Archive for the ‘Info + Tips’ Category

Doggles®

After coming back from Pfieffer Beach, Mommy and Daddy realized that Preston’s eyes need protection from the sun and wind as much as human eyes do. They got Preston a pair of Doggles®. These Doggles® provide 100% UV protection! (Thanks for Uncle Karl’s great suggestion!)
To Mommy’s surprise, Preston accepted his new Doggles right away.
Now, he can ride in a SUV like “King of the World”!
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Or, ride in style in a convertible.
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“Hop in, Mommy! Let’s go for a ride!”
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Color Blind?

Nahhh… Not Preston!

“Puff Fish” is one of Preston’s favorite stuffies.
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FYI:
According to Dr. Dana K. Vaughan, Dogs are “color-limited”, not “color-blind”. “dogs do see color, but in a more limited range than that seen by normal humans, who see the rainbow of colors described by “VIBGYOR”: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red (plus hundreds of variations on these shades). Instead, dogs see “VIBYYYR” (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, and Red).”
So it is not surprising that Preston can tell his Blue, Pink and Yellow Puff Fish!

Cool-it Bandana®

Mommy got Preston a very stylish Cool-it Bandana, made with polymer crystals that can absorb heat and keep Preston cool.
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“Are yoou cool, Preston?”
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06/25/2009 update: We did not realize that the bandada was supposed to be soaked in the water (and placed in the fridge) before use. We found that out when washing it. haha! Should have read the instruction first! It does work!
Instructions: “Completely soak entire bandana in water for 15-30 minutes. The bandana will swell as it absorbs water to keep your pet cool for hours. To extend cooling time soak bandana and refrigerate before using. Air dry completely after using. ”

If Cool-it Bandana didn’t work, this would definitely make Preston feel better. Mommy took Preston to The Counter and built a burger for Preston and Mommy. She kept the caramelized onion (yum!) to herself, but made it up to Preston with the sweet potato fries.
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Pup-head® Portable Dog Potty

Preston had the habit of ringing the Poochie bell every 30 mintues in the evening. Mommy and Daddy were worried he would have a hard time adjusting to the new home as the grass area was not as close as it used to be. They were hoping the Pup-head Portable Dog potty would be an easy solution.
Preston used it twice on the first day then decided… it was for emergency use ONLY!
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Reverse Sneezing

What is “reverse sneezing”?
“Reverse sneezing…is a phenomenon observed in dogs, particularly in those with brachycephalic skulls (like pug, boxer, shih-tzu..). Its exact cause is unknown but may be due to nasal, pharyngeal, or sinus irriation (such as an allergy) or the dog’s attempt to remove mucus. It is characterized by rapid and repeated forced inhalation through the nose, accompanied by snorting or gagging sounds. It is alarming to the owner and may be distressing to the dog, but is not known to be harmful to the animal. Most dogs are completely normal before and after episodes. In addition most dogs will have repeat episodes of it during their lives.” (by Wikipedia)

Unfortunately, puggles are prone to reverse sneezing. It doesn’t happen to Preston very often but when it does, it is hard for Mommy and Daddy to watch. Here is what mommy usually does when Preston is having an episode and it seems to help.
1. Cover his nostrils, this makes him swallow. 2. Massage his throat. (and 3. A big kiss!)

Vestharness®

Puggles are not known for being the best walkers. A good harness can make Preston’s on-leash walk more enjoyable. Mommy got a lot of inquries from other puggle parents about Preston’s harness. It is called Vestharness®, made by CanineFriendly.

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FYI: Preston’s lower neck is measured 18 inches and chest girth is 23 inches. He wears size Medium. Gollygear also carries Vestharness in various colors and different fabric.

Puggle too

A baby echidna or platypus is called a puggle.
Mommy and Daddy didn’t see a platypus in Australia but they did see echidnas.
The platypus and the echidna are the only two mammals that lay eggs!
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The stinkier the better

Mommy and Daddy just discovered Preston’s all-time favorite treat-Plato’s Salmon strips.
Warning: They smell VERY fishy!
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Doggie Beer

Preston will no longer feel left out of the party. He got his own doggie beer!
Happy Tail Ale is a non-alcoholic beef flavored drink from the wine country, Napa Valley.
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K9Grass®

The grass on Preston’s playground (aka the courtyard of our apartment) was recently replaced with K9Grass®. It is great to know that it will always be green and there will be no more lawn mowers that Preston hates but Preston is still a little skeptical about this artificial grass.
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