Wordless Wednesday

You hid the ball behind your back, didn't you?

Jedi always makes me laugh. Want to know what else makes me laugh? Wordless Wednesdays! Check out the other posts in this hop and see what I mean. -- K

The REAL "9 Reasons Not to Get a Pet"

NOT an accurate portrayal of my job

WARNING: Rant

Here in my small beach town being a damn good animal control officer just isn't enough. The job description includes "other duties as assigned" and my boss uses that to his full advantage. I am a State certified crossing guard, departmental "go for," catamaran counter, admin assistant, wannabe paralegal, webmaster and the Queen of Special Projects. I've even dressed up as a prostitute to do undercover vice stings -- don't ask, it was not pretty. The latest wild hair includes PR specialist and journalist. (And you thought I was just a dog catcher, huh?) I am now required to find and participate in community outreach events and write articles for the paper. If I do a good job my boss gets a feather in his cap (and all the credit of course); if I do a bad job I take all the blame and get a black mark on my annual eval that jeopardizes my chances for a raise. It's enough to make a girl a little bitter.

Several months ago -- in between dangerous dog cases, neighbor versus neighbor disputes, monthly stats, revising ordinances, and dogs running-at-large on the beach -- I was told to write another article for the paper. I decided to recycle something I had posted on my blog a year previously since only about five of you were reading it at the time (original post here). Its a good post, and I put a lot of thought into it. Yesterday I was told that it was submitted to the paper but the sergeant had tweaked it because it was too "harsh" and "aggressive." My use of the phrase "do not" was too "negative." (Obviously sarcasm isn't taught at the police academy.) I smiled and said okay like a good little minion, but inside my head I was screaming "Then write your own F***ing articles and I'll go do animal control stuff!"

Not an accurate photo of me
(but much cuter than the faux ho thing)

I probably shouldn't be too upset since they're not going to give me the byline anyway. And to be fair, I haven't seen the article with the changes; maybe it's not as bad as the last time. (And maybe I'll win the lottery. Oops, there's that sarcasm again.) Still, I'm annoyed. What if people read that censored piece of crap and assume its mine? They'll think I really am "just a stupid dog catcher." sigh. On the off chance that anyone cares, here is the original article in my true voice. Enjoy.

P.S. I am writing this on my phone while sitting in a park handing out Animal Control brochures and answering stupid questions. It's 85 degrees with 90 percent humidity. I'm sweating and I'm miserable. But I'm smiling! Yes, I'm a good little minion.

9 Reasons Not to Get a Pet

Summer is around the corner. It seems that more people add pets to their family this time of year than any other. Before you make that decision, however, here are nine good reasons not to get a pet.

• Pets are expensive. DO NOT get one if you cannot afford to care for it. This includes food, supplies, vaccinations and regular vet care. It may also include pet deposits and municipal licenses.
• Pets are time consuming. DO NOT get one if you are not able to spend time with it. Does your work schedule allow for quality time with an animal? If you would rather spend your off time partying with your friends and going away for the weekend please get a plant instead.
• Pets are a long term commitment. DO NOT get one if you are unable or unwilling to spend 10+ years with the animal. Puppies and kittens lose their cuteness quickly. Are you willing to go through adolescence and geriatrics as well? Are you willing to care for a pet when your circumstances change -- i.e. a new job, relationship, or baby?
• Pets are social creatures. DO NOT get one if you are only going to tie it up, throw it outside or leave it in a cage all day. This is just plain cruel.
• Pets are annoying. DO NOT get one if you are not willing to train and socialize it. A bored animal will bark, howl, dig, chew, jump, poop, spray and irritate the neighbors.
• Pets are stinky. DO NOT get one if you do not want to pick up poop or clean litter boxes.
• Pets are promiscuous. DO NOT get one if you can't get it fixed, else it will be making and having babies as often as possible. An intact animal may also be more aggressive and exhibit annoying hormone-related behaviors. Cats will yowl, fight and spray, whereas dogs will jump fences and pee on everything. 
• Pets are a liability. DO NOT get one if you are not in a stable living situation. Not all landlords, homeowners associations or insurance companies will accept your pets, especially if they're pit bulls or exotics. This limits your choices should you have to move.
• Pets are a big responsibility. DO NOT get one if you are not willing to take care of it -- not your child, parent, spouse or roommate. If you don't personally have the time, energy or desire to take on the responsibility of caring for another living being, please put off getting a pet for now. You can always revisit the issue when your circumstances change.

If these warnings haven't swayed you, then hopefully you'll enter into pet ownership with your eyes wide open. Pets can be a wonderful addition to your life, bringing joy, merriment and unconditional love. When adding a pet to your family, please consider a shelter animal. Too many of them were previously owned by someone oblivious to the information above.

Wordless Wednesday

Let sleeping dogs lie -- no matter how uncomfortable it looks!

Take a look at the other pages in this hop and try not to giggle. I dare you! -- K

One for the Good Guys

Back in January I told you about the Piece of Shit from the next county over who slit his dog's throat and left her in the woods to die. First off, the dog, Amber, is doing fine. She was adopted by Dan Sorrell, the St. John's County deputy that found her. Apparently they are very happy (see left).

This month P.O.S. was sentenced to 364 days in the county jail, 5 years of probation after release, 100 hours community service, no contact with animals, and mandatory counseling while on probation. He was also slapped with a $2500 fine and may not live in a home where animals are kept.

I can hear my non-ACO friends yelling now. “That’s it? ONE year?!” And trust me, I agree with you. On the other hand, I can hear my ACO friends cheering because we have seen many a P.O.S. like this walk away with nothing. Yes nothing. And countless more cases have been ditched before even making it to court. Unfortunately "animal cases" aren't always taken seriously. Things are changing, but not as quickly as many of us would like. What can you do to help?

•  Review your city’s animal control ordinances. Most can be found online from your city’s official web page. Some are better than others. While you're at it, review the ordinances of the next town over. If you think your city's laws could be better, speak up! City Council meetings are open to the public. Local newspapers are always looking for letters to the editor.

• Check out your state’s anti-cruelty laws. The ASPCA has made it easy for you right here, just scroll down to your state. The Humane Society of the United States also has a legislation department here and it reviews both state and federal laws. WARNING: Every organization – ASPCA, HSUS, PeTA, AKC, etc. – has their own beliefs (agenda?) which may or may not agree with yours. Chances are each one of them is going to make perfect sense or seem downright extreme at one time or another. It is imperative that you carefully consider everything before joining in. Caveat emptor. 

• Write letters to your elected officials. Tell them how you feel. Respectfully tell them that you are one of their constituents, this particular issue is important to you and you would like to know where they stand.

• Vote. If you don’t vote then you have no right to complain if things don’t go the way you want .   

And keep logging on. I’ll tell you what I think and why I think that way. And if you don’t agree, I will gladly listen to your point of view. (Unless you're a jerk, then I'll just block you.) Deal? -- K

Bark Box #5

 

 

 

Yesterday was Bark Box delivery day, and Jedi was very excited. I think he's figured out that the Bark Box means toys and treats are coming his way.

 

His favorite thing from this month's box is the shark for Aussie Naturals. About a foot long and stuffing free, this is ball and rope toy wrapped in Neoprene. Apparently this toy does it all. You can fling it, it floats and even has a pair of squeakers inside. If it ever stops raining we'll take it to the beach and test it out. Right now Jedi is licking it and chewing on it's head with a weird look on his face. I guess the texture feels different from his other toys. We'll have to see how long it holds Jedi's attention. (Funny thing, he's still carrying around the shin bone from Bark Box #3.)

 

There was a packet of Ice Pups from The Honest Kitchen. It's a grain-free broth mix that can be served hot or cold. I mixed it with warm water and froze it in Jedi's Kong Ice Mold for later. There was a little mix leftover and I poured it on the dogs' breakfast. Picky Roxy lapped it up with gusto and then pushed Jedi out of the way to lick his bowl too.

 

There was a bag of freeze-dried Liver Munchies from Primal Pet Food, Inc. I thought the ingredient list was simple enough: Turkey Liver. That's it -- no grains, no salt, no sugar, no preservatives. Also, it's from turkeys raised in the USA with no added antibiotics or hormones. Sounds safe! The bag said it was designed for both dogs and cats. Jedi ate it (remember, he eats everything) but neither Roxy nor Gucci were interested in the treats. Jedi ate their portions as well.

 

Also enclosed was a bag of Natural Duck Strips from Plato Pets. It's made of duck and brown rice. Again, Jedi ate it but didn't seem enthusiastic. He'd just as soon eat Pup-peroni. He goes crazy for the cheap, crappy junk food. I totally understand! Surprisingly, Roxy loved it!

 

Something in the box I thought was odd: Bully Flakes from Barkworthies. This is a ground bully stick food topper. And it stinks just as bad as bully sticks! The dogs ate it but I gagged opening the bag -- and remembered why I don't buy bully sticks!

 

The last thing in the box was an ad for Strut Your Mutt. This is a nationwide fund-raising walk for Best Friends Animal Society. I'm not sure how I feel about that organization. I'll share once I can better articulate my thoughts.

 

So there you go, the August Bark Box! Remember, if you want one of your own, click here. -- K

 

 

Wanna Be An ACO?

My new partner quit less than a year after she was hired. Once again I am the sole animal control officer in my tiny beach town. I have no idea how long it will take to find a second ACO. It took 9 months to find her! Thinking about applying? Here are a few tips:

• Don't apply if you want to make money. Seriously! Most ACOs I know have second jobs, drive old cars and live in tiny houses (with lots of animals). I've been doing this 8+ years and make less than $30K/yr.
• Don't apply if you "love animals but hate people." For every animal I encounter I talk to at least five people -- owners, potential adopters, complainants, nosy neighbors, concerned citizens, bite victims, crazy cat ladies, park rangers, police officers, lawyers, local politicians, veterinarians, rescue group coordinators, etc.
• Don't apply if you want to be liked. Two thirds of the people above will not like you. 
• Do not apply if you "want to be a voice for the animals." If that's what you want, join a rescue group. Don't get me wrong, I work very hard to make sure that all animals in my jurisdiction are treated humanely but ACOs work for the City. Our job is to enforce ordinances and keep the peace. Fostering newborn kittens and rehabilitating dogs is left to other, more qualified organizations. (Or you do it on your off time -- but that's a whole other story . . . .)
• Do not apply if you are a germaphobe. I carry a card in my wallet listing all the zoonotic diseases I may be exposed to. And with this job you will get dirty -- really dirty. And you will get bitten. And contract fleas.
• Do not apply if you are "sensitive." Some days this job sucks. Animals die, and all too often I'm the one who kills them (either directly or indirectly). Sometimes the law isn't fair, and I have to declare a little old lady's dog dangerous, knowing that the retirement home is going to make her get rid of her only friend. Sometimes I have to watch an asshole "get away with it" because he has a lawyer (or is a lawyer and plays golf with the judge). Yes, I cry. And scream in frustration. A lot. But then I put on my big girl panties and soldier on.

Catch of the Day

Sometimes I get really frustrated and think: I'd like a job where I made more money. Or maybe a job where I can use my college degree. And I would really like a job where people say things like "Thank You" and "You're Great" instead of  "Fuck you, you fat bitch." (Yes, people actually say that, though sometimes they substitute "stupid" for "fat.")

So why do I do this job? Maybe because I'm a little nutty or perhaps a tad passive-aggressive. I like to be outside instead of tied to a desk all day. I like having several different things going on at once. I would probably go crazy if I did the same thing all day, every day. To my surprise, I actually like people (in small doses). And it's fun to post pictures on Facebook of an alligator in a cage with captions like "Look what I did at work today." I don't mind being dirty and have learned to tolerate nosy neighbors, politicians and crazy cat ladies. And some of them I actually consider friends. Most of all, I like to think that what I do makes a difference. So until the super-awesome, better paying, less confrontational job comes along, I'll keep doing this. And I'll keep posting crazy stories. Deal? -- K

Wordless Wednesday

So tell me about your day . . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a blog hop. Check out the other bloggers as well. It'll brighten your Hump Day!

 

Dog Shows vs. Sanity

Does the sign come with GSDs?

It's a Saturday morning and I'm driving myself crazy (crazier?) over this whole dog show thing. I think my biggest problems are:

1. I'm clueless
2. There are too many variables

I'm not sure about what I'm doing and whether what I'm doing is correct. Sure, I can read books and watch videos, but is it right? I wish that the GOPDC and JDFA hadn't been cancelled. I feel like I'm going into my first show totally unprepared. BTW, it's NOT a nice feeling. There's a conformation class I can take on Tuesdays. It's on the other side of town. I meant to go last week but I had a migraine. I can't go this week because it's my monthly GSD Club meeting. Meanwhile, time keeps ticking away. I feel like throwing up just thinking about it.

I've discussed the variables before. They include: Which shows do I enter him in? How many is too many for either of us? Do I drive down early? Stay in a hotel? How much can my budget support? How many shows can Hubby tolerate?

OK, time to stop the pity party, it's not helping. It's too early to open a bottle of wine, and too hot to go for a walk, so let's break this down into tiny parts. Maybe I won't feel so overwhelmed. (Yeah, I'm laughing too, but let's pretend anyway!)

Upcoming Shows

1. Sunshine State Herding Group Association. Friday, September 20 (must enter by 9/4). Pros: Smaller show, may have a better shot; starts at 11 AM, could leave early AM and make the 2-hour drive, saving the cost of a night's hotel stay. Cons: I'm terrified. Club president recently said she might not attend these shows after all, instead focusing on the JDFA shows in Ocala the following weekend.
2. West Volusia Kennel Club. Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 (must enter by 9/4). Pros: Same location as Friday's show, 7 AM start time not so bad if we stay in a hotel overnight; show is inside an air conditioned building; a New Exhibitor briefing will be held at Saturday show; could just do Saturday's show and go home (would save hotel fees; Jedi and I would get experience but not tire out.). Cons: We're jumping into an All-Breed show with no experience, was really looking forward to having Madam President there for support.
3. Jacksonville Dog Fancier's Association. Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29 (must enter by 9/11). Pros: MapQuest says it's a 2-hour drive; we'll be coming off previous weekend with experience and confidence (?); Madam President will be there for support. Cons: Will we be able to afford two weekends back-to-back?; it's an outdoor venue; the show starts at 7 AM, so we'll probably need a hotel since Jedi doesn't travel well.

Our Weaknesses 

1. Running. To get the beautiful gait that we want I need to be able to keep up with Jedi. I realize that I really need to be in better shape. Jedi and I have been walking before work and I've been adding a few jogging spurts to build my endurance. I'm afraid it's not going to be enough, especially in an outdoor ring.
2. Leash manipulation. Sometimes in the ring the leash needs to be taken up, other times it needs to be let out. It feels awkward in my hand. Will I ever be able to get that seamless movement that I see in videos?
3. Stacking. I want this:

 

And then there is the whole "unknown" thing. I don't know what I don't know. See?! I'm making myself neurotic! I had hoped that writing things down would help. I'm not sure it did. Any thought/suggestions from you? Seriously, I need help!

I think I need to take a break. I'm going to try to stack Jedi in the backyard and then head up to a friend's house to play German Shepherd-opoly. Is that really a break? I'll keep you updated. -- K

Am I Boring My Dog?

So I saw a book titled Am I Boring My Dog: And 99 Other Things Every Dog Wishes You Knew for less than $5. You know I bought it. And read it. And am going to tell you all about it.

I'm glad I only spent $5 on this book. It's not at all with the title led me to believe. The first 60 pages are all about choosing a dog -- mixed breed verses purebred, shelter verses breeder, puppy versus adult. Since I already have a dog this was of no use to me. The stuff I was looking for didn't come until chapters 7 and 8, titled "Fun and Games at Home" and "Fun and Games on the Road" respectively.

Other chapters included feeding, grooming and healthcare 101. The 100 things are laid out nicely and it's a quick and easy read that can be read in short chunks. (In the TMI department, I keep it in the bathroom.) It's not a bad book, just not what I was expecting. -- K

Wordless Wednesday

WARNING: Dog can't hold his licker.

 

This is a blog hop. Check out the other participants in the hop. It'll brighten your day. Promise! -- K

 

 

The GSD Community vs. the USPS

This is buzzing around the internet and on Facebook. From the German Shepherd Dog Community: "The United States Post Office is circulating a postcard across the country that uses a photo of a vicious looking German Shepherd showing teeth to promote their slogan that "Dog Attacks are a serious matter!" It irks me that they seem to be targeting GSDs in their advertisement to generate fear and grab people's attention. This is stereotypical. There are other ways to get your point across that don't target a specific breed. Not to mention that the dog in this photo is a police K-9 who was in TRAINING when they took the pic!"

There is a petition on Change.org directed to the Postmaster General. It states that the picture on the postcard is:

1. Stereotyping German shepherds as vicious
2. Misleading
3. Spreading fear of a breed and
4. Targeting a specific breed.

NOT all German shepherds are vicious or attack mailmen. This picture needs to be removed.

 

Please take a moment to sign the petition and let the Postmaster General know your displeasure.

As I've mentioned before, I am an animal control officer. I have worked five cases where mailman were bitten by dogs. The dogs involved were: one Springer spaniel, one dachshund, one Labrador retriever and two mixed breeds. According to my statistics, the choice of a German shepherd is inaccurate. I am very disappointed that my tax dollars are being used for this.

If you'd like to contact the Postmaster General in writing, please address your comments to:

Patrick R. Donahoe
United States Postal Service, Postmaster General
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW
Washington DC 20260-0010

(BTW, it's now 33¢ to send a postcard and 46¢ for a letter. Can you believe it?)

Perhaps we should ask the Postmaster General if this is how he wants his employees portrayed. (Hey, it's called "going postal" for a reason!)

 

I bet you he would say "No" because it's:

1. Stereotyping U.S. Postal Workers as homicidal
2. Misleading
3. Spreading fear of a profession and
4. Targeting a specific profession.

Hmmmm, sound familiar? -- K

PETS ARE NOT PEOPLE IN FUR COATS

A while back I promised you a rant about people substituting pets for human relationships. This is a major pet peeve of mine, and I've had a hard time putting my thoughts into coherent sentences. In my head they sound like a Lewis Black routine! Anyway, here you go.

The other day I was behind a car with a bumper sticker that read "Animals Are Just Little People In Fur Coats." Immediately every fiber of my being yelled "NOOO!" Besides being scientifically incorrect (c'mon, even a toddler knows this) metaphorically this is bad thinking. And I think it does a disservice to the animals. Take dogs, for example. Dogs are a distinct, sentient species with their own thought processes, feelings, drives, motivations and priorities. When people assume dogs think like we do, you end up with idiots like the guy in Tennessee who claimed his dog was gay and dumped it at the local shelter. I'm not making this up! On the not-so-extreme side, I've known animals that were punished for wrong assumptions. Have you heard variations of "The dog is ignoring me on purpose" or "He destroyed my shoe out of spite?" Sadly, the truth was probably closer to "He's ignoring me because he doesn't understand what I want" or "That smelling spot is more interesting than you" or "Last time he heard that tone he was hit with a newspaper so now he's hesitant to come." And perhaps a shoe chewing is done out of boredom, or frustration, or anxiety. Or maybe it's just a lot of fun!

Another one of my pet peeves is when people refer to pets as their children. I have both children and pets. They are not the same thing! Anyone who knows me (or has read this blog!) knows that I adore -- and often indulge -- my animals. I enjoy their company and work really hard to make sure they are happy and healthy. I've bought furniture and vehicles based on how "dog friendly" they were, and I spend a good portion of my disposable income on quality food, veterinary care, pet supplies and unnecessary toys. However, my animals will never be on the same level as my children. Sometimes I prefer the company of my dogs, but I would sell my soul for my boys. I would inconvenience myself for my dogs; I would lay down my life for my children. There's a difference.

And I feel that treating dogs like human children, instead of the wonderful creatures that they are, is unfair to the dogs. It makes them neurotic and unstable -- and very often fat. Dogs want to run and play and chew and sniff and roll in stinky things. They don't want silly outfits or birthday parties or $365 Louis Vuitton dog collars. If you're going to give those things to your dog, at least be honest with yourself about who you're really buying them for. And then take your dog to the park so he can pee on unfamiliar trees -- that's what he really wants.

So yes, this may sound a little hypocritical coming from me, the woman chronicling Jedi's Bark Boxes. Maybe a little bit of this message is for me as much as for everybody else. But my dogs are dogs, and I will do what I can to help them lead happy doggie lives -- with the occasional hat. I can't help it, dogs in hats make me laugh. -- K




Dogs in Star Wars costumes -- hilarious!

Dog vs. DS

Jedi is 10 months old today. My son found a picture on his iTouch from last November, shortly after I discovered that I was bringing home the puppy with the blue collar. He was so cute and I was already madly in love with him. Good thing too, because sometimes he can be a giant pain in the ass. I got a call this evening from the same son. Jedi had found Son's Nintendo DS and chewed it, charger and all, while Son was in the shower. Coincidentally, Hubby was grumbling this morning while shopping for yet another set of headphones (Jedi has chewed three sets in 4 months). I don't understand the dog's fascination with electronics. I also don't understand how the men in my family can leave electronics out (or not crate the dog) when they KNOW the dog eats electronics! Have they not seen my phone?

 

So I have no idea what is going to be done about the DS. I can't afford to replace it, and I don't even know if I should. (The boy is 20, has a job and was home alone with the dogs at the time of the incident.) I also have no idea when Jedi will stop chewing electrical items, or if/when the guys will stop leaving them lying around. The "Your dog has got to learn not to chew stuff that isn't his" argument is getting old too. Yes, he does. And he will -- eventually. But how much destruction are we going to have to endure over principle? -- K

 

P.S. Apparently I'm the only one who remembers the damage Pepper did when she was a puppy. She was awful! But eventually she outgrew it and became a great dog and we miss her dearly.

GSDCA

My GSD club president kept talking about the "Parent Club." Instead of asking "What?" and sounding like an idiot, I did a little research. I discovered that the AKC is actually made up of hundreds of individual breed or "parent" clubs. Each breed only has one parent club. These parent clubs are the guardians of their respective breeds and dictate the breed standards. My parent club would be the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and my club, the German Shepherd Dog Club of North Florida, is considered a regional club. Being a member of the parent club has various benefits and the membership fees help pay for GSD-oriented research, education and legislation. So I thought I'd join. The first year's dues are reasonable ($35) but the cost doubles after that (ugh). I filled out the form online, gave them my Visa number and thought that was that.

Weeks went by and I got an email. It started out with:

We are pleased to acknowledge receipt of your German Shepherd Dog Club of America membership application. At this time, your application is in process. You will start receiving a copy of the award winning German Shepherd Dog Review magazine beginning with the August 2013 issue.

I thought "Great. Can't wait." Then it went on to say:

Your name will be published in the September 2013 issue of the German Shepherd Dog Review to allow current members to make comments on your submission. Provided no written objections are filed, you will be granted membership and your membership card will be mailed.

My thinking changed to "What?! People are going to talk about me? Judge me?!" Then I got paranoid. What if I wrote a ticket to a club member! I read further, it said:

While your application is in process, I recommend that you visit the GSDCA website . . . . Your membership number is XXXXX, you can use your membership number to access the Members Only area of the GSD website.

So I did. I checked all the member names in the Jacksonville area (don't ask how long that took). As far as I can tell, I didn't write any of them a ticket. *phew* Guess I'm OK. I'll let you know what happens. -- K

Bark Boxes #3 and #4

The third Bark Box arrived mid-June, at the onset of my techno-silence. Jedi had his nose in the box right away. It was all I could do to snap a quick picture! Want to know what was inside?

 

Jedi was most interested in the Smoked Beef Bone from Butcher's Block Bones. When I wasn't looking, he stole it from the box and took it into his crate, plastic wrapper and all. That dog loves bones more than any dog I have ever met!

 

The thing that caught my eye right away was the bottle of Bowser Beer. It's not really beer, but a beef-based drink fortified with glucosamine. I thought it was odd but the dogs liked it.

 

Also included was a bag of Puptato Chips from Puppy Cake -- the same company that makes the cake mixes that I reviewed a few months ago. These chips are baked, thinly-sliced sweet potatoes. Roxy turned her nose up at them. Jedi ate them (honestly, he eats everything) but he seemed not to like them as much as the dried sweet potato sticks we found at Pet Supermarket.

 

However, they both loved the Tail Mix freeze-dried beef sirloin treats from Whole Life. They smelled really good too. I was tempted to lick my fingers afterward. (I didn't!)  

 

The last thing in the box was really surprising: Calm K9 Nutri-Wafers. This is from Dale Edgar Brand. Honestly, I'm skeptical. But Jedi gets so anxious riding in the car -- STILL! -- that I'm willing to give it a shot. How am I ever going to show him if I can't get him to ride in the car?

 

I had intended for this to be our last Bark Box. Although fun, they are a bit pricey, and this time of year most of my disposable income goes to the electric company to pay for air conditioning. Unfortunately, I didn't cancel our subscription fast enough so we're getting three more. BTW, Jedi doesn't mind.

The fourth Bark Box arrived while I was at the dog show in West Palm Beach, so this post is a twofer!

 

Jedi loves the Wigzi Pocket Bone. It bounces and wiggles and seems to be fun to chew on. Hubby puts treats in the pockets, but they get stuck and that just annoys Jedi. The packaging says that the bone floats, is dishwasher safe, recyclable and made in the USA. The part that I like the most: it doesn't smell like rubber. Seriously, it has a pleasant vanilla smell. And apparently you can only get a green bone through Bark Box, so neener neener. (However, the website advertises a glow in the dark bone. How awesome is that?)

 

Another just-for-Bark-Box product was a small Flexi-Bowl from Safe Made. This thing is really cool. From the website: "Stuff it, pack it, roll it…no matter what you do, the flexi-bowl™ bounces right back into its cute paw shape. Perfect for the pet traveler, or as a fun dish at home, flexi-bowl™ is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and disinfecting. It’s even OVEN safe to 450 degrees—so go ahead and bake treats inside—for your pet—or yourself!" and then there's a link to recipe ideas! This thing has me written all over it. Wish I had some more Puppy Cake mix . . .

There was a bag of Banana and Coconut natural organic treats from Max and Ruffy's. I thought they smelled really good, but Jedi wasn't impressed. I gave him one and he mouthed it, dropped it, and picked it up again several times. He ate it -- eventually -- but we have learned from the phone incident and the tampon incident that Jedi will eat pretty much anything.
 

Though he'll eat anything, Jedi prefers meaty treats. Picky Roxy will ONLY eat meaty treats. Lucky for them there were two Sliders Tender Stikz from Clear Conscience Pets in the Bark Box. They didn't last long at all! (They looked and smelled like Slim Jims.)

Also included was a Peanut Butter Smoothie from Mr. Barksmith's. Jedi loves frozen treats, so I was anxious to try this one. It took hours to freeze and was gone in less than 5 minutes.

Last, but not least, there was a bag of No Grainers training treats. Perfect timing! Now that we are gearing up for our first real dog show, I'm going through training treats like crazy.

As always, if you want a bark Box of your own, click here. You'll get $5 off and Jedi gets credit towards a free box. -- K