Don't Let Your Dog Become A Canary

From Wikipedia: “Well into the 20th century, coal miners brought canaries into coal mines as an “early warning signal” for deadly, toxic gases. The birds, being more sensitive, would become sick before the miners, who would then have a chance to escape or put on protective respirators.”

Is it any wonder that with the “pre green” proliferation of chemical laden cleaning and laundry products, building supplies, and monthly flea poison treatments, that our pets are developing cancer at such an alarming rate? In addition to protecting one’s animal from constant exposure to a myriad of possible household carcinogens, our having to negotiate the constant recalls and dangers of an unregulated, processed pet food industry can be an overwhelming and depressing nightmare. But there’s also a deeper issue: when it comes to these everyday toxins that we have become so unconscious about or accepting of, have our cherished, innocent pets become our modern day canaries?

There are MANY things we can do to prevent our beloved companion animals from ever getting cancer. When my 8-year old dog, aka: my adopted daughter, Buttons, was diagnosed with deadly carcinoma and given 6 weeks to live, I launched a massive personal research campaign into the world of holistic medicine. I soon came to learn that “holistic” didn’t mean symptom treating with natural remedies or herbs in lieu of pharmaceutical drugs. Instead, it meant clearing my home environment of all possible toxins, cleansing Buttons’ entire system physically and emotionally, and then giving her the proper nutritional support so that Buttons’ body could do what an unburdened body does best: HEAL ITSELF. Buttons went on to thrive for another 11 years. Exactly 1 week before her 19th birthday, she died peacefully of old age in my loving arms.

Contributed by Nadine M. Rosin, author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood http://www.TheHealingArtOfPetParenthood.com

Nadine M. Rosin has been a student of alternative healing for over thirty years and a holistic bodywork practitioner since 1996. Besides writing and performing nondenominational wedding and memorial ceremonies, she is a Society of Southwestern Authors 2005 writing contest winner. Nadine is also a gallery-signed artist; her commissioned works include four paintings for the University of Arizona. Above all, she considers her most rewarding experience to be that of pet parent.

The Healing Art of Pet Parenthod

Tomorrow, Nadine M. Rosin will be a guest writer on Rock Star Pooch. She is the author of "The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood." 

It is a must read for every pet parent. 

The book is about the human-animal bond, healing cancer holistically, senior canine care, and an empowering new take on the grieving process when a beloved animal passes away.

The Mission Behind the Book:

• Helping to remove the words, "It;s just a dog/cat" from the lips for non pet parents everywhere
  
• Helping pet parents realize we may be unconsciously contributing to the skyrocketing increase of cancer in our pets by unknowingly creating highly toxic environments in our homes
• Providing comfort, camaraderie, and validation for pet parents experiencing the devasting loss of a beloved pet

Pet Expo 2009

The Rock Star Pooch team took a break this weekend and attended

the Chicago Pet Expo. Pets are not allowed in the show unless you are a exhibitor or participant of an event. It was a bit diappointing that we could not bring Sugar.

On the second floor of the show was designated for cats who are participating in a show. It was a bit "eccentric" to see how the cats were placed in covered crate. Also, the participants are kept to themselves and they do not allow anyone to touch their cat.

On the third floor, we had an opportunity to watch the "Dancing Dog" contest. Both Dancers wore matching outfits and showed some fancy foot work. 

It is great to see all the non for profit organizations such as the shelters and rescue groups attending the event. One orphan that stood out was a 2 year old St. Bernard, Otus.  Otus is a 175lbs St. Bernard from the St. Bernard dog rescue. Otus was one exhausted puppy. Overall visiting the Pet Expo was fun and educational.

Obamas First Dog Name

It’s almost April and everyone is awaiting for the Obama’s first dog. What should the Obamans name the first dog? Rock Star Pooch team recently came across this article posted by The Oregonian (OregonLive.com), posted last 1/29/09

While dog lovers wait for the new administration to select the First Dog, marketing firm Strategic Name Development randomly surveyed 487 U.S. pet owners/Obama supporters about their thoughts on what the First Dog should be named.

Nearly one in four, it turned out, preferred a pet named after a well-known person, fictional or real.

The findings also include:

• One in 10 Obama supporters named their pets after a consumer brand, such as Hershey, Snickers, Adidas or Nike.

• 7 percent named their pets based on color: Goldie, Rusty, Red, Onyx.

• 7 percent used size as their inspiration: Itsey, Magnus, Half-Pint.

• 16 percent of Obama supporters played off virtues -- Faith, Frank, Precious -- or Bandit, Misfit or Jinxie.

• Other popular inspirations include objects (Shamrock, Cashmere, Snowball); personality Traits (Lovey, Maverick, Turbo); and generic animal names (D'og, Moose, Panda).

What names have past presidential dog owners chosen?

Gerald Ford's dog was Liberty. Richard Nixon went with Vicky, for victory. Jimmy Carter chose Grits. Rutherford B. Hayes picked Grim and Calvin Coolidge went for Calamity Jane. Abraham Lincoln's dog was named Jip, which was often spelled Gyp. John F. Kennedy's dog was named Shannon because it was a gift from the president of Ireland.

One suggestion for Obama from Strategic Name Development: End with a vowel sound. Names ending in vowels like Fido (another Lincoln dog) and Barney (George W. Bush's dog) are significantly easier for pets to hear. Says Strategic Name Development: "This is good insurance for a president who wants to make sure that no matter what he does, there is still one living being who will listen to him."

What do you think the Obamas should name their dog?

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Rock Star Pooch Team and
Sugar Sima, VP of Marketing

Check out! Rock Star Pooch's March Specials
and Rock it out in "Green"

Eco-Friendly Dog Products

Earth day is coming-up. There are lots of ways to be consciously aware of the environment and be “green” with your beloved pooch. Rock Star Pooch offers many “green”/eco-friendly products on the market for your pooch to consider. Check our Eco-Dog products at RockStarPooch.com.

Eco Hemp Stripe Bone

100% natural hemp stripe toys are stuffed with hypo-allergenic, eco-friendly fiber made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastics. Each toy includes a two way squeaker inside. Machine wash and dry. 

The Benefits of Being a Dog Owner

Adding a dog to your home can bring a lot of physical and even emotional benefits to you and your family. Dogs are the most faithful and loyal pets you could ever have. Whatever happens, even at times of trouble, whether you’re depressed or in high spirits, your pooch will always be there for you. No wonder why a dog is called as a “man’s bestfriend.”

Dogs are not only domesticated animals but they can also be an important part of a family’s life. Many people consider the task of taking good care of a dog as being the most rewarding hobbies in the world. Who don’t want to have an ever-loyal and sweet companion?

Dogs can bring you joy at times you’re feeling down. In fact, they can be even very sensitive to your feelings. If you’re having a tough time, a dog can feel that emotion and he will surely snuggle his head into your lap.

Scientific studies even reveal that dog owners have lesser risk of heart problems than those who are not. Dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure because pets can relieve anxiety or stress.

Another benefits of owning a dog is that they can act as your security guard against burglars. Dogs, especially the big ones, can bark growl and bark loudly, making a thief think twice before entering your premises.

Dogs are also great companions if you want to exercise and if you want to feel safe outdoor. Walking outside is more enjoyable if you are accompanied by your canine friend on a leash. Exercising outside or walking with your dog is an an effective cardio workout that can improve your blood circulation. It will improve both your stamina and the dog agility of your canine pet.

If you are the silent type or someone who just wants to catch the attention of others, dog ownership is an opportunity to meet new friends. Having a dog by your side while walking on the sidewalk or roaming around the park enables you to meet a lot of dog walkers and eventually friends.

By Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com

Update: Obama's Dog

According to Chicago Tribune, the first lady’s press secretary, Katie Lelyveld said that the Obama’s family has not made a decision on what kind of breed they will be adopting. Despite what the first lady revealed to People magazine, Katie added that Michelle Obama “likes portuguese water dog but she is only one of four votes.” 

The Obama family will definitely adopt a dog and “their primary focus now is that they get a dog that works with their lifestyle.” 

iPhone Apps: Dog Tricks & Bark Machine

Dog Tricks & Bark Machine

Finally, a dog tricks app is now available for the iPhone!

Dog Tricks & Bark Machine is a brand new app on the iTunes store, which contains 2 apps in 1: Dog Tricks and an integrated sound machine.

The Dog Tricks include: Basic Commands I&II, Games, Tricks to Impress, Tips on behavior issues, and a separate section just for puppies! Also included is a comprehensive breed list with pictures and descriptions of each canine type, and a great "Photos" section which showcases colorful dogs along with equally cute captions.

The Bark Machine plays 8 different sounds designed to get your dog's attention and assist in training the tips and tricks in the application. The sounds include Woof, Meow, Doorbell, Fire Truck, Clicker, Door Knock, Squeaky Toy and a high frequency dog whistle.

All photos and instructional text in Dog Tricks were supervised by certified dog trainers who are members of the American Association of Pet Dog Trainers. (APDT)

The developers Rob Maran and Deidra Jones are from Toronto. Rob Maran is a publisher of computer and lifestyle books, with over 10 million books in print worldwide. Deidra is an advertising executive who has worked with most of North America's largest media companies. Rob and Deidra are working together to produce "fun apps", applications that are comprehensive while at the same time fun and easy to use.

For more information about this Dog Tricks & Bark Machine, you can check out the website at http://www.barkmachine.com