Make Over and Pet of the Week

MAKE OVER OF THE WEEK

LUCY MATTHEWS

Hi! My name is Lucy. My new family just adopted me. We've never groomed at Best Friend's until today. So far so good! I LOVE my new friends here. I was nervous when I first came in so they gave me a couple of treats! Oh yeah....the best way to MY heart is right through my stomach Hey. I'm a Lab, what can I say?

I got a nice bath with a remoisturizing shampoo to make my itchy skin feel better. It's working already! Carolyn trimmed my nails and cleaned my ears too and now I get to go home all shiny and silky and ready to to root for my new Best Friends!!!! "GO GROOMERS GO GROOMERS! HEY CAROLYN - YOU'RE THE BEST!"

PET OF THE WEEK

MULLIGAN KIERNAN

HI! My name is Mulligan. I am a fun-loving Goldendoodle. My favorite things are playing, eating, and pretending to be my favorite cartoon character. That would be TIGGER! like Tigger I'm "bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy.....Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun....." But the most wonderful thing about ME is.....I'm the only one! It's true there is no one else in this world like ME!

I love to play and romp and jump jump JUMP, when I stay at Best Friends. Doesn't matter if I am in for a day of fun in DayCamp, or if I'm in for a sleep-over at Best Friends. I just love love LOVE to play!! And the snow? WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a SNOW DOG!!!!

Ohh......The wonderful thing about Mulligan.....Is Mulligan's a wonderful pooch.....I'm loaded with love and spunk.....Get a little to close and I'll give you a big wet smooch!!

Pet and Make Over of the Week

Pet of the Week

Scribbles Yosha

Hi, my name is Scribbles! I'm a long hair tortise colored kitty. I love coming to Best Friends to stay!

Kitty City is so much fun!

There are toys, toys and more toys for me to play with during my playtimes. I really love how my Best Friends cuddle and love on me when I'm here! Best Friends is PURR-FECT!

MAKE OVER OF THE WEEK

DAISY JONES

HI! My name is Daisy and I am a Shih Tzu. We're supposed to be a *Chinese Guardian Lion* breed

but as my mommy can tell you, the only *Lion* about me is when I'm lying in my house being the Queen Bee.

When my hair gets to be bigger then my personality my mommy and daddy bring me in to Best Friends to

see my favorite groomer Carolyn. She knows how to tame that *lion* in my coat and make me into

that beautiful little girl you see before you now.

Dog Paw Care

The fact is, those precious paws can become seriously infected from a wedged-in piece of gravel or shard of glass, as well as from the cracking that results from heat or dryness. So make sure you are doing your part to ensure your pup is looking forward to joining you on your daily walks, and not secretly dreading them.


The easiest method of prevention is to get to know the pads of your dog’s paws. Feel them out and gently check between them for any bothersome pebbles or debris. Your pup might not find this especially enjoyable at first, so it’s best to be armed with a few distracting treats until they adapt to the routine. Be sure to check them after they have romped around outdoors.

Additionally, it is important to make sure that your dog’s claws are trimmed to the proper length (just before reaching the “quick”) in order to prevent catching or their loss of grip on hard surfaces. It’s best to check the length of your dog’s claws about once a month to see if they need a trim. Some dogs’ nails grow faster than others, though, so find a schedule that works best for your pooch.

Some products can potentially help your pup avoid paw-related injuries–including booties, balms, and even wax. Simple prevention should be adequate enough to keep your pooch safe from a nasty wound or infection, but if need be, seeing your canine stroll around in little booties might just be the highlight of your day.

Best Friends is Now Offering Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Services!

Have you tried out our Home Pet Care yet?  If not- try us out!  Best Friends Indianapolis is now offering services like pet sitting, dog walking, overnights- you name it! Visit http://www.bestfriendshomepetcare.com/index.html for more information or call 317-841-8182.

Basic manners...in pet owners

As Best Friends dog trainer for Indianapolis,  I am always talking to people about basic manners with their pets. They need to know the simple but neccesary commands of *heel* *sit* *down* *stay* and *come*. For their benefit and ours. It just makes life better for us all. That being said, there isn't a lot said about basic manners for the OWNERS!
I'm not talking about teaching the owners to *sit* *down* and *come when called* (although I know of a few of my own friends who could benefit from learning this). I'm talking about responsible pet ownership. Manners for the humans. Simple things we don't always think about. Like the following:

* Maintaining the health of your pets
         Keeping vaccinations up to date
         Yearly health check up
         Yearly Dental cleanings
         Cleaning up after your pet at and away from home.

* Obtaining some form of ID for your pet
         Rabies tags
         Personal ID tags
         Micro chipping
         Tattooing

* Adequate nutrition
         Talk to your own Vet to get their perspective on the best food for your pet
* Daily exercise plans
          Consider a reputable doggie daycamp program in your area
          Join a dog park
         A well exercised pet is a happier pet! And face it, a happier pet is a happier owner.
* Regular bathing and grooming
        This includes those LONG nails!

Now those ideas may all seem pretty basic to you, just things needed to maintain their health happiness and a longer life. And you're right. They are. However that's not where it ends! There are certain things we as pet owners need to do to maintain manners. Both in us and in our pets.

Part of the human form of basic manners means not letting your pet infringe on the rights of others. Things like:

* Not letting your pets run loose in the neighborhood.
* Not letting your pet sit in the back yard or in a hotel room, barking incessitantly.
* Providing adequate supervision when there are young children in the presense of your pets.
* Not letting them jump all over the guests in your home.
* Oh...and the most popular bad habit in our pets...NO CROTCH SNIFFING!
It may be a natural thing to your pet but can be a source of embarassment and irritation to your guests.

And let's not forget the most basic of basics...we need to train our pets! Yes, this is where the obedience classes come in. Teaching your dog to *sit* *stay* *down* *come when called* are all big pluses and is a way to guarentee your pet will be we lcomed and loved by all who meet them. And it goes a long way in making your own house hold a happier place for you all to live together. Humans and pets as one.

Open Wide! February is National Pet Dental Health Month!

Dental health for your cat or dog is just as important as it is for you.  Take some time this month to make sure you furry friend's oral health is in order. 

"Oral health is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets," said Dr. Henry Childers, DVM, president of the AVMA.  " Just as the public has come to realize that their own oral health is linked to their overall health, veterinarians want people to understand that dental health care is essential to maintaining the overall health and well-being of the family pet."

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 85 percent of dogs and cats show signs of oral disease by age four.  The trouble begins when food particles and bacteria build up in the mouth, which leads to reversible gingivitis.  Gingivitis, if ignored, will progress to periodontal disease.  Irreversible periodontal disease leads to tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums and, in severe cases, tooth loss.  When bacteria from periodontal disease travels into a pet's bloodstream, the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and nervous system can be affected.  These infections usually are treatable when caught at an early stage.  However, if they are not caught in time, they can cause serious organ damage and even death. 

  Veterinarian check ups are recommended at least yearly.  If signs of periodontal disease is detected, a professional cleaning is in order.  Afterwards, continue dental care at home including regular brushing.  Specialty toothpastes and toothbrushes are available for your pet.  

We urge all pet owners during "National Pet Dental Month" to review their pet's dental care and take the necessary steps to ensure their pet has health teeth and gums!

Doggy Daycamp Parties

Mark you calendars!    Come one, come all!  Our schedule is now set for our upcoming Day Camp parties.   Of course the 1st upcoming party will be in celebration of our Indianapolis Colts going to the Super Bowl.  Our own version of the Super Bowl will be held on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 and is open to all campers!  Paw painting, pictures and special party favors will be given to all attendees.   There will be an award given for best dressed 4-legged Colt's fan!

  February is going to be a busy month for celebrations.  We will also host a day camp party on February the 12th in honor of Valentine's day.   Shortly after that get ready for the Mardi Gras party on Tuesday, February 16th.

If your dog hasn't had the priviledge of attending our day camp, now is the time to enroll.  We have extended our 10 day promotional packages for new clients until 3-31-10.  Buy 10 days of camp for only $90.00.  There is no enrollment fee and your 1st day of camp is free.  Don't let your dog miss out on the fun!