping photos like the paps.
Snow Bunny: Is the weather chilly? Grab the coziest sweater and layer it with a puffer coat (maybe even some boots) then let your pup pretend he's strolling the slopes of Aspen or Gstaad.
Superhero: Bandanas are a top pick of those not so into outfitting animals – and nothing says insta-superhero better than a cape! Whether you're using a traditional pattern for him to save the wild, wild West or one of your pretty patterned handkerchiefs to save the country club, a simple addition can get him even more friendly oohs and ahhs on your walkies.

How Much Do You Shell Out to Fill the Dish?

PetSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:40:14 -0700

Whether you buy in bits or tons at a time, how much do you spend each month on your pet's food, excluding any additional treats?

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Do You Buy Food in Bulk and Save?

PetSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:00:42 -0700

Buying in bulk almost always saves money, but rarely saves space in your house! While some pet parents purchase big bags of food to limit the trips to the store, others choose to shop more frequently to safely store less excess (from nosy noses) or lug lighter loads into their homes. Which type are you?

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Do Tell: Are the Current Economic Crises Affecting Your Pets?

PetSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:50:55 -0700

With the country's current economic situation, I'm betting that extravagant "playcares" and pampering products are viewed as more luxurious than ever . . . and at risk of elimination at any time. I know I've been thinking of ways to save money and, while I still love North dearly, I can think of a few cutbacks I can make on things he doesn't absolutely need. Have you reevaluated and chosen to change any purchases and services with regards to your furry family?

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The Scars Tell the Tale: A Follow-Up on Michael Vick's Dogs

PetSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:36 -0700

Last week I was flipping through the channels and caught the tail end of this MSNBC segment that follows up with a few dogs that were once prized fighters in Michael Vick's pack. We've already seen how well Leo has turned out through intensive training, and now we get a glimpse at the lives of Lucas and Georgia, who are being rehabilitated in California and Utah. Although Pit Bulls are generally stereotyped and given a bad rep from horrible stories (like the Vick case) and irresponsible pet parenting, these pooches prove that no matter what your past looks like, there's always room for love.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

World Watches Birth and First Steps of Elephant Via Internet

PetSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:00:48 -0700

I love baby elephants! Let's be honest here, I'm a fan of all baby animals, and can usually snuff out seriously adoro photos of newborns somewhere on the Internet. However, I normally don't catch the actual birth of one. That's exactly what happened in Belgium, where zookeepers broadcast the birth of an elephant online. You may not think many people would want to see a live birth (queasy stomachs especially), but check this out: over one million people tuned in, and after 38 hours of labor, welcomed baby Kai-Mook to the world!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Weighing in at over 200 pounds, Kai-Mook finally took her first steps this week, and let me tell you, I'd be hard pressed to find anything sweeter than this. Check out the action in the MSNBC video above. Now everyone say "Awwwwww!"

Trend Setters: Shikisai

PetSugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:00:05 -0700

I love the simple style of the Shikisai. While they've got sketches for adults and toddlers, check out their pet line (extra-small to large). Using just black ink on white background, the shirts all feature line drawings of ordinary objects. While I'm not sure I've got the extra $30 at the moment, put this one on my list for things I'll invest in when the economy picks up again. I'm doodling just thinking about it.