Be Careful With Chocolate Today and Dogs

The increasing popularity of high quality 'posh choc'

brands this Easter is increasing the likelihood of the

nation's pets suffering fatal chocolate poisoning,

warns leading veterinary charity, PDSA.

Higher quality plain chocolate products - 'posh chocs' -

are the most dangerous 'treat' as they contain the highest

concentrated doses of theobromine - the component of

chocolate which poisons pets. So, while owners may wish

to indulge in some luxury treats this Easter, PDSA is

warning owners to keep these well out of their pet's reach.

PDSA warns that the best quality products - those with

high cocoa content - pose the biggest risk to the nation's

pets. The average (30g to 45g) bar of upmarket plain

chocolate can contain over 700mg of theobromine.

For example, just a small bar of plain chocolate

could fatally poison a Yorkshire Terrier.

People are simply not aware that even small

amounts of chocolate intended for humans can kill a little dog.

But it is not only chocolate that could be causing

problems this Easter. Cocoa shell mulches, a favourite

with gardeners, also contain high levels of theobromine

(14 to 30 mg per gram) - just a few mouthfuls

could kill a Cocker Spaniel.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury says,

"I have lost count of the number of chocolate poisoning cases

I have seen during my years as a vet. There really is no place

in a pet's diet for chocolate. If you do want to indulge your pet

this Easter then opt for a healthy pet treat instead.

"Even white chocolate is dangerous, although the

theobromine content is relatively low, it can still poison pets."

Sometimes, despite an owner's best intentions, our

four-legged friends will outsmart us and get their

paws on sweet treats, as Elaine explains, "Owners

may think that they have put chocolate in a safe place,

but it's not unheard of for our clever pets to open an

unlocked cupboard to feast on naughty treats such as

chocolate. My advice is to make sure unsuitable foods

are kept in locked cupboards and think twice before

using cocoa mulches in the garden."

The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear

within 4 to 24 hours of ingestion, and can last as long as 72 hours.

Chocolate toxicity symptoms include vomiting,

abdominal tenderness, hyperactivity, salivation and

increased heart rate (although sometimes a slower

heart rate). In severe cases there are fits, increased

rate of breathing, and heart beat irregularities.

In very severe cases it can result in the death of the pet.

$6000 Dog house Dog cave!

I am not kidding!

$6000!

Scottie’s Fine Art Caves is a Canadian design/build

firm that specializeds in Interior Art Homes

for companion animals.

If you haven’t already guessed, Scottie is a dog.

The 12 year old Maltese/Yorkshire terrier is CEO

of the company. Scottie was the inspiration behind

the cave homes, so why not? The VP of the

company is a cat. Some guy is also involved.

The Art Homes are stamped for authenticity.

I can’t imagine what the resale value would be

after sitting in a house full of chewing dogs and scratchy, peeing cats.
The Caves are made with environmentally

friendly materials. Ingredients include water,

cellulose fibre, wood, natural fibre rope, and water-based

paints. These are meant for interior use only.

But then again, who in their right mind would keep

a $6000 object outdoors? Or their dog for that matter?

Feline mountain is available for kitties.

Readers Yorkie Photos

We get some many great notes and photos from

readers around the country, we like to them from time

to time. There is a crazy site called MY PET DMV

where they will give your pet a replica of your state

issued drivers license!

Thanks for all the notes and photos!

Yorkie Comes Back To Life After Chewing Cord

TINY PUPPY GETS A BIG SHOCK IN THE U.K.

Cheeky pup Dylan Thomas got the shock of his life when he sparked a massive power surge which flung his owner through the air.

The five-month-old miniature Yorkshire Terrier chewed through a bedside lamp and was zapped by electricity, leaving him stiff and motionless. Desperate owner Andrew Dixon tried to claw the wire out of the dog's mouth – but ended up flying 6ft across his bedroom and into a wall.

Hero son-in-law Mark Stevens then jumped to the rescue and brought the dog, named after the famous Welsh poet, back to life by massaging his tiny chest. Andrew soon recovered but was left with a nasty burn on his arm while the nine-inch long pup had to have part of his frazzled tongue amputated.

Andrew, 54, had gone to bed early and nodded off, unaware that Dylan was chewing through the wire of his bedside light. The carpet fitter said: "I must have woken up, put my light on, and he was chewing through the wire."I jumped up and tried to pull the wire out of his mouth. It was my first reaction but I should have turned the switch off."I tried to pull it out of his
mouth. It knocked me off the bed over the other side of the room. I got a fair belt off it. I landed against the wall.

"Vet Mandy Mayo, of Dimples Veterinary Practice in Caton Road, Lancaster, operated on Dylan Thomas. She said "How it didn't kill him I don't know."

-Dogs are like kids - you have to watch them all the time!!!

Yorkshire Terrier Sucked Into The Internet on Hitched

Have you seen the new Sunday night

comedy TV show UNHITCHED?

They have an episode coming up in

a few weeks that will air on March 30th

called "Yorkshire Terrier Sucked Into The Internet"!

That should be interesting!

The synopsis only says,

Gator and Kate are both handicapped when Kate

begins dating his new assistant. Freddy reconnects with

his ex when he attempts online dating. Tommy finds love at

jury duty on the “Yorkshire Terrier Sucked Into the Internet”

Wild and Crazy Dogs

A few readers sent me those photos!

They are on the FLICKR site!

They are not all Yorkies, of course,

but I thought they were wild and crazy

and made me laugh!

Abandoned Yorkie is Saved in Florida

I am always amazed when I read stories of people who

are hurtful. They hurt animals, or they hurt other humans.

Do people not have hearts or is something wrong with them?

If you have a pet you can not care for, find someone who will.

You don't throw it away! This piece came from Vicoria Macchi

and the Naples Neopolitan News...

As a rule, The Humane Society of Naples does not take in strays. But when they discovered a shivering 4 pound Yorkie, toothless, and covered with bald patches, abandoned and left outside in a pet carrier, they had to take her in. “You could see the fleas crawling,” recalls shelter manager Karen Sesso, who took Pippin home at night so he could get round-the-clock attention.
His weight was stable, but his eyes and ears were badly infected. A skin condition meant bald patches covered his body. He had tapeworm, and all his teeth were missing."

Enter the Kaufmans. The Kauffmans visited the dog several times at the shelter. They knew they wanted a small, senior dog that could handle condo life. He was renamed "LUCKY" and they gave him a new home. His beige and silver coat, now shiny and healthy, covers the bald patches. He is down from six medications to just one for a cough he can’t seem to shake.

Despite any neglect he suffered, Lucky is living large now. He eats organic wet food (he can’t chew kibble), visits the groomer often, likes riding around in the convertible with the top down, and, at night, sleeps in a doggie bed between Amy and Jim.
“Life just went the wrong way for him,” says Amy, holding Lucky’s face up to hers.

“He’s got a lot of life left!”

HELP! SEND FREE FOOD!

HELP!

The Animal Rescue Site Needs CLICKS!

This is pretty simple... Please tell ten friends to tell ten today!

The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (How about 20 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box "Click Here to Give--It's Free".

This doesn't cost you a thing.

Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number

of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected

animals in exchange for advertising.

THANKS FOR HELPING!!!

Trixie

5 Things You May Not Know About Yorkies

Many assume that, because the Yorkie is such a small dog, it will have few needs. This is not true. As with any breed, the Yorkie has elements that may make it your perfect pet... or the worst choice you could make. Before deciding on any dog, you must consider certain aspects.

One: grooming. The Yorkie has a good deal of hair that requires high maintenance. You must brush every day and clip regularly. Though this breed sheds little to no hair, which makes it excellence for allergy sufferers or those concerned with ruining furniture, it still requires extensive care. Many owners chose to have their Yorkies professionally groomed, but this costs money. If you are not willing to take the time to have your Yorkie groomed, or to do it yourself, this is not the breed for you.

Two: health concerns. Though the Yorkie is a sturdy dog, it is still a little one and prone to certain problems. Its size makes it likely to get hurt more easily from a fall or roughhousing. This does not make it suitable for families with young children. Also, Yorkies can suffer from teeth problems. The best way to handle this is to use dry food only to build up strength, and have regular Vet visits. Finally, if you intend to breed Yorkies, you must realize that females can have problems delivering due to their size.

Three: exercise. Yorkies are, by nature, active dogs. Routine exercise will be at minimal since they will keep themselves busy during the day. Still, these dogs love to go for walks or to play in the yard. You must make sure they are secure, however, as they might run away. A Yorkie has high hunting instincts and is inclined to chase.

Four: training. The Yorkie is a bit of a contradiction. Though it can be easily trained, it will ignore that training when it sees fit. This can make it appear to be a breed of lesser intelligence. This is not true. Yorkies are actually quite clever and capable of handling most problems. They just also happen to be stubborn creatures. Training will be a constant thing and will require time and attention.

Five: temperament. Yorkies are blessed with that infectious, fearless Terrier temperament. This is both a blessing and a curse for owners. These dogs demand your time and attention. Also, they will do as they please--this extends to chasing down whatever animal happens to cross their path if they are able (including dogs as large as Great Danes). Because of this fiery nature, Yorkies require an owner with patience and a disciplined mind. Your Yorkie will be devoted to you; he just might not always listen.

If any of these characteristics seem too overwhelming, the Yorkie--or any other Terrier--is probably not for you. These are not timid animals and do not need timid owners. Instead, you must be willing to face the challenges of owning this breed for, with those challenges, comes a wonderful pet.

Richard Cussons is a champion for dogs of all breeds and Yorkshire Terriers in particular. You can find out more about Yorkies at http://www.yorkshireterriersavvy.com/.

Funny Yorkie Humor

The Top Ten Reasons Why a Dog Is Better than a Woman:

10. A dog's parents will never visit you.

9. A dog loves you when you leave your clothes on the floor.

8. A dog limits its time in the bathroom to a quick drink.

7. A dog never expects you to telephone.

6. A dog will not get mad at you if you forget its birthday.

5. A dog does not care about the previous dogs in your life.

4. A dog does not get mad at you if you pet another dog.

3. A dog never expects flowers on Valentine's Day.

2. The later you are, the happier a dog is to see you....

And the number one reason why a dog is better than a woman:

1. A dog does not shop.

Top Ten Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Men:

10. Dogs don't feel threatened by your intelligence.

9. Dogs are already in touch with their inner puppies.

8. Dogs are very direct about wanting to go out.

7. Dogs think you are a culinary genius.

6. You can house train a dog.

5. Dogs feel guilt when they've done something wrong.

4. Middle-aged dogs don't feel the need to abandon you for a younger owner.

3. Dogs mean it when they kiss you.

2. Dogs don't care whether or not you shave your legs.

1. Dogs obsess about you as much as you obsess about them.

yorkie
miniature yorkie
yorkshire terrier
Turbo Tagger

Tokyo Pet Fashion Week

Pet Fashion Week New York, a U.S.-based concern

that started holding dog runway events at trade shows

it organizes in New York two years ago, targeted

puppy-mad Tokyo for its first overseas foray.

"In the U.S. dogs are dressed to a degree,

but not as meticulously or as coordinated as you

see" in Japan, says Mario DiFante, a partner and

executive director of Pet Fashion Week.

Pet fashion has been hot ever since Paris Hilton

was snapped toting her uber-chic Chihuahua Tinkerbell

to society soirees (Ms. Hilton has since launched her

own line of pet clothing and accessories).

Tokyo-based Yano Research Institute estimates

that owners in Japan spent $10 billion in 2006,

the latest figures available, on everything from food

to clothes to the purchase price of the pets.

Designer Manfred of Sweden displayed a Swarovski

crystal-bedecked gold-and-silver colored leather

jacket retailing at $5,000 at the trade show. Manfred

also makes a $20,000 diamond-encrusted leather

doggie jacket. At the lower end, there are "hoodie"

sweatshirts, made of stretchable sport material

emblazoned with a snapshot of the Beatles,

which sell for about $300 each.

Some of the humans came hoping to leave with

new ideas to spur their puppy-fashion sales.

"The challenge that the market has right now

is that it's difficult to find really innovative fashion,"

laments Poochonline.com chief executive Marjorie

Scholz. "That's one reason we came to Japan, not only

to show what we're innovating but also to see what

they're innovating here. The Japanese take everything

they do very seriously, and they do it to extremes."

MEETUP Chicago - For Yorkies

Last Saturday was my very first Chicago

Yorkie MEETUP! What Fun!

The organizer Janet provided a great big space for us all to run around

and play in! There was about 35 dogs! It was so much fun!

I ran so much chasing everyone, that when I got home, I took a

very, very long nap! But I can't wait till the next one!

A big shout out to all my new friends, including

Cecil, Chompers, Lilly, Charlie, Kirby and Coco!

xoxoxox

Miss Trixie

Trixie @ Dogphoria

I just created a page today

at DOGPHORIA!

It's like a MySpace for dogs!

Check it out and leave me a note!

xoxoxox

Trixie

Love animals? Start Your Own Pet Business!

Tupperware parties have gone to the dogs!

Have some wine and chesse and talk pet stuff

with your neighbors while shopping at home!

According to an article at Kansas City Star,

With pet owners demanding increasingly elaborate

goods and services for their animals, one of the latest

strategies in the $40.8 billion pet industry is taking its

cue from Tupperware: displaying the products in living

rooms and inviting friends over to check them out.

Assuming that busy people will gather for a shopping
opportunity cloaked in a social event, direct-sales
companies such as Shure Pets and Petlane are
selling their paw balm and pet food over artichoke dip
and a glass of Pinot. The evenings may begin with neighborhood
gossip but typically end with conversations
about pets and how to pamper them.




“Pet people are some of the most social people out there.
They are looking to connect with other pet lovers,” says
Andrew Shure, who started Shure Pets in 2002. His company now
has 1,700 consultants selling in all 50 states. The approach
has met its greatest success in suburban settings where
houses have more space, because guests are invited
to bring their pets. (Cats rarely attend.)




According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers
Association, Americans are spending twice as much on
their pets as they did a decade ago and seeking out
more than the usual offerings at pet superstores and
grocery aisles. Many lavish their animals with state-of-the-art
health care, customized beds, organic food, doggie spas and
videos of chirping birds to amuse the family cat.

Experience Project - Help Save Lives

I just found this site and wanted share it!

It's a community service project working to raise money for saving

dogs and cats that may be in danger. It’s pretty simple,

you don’t donate anything but your time.

By playing a trivia game you can help raise money.

Your correct answers award money (from Experience Project)

to some cool non profits that are helping these little guys.

The more you play, the more shelter pets we

can feed! Spread the word and make a huge difference!

Link to Play Game:

SAVE DOGS

SAVE CATS

Yorkie Meetups

(photo by Stephane Tardif -dogcastradio.com)

I am SO EXCITED!

I arrived in Chicago a few weeks ago

and it has been so cold, I have been

indoors and have not met ANYONE,

other than my 2 daddies and the cat!

Well, OK, we have had a couple visitors.

But no dogs. And certainly no other Yorkies!

We were just invited to the newly formed

Chicago Meetup for Yorkies!

Which will take place on January 26th.

I am SOOO EXCITED!

There are Yorkie Meetups all over the

country! Don't miss out -

find one near you!

Trixie

Los Angeles Man Sentenced For Stealing Yorkies At Gunpoint!

A man who stole purebred Yorkshire terrier puppies at gunpoint

was sentenced Thursday to eight years in prison.

Troy Cabral sobbed as he was sentenced in Superior Court.

He pleaded guilty in November to robbery with use of a

gun and assault with a firearm in the Feb. 23 holdup.
Cabral's attorney, James P. Cooper III, said the sentence

"was appropriate considering the allegation of gun use."

Prosecutors said Cabral, 24, and Ryan Betton, 19,

went to the Wilshire-area home of a family that had

advertised the puppies for sale at $2,500 each.

They said they wanted to see the puppies, then returned

later and rushed inside when the door was opened.

They ordered the residents to the floor at gunpoint

and stuffed three puppies and an adult dog into garbage bags before fleeing.

Cabral and Betton turned themselves in after

surveillance camera footage of the theft aired on

television. The dogs were later recovered.

Betton was sentenced to two years in prison in

December after pleading guilty to robbery.

DOG PROPERTY LAWS

DO YOUR PETS RULE YOUR HOUSE?!

A reader sent me these...

DOG PROPERTY LAWS

1. If I like it, it's mine.

2. If it's in my mouth, it's mine.

3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.

4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.

5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.

6. If I'm chewing something up, all the pieces are mine.

7. If it just looks like mine, it's mine.

8. If I saw it first, it's mine.

9. If you are playing with something and you put it down,

it automatically becomes mine.

10. If it's broken, it's yours.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

It has been a hectic week with holidays back to back.

But I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone
a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Any Potty Training Ideas For Yorkies???

Any ideas for yorkie puppy potty training?

Our new little girl is about 11 weeks old.

The breeder said she used the

pads and was crated regularly. During the day,

she is out with us in the house

most of the time. She uses the pads once or twice a day then

the rest of the time, squats wherever!

At night, I know she cant hold it all night, so of course

she is having accidents in her crate - which

she has hated from day one. She cries constantly.

any thoughts???

More Info on Pet For Sale Scams

WESTERN UNION MAY BE FAST - BUT NOT SAFE!

This last week was sure enlightening!

BEWARE when purchasing a pet online.

We have reported on puppy scams before -

now we have also learned...

NEVER use Western Union or Money Gram to

purchase a pet. Most scammers use Western Union to

steal hundreds and even thousands of dollars from

innocent people just trying to find that perfect Dog

to bring home to their family.

DO NOT TRUST A SELLER who

states they are from Africa, Lagos, Nigeria, Cameroon or London.

Request Personalized Photos: Require the

seller to send additional pictures of the dog you are

interested in. Require a specific item to be in the photo.

Make sure this item is something you request

(not the seller suggest) such as your name on a piece

of paper, or anything creative you can think of to ensure

the puppy exists. If the seller refuses to send additional

pictures or state their camera is broken, or they do not

have a digital camera, or are unable to for some

reason to send the photos, BEWARE.

Our new little baby arrived today!

1.5 pounds bundle of energy of love!

Schmitty Calendar Video

SCHMITTY ON YOU TUBE!
Watch the new Schmitty video which
captures wonderful images from the 2008
calendar! Hurry, there is still time to order yours!

WINTER PET CARE

Brrrr…it’s cold outside! The following guidelines, from ASPCA, will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

ALSO, cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

2. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

3. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. - Booties look goofy, but they can really help.

4. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

5. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, (and an oven in the summer) holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

6. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

7. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

8. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

yorkie miniature yorkie yorkshire terrier

winter pet tips Turbo Tagger

GO DIRECTLY TO JAIL CHAD CRAWFORD

The man convicted of kicking a dog like a football and killing it will spend some time behind bars.

Chad Crawford faced up to a year in jail after he was found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty for kicking his neighbor's dog Gizmo, a two-pound miniature Yorkshire terrier, to death in the Nashboro Village Apartments in 2004.

He was found guilty in October.

Friday, he was sentenced to 30 days in prison. Not NEARLY long enough - but at least the judge did not let him off with a slap on the hands.

During the trial, the dog’s owner, Jelani Lewis, told the jury he watched as Crawford got a running start before kicking Gizmo, while another man held the dog in place.

Crawford denied the incident.


yorkie
miniature yorkshire terrier
chad crawford
Turbo Tagger

Look out World, I am coming to Chicago!

It's official!
I have been adopted by
Michael and Derrick!



I was born in Oklahoma 10 weeks ago
and will be jet-setting to the Windy City on Dec. 20th to my new home!
I only weigh 1# right now.
And they said I have to gain at least
another 1/2 # before I can fly.




My dad's are not sure what to name me.....These are the choices...

JUICY

DOLCE

DULCE

MR. TWINKLES


What do you think? Let us know your thoughts and I
will be back soon helping to write this blog!

Toodles!