My Writings. My Thoughts.

Hugo's Ears Are Organically Clean

// November 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // IMHO

Despite having almost no ears (someone cropped his ears too short before we adopted him), Hugo’s ears get really dirty. And although he had no interest in letting me take a photo of his icky ears, I can assure you that they are pretty gross. Continue Reading

Update on Hugo’s MCT…Good News!

// October 19th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Doggie Mayhem, Pets

hugo2As some of you know, our dog Hugo was diagnosed with a Mast Cell Tumor back in April. Since his initial diagnosis and surgery, the MCT returned. He has been on chemo since September with three more treatments to go and is doing well. We had a scare a few weeks ago when his liver count increased pretty significantly.

Continue Reading

There’s Nothing Fishy About Yamafuji

// October 15th, 2009 // No Comments » // Foodie Talk, Front Royal, Interviews

Incredible sushi boat at Yamafuji

Incredible sushi boat at Yamafuji

I have to admit that when I heard about Yamafuji, I thought, “Sushi? In Front Royal? Um…no way.” But, Yamafuji has made quite a name for itself in the hearts and taste buds of the folks of Front Royal and the surrounding areas. After reading a few reviews on the new Japanese restaurant and setting my skepticism aside, my husband, my friend Bob from Miami and I headed over for dinner.

Our friend, Bob, is an avid traveler, a connoisseur of fine foods and only eats fish. He’s eaten at sushi joints across the country. So if anyone was going to have a “beef” with Yamafuji, it would be him. Well, all I can say is WOW. Yamafuji was just what we were looking for.

Continue Reading

Is It a High End Dog Bowl…or a Bidet?

// September 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // Doggie Mayhem

by Beth J. Bates

When we bought the new house, it came with a bidet in the master bedroom. We’ve never owned a bidet and would never have installed one, so for about eight months it sat sad, lonely and unused. Then I had an epiphany. Hugo drinks a lot and I was constantly filling his dog bowl. And he had often been caught drinking out of the toilet (yucky and unsanitary). What if we just filled up the bidet and let him drink out of that? It’s not like we were using it.

So, one night I filled it up…low and behold, Hugo loved it!

Hugo loves his bidet.

Hugo loves his bidet.

Hugo likes to be discreet about his fancy water bowl.

Hugo likes to be discreet about his fancy water bowl.

It’s easy to clean, easy to fill and easy for him to get to. I’m glad that we could put this thing to use!

Join Me @ TechAdventure DC on 8/29

// August 16th, 2009 // No Comments » // Local Events

Can’t wait for TechAdventure DC on 8/29 @ Rappahannock Cellars. We are “putting the social back in social media” by venturing out to wine country to breathe the fresh air, have some great wines and mingle. OK, so I get to breathe the fresh air every day, but not with my DC friends! Tickets are going fast, so if you are looking for a fun Saturday with cool peeps, register and join me!

Clicker Leash makes training easy and convenient!

// July 14th, 2009 // No Comments » // IMHO

by Whitney McKim

The people over at Clicker Leash sent us a great sample of their flagship product, the Clicker Leash! This is the same product that received National attention when it was selected as one of the “perfect pet products” to be sent to the White House when the Obama’s got their first puppy. So this cute little Canadian company suddenly got rocketed to stardom!

Magnolia tested out our Clicker Leash while taking a little hike on the C&O Canal. We decided to test it out on one of our regular walks since we encounter a number of exciting things that can always use a little extra clicker training!

Continue Reading

And POOF…the Frosty Paws were gone!

// July 9th, 2009 // No Comments » // IMHO

by Beth J. Bates

It’s hot and my dogs are constantly panting…and looking for a treat. Frosty Paws, sold in your grocer’s freezer with the ice cream, is a frozen treat that is safe and tasty for your dogs. According to the Frosty Paws website, the treat is “fortified with protein, vitamins and minerals that dogs need” and has “no added sugar, artificial flavors or colors.” Admittedly, it doesn’t look or smell great, but my dogs love it! In fact, I have to take it out of the containers and put it on paper plates as the big dogs will inhale the frozen treat WITH the plastic container. Frosty Paws come in two flavors – original and peanut butter. We tested the original flavor, but I don’t think it would have mattered. The treat was gone in a matter of minutes.

Continue Reading

Bully Sticks are da BOMB

// June 29th, 2009 // No Comments » // IMHO

by Beth J. Bates

logo_bullysticksWhat can I say? Willy is NUTTY for Best Bully Sticks! When I initially gave him the tasty natural treat, I knew that he would enjoy it. I also had the camera ready to roll as I knew it wouldn’t last long. As predicted, Willy snatched the Bully Stick out of my hand and scampered off to his crate – the safest place, in his mind, to enjoy his treat.

He gnawed on the stick and growled each time he thought I was going to take it away. That means it was GOOD and he really didn’t care to share it with me.

Continue Reading

Biking with your Pooch – Part 3: The Urban Trail Harness

// June 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // IMHO

by Whitney McKim

The is the second of a three part series! Part 1 is a review of the K9 Bike Jogger, a useful little, universal bicycle accessory to make biking with your pooch safe and easy. Part 2 is a review of RuffWear’s Bark ‘n Boots Grip Trex and their Bark ‘n Boot Liners. This final installment is Magnolia’s review of the Urban Trail Harness by Alpine Outfitters.

This is the final installment of Biking with your Pooch. After reading this fantastic review by Magnolia, you should be all ready to take your pooch out for a ride! Just don’t forget the water!!!

Continue Reading

New “Pets Only” Airline – Pet Airways

// June 15th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Pets

by Beth J. Bates

logo_petairwaysA new “pet only” airline – Pet Airways – has just opened its wings offering more comfortable travel arrangements for your pet. With Pet Airways your pets fly in the main cabin, NOT in cargo and seems like a great idea for folks with travel-friendly pets.

Continue Reading