Pet Auto Safety

More and more people are traveling with their pets these days.  You see people and their dogs sightseeing, staying in hotels, or dining on outdoor patios of nice restaurants.  The trend is growing and so long as we practice common courtesy and safety when it comes to traveling with our pets, out pets may be allowed to visit more places.

Keep Other People In Mind
One important thing to remember when traveling with your dog is to keep in mind that not all people like dogs.  Some people are terrified of dogs.  And more still are allergic to dogs.  Be aware of your surroundings and steer clear of people who seem intimidated or wary of your dog.  And definitely stay away from those people who have an obvious look of distaste on their face.distaste on their face.Keep Your Pet Under Control
Not only should your dog be on a leash at all times, but his leash should also be short.  While your dogs may be extremely cute and friendly, you want to keep them close to you.  One danger to a dog which is on a long lead or is not under proper control is that you could get violent reactions from people your dog gets too close to.  The violence could be on you or on your dog.  And sadly, the law may be on that person’s side.  Another danger is that your dog may pick up trash or other harmful items when you are not looking or before you can react.  The danger to people around dogs who are on a long lead include people tripping over the leash, getting tangling in the leash, having allergic reactions to your dog, your dog jumping on them, or your dog nipping, biting, or scratching them. scratching them.Pick Up After Your Pet
Always pick up after your pet when you are in a public place.  Leaving dog feces in public places is unsanitary and probably illegal in most cities.  The last thing you want on your vacation is an expensive fine.  Also, despite popular belief, dog feces kills grass, it doesn’t fertilize it.  Dog poo is just as unsanitary in the grass as it is anywhere else.  Always keep dog poopie bags on hand so you don’t have to be too embarrassed when your dog takes a dump right in the middle of a public place for all to view.  Also, don’t allow your dog to hike his leg in public places.  Sometimes, especially when outside, your dog may be tempted to hike his leg on something he shouldn’t.ouldn’t.Know Beforehand If Dogs Are Allowed
Don’t take your dog to any public places unless you know for certain that he is allowed.  While some restaurants with outdoor patios allow dogs, many more do not.  Some parks may only allow dogs in certain areas.  Some recreational areas may not allow dogs at all.  I went to an outdoor botanical garden once which did not allow dogs.  So just because a particular place you want to visit is outdoors, it does not mean that your dog will be allowed.  Be sure to call ahead before you visit.  This way, if they don’t allow dogs, you won’t be tempted to leave your dog in the car while you sightsee and you won’t have to take your dog back to the hotel.the hotel.We dog lovers would love to be able to take our dogs everywhere we go.  The only way society will learn to be more acceptable to this idea is if we act responsibly.  The more we can show the public that we will control our pets and be responsible pet owners, the more open society will come to be.  If you have any other ideas on how we can practice pet travel and public etiquette, please share your thoughts with us.

Come visit Pet Auto Safety.com (Nature by Dawn) and other fantastic pet vendors at the Tails on the Trails event in Lenexa, Kansas. On Saturday, August 14^th from 9am to 2pm, the Lenexa Animal Control and Parks & Recreation is hosting a fun event for our doggie pals at Ad Astra Park & Swimming Pool, located at 83^rd and Maurer.

Not only will there be great deals from the pet vendors, there will also be fun events for your dogs. Dogs will be allowed to swim in the pool for $8 per session. There will be a pet parade and pet show contests. On-site microchipping and pet vaccinations are available at a discounted price. The Tails on the Trails event will also have dog trainers, wildlife specialists, a dog agility demonstration, and animal adoptions.

Don’t miss this great event! For more information visit http://www.lenexa.ks.us/parks/petfair.html.

Is your dog stuck at home most of the time while you enjoy your summer? Why not take him to the movies? But they don’t allow dogs in movie theaters, do they? No, dogs still are not allowed in movie theaters unless they are service dogs. But you can take your dog to a drive-in movie theater. Drive-in theaters used to be very common. They are not so much anymore. But there are still quite a few still in business. Check out http://www.driveintheater.com/ to find a drive-in theater in your area. Your dog may not be able to enjoy the movie, but they will enjoy your company. Grab some lawn chairs, food, and drinks for yourself. Then get your dog’s water bowl, some doggy treats, a dog blanket or bet, and your dog’s leash. Pack up the car and head on out. Sit outside, socialize with your neighbors, and enjoy the warm summer air which has been subdued by the dark stary-speckled blanket above.

Did you know that Sheridan’s Frozen Custard gives out free puppy cones with your purchase? If you live in the Midwest, chances are there is a Sheridan’s near you. They have delicious frozen custard. And if you bring your dog with you when you make a purchase, he can have a puppy cone and taste the yummy goodness as well.

I take my dogs, Sephi and Maya, there after a long hot afternoon at the dog park. I get a banana and caramel Concrete Custard and they each get a puppy cone with a small scoop of frozen custard. It is a refreshing treat and a great way to end the day.

Check for a Sheridan’s Frozen Custard near you. (Above photo courtesy of Sheridan’s Frozen Custard.)

Take a vacation in luxury at the Resort at Paws Up. Located in the wild county of Montana, the Resort at Paws Up provides a vast array of activities including horseback riding, fly fishing, spa treatments, hiking, golfing, and more. But this resort isn’t just for you. The Resort at Paws Up also caters to your dog. While there is a fee for each welcomed dog, it is well worth having your dog with you while you explore the same magnificent countryside as Louis and Clark did when they traveled through.

Being able to have your dogs with you while on your family vacation is only one of many great things about this resort. Visit http://www.pawsup.com/resort/ for more information.

Pet Auto Safety.com is joining U-Wash Puppy for the annual Suds of Fun event to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. This is our third year at the event and we love it. For just $5, you can utilize the facility of the self-service dog wash at U-Wash Puppy. 100% of your money goes towards the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. You can also check out great dogs for adoption and the products of some local pet vendors, including dog car seat belts from Pet Auto Safety.com. Check out the Suds of Fun event at 4pm - 7pm on July 7, 2010 at U-Wash Puppy located at 75^th and Nieman in Shawnee, Kansas. For more information on this event, visit the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.

Per the United States Postal Service, “In celebration of the new Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps, the Postal Service™, together with Ellen DeGeneres and Halo: Purely for Pets, is giving shelter pets around the country a First-Class Meal.” Visit http://www.stampstotherescue.com to buy the adorable Animal Rescue dog and cat 44¢ stamps. You buy the stamps, Halo buys the food for 1 million shelter pets. Photos of five cats and five dogs who were adopted from shelters are featured on these Animal Rescue stamps.

We purchased our stamps. Help homeless dogs and cats by buying yours. It costs the same as other stamps, but you are not just buying stamps - you are buying lives.

The United States Post Office has other Animal Rescue products which you can purchase to help homeless dogs and cats. These include mugs, coasters, and art.

Other “Stamps to the Rescue” supporters include the Ellen Degeneres Show, Halo Purely for Pets, PetFinder.com, American Humane, AdoptAPetGifts.com, and the Humane Society of the United States.

Have you ever considered rain gear for your dog? I smile every time I see a dog wearing clothes and sometimes think it is silly. But having your dog wear a rain coat has a great benefit. You can take your dog for a walk in the rain and don’t have to worry too much about that “wet-dog” smell when you get home. Sure, the dog will get a little wet, but not as wet. You can minimize how wet your dog gets even more by having them wear dog rain boots. But personally, I think that is a bit too much. It is easier to get your dog used to wearing a rain coat than it is to get them used to wearing rain boots. Most dogs just don’t like things on their feet.

For great rain gear for your dog, I find that the best place to shop is at Amazon.com. It is safe, secure, and easy.

Are you aware that after the holidays animal shelters get overloaded with pets?  Every year, puppy mill breeders work extra hard to have lots of dogs to sell for the holidays.  These dogs are then often given as gifts.  Sadly, however, it doesn’t work out and a many dogs get taken to the shelter.  Dogs who thought they were going to get a happy new home find themselves homeless.  If you are looking for a new dog, consider adopting.  Why buy a dog when you can adopt.

 We did some volunteer work this weekend at the Lawrence Humane Society in Lawrence, Kansas.  We had lots of adorable dogs and puppies to show.  One of my particular favorites was a Masen.  Masen is a three month old sheltie mix (not a lab mix like the website shows).  He is not only extra cute, as puppies tend to be, he is also very smart.  We were able to teach him to sit and lay down in a very short time.  But unless someone takes him home soon, he will forget what he learned.  He needs a new home with someone who has time to play with and train a new and energetic little puppy.

 Check out Masen and other adorable dogs up for adoption at http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=15241182