Books and Blog about Dogs and Family

Devoted dog owners know the joy and excitement of having a dog as their best friend and family member. If you party with Fido, you're not alone. Every year, over 10 million people celebrate with their dogs.

Patricia Griecci has written a fabulous guide to the perfect pooch party. If you are one of the millions people that celebrate their dog's birthday, or any other party and you would like to celebrate in style, with your dog, then this is the perfect fit for you. You will find everything you need to know to start planning, decorating, making homemade treats, doggie goodie bags and even what to serve your human guests.

The Pampered Pooch Parties Book guides you through the easy steps needed to throw your own successful pooch party. It includes great ideas for specific types of parties such as birthdays, holidays, play dates, pool parties and even a doggie spa party. Once you have decided what to celebrate, let the planning begin. When it's time to bake and decorate, this guide will walk you through it.

Included are many healthy recipes for birthday cake, Ice Cream Cone Cookie, Apple Cinnamon Bone Cake, Bark Cookies just to name a few. Included in the back of the book are templates for some fun doggie party favors. There are also some great ideas for doggie spa get-togethers, including recipes to make your dogs smell great. I loved the real color photographs of dogs enjoying their celebrations throughout the book.

Socialization is so important to a dog's happy and healthy lifestyle, and what better way to socialize than to throw a party. This book is a great help for someone who loves his or her pet as a family member. There are so many ways to celebrate with your pet and this book guides you through the in and outs. I highly recommend, Pampered Pooch Parties Easy Dog Recipes and Crafts to Create a Howling Good Time by, Patricia Griecci. It is the perfect guide for everything you need to pamper your pet and their guests in an easy to follow format.

Reviewed on 04/18/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Michelle Poe

Devoted dog owners know the joy and excitement of having a dog as their best friend and family member. If you party with Fido, you're not alone. Every year, over 10 million people celebrate their dogs' birthday, according to the American Pet Association. Some 750,000 throw parties and invite other pets.

Patricia Griecci, founder of Smiling Dog and PlayMore Publishing, knows the problem some pet guardians face. "A large number of guardians (pet owners) have told me the same thing about asking how to include their best friend in a family tradition or celebration."

Patricia Griecci said, "Writing this book forced me to evaluate why I included my dog in all of my celebrations as well as my accomplishments and major milestones"; leading her to publish her book Pampered Pooch Parties.

The book "Pampered Pooch Parties" is available at Pampered Pooch Parties http://bit.ly/4lio9jand at Amazon.com or for eBook Readers Amazon Kindle http://amzn.to/ptIePi and Barnes & Nobel Nook http://bit.ly/qlNtJe

About PlayMore Publishing: PlayMore Publishing was started from Smiling Dog Bakery that made all natural dog treats, dog birthday party kits and a complete line of products with the inspiration of Spike.

PlayMore and Patricia Griecci have written other books to honor our best friends and kids with tails.

Our other books include "Pampered Pooch Parties" to celebrate dog birthday parties and special occasions with our dogs and "The Well Trained Pet Guardian" a fun look at dog training as told by your dog.

For more information, contact Ms. Griecci at pgriecci@playmorepublishing.com

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New Book Offers Insight on the Importance of Family Traditions

Louisville, CO., Jul. 30, 2010- The special things we look forward to as a family and the everyday routines we abide by such as the time we get up, feed the dog, walk and socialize the dog at the park are traditions that bind a family together.
Written by Patricia Griecci, founder of Smiling Dog and PlayMore Publishing, knows the problem some pet guardians face. "A large number of guardians (pet owners) have told me the same thing about asking how to include their best friend in a family tradition or celebration.

"Writing this book forced me to evaluate why I included my dog in all of my celebrations as well as my accomplishments and major milestones".

Devoted dog owners know the joy and excitement of having a dog as their best friend and family member. If you party with Fido, you're not alone. Every year, over 10 million people celebrate their dogs' birthday, according to the American Pet Association. Some 750,000 throw parties and invite other pets.

There are many reasons that some families feel disconnected. For example, moving out of the area, family separation and divorce, loss of a job, loss of a loved one are some factors that cause the family not to be as close as before.

Start today, by realizing that daily things you do that make your family special. Realize that those little things done together are really memories in the making. Always include our four legged friends in these memories and traditions.

Pampered Pooch Parties is available at the author's website at PlayMorePublishing PlayMore Publishing
and Amazon's Kindle.
For more information, contact Ms. Griecci at pgriecci@playmorepublishing.com
Author: Patricia Griecci
ISBN: 978-1449512880
Format: Soft Cover 8x8" 84 pages
Publisher: Create Space
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Apple Crunch Pup Cakes

2 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup dried apple chips
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 egg, beaten slightly
4 tablespoons honey

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tin with a cooking spray. Mix all wet ingredients thoroughly. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl. Add wet to dry slowly, scraping well to make sure no dry mixture is left. Pour into muffin tins. Bake for 1 1/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out dry. Store in a sealed container. Makes around 12-14 pupcakes.

It's now official: The Commonwealth will no longer tolerate the cruel practice of cutting vocal cords to stifle a dog's or cat's voice.

Gov. Patrick has signed An Act Prohibiting Devocalization (Logan's Law).
This is huge. Logan's Law is the first effective statewide devocalization ban in the nation.

And it is your victory.

From 16-year-old Jordan Star, whose idea it was to file this bill, to 71-year-old Jordan Gallagher, our most indefatigable volunteer, this is your victory.
You passed this landmark legislation--and kept opponents' lobbyists from watering it down--with every call you made, every flyer you handed out, every alert you forwarded or posted to your Facebook page, website or blog over the past 16 months.

Some of you visited your legislators at the Statehouse or in their district offices. Friends of the Plymouth Pound (FPP) organized a group of constituents, who made the trip into Boston to meet with Senate President Murray, helping win critical support.

It was fitting: Logan's Law is named for the devocalized show dog rescued by FPP founder Gayle Fitzpatrick.

Who is Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, sponsor of Logan's Law?

The Coalition is an unfunded, all-volunteer network of people who care about animals. The Coalition is every one of you.

Some of you first joined together under the CPR Pets banner in 2008 to prohibit the emerging pet rental trade--a business model that reduced dogs to the status of DVDs. Together, we passed that state law in an astounding five months. Other Coalition members are new to this effort.

You are individuals with and without dogs and cats of your own. You are animal behavior experts, groomers, pet shop owners and dog walkers. You are veterinarians who took a courageous stand.

And you are small, struggling animal shelters and rescue groups-in the trenches giving countless hours of your time to save dogs and cats. Some of you work without even a salary, digging into your own pockets to rescue, heal and give unwanted, abused and neglected animals the loving, secure homes we all deserve.

Together, you formed a Coalition of people determined to keep dogs and cats from being robbed of their voices for an owner's convenience or profit. And against all odds, you succeeded. You did it without funding.

You did it without direct mail, lobbyists, TV ads or slick campaign materials, proving it's not money that passes legislation: It's your voice and your will.

You passed a bill the "experts" said would never become law--with nothing more than your time, energy and the conviction that animals deserve protection from abuse, no matter what form it takes or by what euphemisms it is called. Let there be no mistake: Devocalization is animal abuse.

Please don't stop now.

Use your talent and tenacity to file and lobby for humane laws at the municipal and state level. Bring Logan's Law to animal advocates in other states too.

And be vigilant: The special interests that fought to kill or dilute this bill may be back next legislative session to try again. Don't let them succeed.

Animals need more than compassion to protect them from the whims of selfish, cruel and profit-driven people. They need laws-and laws won't happen without your advocacy.

Please thank the organizations that stepped up to support our effort:

Animal Law Coalition

Executive Director Laura Allen, Esq. drafted our bill and has worked every day to help us pass it since it was filed in December 2008. She posted, e-alerted and tweeted relentlessly-and provided sound legal advice, never asking for credit, happy to help without recognition. Laura is the expert voice on passing strong, effective animal-protective laws. Please learn about and support ALC's legislative efforts nationally: www.animallawcoalition.com

HSVMA

Director Pam Runquist and Veterinary Consultant Dr. Barbara Hodges, DVM were our consultants on veterinary issues, researching, advising and enabling us to counter the many myths put forth by opponents. HSVMA also brought more than 200 Massachusetts veterinarians on board. Wonder if your vet is among them? Email CPRPets@aol.com for a list of vets who endorsed the bill. If yours isn't named, express your hope that the next time a humane bill is on the docket, s/he will stand up to support it.

Companion Animal Protection Society, In Defense of Animals, Kinship Circle, MARC and NEAVS shared information about the bill with their Massachusetts members. Their outreach was essential for our success.

Petco welcomed us into its stores throughout Massachusetts to distribute information.

Thank you to our consulting experts.

Dr. Joel M. Woolfson, DVM, DACVS, Veterinary Surgeon
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, DVA, DACVB, DACVA, Veterinary Behaviorist and Anesthesiologist
Dr. Barbara Hodges, DVM, MBA, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Assn.
Pat Miller, CDBC, CPDT; Past President, Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Diana Cartier, Videographer
Laura Allen, Esq., Executive Director, Animal Law Coalition

And bigthanks to the following legislators, who championed this bill:

Rep. Bill Bowles, whowas instrumental in moving the bill onto the House floor

Rep.BillBowles@hou.state.ma.us
Sen. Bruce Tarr, who carried it in the Senate, Bruce.Tarr@state.ma.us
Rep. Will Brownsberger, Rep.WilliamBrownsberger@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Jennifer Callahan, Rep.JenniferCallahan@hou.state.ma.us

Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, Rep.CherylCoakley-Rivera@hou.state.ma.us
Rep.Sean Garballey, Rep.SeanGarballey@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Louis Kafka, Rep.LouisKafka@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Gene O'Flaherty, Rep.GeneOFlaherty@hou.state.ma.us

We are also grateful to House Speaker Robert DeLeo (Robert.DeLeo@state.ma.us) and Senate President Therese Murray (Therese.Murray@state.ma.us) for their leadership, and to Sen. Frederick Berry (Frederick.Berry@state.ma.us), under whose chairmanship the Senate Rules Committee crafted legislation thatpreserves the integrity of this humane legislation.

Please take a minute to thank these legislators (email)and your own Rep and Senator (call and/or email) for hearing and supporting your concern for animals.

Last but not least...

Thanks to House Clerk Steve James and Senate Clerk Bill Welch and their staffs for their impartial help--and infinite patience--in guiding us through the legislative process.

It's not every bill that passes the House 155-1, and passes the Senate overwhelmingly too.

Logan's Law did because of you.

Congratulations!

Animal Umbrella, Revere
Baypath Humane Society, Hopkinton
Berkshire Humane Society, Pittsfield
Billerica Cat Care Coalition, Billerica
Boston Dog Rescue, Boston
Buddy Dog Humane Society, Sudbury
Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Springfield
Dog Orphans, Douglas
Forever Paws Animal Shelter, Fall River
Friends of the Plymouth Pound, Plymouth
Ipswich Humane Group, Ipswich
Kitty Connection, Medford
Marblehead Animal Shelter, Marblehead
MassPAWS, Winthrop
Melrose Humane Society, Melrose
MetroWest Humane Society, Ashland
MSPCA, Boston
New England Animal Rescue, Middleboro
New England Society for Abandoned Animals, Osterville
Norfolk County Humane Society, Canton
Northeast Animal Shelter, Salem
Poodle Rescue of New England, Somerville
Save A Dog, Sudbury
South Shore Humane Society, Braintree
Standish Humane Society, Duxbury
Sterling Animal Shelter, Sterling
Tiny Tigers Feline Rescue, Groton
Underdog ResQ, Boston
Worcester Animal Rescue League, Worcester

I used to thing, with pride overflowing, that my brown dog was mine. Now I know better. We never really own a dog as much as he owns us.

Where he led I would follow without fear, and even now, remembering how he would curl up with his back against my bedroom door, I know again how it was to feel safe and protected from anything and anyone.

Once when I was very small and sick my mother put him in bed with me against everyone's advice. "They need each other," she said, and that was that.

She understood brown dogs and their peculiar magic.

Gene Hill

Our books about Dogs http://www.playmorepublishing.com

House training a young puppy is easier to than an older dog. Some excellent things to remember when you want to house train a dog fast include the value of crate training. When the dog has a desire to go to the bathroom, he will make it known by barking while he is in the crate. You will also know that he probably has to pee when you see him sniffing the crate or walking around in a circle. These are tell tale signs that he needs to go. When you see these things take your dog for a walk outside.

It is vital to bring your dog to the same spot during his walk outside everyday when you see that he has to go to the bathroom. If you make it a point to be home with your dog and be available yourself or have someone that can take your dog outside after its meals, playtime and naps, you will be able to house train a dog fast.

Just remember to be consistent and give positive reinforcement to encourage your dog when he has made the correct choice of going outside. NEVER rub your dogs nose in their mistake when the occasional accident happens. Positive training and paying close attention to your dog will always give the best results.

Visit our site for information on our books. http://www.playmorepublishing.com or comment on our blog http://www.playmorepublishing.com/wordpress

Cheese-N-Garlic Bites - Dog Food Recipe

1 cup wheat flour
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder ( not garlic salt!)
1 tablespoon soft butter or margarine
1/2 cup milk
Mix flour and cheese together. Add garlic powder and softened butter. Slowly add milk till you form a stiff dough. You may not need all of the milk. Knead on floured board for a few minutes.

Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes and place on un-greased cookie sheet.Bake 350 degrees oven for 15 minutes. Let cool in oven with the door slightly open till cold and firm. Refrigerate to keep fresh.

We hope your best friend enjoys this tasty dog food recipe!
Visit our Blog for more recipes or post your favorite

You like your neighbor and do not want to argue with them, so there must be a way to solve this annoying problem.

First, is to try and have your neighbor invite you over so the dog becomes more familiar with you. This way when you go out to get the morning paper or the mail, the dog will get use to seeing you.

Second, you can walk over to your neighbors house to check on the dog and the neighbor. There may be something wrong and the dog is trying to tell you something. In the event of such an occurrence, praise the dog for its good work, positive reactions are always the best for training. Ask if you can give the dog a treat, like humans they maybe allergic to some treats.

Next, suggest to your neighbor that they give their dog some toys to play with. Dogs like humans get bored and may need something to keep them distracted and entertained.Keep in mind some dogs may get sick with rawhide chew toys. The toy should also meet the size of the dog to avoid choking hazards.

Barking is the way dogs communicate. By you walking over and talking to it in a calm and pleasant manner, may help to calm the dog down and keep him them from barking. Show the dog you are his friend. Remember with animals it is not what you say, but how you say it. Always talk in a non threating voice.

You can view our book on dog training. A humorous view on dog training from your dogs eyes.

October is "Fire Safety Month" and the favorite Fire Station dog is a Dalmatian and is traditionally named...
A. Spot
B. Smokey
C. Sarge
D. Sparky

October is Fire Safety Month. Play free and help sheltered dogs. http://bit.ly/3DFHMG

Funny Dog Video

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Bad Breath Buster - Dog Food Recipe

* 2 cups brown rice flour
* 1 Tablespoon activated charcoal (find this at drugstores, not the briquets!)
* 3 Tablespoons canola oil
* 1 egg
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2/3 cup low fat milk

Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Combine flour and charcoal. Add all the other ingredients. Drop teaspoonfuls on oiled sheet, about 1 inch apart. Bake 15-20 minutes. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

Bacon Bits For Dogs - Dog Food Recipe for a Pampered Pooch Party
From "The Well Trained Pet Guardian"

6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
4 eggs, well beaten
1/8 cup bacon fat
1 cup water
1/2 cup non-fat dry milk powder
2 cup graham flour
2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup cornmeal

Mix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake in a 350 oven for 15 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cookies on baking sheet in the oven overnight to dry out. Yields about 4 dozen dog cookies.

"Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job."
- Franklin P. Jones

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PeaNutty Pupcicles for Your Dog

1 banana
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Mash banana's and peanut butter, stir in wheat germ. Chill 1 hour. With wet hands, solid. Place in container, store in refrigerator or freezer.

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Dog Food Recipe Ingredients:

* 3 (2 1/2 oz. each) jars of baby food; either beef or chicken
* 1/4 cup Dry milk powder
* 1/4 cup Wheat germ or cream of wheat

Dog Food Recipe Directions:

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake in preheated 350F oven for 15 minutes until brown. Cool on wire rack. Refrigerate to keep fresh or freeze.

Great for older dogs with teeth problems.

I've seen a look in dog's eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts.

John Steinbeck

Wag More, Bark Less

Archie Squares Dog Food Recipe

* 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
* 1/2 cup powdered dry milk
* 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
* 1 tsp. brown sugar or honey
* 6 tbs. meat or bacon drippings, cold right from refrigerator, not melted or soft!
* 1 egg, slightly beaten
* 1/2 cup Ice water

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Combine flour, dry milk, garlic powder and sugar. Cut in meat drippings until mixture resembles corn meal. Mix in egg. Add enough water so that mixture forms a ball. Using your fingers, pat out dough onto cook sheet to 1/2" thick. Cut dough into squares appropriate for your dog size. Prick each cookie with fork. Bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from tray and cool on rack. Store in airtight container.

Wag More, Bark Less

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Garlic Flavored Dog Biscuits

Yield: 1 batch
2 1/2 c Flour, whole wheat
1/2 c Powdered milk
1/2 ts Salt
1/2 ts Garlic powder
1 ts Sugar, brown
6 tb Meat drippings or margarine
1 Eggs, beaten
1/2 c Ice water

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Combine flour, powdered milk, salt, garlic powder and sugar. Cut in meat drippings until mixture resembles corn meal. Mix in egg. Add enough water so that mixture forms a ball. Using your fingers, pat out dough onto cookie sheet to half inch thick. Cut with cookie cutter or knife and remove scraps. Scraps can be formed again and baked. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from tray and cool on rack.

We hope your best friend enjoys this tasty dog treat recipe!

View our book at http:..www.playmorepublishing.com or comment on our blog at http://www.playmorepublishing.com/wordpress

Wag More, Bark Less

Home Made Lamb & Rice - Dog Food Recipe

1lb ground lamb (beef if you wish)
1 2 cups brown rice
2 stalks Broccoli
2 or 3 medium potatoes
3 medium carrots
4 cloves garlic
1 sheet kombi, Sea Kelp (optional)

Brown lamb in a fry pan. After it gets going, put on the chopped garlic to brown. Boil water, put about 4-5 cups into a crock pot, so it is already hot while you are fixing the rest of the ingredients. Add cubed potatoes to the fry pan. Cut broccoli and add this to the crock. Put the rest of the works in the pot, add enough hot water to cover. Add pepper to taste. Throw in 1/2 cup brown rice and mix.

Purchase our eBook for your Dog's Birthday and crafts you can make with your family.
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