Romeo Visits Alice's Dog Park in Pasadena

Today we went to the off-leash dog area in Pasadena. It has been around for nearly about a year, and this was the first time we went. We met up with my friends and their dogs. I have to say, it was one of the nicest off-leash areas we've been to! And most of the dogs were really nice. Here's more information on the off-leash dog park -- http://www.phsspca.org/about/news-dogpark.htm

We can't wait to go back!

Romeo's Outing: A Pet Friendly Pasadena

I'm always so amazed at how pet-friendly Old Town Pasadena is. Yesterday, I took Romeo shopping, and we went into Old Town.

We went to the Paper Source to buy some paper for a test project that I'm doing. Then Romeo and I stopped in at The Gap, because for some unknown reason, Romeo LOVES The Gap. (FYI: I could be wrong, but I believe dogs are always welcome at any Old Navy, anywhere.) We were stopped there by a woman who had a regular sized Aussie, but hadn't ever seen a mini aussie so small. The Gap saleslady also stop to chat with us for a bit about Romeo. After all that cooing, we went to Romeo's favoritest place in all of Old Town Pasadena: Three Dog Bakery. There, he got to lick frosting off of a spoon. Doggie heaven!

No trip for an urban puppy could be complete without a stop at Victoria's Secret. The first time we went, I wasn't sure if they would let Romeo in, because, well, let's be honest, dogs are notorious for destroying underwear. But my sister went in and asked, and they said, "No problem." So we went to Victoria's Secret so I could get (yep) more underwear.

Our trip culminated with a trip to The Container Store. I had never seen a dog in The Container Store, so I stuck my head in to ask if it was all right before bringing Romeo in. There, another woman stopped us and asked if Romeo was a miniature Australian shepherd. To which I replied, "Yes." She asked how old he was, and when I said, "Two and a half." She asked, "Two and a half months, right?" And I said, "No, two and a half years." Apparently her friend has a mini aussie, and it was NOT Romeo's size. So many people are calling their mini aussies "mini" when they are actually standard size Australian shepherds coming from mini aussie stock. But that speaks to the politics of the Australian shepherd breed and not the actual size of the dog. (For any who claim that Romeo is not a true Australian shepherd, I invite you to look at his pedigree. He comes from CHAMPION, pre AKC, pre differentiating size, Australian shepherd lines! He's just small!)

We ended the trip there at The Container Store. Romeo is more well-behaved on Old Town Pasadena and other urban areas that is dog friendly than at dog parks! I love that Old Town loves dogs (and cats!) as much as the owners do. There is almost no retail establishment in Old Town Pasadena that won't let a dog in. (I'd ask before bringing in a dog to Barnes and Noble...there is a food establishment attached.) But if you're unsure, don't just barge in, canine in tow. Poke your head in and ask if it's ok. Gordon Biersch, for instance, even with its outdoor patio, when I last asked, wouldn't let Romeo in.

See you in Old Town!

[Pet Care Articles] Pet Food Recall Finally Hits Home

Natural Balance has recalled all of its Venison products, regardless of date and lot. More information can be found here: http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/press_release.html

I think we may have one can of this left for the cats. Do we throw it out or return it to Petco? Thing is, it's just one can.

The recall finally affects our food supply. At least that's just one of many brands that we use, and not a primary one at that. Romeo does eat Natural Balance rolls as treats, sometimes replacing a meal a day with the rolls, but I think we'll just journey on and watch them all carefully.

Signs to look for in your pets that they may have toxic things in their system according to our friendly neighborhood veterinarian: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drinking more water than normal. If your pet displays any of these signs, bring them down to the vet. If you're worried but your pet does not show any of these signs, bring a urine sample down to your vet, and they can do a urine test to see if there is anything to be worried about.

So far, all pets are fine. Not even a hairball in the last week.

--
Posted By Tina to Pet Care Articles at 4/18/2007 09:44:00 AM

Jezebel Gets Immortalized!

Jezebel gets her own letterpress card! Since she's my little darling cat, it was only fitting that I make a little darling card that features Jezebel! It's a letterpressed card, the print is from a linoleum cut I carved, black ink on Fabriano cardstock. I haven't quite figured out if I'm going to leave it as is or if I'm going to add text to it, either a "Meow" or make it into a "Thank You" or "Thinking of You" or something? If you have any thoughts on the matter, feel free to share!

2007 so far: Romeo Sees Snow!

At the end of February, we took Romeo on our snowboarding trip. There are lots of pet-friendly lodges and hotels up there, and we stayed at one that was close to Snow Summit.

Romeo saw snow for the first time since he left Turtle Mountain (Romeo was born in a snowy season!), and he didn't know what to make of it. It had just snowed, and Romeo just sank in and almost got lost in all the fresh powder! The first night we were there, it snowed, and we took Romeo out to see it. I don't think he thought anything was going on, but when we came back in, Romeo was covered with snow, and he didn't shake it off since it was so light he didn't know it was covering him.

Here's a picture of Romeo and Joel, with Big Bear Lake in the background!

2007 so far: New Year's Celebration

So we haven't talked much about Romeo's goings-on all that much. It's been a busy 2007 so far!

So we'll start out from the top with New Year's Eve, where Romeo got to stay in a ritzy hotel for the very first time and got to make googly-eyes at none other than Mr. Justin Timberlake himself (SERIOUSLY, Justin Timberlake, former boy band member, ex-boyfriend of Cameron Diaz). I was a little tongue-tied, but Romeo made the cutesy face at the pop star. JT remarked while we waited for the elevator that Romeo "is a cutie, isn't he?" Indeed he is.

The little miniature australian shepherd leads a charmed life. Romeo is now the envy of his Auntie Tania.

Here are pics of Romeo after a hard night of partying with himself in the hotel room. He loved the bed.