Blog February 2017

Thanks to our friends at Modern Dog Magazine, we've found an awesome DIY heart that you can create for your dog.

Ever had one of those Valentine’s Day when you’ve completely forgotten to organize anything? Yep, me too. So to save you tears on February 14th, here is a great quick fix that doesn’t involve flowers from the service station—the FIVE MINUTE VALENTINE! Grab your favorite four-legged friend and let's get started!

Materials

•    1 large sheet red (or pink!)
cardstock
•    1 ruler
•    1 pencil or white marker
•    A pair of scissors or X-Acto
knife
•    1 round cake tin or other 
round object approximately the
size of your dog’s head 

Handy Prepping Tips

• If you don’t have a cake tin, use a vase or similar circular object. Try to get something close to your dog’s head size.
• When cutting out the heart, feel free to cut slightly rounded lines to make a more organic heart shape.
• If you don’t have an X-Acto knife, gently fold the heart to cut the cross in the center with scissors.

Directions

1. Trace two circles using the cake tin to make the top of the heart.
2. Rule two lines to complete heart shape.
3. Cut out the heart using scissors or an X-Acto knife
4. Cut a cross in the center of the heart shape.
5. Slip safely over your dog’s head. Ensure it causes no discomfort to your dog.

Creative Ways to Use Your 5 Minute Doggie Valentine

•    Use your photo to create a personalized e-card, or better yet print it out and make your own real card.
•    Take a photo of your pooch with your phone and send a surprise Doggie Valentine text!
•    Forgo the photos and cards and simply have your dog greet your main squeeze, friends, and/or family
wearing his face-framing paper heart. What could be cuter than a living, breathing, wagging, smiling real life 
doggie valentine?

Find more super-awesome dog-themed DIYs over at prettyfluffy.com.

Click here for more Valentine's day treats, gifts, and goodies!

This video is hilarious. If you are looking for a way to get over hump-day Wednesday, watch "Dog Wants a Kitty" video below. 

Valentine Pupcakes is an awesome way to include your pup in your Valentine's Day shenanigans before hitting the town with the Mr. or Mrs. The video below shows you step by step instructions on how to make this a perfect day for everyone.

Valentine Pupcakes:

1/4 Cup of Canola Oil
1/3 Cup of Beet Puree or Beet Juice
1 Cup of Unsweetened Apple Sauce
2 Teaspoons of Baking Powder
1 1/2 Cups of Flour (of your preference)

Frosting:
1/4 Cup of Unsweetened Apple Sauce
1/3 Cup of Beet Puree or Beet Juice
8 oz. Light Cream Cheese

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Mix wet ingredients. Add dry ingredients and mix. Put mix into a non-stick mini muffin pan. Should make about 16 pupcakes. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Take out of oven and let cool down.

Make Frosting. Mix ingredients together with powered hand mixer. Frost Pupcakes.

Visit PetWorldInsider.com for more great recipes and pet information. Don't forget to listen to Pet World Insider Radio at www.petworldinsider.com for daily pet industry experts, nutritionists and other important and fun pet related topics.

Let us know how your Pupcakes turn out.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and many of you will be giving your pets something special.

With so many holiday-themed pet gifts to choose from, it can be overwhelming. There are tons of lovey-dovey, heart-shaped this or that for Skie or Mr. Butter Cup, however not all traditional gifts are safe. With food or treats, for example, ingredients such as chocolate, xylitol and grapes can be toxic to cats and dogs. Here are 4 safe Valentines Day Gifts for your pet. They are al Bark and Walk Approved.

 1. Heart ID Tag

Has your pet’s ID tag seen better days? Prefer a tag with a love motif? You’re in luck. Check out this "blinger" on WaxWingJewelry.

2. Heart Bowl

Although food and water may just be daily ho-hum necessities, give it some flair with heart-themed bowls and dishes. This heart bowl is available here.

3. Posh Pink Tent

Is your pet’s pad in need of an upgrade? Or perhaps your pet is like mine — I get a new bed and she sleeps everywhere but there. I think it’s the bed, so I buy another. Well, here is a fantastically frilly one for Valentine’s Day.

4. Trendy Dog Collar

If your furball is still wearing a collar with reindeer or snowflakes on it, it’s time to update the look. Here are some Valentine’s colors to get you started. This dog collar has optional letters if you want it personalized.

As always, we would love to hear some past pet gifts you've given your pet and don't forget to share some of your gift ideas for this Valentine. 

We are now 11 days away from Valentine’s Day! This is a time for many pet owners to experience some TLC with their loved ones without the slobber.  If you need a sitter, Bark and Walk is here for the job. So I ask you, have you scheduled us to pet sit for February 14th? While you're being spoiled by your first love, let us spoil your other love. Here are 3 Valentine games your pup will love.

It's Play Time

This is a luxury for most pets, especially if they are hound breeds that cannot be trusted not to chase woodland critters. A doggie park is great for this activity.  This special treat will certainly make your dog’s day!

Extra Hugs & Cuddles

What could be better on Valentine’s Day than extra cuddles? Not only will we pet sit, but we will take him or her on a nice Valentine's Day walk. At the end of the walk, your dog's certified walker will give them a relaxing treat, some extra cuddle time! It's a win-win for our walker and your dog.

Special Game Time

Wouldn't your dog enjoy going to a local trail or have fun playing a game of “hide and go treat” where your dog walker hides treats around the house or yard for your dog to find. Whatever activities your pet enjoys, we can spoil your dog by playing a special game together after the walk.

We would love for you to share some ways you spoil your dog!