Author Archives: jmcquerter

Fun Dog Events in July

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Summer is here and if you are looking for some fun ways to get out and get active with your dog, then have we got you covered! Check out this listing of fun local pet-friendly events happening this July right here in St. Louis:

Sunday, July 15th, 2012
Paddle With Your Pooch: 1pm

Address:
Boathouse Forest Park
6101 Government Drive
Saint Louis, MO 63110

It’s time to bring your furry friends and test your paddling prowess on the Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park. The ninth annual Paddle with your Pooch dog-and-master boat race will be held at the Boathouse on Sunday, July 15, 2012.  Each heat is limited to 25 boats, so sign up now to reserve your spot in the race.  A portion of the proceeds from the race will be donated to Forest Park Forever for maintaining the beauty of the park.

The entry fee is $40 per dog-and-master team.  Maximum occupancy per paddleboat is three humans and one dog. For more information, schedule of events, and to register visit: https://www.boathouseforestpark.com/paddle-with-your-pooch.php

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Thursday, July 19th, 2012
Mutt Mixer at Three Dog Bakery: 6:30-8pm

 Address:
Three Dog Bakery St. Louis
1134 Town & Country Crossing Drive
Town & Country, MO 63017

A great opportunity to socialize your pup and meet other dog owners. Free refreshments for pups and people. 15% “arff” almost entire store during the event.

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Thursday, July 19th, 2012
Yappy Hour at Four Muddy Paws: 5-6:30pm

 Address:
Four Muddy Paws
1711 Park Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63104

Start your evening at Four Muddy Paws for Yappy Hour and Wine Tasting with Vino Vitae. Have a glass of wine, give your dog a bath for $12.00, or enjoy our patio play time for your dogs.

Then head out to dinner with your dog for some Italian at Ricardo’s, BBQ at SqWires, Square One for the Burger of the Day, Tuscan cuisine at Eleven Eleven Mississippi and end the evening with a cup of java and gooey butter cake at Park Ave. Coffee or some French pastries and tea at Rue Lafayette. Also visit Trova, Looking Glass Design plus Rue Lafayette and Schwaig Art Glass Works & Studio plus look for some special discounts for bringing your dog.  Remember to be a responsible pet guardian while visiting the shops and restaurants.

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Friday, July 20th, 2012
Bowling for Dogs – Dirk’s Fund Fundraiser: 7:30-9:30pm

Address:
Brunswick Zone Bowling Alley
1254 Dougherty Ferry Road
Valley Park, MO 63088

2012 Dirk’s Fund “Bowling for Dogs” Fundraiser.  Come out and show your bowling skills while supporting a great cause.  Located at the Brunswick Zone Bowling Alley (SW corner of Doughtery Ferry and Big Bend).  Cost:  A donation of $100.00 includes:  One lane for up to 8 people, shoe rentals, and a pitcher of soda.  Call (314) 966-3326 to reserve your lane or register online at www.dirksfund.com.

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Saturday, July 21st, 2012
Ice Cream Social and Pool Party at Four Muddy Paws: 11am-3pm

 Address:
Four Muddy Paws
1711 Park Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63104 

Come and help us celebrate  Summer with an old fashion ice cream social and pool party for the pooches!  A Sundae Bar for Dogs! We’ll have a special ice cream sundae bar with all kinds of  doggie ice cream and fun and tasty (at least for dogs anyway!) unlimited toppings! A Pool Party and Games! We’ll be breaking out the pools in Lafayette Square and we’ll have some fun games for the dogs to play too at both stores! Come out and have some fun!

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Sunday, July 22nd, 2012
Dog Days of Summer Night Hike: 8-10pm

Address:
Queeny Park
1675 South Mason Road
Saint Louis, MO 63131

Come out with your dog for a howling good time after the heat of the day passes. You’ll enjoy this 3-mile stroll while your park ranger guide points out the interesting things to hear and see. Dogs must remain on a leash. Bring a flashlight and insect repellent. Meet at the Mason Road entrance to Queeny Park. Advance registration is requested. Call 314-615-8472. $5.00 per person on Sunday July 22, 8-10 p.m. For more information, check out: http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/Portals/8/docs/Document%20Library/parks/PDFs/ActivityGuide.pdf

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Monday, July 23rd, 2012
Dogs’ Night Out at Cafe Provencal: 6:30-9:30pm 

Address:
Cafe Provencal
427 S. Kirkwood Rd.
Kirkwood, MO

Dine out with your dog on a beautiful outdoor patio. Call for reservations (636-527-3364) for the dog and people. $20 per dog paid in advance, benefits Three Dog Foundation for abused and neglected dogs. People order from the restaurant menu and pay the restaurant directly.

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Thursday, July 26th, 2012
Yappy Hour at Laumeier: 6-8pm

Address:
Laumeier Park
12580 Rott Road
Saint Louis, MO 63127

Bring your dog to Laumeier for an evening of fun designed for you and your four-legged friends. Visit vendor booths, and enjoy fun competitions, demonstrations and live music. Dinner and drinks will be available for purchase. Dog sitters are available for visitors viewing the indoor exhibition. Visit www.laumeier.org or call 314-615-5278.  Free admission.

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Saturday, July 28th, 2012
APA’s 6th Annual “Trivia PAWsuit” Trivia Night: 7-10:30pm

Address:
Kirkwood Community Center West Gym
111 S. Geyer Road
Kirkwood, MO 63122

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., trivia starts at 7:00. The Animal Protective Association (APA) of Missouri is holding their 6th annual Trivia Night. — $200 for a table of 8 includes:  Beer, soda and water.  You may bring food and drinks.  Enjoy a raffle, silent auction, door prizes and a 50/50.  Cash prizes for 1st and 2nd place trivia teams.  Registrations are being accepted now but don’t wait.  The event has sold out in previous years.  For more information and to download the registration form, visit:  http://www.apamo.org/tn2012.aspx

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Saturday, July 28th, 2012 and Sunday, July 29th, 2012
Play Your Way to Perfect Obedience

Address: Purina Farms Event Center
200 Checkerboard Loop
Gray Summit, MO 63039

This seminar is presented by the Riverfront Working Dog Club, an all-positive Schutzhund sport dog club in St. Charles county, Missouri.

In this all-encompassing multi-sport working dog seminar you will learn how to:

  • play your way to the podium using marker training and motivated play to get your dog working in drive with energy and focus;
  • get ring-ready obedience by accessing the behaviors that are already present in your dog;
  • create a plan to re-wire your interactions with your dog over the long term;
  • not just fix behaviors, but fix how you relate ot your dog in the context of the bahviors you desire;
  • improve competition performance by stripping your training all the way back down to how you play with your dog.

Saturday’s seminar is about leanring to better use food, ball, and tug rewards for increasing motivation and building control.  Sunday’s seminar is all about building obedience with extreme distractions, including tips for protection sport handlers preparing for work with the helper.

Shade Whitesel is an experienced and successful professional dog trainer in the Seattle, Washington, area and is a very accomplished competetior in Schutzhund.

Cost of the seminar is $150 for a dog + handler team for the full 2-day seminar.  Saturday or Sunday for a dog + handler team is $100.  Attendance is limited to 12 dog + handler teams either day.  Register before July 20.

Full 2-day seminar for audit without a dog costs $60; Saturday or Sunday audit only is $35.  Register before July 20.

For more information and to register, e-mail cbwing.art@gmail.com  Visit http://www.rwdc.org   Remember that spots in this seminar are limited!

 

Live on Fox 2 News Saint Louis!

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Kyle Smith, Wags Walkers’ extraordinary Dog Whisperer and Trainer was on Fox2 News yesterday morning with John Pertzborn showing him how to communicate with your dog.

Kyle explains how dogs often react to our excitement with anxiety, and how body language is the most effective form of communication between owner and dog. Watch here how Kyle communicates with Heidi, a 4 year old rescue dog, without words. Dog walking has never looked easier!

What you don’t know is that Heidi used to have severe dog aggression and anxiety issues when she was rescued off the street. After Kyle started working with her, those problems melted away, and now, Heidi is a perfect angel on and off the leash!

I was there with Kyle yesterday morning, and both Kyle and Heidi were as in sync behind the camera as in front! While waiting for the big debut, Heidi was right by Kyle’s side, obeying his every command. Kyle was walking Heidi off her leash, commanding her to sit and come, and relaxing her excitement, without saying a single word. Kyle once again proves how dog walking and behavioral pet etiquette can be achieved with the right communication.

-Camille

Fun Summer Treat Recipes For Your Dog

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With temperatures on the rise, treat your pooch to a yummy frozen treat. Below are some healthy, easy to make recipes that your pup is sure to love.
Fruity Smoothie  Mix three parts plain greek yogurt (higher and protein and lower in lactose then regular yogurt) with one part smashed or juiced strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or banana. Stir together thoroughly. Spoon into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. Avoid using any kind of citrus fruit, as these are hard on your dog’s stomach and tooth enamel. Also DO NOT use grapes (or raisins) as these are very toxic to dogs.
Veggie Delight  Take low sodium beef or chicken broth. Mix in assorted fresh veggies such as carrot slices, celery chunks, or chopped green beans. Pour into ice cube tray and freeze overnight. Be sure to not use onions, as these are toxic to dogs!

 

Banana-Rama  Thoroughly mash one whole banana. Mix in 1 teaspoon honey. Spoon into ice cube tray and freeze overnight. For an extra kick, blend in 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. To allow for better mixing, warm peanut butter slightly in microwave in 15 second increments until warm and spreadable, then blend with banana and honey. Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze.

 

Juicy PUPsicles  Mix together equal parts no-sugar added 100% apple juice and 100% cranberry juice. DO NOT use grape juice, as grapes are toxic to dogs. Pour into ice cube tray and freeze. Add whole cranberries or apple slices to the cubes (before freezing) for a special surprise in the center of the cube!

 

Cheeseburger Cubes Take some lean ground beef and BOIL in a pot with a moderate amount of water. Strain beef and set aside, reserving some of the water used to boil the beef. Mix ½ teaspoon cheese powder with ground beef and ½ teaspoon ketchup. Add in around 1 tablespoon or so of finely chopped cheese cubes. Mix into ground beef. Pour remaining water over ground beef and spoon into ice cube tray. Freeze overnight. Modify recipe as desired. Cubes can be made more “meaty” or more “brothy” depending on pet/owner preference.

Let your creativity run wild! All the above ingredients and recipes are healthy and not only taste good to your dog, but add rich nutrition to their diet. Stay cool out there, pups!  You can experiment with these additional ingredients to create a customized treat for your furry friend:

 

Baby Food: Veggies, fruits, and meats all make excellent frozen treats. Try blending them together and freezing.

 

Fruit Juices: Stick with 100% juices. Avoid citrus juices like orange juice as these are harsh on your dog’s tooth enamel and stomach. NEVER feed grape juice, as grapes are toxic to dogs.

 

Fresh Fruits and Veggies: You can blend them in a food processor or add whole chunks of fruits and veggies to your frozen cube creations. Whichever your dog prefers!

 

Meat Broths: Stick with low-sodium broths or dilute regular broth by mixing 50/50 with water.

 

Goat’s Milk, Cottage Cheese or Plain Greek Yogurt: All are low in lactose, high in protein and calcium, and good for your pup.

 

Sweet Potato and Pumpkin: Use 100% canned sweet potato or pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling).

 

Happy creating!

A SuperBowl Sunday Event for Animal Lovers

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It’s Superbowl Sunday, and Giants & Patriot fans everywhere are getting ready for the big game! But for those of you whose teams didn’t make the final cut, there is a satisfying bit of consolation. Brace yourself for an overdose of canine cuteness, because THE PUPPY BOWL is scurrying into your living room today!

That’s right. The TV event that can keep even the most disinterested sports fans in sheer amusement with just dog walking! Airing for it’s 8th consecutive year, The Puppy Bowl shamelessly capitalizes on the irresistible antics of adorable puppies. This is a G-rated event the whole family can enjoy, and probably just as entertaining as those anticipated SuperBowl commercials. This year’s Bowl is a display of silliness, with an actual bird tweeting gameday updates, a high-flying hamster in a blimp providing play-by-plays, a piggy pep squad, and even a canine tailgating section (emphasis on the “tail”).

The Puppy Bowl airs at 3pm today on Animal Plant! Treat yourself, your kids, or your furry friend to this cuddly canine television event.

-Camille & Jayce

Tips for a Fun and SAFE (Pet) Holiday

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It’s time to celebrate the New Year! You know what that means – music, party favors, bubbly, and a whole lotta fun! If you’re planning hosting a party at your home, my party hat off to you for your dedication to the holiday fun. Here are a few tips to ensure both you and your pet have a safe New Year’s celebration.

Ringing in the New Year with a BANG
Loud noises, such as those spouting forth from fun kazoos, popping Champagne bottles, and celebratory cheers, can put your pet in a panic. Fireworks, as customary during many New Year’s celebrations, are also a well-known cause of pet anxiety. Make sure your pet has access to a quiet, comfortable space during festivities. This will be the evening easier for both you and your pet.

Blame it on the alcohol
Alcohol may be fun for you, but it can be dangerous (even deadly) for pets. If your pets are anything like ours, they like to sniff & lick unattended items that may seem even the least bit tasty. Keep an eye on bottles and glasses sitting on tables or chairs that are low to the ground. And equally important, keep an eye on party-goers who may offer your pet alcohol as a treat or joke.

New Year’s Decor
Party decorations such as confetti, balloons, and streamers, can obstruct your pet’s digestive system if ingested. This can leave to vomiting, indigestion, or a major health emergency. It’s best to leave your pet’s in a separate room if you anticipate an abundance of New Year’s decor. That way, they won’t even have a chance to get their paws on attractive items that seem fun to chew. And you’ll have peace of mind, so you can celebrate without worry.

Wishing you and your pets a very Happy New Year!
-Camille & Jayce

Our Favorite Neighborhood Pet Stores

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We know how much our Wags pet owners love their pets. So it’s no surprise that, in the midst the holiday season, many have been asking us to recommend the best pet shops to find the perfect holiday treat for their pets. Having treated our pups to holiday gifts every year, we’re no amateurs.

So here are some of our top picks. Not only will you find some of the cutest, healthiest, most fun treats for your furry friend, but you’ll find some of the nicest people in the pet care industry.

Airedale Antics
www.airedaleantics.com
In a nutshell – great story, great people, great products. “Airedale Antics” is a locally-owned pet care store in Maplewood, which originally started as an antique store in St. Charles. Tony and Sheri, the friendly owners of this charming store, opened the St. Charles location in ’96 called “Airedale Antiques”. Their two Airedale terriers, whom they brought to the store everyday, started attracting more pet-lovers than antique-seekers! And so “Airedale Antiques” evolved into “Airedale Antics”, a pet care and grooming shop focused on high-quality food & treats for dogs and cats.

Having moved to Maplewood in ’07, this shop is a convenient stop. They have one of the best selections of all natural, healthy pet food products around. Products you can’t find elsewhere. If you want to treat your pet to high quality food and treats with no grain or animal by-products, then this is the place to go.

And best of all, the owners and folks who work here are some of the most helpful, friendly people in town. They’ll help you find the most suitable food for your pet. And of course, pets are welcome. It would be a great idea for a St. Louis dog walk!

Wolfgang’s Pet Stop
www.wolfgangspetstop.com
A neighborhood staple, Wolfgang’s is a favorite among Central West End locals. And it’s no wonder. The owner, Beth, and groomers are pleasant, knowledgeable, and true pet-lovers. Besides the friendly staff, you’ll often find several calm, happy pups hanging out behind the front desk.

So what kind of goodies will you find here for your pet? Fresh-baked dog treats, an array of healthy foods, a variety of toys,  and even apparel for pups of all sizes!  They also keep their costumers happy with their high-quality grooming services.

Keep an eye out for their special events. Our Golden Retriever, Bella, got her complimentary Christmas photo taken there a few weeks ago during the annual Central West End “Window Walk”. With it’s convenient location in the middle of Doggie Central (…West End), Wolfgang’s is a sure thing for finding any products or services you might need to keep your pooch happy and healthy.

Old Dog New Treats
www.olddognewtreats.com
This brand new addition to the charming Kirkwood neighborhood is already on our list of recommended pet shops. They have TONS of great pet paraphernalia that is not only healthy for your pet, but for the environment!

Yup, that’s right! They carry eco-friendly pet products! Not to mention, they have a great selection of all natural food, fun and unique toys, tasty treats, and bowls, leashes and collars. It’s not hard to find something here that’s fun for your furry friend.

We think it’s pretty great that this pet store is not only conscious of your pet, but also conscious of the grass they tread! And it echoes through the aesthetics of their store. Beautiful colors, lovely lines, and clean hardwood floors, Old Dog New Treats is a “treat” to visit.

-Camille & Jayce

Tree Trimming—Lessons Learned from National Lampoon’s Christmas

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It never fails! Each year we set out to find the perfect 5-foot tall Christmas tree to tuck snuggly in the corner of our 9-foot tall living room… and each year we come home with an 8-foot tree that unabashedly stands as a glittery Christmas monument until about Jan. 12th. I just hope we’re not the only ones with such poor holiday willpower (besides Clark Griswold).

Our pups, Moose & Bella, love it! Bouncy branches to paw at, and new scents to investigate! But there are a few good precautions to take when warming your pet-friendly home with a sparkling Christmas evergreen. Taking a few cues from the Griswold family classic – “Christmas Vacation” – here are some Christmas tree safety tips for your pet.

Securely up-righting your tree
This is not only important for the safety of yourself, your company, and your tree-topper, but also for your cat or dog. It doesn’t always take the force of a 150-lb Rottweiler named Snots barreling towards the tree in pursuit of a squirrel to cause some damage. Sometimes a tree-tipping is as simple as a playful tug, as branches (despite all the needles!) seem to make perfect play toys for young pups. And with all those limbs, cats can get mighty acrobatic! Make sure to keep on eye on your pets, and discourage them from chewing branches, as needles could cut their mouths or throats, or cause indigestion if swallowed. You can place a pen around the base of the tree if your mischievous furball just can’t stay away.

Breakable ornaments
Breakable ornaments can they present a hazard if knocked to the ground by a curious critter…Or wagging tails (we have a few of those in our home)! Small ornaments may also be a chocking hazard. Place large, plastic, “unbreakable” ornaments on the lower branches, and tightly secure your glass ornaments higher up. You’ll help avoid shattered ornaments and broken glass chards, which can cut both feet & paws. And you’ll have a much better chance at preserving those sentimental ornaments you plan to keep for years to come.

Tinsel
While it may sparkle & shine, it can also be dangerous for both dogs & cats. The glistening long strings are irresistible to some, and can present a choking hazard or obstruct the intestinal track if swallowed. If your furry friend has a knack for chewing on anything he can get his paws on, forgo the tinsel.

Candy ornaments
Whether on the tree or on the table, candy in general should be kept away from your pets. Remember when Aunt Bethany’s cat was caught snacking on lime green JELL-O in “Christmas Vacation”? A perfect example of what to avoid. The sugar substitute found in JELL-O (and many other products, like muffin mix & ice cream) is called Xylitol, and is unhealthy for your pet. And of course, we all know the big one is chocolate! Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain xanthines, which stimulate the heart, and can cause damage to the nervous or urinary system. Many candies and cookies may be toxic for your pet, so store them in a tin for safekeeping until ready to eat!

The tree stand
True: the tree stand may have made a fine makeshift water dish for Snots, but it shouldn’t for your pet. While it may seem harmless, it’s best to prevent your pet from drinking water from the tree stand. Stagnant water may potentially harbor harmful bacteria, or fertilizers and insecticides from the tree. Tree preservatives, which are often sugar-based, are inviting for pets. So use a stand with a small reservoir opening, and cover it with a tree skirt to prevent your pets from drinking.

And finally, who could forget the Griswold Christmas tree lights which were (sadly) the detriment to Aunt Bethany’s cat, who couldn’t keep his paws off the sparkly strands. In real life, this is no joke. While lethal electrocution is unlikely, prying teeth can expose electrical wires, burning your pet’s mouth. All wires & batteries should be kept away from your dog or cat. If they just can’t resist, try spraying dog/cat repellent on the outside of the insulated wire.

Follow these tips for a very merry tree trimming experience. Now, we’d better get started on our tree… this may take awhile! Cheers!

-Camille & Jayce

Wags Pet Care Lessons Learned from National Lampoon’s Christmas

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Give a Dog a Bone

It’s Thanksgiving, which means lots of leftovers for ALL members of the family, including your beloved pets. One such leftover treat that has been disputed for ages is animal bones – to give, or not to give?

We all remember the dinner scene from the holiday classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” – a personal favorite of mine  – in which Snots, the precarious Rottweiler of Cousin Eddie’s, shakes the dinner table into a thunderous earthquake while he’s “yakin’ on a bone” underneath. But all ends well for Snots in movieland as he manages to (rather inelegantly) cough it up.

Snots was a remarkably robust canine, to say the least. Most pets don’t have an iron stomach, however so it may seem! To keep your pet safe & happy this holiday season, here are some bone-feeding “do & don’ts”.

There are some bones that are surprisingly safe:
Oxtails, lamb bones, chicken bones, and yes, turkey bones, are all safe to give your pup *in raw form*. These bones are nice & soft when raw, and can be packed with good nutrients for your pet. Your dog can easily chew and eat them in entirety, bone marrow and all. This goes for your feline too! Just take care that any bones they may eat are not too small, as they could present a choking hazard. And avoid raw pork bones unless frozen for two or three weeks prior to feeding them to your pet (read on to see why).

If you want to keep your pooch busy for hours, a large beef leg or knuckle bone is the ultimate holiday treat. Just make sure to keep on eye on your dog while they chew down these large bones. Once chewed to a small enough size, they should be taken away to ensure your dog does not choke on them.

Now bones to avoid:
Any animal bones that have been cooked under high heat will be brittle and may break into chards. This is a major hazard for your pet. These bones have had all the nutrients cooked out of them, and offer little nutritional value. For millions of years, the canine and feline digestive systems have specifically adapted to processing raw meat and bones. Cooked bones are not natural for them, and may even be unhealthy due to chemicals, additives, and preservatives that strip away nutrients.

Steer clear of any cooked poultry, fish, pork, and beef bones, and make sure they are disposed of in a trashcan with a tight lid! Remember Clark Griswold’s dismay when he found his kitchen littered in junk from Snots, after he went “nosin’ through the trash”?

Pork bones should also be avoided, raw or cooked. More than any other meat, pork has the highest likeliest of trichinosis contamination, which is dangerous for your pet. If you’d like to treat your pet to a pork bone, you can freeze these bones for two or three weeks beforehand to kill any parasites that may cause harm to your pooch.

Follow these guidelines for safe holiday feasting. Everyone at the Wags team is wishing you and your furball a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

- Camille & Jayce

Why We Started Wags

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After years & years of raising pets, fostering abandoned cats & dogs, and engaging in animal rescue efforts, we decided to start Wags. Not because pet playtime is so much fun (and it is!), or because they’re so darn cute (and they are), but because so many pet-owners are in search of the comfort of finding the right caretaker – trustworthy, warm, knowledgeable.

We know firsthand! For years we’ve been called on as trusted pet sitters. First it was family. Then friends. Then friends of friends. Neighbors. Coworkers. We started to realize how many people needed a trusted caretaker for their pet while away – both out-of-towners and people whose long work hours left their pup unattended for too long. Even pet-owners with limited mobility, and new puppy-owners who needed help with new attention demands.

The most important commonality everyone shared was a need for comfort and peace of mind, trusting their pet and home were in good hands. And boy could we sympathize! Especially after our own stresses in finding a caretaker of our beloved pups while we traveled.

And so we decided to establish an organized service for pet-owners in need of a little extra help while away from their homebound pets. Loving, experienced, and reliable, our cozy team is dedicated to make life easier and healthier for you and your pet.

Camille & Jayce