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Do Tell: Could You Date Someone Who Didn't Like Animals?

PetSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:30:14 -0700

We all want our loved ones to bond with our pets, but what if your future partner wasn't so into the animal scene? Newly single Mario Lopez recently told People that he could never date someone who doesn't like dogs . . . and I agree! While I've dated some guys who were less than keen on my hyper lil North, they eventually warmed up to him, but it still didn't make me happy. What about you – could you date or marry someone who admitted to be not too fond of the furrier friends? If you've done it in the past (or chosen not to), share your tales in the comments below!

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Do Tell: Have You Attended a Wedding with Animals?

PetSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:30:00 -0700

Even if you didn't choose to include a pet in your ceremony, have you ever been to a wedding where pets played a role? I'd love to hear all about – from what they wore and did to any disasters, please share how furry friends took part in the big day in your comments below!

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Including Poochie in Your Big Day!

PetSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:30:23 -0700

The big day is almost here – all the major deets have been settled . . . except for the furriest family member. If you've spent hours picking out your dress, outfits for the bridal party, and providing input to your husband-to-be, why should you cut corners when it comes to the canines? While not all of you want to include a pet for the entire gala , there's the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and honeymoon to think about – check out the various fashions for each event in this doggie fashion show on the streets of NYC.

If you are choosing to include your precious pal on your big day, check out my words of wisdom when you read more.

Say yes to the dress (tux, tiara, or bowtie): You've probably had at least a couple fittings for your dress so, as with any costume, also let your pup try on her outfit before the event to get her used to wearing it. Don't forget to have a plan for the leash and check for any excess fabrics that could get soiled if your pooch . . . ahem, needs to go. On the day itself, don't dress her too early to prevent additional stress (or chewing) and take the outfit off if she will be left unsupervised.
Hand it off to a handler: Appoint a special person to be your pet's assistant for the day – giving someone else the duty to be responsible for your furry friend will let you focus on the party . . . not the potty breaks. This person can be responsible for occupying the dog while you're getting ready, making sure your pet gets enough attention, and either watching her or escorting her back home when the pet's job there is done.
Consider furry cameos: My BFF was devastated when she learned that the church where she was having her ceremony wouldn't all her pittie pal, Baby, to participate. If you want your pet to take place – and you're not sure you have the time to adequately train her before the big day – have her come for part of the time. Outdoor receptions, rehearsal dinners at a family home or other familiar, pet-friendly settings can allow your pooch to join in, but not seem too out of place. Although I'm not close to marriage, I imagine my hyperactive pup wouldn't fare so well spending all day at a wedding. . . . I'd love to have North brought in just for some photos!

Ways to Keep Halloween Fun, Not Frightful, For Furry Friends

PetSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:30:52 -0700

The decorations are up and the candy's bought, but have your prepped your pets for this big day? Remember never force an animal into an outfit and keep him out of harm's way.

Who are you? Where am I? Costumes are scary and seeing Mom and Dad in masks or other bizarre ensembles can freak out your furry family (and kids). Similarly, all those spooky decorations, especially those that move and talk are equally frightful for observant pups.
No loose animals today. Don't leave pets in your yard on Halloween and bring indoor/outdoor cats inside. Disguises can cause people to behave differently and you don't want a pet to be teased, injured, scared (or worse!) by pranksters tonight.

Get two more tips when you read more.

Crowd control. If your pet will accompany your family trick-or-treating or to a parade, watch out for tiny pups under big feet. Make sure your dog is OK with strangers and noise before you set out and return home immediately if you see pooch is stressed. If you're throwing a pet-friendly bash, keep candy and chocolate away and follow these tips.
Minimal stress spots only. I know North freaks out at the doorbell and, if I lived in an area with trick-o-treaters, I would drop him off at a pet hotel for the night. If you think a pooch will get panicked by the constant buzzer, or frustrated that he can't go out, either sequester him in another part of the house away from candy or place a sign on the doorbell asking for knocks only, please.

Do Tell: Have You Ever Impulsively Purchased a Pet?

PetSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:55:22 -0700

I've got a good pal in NYC who, after wanting a dog for several years, finally committed upon spotting a box of abandoned puppies at a local market. Even seeing shelter kittens on cages streetside on sunny days or finding fishy faces at a pet store, I would often wish I could take one home.

Similarly, during a trip to the California Pet Center near Calabasas on Wednesday, Britney Spears went in to pick up some dog food . . . and left with a little bird, too. An eyewitness told PeoplePets that she settled on a yellow parakeet and bought a big, white cage and several toys for the bird before leaving the store. Of course, it's important to be able to care for any pet's needs both financially and emotionally no matter how much deliberation goes in, but have you ever picked up a pet when you hadn't technically planned on it?

North's Big Adventure: Day Five

PetSugar — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 11:30:28 -0800

Do you miss hearing about North? I sure wished I knew how he was doing so I gave San Francisco's Wag Hotel a call yesterday to check in. My crazy pup is playing with their number two group – good for dogs that aren't super active. Hmmm, I wonder if my little fella has already mellowed from his normal, constant spastic state in my five day absence . . . and I wonder if this could possibly continue when I return?! Doubtful. He's usually as active as they come so maybe he's getting an extra good workout there and, either way, I'm glad that he loves his puppy playtime with whichever group he's in. They also told me that he has a big appetite (duh!) which must mean he has already eaten the baggie of snacks I left and that he's "super duper sweet" (double duh!) – I wonder if they're tired of slobbery North kisses yet! No matter what, it sounds like he is enjoying himself as much as I am!

Farewell, Shooka, and Nala: Gosselins' Dogs Go Back to Breeder!

PetSugar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:20:57 -0700

Added to the family less than a year ago, Jon Gosselin already came under fire for past remarks about the sextuplets treatment of their pups . . . and now they're reportedly returned to the breeder. First off, it's sad to lose (or give up) any pet, but even sadder that the kids are losing two furry family members along with so many other changes in their lives right now.

I understand that dog ownership is hard work (boy, do I ever), but it seems that another solution could have been found - a caretaker for the pups perhaps, or a larger place in NY where the big dogs would be welcome? Oh well, here's hoping that the German Shepherds find a forever home soon enough.

Jon spent a final day playing with the dogs before the duo was loaded up into a crate in the back of a truck - see Shooka and Nala's last day when you read more.

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Would You Turn an Ordinary Crate Into a Luxury Cabana?

PetSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:00:42 -0700

Who says Labor Day marks the figurative end of Summer?! Certainly not me, as I'm trying to squeeze in a few more weekends of fun in the sun with my pooch, who is a big fan of bringing the outdoors in (on his paws and coat). This crate cover turns my ordinary living room into cabana central.

With two contrasting panels, the crate cover ($95) even comes with the rollup door often spotted beachside - and North needs to nap in peace . . . on the matching pillow bed ($115), of course. Are you craving this style or will you stick to creating blanket tents in your household?

Pet Pick of the Day: Himey's a Big Help

PetSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:00:46 -0700

This cute cat's keeping a watchful eye over FrogsOblivious - Himey knows how to make her feel loved, sticking close by mom's side while she has the flu!

Pet Pic of the Day: Little Bear Has Big Love

PetSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:00:32 -0700

Mama shmoo15 caught little Bear, a six-year-old Chow Chow mix, kicking back on the kitchen floor and sharing a loving look with his little friend.