Frankenweenie Games and Fun for the Family

I love my pooch, Scout. He's a member of the family and was our first kid before we had kids. And as much as we love him, I'm not sure if I'd want to bring him back to life should he pass. I guess I've never thought of trying to bring him back to life.

That is.. until seeing trailers for the movie Frankenweenie.

I cannot wait to see Frankenweenie, Disney's latest heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog from Tim Burton. And it's coming just in time for HalloweenTime!

In an effort to get my kids excited about the movie I've downloaded these awesome Pin the Tail on Sparky activity sheet and Sparky maze. Download them for your kids and start getting ready for the fun to come in just a few weeks!
 

Don't miss seeing Frankenweenie 

in theaters everywhere October 5th!

(enjoy this sneak peek Frankenweenie Tale of Victor and Sparky)

Pet Lovers Unite! MomSelect Pet Survey

Are you a pet person? Love animals of all shapes and sizes?

Are you someone who believes in pampering your pet? Or do you believe the dog should live in the backyard?

My family loves our pooch, Scout. He goes in and out as he pleases, receives plenty of loving pets and kisses from the kids, and is always scoring treats from little ones trying to empty their plates or get rid of unwanted snacks. 

Whatever your view may be, MomSelect would love to hear from you! MomSelect is in the process of creating a book about pet owners, and have created this survey to gain some insight.

Take Survey Here

Once you complete the survey you will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of three $50 Target Gift Cards!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post from MomSelect. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Bringing Pets and Technology Together {@KlooffApp}

Klooff, the app for pet lovers, just launched and our family couldn't be more excited! Klooff is a mobile app that allows users to create profiles for their pets, allowing them to upload pet photos and interact with other pet lovers through check-ins, and maybe make the dog park scene a little easier.

Users also have a chance to share content with Facebook and Twitter contacts and upload Instagram photos. The experience is gamified, rewarding pet lovers with “Klooff Points” when they interact in the app. Klooff users obtain levels and badges according to how active they are with their pets.

The badges are “Cute”, “Posh”, “Tuff”, “Funny”, “Photo”. Badges are earned when people vote on your pet’s photo. For example, if your dog has 5 pics which gets more than 10 “Cutes” vote, your pet will earn the Cute Badge.

Since our dog, Scout, is a huge part of our lives we love that we can now give him the proper promotion he deserves on all of our social medial outlets! Being able to share pictures of him and what he does best will be fun for both me and my kids.

If you love your pets and want to share it with the world than head on over to the app store and download Klooff today! It won't take long to become addicted and start earning badges. Your dog may start to outshine your kids before you know it. Ok, well, maybe not that much but you catch my drift!

Does your pooch want to feel the love even more? Would they like a nice, brand new bed of their own to lay on while you snap their photo? Enter for your chance to win the bed pictured above in the rafflecopter form below!

Freshpet Pet Food {Review}

 
When I heard about the opportunity to try out Freshpet I was thrilled. I have heard wonderful things about the brand from my pet loving friends and was intrigued by a refrigerated dog food. I had even contemplated switching our dogs to a raw diet at one time. Then I quickly changed my mind because I honestly didn't have the time to commit to it. So when I read more about Freshpet I knew it would be a great choice for our family.

Freshpet® - the only brand of fresh, refrigerated pet food in the market today - introduced five new meals and treats for pets available exclusively in the Freshpet refrigerator. The new products include grain-free meals, made of high-quality animal proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables, and the addition of all natural chews and bones to their treats line.

The new meals and treats include:

Freshpet® Select Roasted Meals™ for Dogs: 

Chunks of real chicken and carrots

pieces of fresh meat accented with real shredded chicken breast, carrots and spinach for a well-balanced meal. Available in easy to pour, resealable 1.75 lb. and 3 lb. bags.


Freshpet Select Roasted Meals for Cats:
Tender morsels made of fresh chicken accented with carrots and spinach. It combines the great taste and texture of wet food cat’s love with the convenience of dry food. Available in a resealable 1 lb. bag..

Dog Joy™ Sweet Potato Chews: 
The only ingredient is sweet potatoes, naturally full of beta carotene, vitamins and dietary fiber. Each slice is slowly baked to chewy perfection. Available in a 7.5 oz. resealable pouch.

Dog Joy Bones: 
Real chicken baked inside a brown rice bone. A safer, long-lasting alternative to natural bones. Available in a 5.6 oz. resealable pouch, 2 bones.

Dog Joy Fresh Chews: 
Savory strips of buffalo are slow roasted in their own juices to a hard, satisfying chew. Available in a 4.3 oz. resealable pouch, 4 chews. 

Freshpet foods are made from all natural ingredients and never contain corn, wheat, fillers or by-products. Each recipe starts with fresh, high quality proteins, vitamin-rich vegetables, and high fiber grains. The ingredients are then gently cooked to retain their nutrients without the use of any artificial preservatives. That is why all Freshpet meals and treats must be refrigerated.

How we introduced the new food
We received a bag of Freshpet® Select Roasted Meals™ for Dogs, Freshpet Select Slice and Serve, Dog Joy™ Sweet Potato Chews, Dog Joy Fresh Chews and Dog Joy Fresh Bones. We started feeding Scout the Freshpet Select roasted meals by slowly adding it to his existing dog food. I increased the amount I gave him by a 1/2 cup each day until he was completely on Freshpet food. I included 1/4lb of the Freshpet slice and serve to each meal (twice a day) to see how he enjoyed it. I didn't want any tummy troubles to affect the review of the product.

My review of the food
I have to say, when I first put down the new food in front of him he got excited. More excited than he's been in a while to see his dog food bowl. He immediately started eating and would look up from time to time as if to thank me for this treat. Then at the next feeding would look at me in surprise to find the tasty morsels in his bowl again. This is no exaggeration. He truly enjoyed mealtime again!

I love that the food was fresh and that you could actually see the ingredients in it. And I think that the combination of the roasted meals and the slice and serve meals he was in heaven. I've also noticed (warning, may be TMI) that he's a bit more regular in the back yard as well. His energy truly is changing as well. He has a bit more pep. I know that when I start eating more healthier I get a pep in my step as well.

A picture of Scount before switching to Freshpet

Because of our success with this food, and our dog's joy in eating it, we've decided to start supplementing his current dog food with Freshpet Select. I wish that we could switch over completely to all Freshpet food but we have a large 65lb coonhound and I honestly don't have time to stop by the pet store each week to pick up his food. I will, however, get in touch with San Diego Pet Supply to see if they can start carrying Freshpet. If they do then I'll be able to switch him over completely.

Where To Buy

His smiling face after

I love the product and love the company's look towards our dog's health and well being. The fact that this dog food company cares so much about it's consumers means everything to me when choosing a pet food. And since Scout is as much a part of our family as our children I do a lot of research and reviewing to insure that what we're providing him is the best we can offer.

Freshpet brands include Freshpet Select and Dog Joy, available at select grocery and mass-market retailers; Deli Fresh, Vital and Dognation, available at select pet specialty stores; and Veterinary Nutrition available at select veterinarians.

For more information about Freshpet foods, visit http://www.freshpet.com

Disclaimer: I received Freshpet products to review. All opinions are my own.

San Diego Pet Supply {Store Review}

After adopting our pup, Scout, we started researching dog foods, dog friendly places and much more. On our quest to find the perfect treats, supplies and food for Scout we stumbled upon a pet supply store that was very close to home. Like up the street and around the corner from us. So we stopped by. And what we were greeted with kept us coming back for close to 6 years now.

San Diego Pet Supply carries everything from dog food to animal carriers to vaccinations. I've never had a problem finding what I need for my pets there. And they keep my kids entertained too. There's always birds, reptiles or other small animals to keep them occupied while one of kind employees picks up a large bag of Canadae for me from their shelves. I used to grab the bag myself but as soon as they saw me they'd rush over and grab the bag for me. So I let them grab it now.

Most of the time all I have to do is come to the counter, ask for what I need and they grab it and load it in the car automatically. And with my hands full with children their customer service makes my life a heck of a lot earlier! I've never had that type of treatment at a big box pet supply retailer.

And the last time I visited took the cake! I was in desperate need of food (only one scoop left) and was coming home from a playdate. By the time I got to San Diego Pet Supply both kids were asleep in the back of the car. I couldn't imagine leaving them in the car alone while I ran in even though the storefront faces the car and the roll up door would leave a great view of them. So I did the only thing I could think of. I called and explained the situation and asked if they could help.

They were more than willing to take care of me! As soon as I hung up the phone I could see a cart being wheeled out the door with the dog food ready to go. I handed over my card, loaded the food in the trunk and then returned to sign my credit card slip. I didn't have to leave my car or my kids and I had the dog food I needed! Now that is excellent customer service. And not only did they help me out, they let me know that they do free delivery for purchases over $40 within a 10 mile radius. And our house is within that radius! Now there's no way I can forget the food... it's delivered right to my door automaticall!

So if you live in San Diego and are looking for an amazing pet supply store you have to check out San Diego Pet Supply! And for 5% off your next purchase check out their coupon.  

A little information from their website:
San Diego Pet Supply is 6,900 square feet packed with anything and everything a pet will possibly need, and all that your special friend could want. Operating as a supplier of feed and scratch since the 1875, they still offer a huge assortment of bulk and packaged foods.

From common brands to all natural and whole foods blends, they are the source for satisfying your animals' endless appetites. In addition to carrying everything relating to pets, they specialize in stocking hard to find items, such as shampoos you would normally only be able to purchase through a veterinary prescription.

Dog Beaches {San Diego Edition}

San Diego is one of the best places to own a pooch. Not only are there a multitude of parks and play areas for dogs to go and socialize but there are also a lot of eateries you can take your dog to as well. There are even dog bakeries! San Diego dogs are some of the luckiest dogs in the US.

We're a family who loves the ocean and the beach. So when we adopted our coonhound, Scout, 7+ years ago we knew we had to scope out the dog-friendly beaches in San Diego right away. There were a few beach options we knew about right away but then as we started talking to fellow dog owners and we found that there were even more around to check out. I've even mentioned a few before. And now that Scout is without his buddy, Jetta, we have been taking advantage of having such wonderful beaches in our back yard.

Below is a list of the dog beaches in San Diego. Do you have a favorite?

Top Dog Beaches in San Diego

1. Coronado Dog Beach
Located in the picture perfect city of Coronado, the dog beach in Coronado is at the most northern end of the beach next to the Naval Air Station. Wide and sandy, with the Pacific surf and the Hotel del Coronado in the background, we've found Coronado’s dog beach to be the friendliest in town.

located on Ocean Blvd. near Sunset Park.

2. Fiesta Island - Mission Beach
Most of this large sandy island in Mission Bay is designated leash-free for dogs. Lots of sandy dunes to romp in, and the calm bay waters lets the more adventurous dogs take a quick dip. There's a semi-fenced off dog area as well to let the dogs romp safely without running into the one-way road. We've found Fiesta Island the best dog beach to exercise with our dogs at.

(off-leash) - located in Mission Bay Park, dogs are allowed in all areas except for the Youth Campground and Least Tern nesting sites (seasonal). Daily 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.

3. Dog Beach - Ocean Beach
Located in northern Ocean Beach, Dog Beach is the original dog beach and one of the most popular places to take your dog. This beach area is located at the west end of the San Diego River Floodway, also known as the Ocean Beach Flood Control Channel.

With a large amount of sand to run and frolic in, this is a large area for dogs to have fun at. This is also the best beach for your pooch to catch waves AND wade around in the calm(er) flood channel. And as always, beware of left-over accidents (most owners are conscientious about cleaning up after their dogs).

(24 hr. off-leash) - located at the west end of Voltaire St.

4. Del Mar Dog Beach
A nice, low key spit of sand to let your dog roam in lovely Del Mar, but with limitations: the off-leash designated is seasonal only, so bring your dog without its leash only from September to June. Parking is also at a premium, and parking tickets flow freely in Del Mar (believe me... I've had personal experience with this).

(October thru May off-leash) - located at Via de la Valle and Highway 101 at the rivermouth. Off-leash area is north of 29th St.

5. North Beach Dog Beach - Oceanside
While I've never been to this beach I've heard that it's good for dogs who like strong surf. And it's a great option for those a little farther north of the San Diego beaches.

(24 hr. off-leash) - located on Ocean Blvd. near Sunset Park at the northern end of the beach next to the U.S. Naval Station entrance. Dogs must be leashed until you reach the beach. Foot shower and free dog litter bags at the entrance to the run.

Happy Memorial Day!

First of all I want to thank all of the men and women who have risked and given their lives for our freedom. We wouldn't have a memorial day without your sacrifices. I will make sure my children and I do not forget why we celebrate this day and honor those have given up so much. Thank you, again, to those who have served in our armed forces. Your service is greatly appreciated.

We had a wonderful memorial day morning at the beach. E enjoyed the water while M played in the sand. Scout ran between the both of them and had a blast. We were so exhausted when we got home we all just vegged out for the rest of the day :) Here are a few pictures.

Daddy wanted to bury E's feet

Is right there. Oceans right there!

I go in the water again?

Beach Time!

Last night we took the whole family (including Scout) to Dog Beach for a bit of fresh air and exercise. Since having M we haven't really had the time to take Scout out to play with other friends and with the loss of Jetta we knew he was bursting at the seams for some friendly dog interaction. So M got to go to the beach for the first time :)

It was windy and overcast but that didn't stop E and Daddy from playing in the sand and water. We took a few pictures to mark the event...

Saying Goodbye

Jetta {February 2011}

Sadly, yesterday, we had to say goodbye to our dear dog, Jetta. She just turned 12 in November and has been slowly declining in health over the past year. About a year ago we noticed a growth on her leg. We took her to the vet. They wanted to test the growth to see if it was malignant or not. They also found another growth near her back leg that they believed was a uterine tumor.

The vet did some tests and the tests determined that Jetta's tumor was malignant. So we got a run down from them on how much it would cost to surgically remove (or attempt to remove) the tumors. And when push came to shove we just couldn't afford the surgery.

With the cost plus the risk of Jetta dying on the operating table and the fact that she might live maybe a year or two more even with the surgery we left everything as is. We knew we'd just have to keep her as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. Without the surgery, the vet gave her 6 months.

She didn't seem affected by her age or the tumors for a long time. And then a few months ago she started to have problems with traction. She couldn't quite get traction on our laminate and tile floors (in the kitchen and living room). But she made due and we made sure to lay blankets down for her to lay on when she came in to sleep.

And then on Wednesday Joseph woke up in the early morning to find her on the kitchen floor unable to get up. And she had an accident. He was able to help her up and she walked out to do her business. She was able to get around a bit but I noticed that day that she refused to eat anything. The day before she had taken a few bites of food.

Then the next day she didn't eat either. And she was having more trouble getting around. She was still drinking water so I knew she was close to the end but not quite ready. I called my dad to make sure he came by to say goodbye (Jetta was given to my brother, sister, and me as a Christmas gift when I was 15, I then "adopted" her after my dad moved into a townhome that had no room for a husky). He came by on Friday and on Friday night I called the vet to see how we were to go about letting her go. The receptionist said that we could call in the morning when we were ready and they'd fit us in.

We called that next morning and the receptionist that day (different from Friday night) said that they were completely booked with appointments until the end of the day at 5pm. I couldn't make her wait till 5pm. She was pleading at me with her eyes. So I called up Joseph's aunt. She works at an animal hospital and had let us know they are available 24/7 for these types of situations.

So we trekked on over. As soon as they found out what we were there for we were taken care of right away. I was taken back to a special room that had a door to the parking lot (so we could go to our car without passing by the lobby again). After the paperwork and whatnot the vet came in. She was very kind and explained the whole procedure to us. She waited after every step and asked if we were ready. I just kept petting her head as she slowly drifted off to sleep. We left shortly after she was wheeled away.

It was very hard but we knew it was right and it was time... she will be missed.

Dog Beach: Friends and Pups

So last weekend Pilar, Natalie and I decided to take our pups to Dog Beach in Coronado. It's a spot Joseph and I frequent regularly with Jetta and Scout so I thought it'd be a great place to hang out with my girlfriends. Plus Pilar is moving to St. Louis so we wanted to soak up all of the Pilar time we could.

It was a blast. All of the dogs were great. Poor Marley (Pilar's dog) has trouble with her knees so Pilar had to keep correcting them but other than that the dogs had a blast. There was swimming and sand and dog slobber for all :)

Here's the "pack" sans Scout (not sure where he was at this point)
Counter clock wise: Jetta, Dahlia, Mia, Marley


the gorgeous baby Dahlia (the 5 month old pug) with Natalie


Scout with Dahlia in the water (I think Dahlia is still trying to get some seaweed!)