LA Dog-Friendly Digs- November 14, 2011- Private Yard

Finding housing in this city with a private yard is next to impossible.  Add to that dog-friendly and you are looking a very few options.  Add to that a budget and you will find yourself in my position 2 years ago.  Nightmare!

However, I got very lucky and found the place of my dreams in a budget I could work with and I am still here over 2 years later.  It took weeks of scouring craigslist and visiting places before I found the right place.

Lucky for you... you have me!  I did a bit of research and found a few options for various budgets/living situations.  A lot of the apartments you will find with private yards are guest houses in the valley, but once in a while you will find something a little different.  Just be patient and flexible...

Pasadena- 1br guest house cottage with fenced yard and hardwood floors- $965

Studio City- 1br second floor guest house with private yard and large kitchen, 1 block from park- $1250

Glendale- 2br rear house with hardwood floors and private fenced yard- $1375

West Hollywood- 1br guest house by The Grove with private yard and utilities/internet included- $1695

Studio City- 1br detached guest house with lofted ceilings and french doors to a private yard with patio- $1700

Pasadena- 3br house in Pasadena's Bungalow Heaven Historical District with fenced yard- $2100

Marina Del Ray- 2br 2.5ba townhouse on the marina with private yard, balcony, and boat slip access - $2150

Ok, so that last one is like my dream apartment but I need a little more money and a job on the Westside to pull that off.  Someday...

As usual, if there is a part of town, budget, or type of apartment you would like me to focus on, please let me know!  Look for our next LA Dog-Friendly Digs post next Sunday.
  

Fun Friday News- November 11, 2011

Happy Friday everyone!  More importantly, Happy Veteran's Day and a big thank you to all of our human and doggy veterans.  I hope that some of you were lucky enough to get today off of work (so jealous!).

Best Friends Animal Society is hosting the first annual National Animal Shelter Check-In Day tomorrow (Saturday November 12) to bring awareness to homeless pets through their Invisible Dogs campaign.  Here's how it works:

1. Go to your local animal shelter
2. Check-in using foursquare on your phone (see website for participating shelters)
3. Take a picture of a dog in need of a home and post it to your Twitter or Facebook account with with hashtag #invisibledogs

As the website says, the campaign is "designed to put shelter dogs in the spotlight so they have the best odds at finding forever homes."  Who can argue with that?

And something else for you to do this weekend... 

Do you have a dog with unusual behavior issues or aggression?  Well you are in luck because auditions for the next season of the Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan are taking place in Glendale on Tuesday (and Woodland Hills on the 27th)!  The show requires a video of your dog's behavior as a part of the submission so take advantage of this rainy weekend to start filming!  See the website for more submission and audition details (and good luck!).
  

Feeling Fat and Lazy BEFORE the Holidays?

We are.  And that is terrifying because the holidays only seem to make it worse (i.e. too much turkey and Christmas cookies).  So why not start off the holiday season in a good routine and use your pup as an excuse to get moving?

While there are a million things to do in this city to get some fresh air and some exercise, I have been craving a good hike now that the weather has cooled down.  I went on Meetup.com to look for a group of dog friendly-hikers and stumbled on a few great groups:

Early Bird Hiking- This group has hikes scheduled for almost every day (both morning and evening), so there is no excuse for not being able to find time!  Many of their hikes are dog-friendly (such as tonight's full moon hike at Beaudry Loop... although RSVP is closed already for this one) so RSVP quickly and snag a spot on the next hike.

Los Angeles Dog Adventurers- For the more adventurous, this group does overnight camping trips, rock climbing outings, and even a few parties!

Singles with Dogs!- Not sure what kinds of fun outings they do... but if you fit both criteria, become a member and find out (and let me know!)!

These are just a few of many Meetup hiking groups, so get off of the couch (Bo- I'm talking to you!) and get moving!  There are also dog-friendly yoga groups and groups that do fun trips/social outings so your options are endless.  Find something that works for you, meet some new people with pups, and get ahead of the holiday season fitness lull.
  

We're Baaaack!

It's truly amazing how you can seemingly blink for a second and suddenly months have passed. It's like I opened my eyes and we are smack in the middle of the season of pumpkins and college football!

     

I know it has been a while... I let life get in the way a bit for the past few months. However, it's time to turn over a new leaf and I have a lot of exciting news to share. As usual, the summer was filled with lots of BBQs, parties, visitors, and fun so the weekends tended to slip away (as they always do I suppose!). In addition, Bo and I were so happy to have Walker move in with us last month... now I am outnumbered by boys! Both Walker and I have gotten new jobs recently and Bo has decided that his new "spot" to hang out is on top of the big pillows on the couch. As you can tell, it has been a time of a lot of change! So we are looking forward to a wonderful holiday season now that we are all settled.

I welcome you back to enjoy more dog-friendly fun with us!  We've missed you.  :)

Sorry for my Absence!

I know I have been MIA for a few weeks but I promise that my insane schedule will clear up this week.  I have lots of fun updates to come!

Thanks for sticking with me :)

  

Los Angeles Bans Puppy Mills!

I'm sure you have all been anxiously awaiting the verdict on the motion that Councilman Paul Koretz proposed that bans the commercial breeding of pets, as well as the sale of factory-bred dogs in pet stores.  Well, it is good news all around, as the city council has approved the motion unanimously and has asked the Department of Animal Services to begin drafting a law.

For more info, check out the full story here!

  

Three Dog Bakery #2

I stopped by the Three Dog Bakery today after work to pick up a Jax and Bones rope toy (Daisy the duck) for a puppy friend of mine, as well as a little cheese pizza treat for Bo.  I love this place... so so cute and my toy helped support The Rescue Train!  :)

LA Dog-Friendly Digs- June 11, 2011

When I first moved to LA, I was lucky enough to be able to move in with friends for a few months before committing to a lease.  It gave me the opportunity to figure out where in LA I wanted to live, the kind of budget I could work with, and the type of apartment I preferred.

In my case, I wanted to live alone, stay in the valley close to my job (between Encino and Burbank), and really wanted a place with a small yard/patio with a dog door for Bo.  This meant that my options were limited, especially if I wanted to stay in my budget.  However, I found the perfect place that fit my criteria (1br garden apartment in Burbank with a fenced yard and permission to put in a dog door) for about $50 a month more than I wanted to spend.  Totally worth it and totally doable!

However, I have since taken a slight pay cut to do a new job I love.  While the rent is still doable, I definitely have less wiggle room for other (more fun) things.  But I love my place and don’t want to move… so this whole thing has made me think about what it was like to find an apartment that was Erika- AND Bo-friendly in the first place.  I became something of a Craigslist pro and thought I would share some of my findings with you all in case any of you are in the market for a new place!  You’re welcome.  ;)

On a very tight budget but want to live alone?
Downtown- Studio microloft in the Alexandria- $575
Koreatown- Studio with exposed brick- $695
Long Beach- Studio close to downtown LB- $650 (larger studio is $750)
Burbank- Studio guest house with private entrance and patio- $700


Want to live alone but have a bit of a more generous budget?
Pasadena- 1br guest house with an office and dog door to fenced area- $1050
Encino- Studio guest house with alcove bedroom and private deck- $1100
Hollywood- Large studio with private yard, many upgrades- $1295


Living with a roommate?
Pasadena- 2br bungalow with private yard and shared 1 acre lot- $1300
Sherman Oaks- 2br apt with a pool, fitness center, and free utilities- $1577
Toluca Lake- 2br townhouse with private backyard- $1595
Venice- 2br townhouse 3 blocks from the beach with yard- $2295


Obviously, these are just a handful of examples.  I plan to send out a Dog-Friendly Digs post regularly, so if there is a part of town, budget, or type of apartment you would like me to focus on, please let me know!
  

Fun Friday News- June 10, 2011

Happy Friday all!  I am feeling charitable today so my news for the day supports great causes.

Love wine and dogs (I do!!)?  Well, Silverlake Wine is hosting a tasting to benefit Molly's Mutts and Meows this Saturday from 6-8pm.  It is $30 per person for 4 tastes plus food by Gingergrass, discount on all wine purchases, and a raffle.  Half of the profits go toward helping the rescue find good homes for good mutts!  Check out their Facebook event for more details.



Marina Del Rey's Bark Williams pet spa is offering a $15 bath to support Forte Animal Rescue.  You can buy your tickets online through tomorrow and redeem them in store any time before Wednesday!  The best part? They provide all of the supplies AND clean up after you are done.  Yes, please.

Lastly, I wanted to let everyone know that the Found Animals organization is hosting an Adopt-a-Thon event on Saturday June 18th from 10am-5pm at many locations throughout LA.  There will be discounts on adoption fees so if you are looking for a new member of the family, be sure to check it out!  This might also be a great excuse to check out their new Adopt & Shop store in Lakewood as well...

Money a bit tight these days? Well, the weather should be cooler this weekend- perfect for a (free!) hike with the pup or a trip to the dog park! Have a great weekend!
  

Fat Dog- West Hollywood

I finally got a chance to stop by the Fat Dog in West Hollywood this weekend to have a mid-afternoon snack (and a puppy-themed cocktail of course!) on their dog-friendly patio.  When we arrived, there were already two pups on the patio but there was plenty of space for us to grab a nice table in the corner where Bo had lots of room to hang out.  In fact, Bo even claimed his own chair at the table...

Walker and I split the Jalapeno Mac and Cheese and the crab/hollandaise potato skins… delicious!  I also had the “Well Groomed” cocktail (Pimm's, Ginger Beer, Lemonade, and Cucumber) which was equally as yummy! J

 

All-in-all this is the PERFECT place to have a nice lunch or a cocktail with friends and bring your pup.  Not sure how crowded it gets at night so you may want to go sans-dog to find out first and enjoy the inside of the restaurant for dinner, which comes complete with dog paintings on the walls!  Anyone gone here for dinner and can shed some light?  I may just have to go back and find out myself…!

  

Spot! Dog Rescue

We decided to check out the casting call for Rover at Spot! Dog Rescue in West Hollywood yesterday.  Before we even got into the shop, we were greeted by an adorable lemonade stand/bake sale to support the store's rescue pups.  After stuffing my face with a rice krispy treat and many glasses of lemonade, we went inside to find a very cute shop!

I filled out a card with all of my/Bo's info for the casting call and explored the store for a bit while we waited for our turn.  Not only is this place a pet shop, but it is a grooming salon, a doggy daycare center, and a rescue organization too!  Everyone there was very nice and obviously adored pups of all kinds! :) If you are a West Hollywood dweller, you and your dog absolutely HAVE to check this place out.  Or if you are looking to adopt a new friend, this place has has a bunch of adorable young puppies who need a good home!

On a side note, the meeting with the photographer, Andrew, went very well! Hopefully Bo and I will hear back from him... fingers crossed! :)
  

Fun Friday News- June 3, 2011

Happy Friday all!  I hope everyone is enjoying this BEAUTIFUL weather as much as I am.

First piece of news today is that Spot! Rescue in West Hollywood is hosting a casting call for Andrew Grant’s second edition of the museum-quality coffee table book Rover.  Your mutt’s mug could have a chance to grace one of the 500 pages of this beautiful book!  The casting call takes place this Saturday (June 4^th) from 10am-5pm at 534 N. La Cienega Blvd.  Bo and I will see you there!

A pet owner’s biggest nightmare is not knowing how to help your dog in an emergency.  So why not take some extra precautions to make sure you are prepared by taking a Pet CPR, First Aid, and Care class at Healthy Paws LA?  They offer a variety of different classes, including a comprehensive certification course at Santa Monica College.  The next class is scheduled for July 2^nd and 9^th (2 part morning class) and costs $120 for full certification.

Lastly, today only you can get a Hartz New Pet Pack for a new pet parent and donate an additional pack to a shelter in need… all for FREE!  Just go onto the Hartz Facebook page, go to the Pet Week tab, and follow the instructions to send a friend and his/her new pet a Pet Pack!  Hurry though… they are only giving away 1,000 packs!


Have a fantastic weekend!
  

Calling All Downtown Dogs!

I hope you all had a great memorial day weekend and are having a wonderful first day of June!

A fun little piece of news for Downtown dogs... the Fifth Annual Downtown Dog Day Afternoon has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 26th from 6-9pm.  Last year, over 500 dogs (and their people of course!) showed up to enjoy mingling, vendors, food, and fun.  The event takes place on the plaza of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels at 555 Temple Street.  Go to the website to register for the free event today!

I know the event is a long way off still, so I have added it to the Trail of Pawprints events calendar as a reminder for you.  Check out the calendar to see all kinds of great events around LA!


Location: 555 Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA
 

Best Friends Animal Society's Super Adoption

I know you have all missed me dearly over the past couple of weeks! ;)

But I have returned with flying colors because this weekend is the home to one of the biggest adoption events in the city! The Best Friends Animal Society is hosting the 2011 Los Angeles Pet Super Adoption on Saturday from 11am-6pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm at the La Brea Tar Pits Park.  

According to their website, "In 2010, nearly 600 dogs and cats found loving homes at our Super Adoption events. In 2011, with an expected attendance of 10,000, we are hoping for even more successful adoptions of animals brought by 70+ shelters and rescue groups."

600 pets adopted last year!? Yay. Yay. Yay! Even though I am not in the market to adopt another friend right now (I WISH I WAS... don't get me started haha), I think I may have to stop by with Bo to check out the spectacle of the whole thing. I will just remember to hold his leash pretty close because I wouldn't want anyone trying to adopt him! :)


Location: La Brea Tar Pits Park- 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Fun Friday News- April 29, 2011

Two spcaLA shout-outs on this beautiful Friday evening!

The Wagging Wishes event at the Long Beach Recreation Dog Park takes place tomorrow from 1-4pm.  The event, intended to raise money and awareness for the spcaLA, is a day of fun and games for you and the pup! There is a local dog show with many prizes, local vendors, and of course tons of doggies to enjoy.  Tickets are $10 (or $15 for 2, $20 for 3) so bring your friends and enjoy the sunshine for a good cause!

The spcaLA is also hosting the second annual Bark in the Park at Dodgers Stadium on May 28th.  The fun begins with a "Pup Rally" at 5:10pm with prizes and a skateboarding demo by Tillman, followed by a puppy parade on the field!  The game against the Florida Marlins begins at 7:10pm and the entire bark in the park will have great seats in the all-you-can-eat pavillion. Tickets for dogs and humans are each $30 and they are going fast.  Dodger dogs + real dogs = paradise! :)

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

  

Vintage Enoteca

I just met a girlfriend for dinner and drinks at a very cute wine bar in Hollywood called Vintage Enoteca.  After a delicious meal that involved wine, a burrata panini, and sausage flatbread (yum, yum, yum.), I noticed they had dog treats at the cash register.  I asked if they were dog-friendly and they answered with an emphatic yes, followed of course by cell phone pictures of each of the employees' dogs!  They have a patio out front where you can come and enjoy a delicious meal and bring the pup.  Hooray for good food, good wine, and good dogs! :)


Location: 7554 West Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
 

Wine Vacation in Solvang

After a wonderful weekend free of internet and all things non-alcoholic, I finally made it back to my computer to post about the amazing trip I took to Solvang, CA, for Easter weekend!  I have been on a wine kick lately and wanted to spend a little time à la Sideways. :)  Of course I wanted to have the dog with me while I indulged myself so I did a bunch of research pre-trip to ensure dog-friendly fun.

I checked into the Wine Valley Inn with W (names shall remain anonymous until I get around to asking them if they mind admitting to travelling with Bo and I... haha) and were immediately greeted with a complimentary glass of wine! THAT is my kind of place.  Our room, located right outside an old bell tower, was gorgeous and unique... not to mention pet-friendly (as are all of the rooms here for an additional $25 a night)!  We didn't realize that most places close by 9pm off-season, so we ended up having a hilarious Mexican food feast in Danish country because it was the only place we could find that was still open (we found a few other places the next night though so not to worry).

Saturday began with a breakfast at the hotel followed by a trip to one of my favorite vineyards in Solvang, Shoestring Winery. The owners are super dog-friendly and even have their own dog, Scooter, in a Wine Dogs book!  If you want some of the best wine in the Santa Ynez Valley paired with a beautiful atmosphere and amazing owners, you have to check this place out! I dare you to not join the wine club after you visit the first time! :)

We spent the afternoon outside at the Wandering Dog Wine Bar enjoying many glasses of wine and some delicious cheese!  They were even happy to have Bo inside but it was too sunny to pass up an outdoor table (complete with doggie water bowls).  A bunch of their wine was dog-themed, such as Chien Tarchete (Spotted Dog) and the house wine Wandering Dog "Leila."  I would go back to this place in a heartbeat!

Later (after a danish and a nap), we spent the evening at Carvintas Winery, a dog-friendly tasting room in Solvang. As we entered, we saw a big drawing of Bandit the dog who highly recommended wine consumption!  The bartender Beth was so sweet to us, explaining all of the wines and suggesting breakfast options for the hangover cure.  The best part of this place?  A portion of their profits goes to local shelters to support rescue pups (a lucky few even end up on their labels!).  Bo was not only welcome inside the tasting room... they even offered him his choice of doggie beds!

We finished off the trip with a Danish breakfast Sunday morning at the Greenhouse Cafe and a stroll around the town.  Needless to say, this was a wonderful dog-friendly trip!  Bo was absolutely exhausted when I got home and I couldn't wait to drink a bottle of water!  If you are looking for an excuse to get out of the city for a weekend, this paradise is only a couple hours away.
  

Beach Day at Leo Carrillo

In order to celebrate the BEAUTIFUL 90+ degree day in LA yesterday, I decided to go to Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu with Bo.  The beach allows dogs on-leash anywhere on their beach north of Tower 3.

I parked in the general day-use parking ($12 so you may want to try and find a spot on the PCH) and walked up to the dog-friendly part of the beach. Once I got there, I realized that many people disobey the on-leash only rule with their well-behaved pups (but that rebellion is up to you!).  There were tons of dogs but also plenty of places for humans to relax and have a proper beach day.

We brought a picnic lunch (this beach allows dogs AND food... yay!)  and socialized with all kinds of dogs and their owners. We were lucky enough to find a spot next to some rocks that provided some shade, but make sure you bring an umbrella for the pup just in case!

All-in-all, this was a perfect beach day!  Bo had an absolute blast and came home sandy/exhausted! He also came home with a tick though, so make sure to check your pup when you get home.  Meanwhile, unlike Long Beach (which is great but it feels like going to the dog park that happens to be on a beach rather than going to the beach with the dog), I felt like I had a really relaxing beach day on a gorgeous LA day.  This is going to be a staple in my summer weekend routine!  See you there :)

  

Reading at the Vet

While I was waiting at the vet for Bo to take a follow-up thyroid test yesterday, I sat down with the April issue of The Bark and The Pet Press.  A few fun things...

After yesterday's wine discovery, I saw another interesting dog/wine combo.  Kunde Family Estate Vineyard in Sonoma hosts an Eco-Tour hike of their vineyard for dogs and their humans!  The hike lasts for 4 hours, costs $50 (a portion goes to local shelters), and incluses a wine tasting (not for the dogs obviously). If you are in wine country durning the dates listed on the website, you might want to check this out!

The Sam Simon Foundation does FREE spay/neuter surgeries at their mobile clinic for low-income families (or poor 20-somethings like me)!  Check out their website for dates/locations.  It looks like April will have locations in North Hollywood, Studio City, Hollywood, and Lennox Park.

North Hollywood's Kulak's Woodshed hosts a monthly Animal Night where they invite people and their (potty-trained) pets to enjoy live music by local artists.  The event requests a $10 donation to help support shelter animals.  Animal Night, hosted by Julie Chadwick, takes place on the last Saturday of the month.  The next event is on April 30 from 5:00-7:00pm.  Maybe don't bring your dog if he likes to howl along with singing people... :)

Just wanted to let everyone know about these fun little findings!  Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine!
  

Mutt Lynch Winery

After a quiet couple of weeks for dogs in LA, I finally saw something today that made me so happy (ok and more than a little jealous!).  Let me preface this by saying that I have three true loves in this world: dogs, wine, and television.  I dream of owning a winery someday and I (obviously) love pups! I have been thinking in the past few months that it would be incredible to have a winery that donates a portion of their profit to pups in need.  And low and behold- what do I stumble across today?  Mutt Lynch Winery in Healdsburg, CA- just north of Sonoma.

This place seems amazing!  They have dog-inspired labels and a dog-friendly tasting room.  Not only that but they support many great rescues with every sip people take of their tail-wagging wine!  This is literally Erika's (and Bo's) paradise.

Ok, so I was a little bummed that I wasn't the brilliant pioneer behind this idea but I am SO SO SO excited that a place like this exists at all!  In fact, I have been trying to plan my first trip to Sonoma and this place may be the little push I needed to finally book it.  Who's with me?

At the very least, pick up a bottle at a store near you and drink wine for a good cause!  Cheers to that.


Location: 602 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg, CA 95448
 

Fun Friday News- April 1, 2011

Welcome to our first ever Fun Friday News!  Also happy April Fool's Day but I promise none of these stories are pranks. :)

The Wags Club in Santa Monica opens its doors today.  According to their website:

 

"The Wags Club is a premiere, cage-free indoor/outdoor dog daycare, boarding and grooming service in Santa Monica. We believe in providing every dog a home away from home... The only dog daycare in Santa Monica/West L.A. to offer a 4500 sq. ft grassy play area for dogs, The Wags Club is the ultimate destination for your pet's fun, comfort and relaxation."

For all of you on the Westside, this place sounds great!  And they have fantastic prices. So check it out and let me know how it is!

In other news...

Found Animals Foundation will be opening Adopt & Shop in April.  This adoption center in Lakewood will also contain retail items and supplies you will need for your newly adopted friend!  Similar to the convenience buying pups from a pet store (but without the puppy-mill doggies), this place will be a one-stop-shop for adopting a new family member.  This adoption center will be paired with Southeast Area Animal Control Authority to make sure there will plenty of potential new family members for you!

Found Animals’ Adopt & Shop
Where: Lakewood Center Mall, Lakewood, CA
Opens: Tuesday April 12
Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays 12-6pm
Grand Opening Pet Fair: Saturday April 30th from 10am – 4pm featuring $5 pet microchips, pet information, and fun activities for the whole family

And lastly...

Bo is looking super shiny and luxurious after a week or so on the new "fatty" diet.  Just an FYI. :)

Happy Friday!

 

Mutt Mingle Recap

Bo and I were lucky enough to have spent time at the Mutt Mingle at Pussy & Pooch in downtown on last night and boy did we have fun!

The store was right on the corner of 6th & Main and was super cute!  This month's Mutt Mingle had (human) catering from Two Bits Market, some wine/beer, and lots of sample treats for the puppies from Pussy & Pooch's own fantastic Pawbar.

Obviously Bo enjoyed the Chicken feast!

All of the dogs were allowed off-leash in the store (on their best behavior of course!) during the mingle to allow for maximum playtime.  And it gave us parents two hands to enjoy the human food and drink!

Bennington, Diesel, and Bo enjoying some play time!

All-in-all, Pussy & Pooch's Mutt Mingle was a lot of fun for dogs and people alike. I was told that the store also hosts themed events so I will absolutely be keeping an eye on their website!  Besides fun events, the store also has a ton of great merchandise, food, a full-service (and self-service if you are feeling ambitious) bathhouse, and the delicious Pawbar.  Go check it out!

I will leave you with this... one of the cutest things in the store?  A PETaPOTTY, complete with a fire hydrant for all of the pups who had too much to drink at the mingle! :) 


Location: 564 South Main Street, Downtown

$20 Tuesdays at Bow Wow Bungalow!

Just got this email from Ol' Smokey at Bow Wow Bungalow:

"Bow Wow Bungalow will be celebrating 10 years in MAY. YES, you read right 10 years, boy how time flies when you are having a great time...

With that said I would like to celebrate my 10th year anniversary and what better way to start celebrating than by inviting all my friends to come play. In the month of April, Bow Wow Bungalow will be having '$20 Tuesdays'. The name says it all; daycare will be $20 every Tuesday in April."

WHAT A STEAL!  This place is so great... Bo will definitely be going for a $20 play-date in April!
  

Mutt Mingle @ Pussy & Pooch

Tomorrow night is the monthly Mutt Mingle social at Pussy & Pooch in downtown.  According to the website:

"Mark your calendars for the last Tuesday of the month... it's Mutt Mingle time! Join us for our monthly mixer and enjoy special treats, toasts, and plenty of in-store tail-wagging."

Work schedule allowing, Bo and I will be there!

Location: 564 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA
  

Hypothyroism?

After about a year of constantly breaking toenails below the quick, Bo finally took a blood test so we could figure out if something internally was causing his abnormally brittle nails.  We got the test results last night and the vet said that his level of thyroid hormone is low, or hypothyroidism. :(

She said that we have to give him hormone supplements and a fatty diet (BACON!? ...no not really. But a pup can dream, huh?) for 3 weeks and then test the blood again to see if the levels are normal.  If normal levels of thyroid hormone make his nails get better, then he will just have to take hormonal supplements daily. 

After that, if the nails don't get better, they may have to run tests for Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO), an autoimmune disease which causes severe claw problems.  This sounds much more serious and quite scary so let's root for Bo's thyroid and nails to get better in the next few weeks!

Any experience with either of these health issues?  Advice/expertise is welcome!
  

National Puppy Day!

Happy National Puppy Day everyone!  While I'm sure most of you celebrate the fact that you have a pup every day, take an extra minute to show your little doggie just how much you love them!  Looking for some ideas?  Then check out this list posted by NationalPuppyDay.com.  Got better ideas?  Feel free to comment below!

In honor of #8, here is a picture of my main man passed out after today's long play session with his mom and little fox toy:

(look at those chicken legs! eee!) 

Events Calendar!

Just a quick post to let you know that I have added an events calendar page to Trail of Pawprints!

If you have any events to add, just send me an email and I will be happy to add them (and perhaps add a post to the blog to let everyone know!).

Bo's on Vacation!

Bo is on vacation at the Bow Wow Bungalow!

Trail of Pawprints

I was walking down a street near where I work and noticed these little prints in the sidewalk. Some little pup decided to start a walk of fame in Burbank!
  

Three Dog Bakery

After Bo hurt yet ANOTHER toenail, I decided to stop by Three Dog Bakery on Ventura in Sherman Oaks to pick him up a little treat while I was out shopping today. This bakery was adorable! Not only did they have a delicious-looking selection of homemade treats, but they also offered cute toys and a accessories from local vendors. I caved and bought Bo a new toy... a cute rope octopus named Elton by Jax and Bones, which donates a portion of the profit to The Rescue Train. To add to the excitement, they gave me a free sample of their homemade kibble as well.

According to their website, the company was founded on 1989 by two guys and their three dogs. Beginning as the world's original bakery for dogs, Three Dog Bakery has become one of the nation's leading producers of all-natural foods and treats for dogs. 

It was a very successful trip and I will definitely go back the next time I am in the mood to spoil Bo!

Location:14545 Ventura Boulevard CA United States

My Furry Valentine

While there are a bunch of fun ways to show your pooch that you love him this Valentine's day, there is one event in particular that you absolutely can't miss! The fifth annual Bulldog Beauty Contest is a HUGE event where hundreds of bulldogs come to compete for titles like "Most Beautiful," "Best Smile," "Best Booty," "Best Legs," and more! While only pugs, bulldogs, and French bulldogs are allowed to compete, all pups are invited to attend and enjoy for free. There will be vendors, adoptions, prizes, and fun... not to mention the biggest seller for me: a bulldog kissing booth! Who wouldn't want a slobbery, stinky, love-filled kiss from a handsome face on Valentine's Day? :)

Entry fees and donations will help support Haute Dogs. Go check it out and Happy Valentine's Day to you and your pups! xoxo

Location:5225 E. Paoli Way, Long Beach, CA 90803

Barks and Brews- LA Brewing Company

Good news for the downtown LA crowd today!  The soon-to-be-opened Los Angeles Brewing Company on Broadway will feature a "dog check" where patrons will be able to drop off their pups in a gated yard area for puppy playtime before tasting one of the LA Brewing Company's 100 beers on tap. The owner, Ralph Verdugo, loves dogs and good beer... man's two best friends.  I will definitely be checking this out when it opens next month!