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Dog Star for August 17 – Giles

Written by Alexis on August 17, 2011 · Leave a Comment

We love our dogs – no question about it! – and our relationship with them provides us with an immeasurable amount of comfort, security and companionship. But dogs are so much more than furry security blankets. They have a tremendous sense of joy and playfulness, and their unbridled silliness makes us laugh. Today’s Dog Star, Giles, is the epitome of canine frivolity; his games are played for his own amusement but we all get to join in the fun.

Giles, a water hose obsessed sweetheart

“Giles earned his Indian name, Dances with Hose, when he was two years old. We were visiting friends on a very hot day. Giles could not be coaxed into the pool, so we got the hose out to keep him cool. It was love at first sight. All he wanted to do was dance with the hose. We had to put him in the house to keep him from over-exhaustion. First thing in the morning he was out on the patio barking at the hose to come and dance. To this day (he is 6), whenever he sees a hose, he paws it and barks at it in an attempt to get it to dance. If the AKC had a competition for Best Dancer with Hose, our Giles would win hose down!

“In case you couldn’t tell, Giles is an English Cocker Spaniel, a fantastic breed that is one of the best kept secrets in the dog world.”

Giles is owned and loved by Steve and Jo of northern California.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful star with us!

If you have a dog star you want to celebrate by sharing with us send me a photo and a little information (name, age, how you met – esp. important if you have a rescue dog!) and we’ll be honored to spotlight your best friend!

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Our highly concentrated emu oil cleanser cleans, deodorizes, soothes itchy, dry skin and repels fleas and ticks for a week. It is our August Savings Spotlight item, so now is the time to get our 16 oz. 4-in-1 Emu Oil Shampoo and Conditioner for more than 20% off the regular price – now $11.95. Get your order in today and love the way your pets smell, look and feel!

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Dog Stars for August 16 – Raynebow & Stelllla

Written by Alexis on August 16, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Today’s Dog Stars are Raynebow and Stelllla. They have brought comfort to so many people as therapy dogs, when they are on and off-duty – and it is the ability of a dog to love a person strictly because we exist and therefore should be loved that is the reason we celebrate them . . . like Raynebow and Stelllla – gorgeous Dog Stars!

Rayne, enjoying a special treat

“When we got Raynebow in 2000, she was scared to ride in the car. She shook and cowered and salivated and we worried that she would never leave the house again. We decided to drive her to McDonald’s, about a 5 minute ride from our house, each day and would get her a hamburger as her reward. Pretty soon, she was looking forward to the ride and the hamburger and never feared the car again. Riding in the car became her favorite past time!

“Raynebow went to the bridge on 3/29/10 just under 10 years old due to acute onset kidney failure. Her passing was the inspiration for the Raynebow Fund, which is very sucessful and the money is used to help golden retriever rescues who are in need of special care.” (ed note: The Raynebow Fund has been one of our Rescue of the Month – although not a rescue, it helps to save dogs’ lives and it honors the life of a very special little Golden gal who made a lot of people happy and feel as though they were really her best friend . . . in the whole world. We continue to support the Raynebow Fund and if you would like to know more – perhaps donate to its worthy cause – please visit http://www.shorehearts.org/).

Stelllla, getting air! I wonder why Goldens have a rep for being goofy?

“Stelllla, from the time we got her, was hell on wheels!! The dog has endless energy and flies through the air. But when she visits as a Pets on Wheels dog with the boys from St. Vincent’s Villa, she’s as gentle as a lamb. She lets the boys hug her, kiss her and tease her with treats. We have to find ways of allowing Stelllla to expel her energy so she taught us frisbee. She is 4 years old and knows no limits. She loves jumping in the air-the higher the better.”

Raynebow and Stelllla are owned and loved by Marie and Pat of Maryland.

Thank you for continuing to share your beautiful stars with us!

If you have a dog star you want to celebrate by sharing with us send me a photo and a little information (name, age, how you meet – esp. important if you have a rescue dog!) and we’ll be honored to spotlight your best friend!

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August’s Flavor of the Month is Peanut Butter & Jelly Just-a-Bite Biscotti! We have taken you dog’s favorite flavor, peanut butter, and added in super-healthy blueberries to make something that is as good-for-them as it is delicious. Make sure to get your order in before they disappear at the end of the month (just like summer!)

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Dog Star for August 15 – Beau

Written by Alexis on August 15, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Several of our Dog Stars this month have been rescues, but few have had dramatic stories like today’s Dog Star, Beau. Beau’s story starts off, sadly, like far too many other dogs, but Beau got incredibly lucky – although I know his owner feels that, of the two of them, she is the lucky one. A true win-win situation!

Beau, saved in the nick of time

“This is my boy Beau our rescue dog. He actually has several names, Beau-Jangles, Mr. Beau, Beauragard (we call him that when he is fresh) and Bowie my personal nick name that I call him.

“Beau came across my Dapper Dog and Classy Cat facebook page in a caption that stated he was going to be PTS (put to sleep) at a kill shelter 9-28-10 in Georgia. I showed the picture of him in a cage to my husband and he said ‘rescue him.’ I frantically called the shelter and left a message praying they had not done this horrible thing to him. The next day when I called the shelter I was told that my message was received and that a rescue group called Atlanta Labs had pulled him, I was told his name was Trevor.

“I quickly called Atlanta Labs and Beau was tagged mine. I told them his name change (lets get rid of anything from his nightmarish past) and they told me that after he was neutered they would call me about the transport.

“Very long wait but he arrived 10-10-10 to a town in CT where I live and thus began my love with my dog Mr. Beau. Beau is part yellow lab and we think maybe part Retriever, Husky, German Shephard,one of those 3 breeds we are not quite sure. He has a very deep bark. We were also told he was 4 yrs old. WRONG! When I brought him to the vets I was advised that maybe he was 1 1/2 yrs young so Beau had his 2nd birthday 5-31-11.

“He goes to a doggie spa at least 2 days a week to play and interact with other dogs. He loves it and it allows me time to take care of my 92 year old father.

“We should have named Beau ‘Shadow ‘, because no matter where I go and how many times I move from room to room he has to follow. He is loyal and very protective of me.

“Beau is wonderful and we love him and so glad he has his new forever home. We are very lucky.”

Beau is owned and loved by Dolores and Glenn of Connecticut.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful star with us!

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Once-a-Month members get their treats automatically shipped to them, and they get 5% off! To make a good deal even better, Tigertail Foods donates another 5% to the rescue of your choice. What a sweet deal!

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Dog Stars for August 14 – Toby, Frodo and Myla

Written by Alexis on August 14, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Today’s Dog Stars are Toby, Frodo and Myla, and they are as different from one another as can be and still be dogs – but they have one important thing in common: they all needed a home. I think it shows how powerful our need to be with dogs and how we are drawn to them that this family said “no more dogs” after they lost an old beloved pet about 8 years ago . . . but then they opened up their home and hearts when Frodo needed help. And we all know what happens when you open a door; all manner of critters will come in! It’s pretty safe to say that both humans and dogs are happy with the way things worked out.

Toby, showing off just how very mellow he is (now).

“Toby and I met when he was 4 years old. A Labrador Retriever mix originally from the San Diego Humane Society, he was returned after his first adoption as a puppy – no doubt due to his high energy level. He lived at his second home until he was about 6 ½. When he could no longer live there, he came to stay with us first as a potential chicken protector – which his prey drive made him lousy at – then as a foster. That quickly failed and he became a permanent member of the household. It’s a good thing I like a challenge. He is way too smart and not to be trusted if there is an open door or gate, as he likes to make his own rules whenever he knows he can. He will never be able to be alone with the chickens, but he has mellowed quite a bit with training and exercise. He made us proud passing basic and advanced obedience classes and even went on to earn his Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) Certification. August 15^th he will be 9 years old, but still acts like he’s 2! “

Frodo, failed show dog who excels at everything he does.

“I originally met Frodo, a Pomeranian, when he was a young show prospect and appropriately named ’3^rd Times a Charm’ or ‘Charmer’. When his show career fizzled (he grew too big) he went to live with my brother and sister-in-law and his name was changed to Frodo. Once my nieces started walking (and poking, and chasing and being children) Frodo finally couldn’t handle it anymore and came to live with us (hence the appropriate name of 3^rd Times a Charm!). He has since done some growing up of his own and now loves the children’s visits and will seek them out to sit on their laps. His favorite food is CHEESE! He will come running from any hiding spot if he hears the word. He even knows how to spell it! Frodo will be 11 in September and will be having cheesecake.”

Myla, sweet and shy helper who is learning how great it is to be a dog.

“After Toby proved himself useless as a chicken protector, we found Myla, a Smooth Coated Collie. Already 10 months old she was part of a litter needing a home through a breeder. She was very shy around people and pretty skittish for quite a while, probably due to a lack of one-on-one human interaction while at the breeder’s. Once she got to know us and settled into her new home she began to develop confidence around people. She took right to the chickens and always has been great with our other pets and around children. Her current job is to herd the chickens back into their pen if they need to go in before dark. As the sun sets they will go in on their own, however occasionally there will be a chicken or two that roosts outside the enclosure and she is always the first to find them! When they have an acre of land to hide on that is so helpful.”

Toby, Frodo and Myla are owned and loved by Lindsey and Shirley of San Diego

Thank you for sharing your beautiful stars with us!

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Want a training treat that’s all natural, made with ingredients you know and trust and is good for your dog? Get a bag of Tigertail Foods’ Tuna or Liver Bark! A fantastic training treat that dogs will sit, stay and roll over for! Made with only pure liver or tuna. No chemicals, nothing you can’t pronounce or wonder why it’s in your dogs’ food.

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Dog Star for August 13 – Duke

Written by Alexis on August 13, 2011 · 1 Comment

We at Tigertail Foods are always trying to find ways to support and promote rescue because we want everyone to experience the same miracle that we have over and over again with each dog we adopt – the reality is you aren’t rescuing a dog, a dog is rescuing you. For those of you who have firsthand knowledge of this, you are probably sitting there nodding your head in agreement – if you’ve never adopted a dog that needs a home and family you are missing out on one of life’s greatest adventures. Today’s Dog Star, Duke, is a rescue who saved my family and taught us all more lessons than can fit in any book.

Duke - the dog that rescued us more than we rescued him

Duke’s story actually starts with another dog – Remmy. Remmy was my old black lab/beagle mix who raised Teague. For all that I was the Mommy-person, Remmy was the one who taught Teague everything that made him a fantastic dog. Sadly, Remmy passed away in late 1996 and Teague was left, for the first time in his short life, an only dog. He grieved her passing in a way I thought dogs really weren’t capable of – he wouldn’t get out of bed; he stopped eating; he was listless. Teague was in deep mourning. The only time I could get him to eat was when we had other dogs over to play. For a while we managed by borrowing other people’s dogs; I was lucky enough to have a friend who went out of the country for long stretches and she let me take care of her dog, which worked until her position changed and wanted her dog back. It was clear – to make my dog happy I was going to have to get him a dog.

Enter Duke. Duke was a privately arranged rescue. His original owner was an 84 year-old man who was dying from lung cancer. His daughter, who was caring for Duke, said she wanted to re-home the dog for at least the time while she would be busy closing up her father’s home and dealing with his affairs. The reality was, unbeknownst to me, she had a 14 year-old dog and didn’t want an 18 month-old Golden making her already complicated life more complicated – for her it wouldn’t be temporary; she didn’t want the dog back. We showed up and, not knowing what to expect other than Duke was a young Golden Retriever, were shocked to find a Golden footstool – he was obese! We took him for a walk – something Duke was clearly unfamiliar with – and Steve, who was not thrilled with the ill-mannered creature at the end of the leash, said the midway through the trip around the block, “Fine, we can take him for 2 weeks but that’s it. This isn’t the dog for us.”

HA!

Duke came home with us that day. Teague fell in love with Duke immediately and they played together like they’d known each other all their lives (and, yes, Teague ate just fine from there on out). However, within three days Duke rather violently showed me that he was food aggressive when I didn’t put down his bowl fast enough. I called the daughter and asked her if she was aware of any aggressive tendencies – she, of course, denied all knowledge. I explained that the only way I would give her the dog back was if she promised to keep him – my conscience wouldn’t allow me to let an aggressive dog be unwittingly passed to a family that had small children. At least she was honest enough to let me know that she had no intention of keeping Duke and if I returned him, he would most certainly be placed somewhere else.

We ended up becoming experts with food aggression – a trait Duke never fully outgrew but we managed it, and he learned to begrudgingly respect people. Duke became our project dog and, conversely, he taught us about training and behavior issues. While he was teaching us all of those practical things, he was teaching Steve what it was to be a dog owner. The dogs have always been mine. Steve grew up with parents who would get dogs and then give them away for a variety of stupid reasons – so he never understood what it was like to bond with a dog, to have a dog that was really his. But Duke changed all of that. He, with all of his craziness, became Steve’s dog completely. Duke loved me, but he worshiped Steve. He would sleep on top of me, and sometimes push me out of bed, just to be close to “his boy”. They loved each other absolutely.

As Duke got older and wiser and a tad more sane, he became an excellent dog who loved to wrap his neck around you and cuddle. He just wanted to love and be loved. He was never a rock-solid, totally trustworthy dog, but he was fun and funny and silly. He had a twisted sense of humor; his favorite gag was to run up behind someone and hit them behind the knees either with his head or hip (a move we coined the “Dukie butt slam”), and if you weren’t ready for it, you’d end up on your back – Duke would then stand over you and smile.

Duke left us in 2008. Hemangiosarcoma. We had five bittersweet weeks from diagnosis to our last goodbye. For eleven years we were graced by Duke’s presence and so thankful for every moment we had with him.

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Did you know that Tigertail Foods carries a complete line of Emu Oil products for people as well as pets? We have body lotion, lip balm, shampoo and conditioners for you and grooming products for your pets. There’s something for everyone. Now the whole family can have soft, shiny, healthy coats!

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Dog Stars for August 12 – Izzy, Roxy & Lucy

Written by Alexis on August 12, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Dog Stars are the furry heartbeats of our homes and lives. They brighten our days and lift our spirits. Today’s Dog Stars, Izzy, Roxy and Lucy, are not just the furry heartbeats of their homes, but they are furry metronomes! They set the pace for their days – and they do it with the style and humor that only a Doxie has.

Izzy, Roxy and Lucy - tiny packages with major amounts of beauty and personality!

“Izzy, the dog in the middle is seven years old. Lucy is on Izzy’s left in the color versions. She is two. Roxy is five.

“Our three dachshunds call all the shots at home: when to eat, when to wake up and when to go for a walk! They bark when someone comes to the door or walks by the house with a dog, and then quickly quiet down and go back to sitting in our laps.

“Two of the three are AKC Field Champion rabbit trackers, and the pup has been providing comic relief to other dogs and handlers while learning how to track.”

Izzy, Roxy and Lucy are owned and loved by Bert and Mrs. Bert of North County San Diego

Thank you for sharing your beautiful stars with us!

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Our Rescue of the Month for August is Rancho Coastal Humane Society - Tigertail Foods’ hometown independent shelter and a invaluable part of the Encinitas community! A portion of every purchase this month will go to support RCHS.

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Dog Star for August 11 – Sammy Wonder

Written by Alexis on August 11, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Today’s Dog Star, Sammy Wonder, is an actual, honest-to-doG star – the type with a SAG card or an IMDB page. Not only does Sam have a career as “film star”, but his owner developed a specialized career of her own because of him and a physical condition that should have made his life more difficult (but doesn’t appear to be slowing either one of them down one bit!). To make their story sweeter, if Sam had not been privately rescued both of their lives would have taken radically different paths. For all the fame and glory, though, Sam is an everyday Dog Star, which is very special indeed!

Sam shows off his star quality

“Sammy Wonder is now 9 years old. I got him at 9mo old in 2003. His previous owner rehomed him because she had fallen on hard times. I still keep in touch with her too and send her pictures once in a while. He was born in New York and traveled cross-country with me last year when I moved to San Diego. Sam went blind at 2 years old from a few eye conditions… detached retinas, collie eye anomaly, glaucoma… In 2008, his eyes were removed and replaced with silicone implants (bilateral interscleral prosthesis).
He was used as an extra on the show “Terriers” which filmed in San Diego in 2010 and debuted in the fall lineup on FX. His groom job last week was filmed last week, on camera, for the soon-to-be-launched PetTV channel. PTV will be a channel you purchase to leave on for your pets when you leave them alone. His shave and bath will hopefully be part of the programming. They also found it nice to get a blind dog’s perspective of walking the city streets so they filmed him walking downtown in San Diego in the Gaslamp district. The camera was at his eye level, and he walked forward, the camera moved backward, capturing his perspective of the adventure.
I specialize in training blind dogs – so he is the consummate ambassador to blind dogs – demonstrating how normal and easy they can me with just a little bit of adjustment to lifestyle.”

Sammy is owned and loved by Gillian of San Diego.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful star with us!

(Ed note: if you have a blind dog or a dog with a vision condition that will lead to blindness and want more information on training, check out Gillian’s site - www.wonderdoginstitute.com)

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Tigertail Foods’ Rescue Rebate Program helps the rescue group of your choice by donating a portion of every purchase. If you have a rescue group you want to support, contact us and let us know.

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Dog Stars for August 10 – Elsa and Nadia

Written by Alexis on August 10, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Today’s Dog Stars are Elsa and Nadia – both rescues (yay!) and both the furry heartbeats of their family. If Elsa and Nadia were human children, they would be the kids that are naturally gifted, supertalented and excelled in their chosen extracurricular activities – Elsa is a recognized singing sensation and Nadia could show the outfielders of any major league baseball team how to do it right. Not only are these beautiful little stars special in their own right, every day, but today is a very special day for Ms. Elsa!

Elsa, a happy, talented singing frogdog!

“Elsa was rescured from the Arlington Virginia Animal shelter when she was a puppy. She is a big singer (she has a fantastic “WHOOO), and has vocal credits’ on Jason Mraz’s first album “Curbside profit.” She continues to sing for her dinner and when she wants to take a walk. She will be eleven years old on her estimated birthday, August 10.” (ed note: Happy Birthday Elsa! So thrilled we could feature you on your special day!)

Nadia, a super athlete and devoted nanny to the youngest member of the family

“Nadia was found wandering in the Prince William Hospital parking lot where her mother and her siblings were born. Someone took the remaining pups and mother to a shelter, but Nadia was inadvertantly left behind. She was picked up and taken to the Haymarket vet where Elsa and Jodi fell in love with her. She is a frisbee maniac and only pauses in between to swim in her pool to cool off. She will be four on her estimated birthday of September 1.”

Elsa and Nadia are owned and loved by Scott, Jodi and Devon of Northern Virginia

Thank you for sharing your beautiful stars with us!

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Dog Stars for August 9 – Joey & Rosie

Written by Alexis on August 9, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Today’s Dog Stars are Joey and Rosie! They are two of three of the dogs that rule their owner’s world – all rescues (we LOVE to hear that!). Joey is a Border Collie and he lives with two feisty, set-in-their-ways Chihuahuas . . . you can imagine the fun that happens in their family room!

Joey, the Border Collie puppy, in a quiet, non-herding, moment.

“Joey is 6 months old. We rescued him through the El Cajon Animal Rescue. His hobbies include herding Chiuhuhuas, napping and chasing tennis balls. His favorite snack is carrots. Joey has a shoe fetish and loves my son’s slippers!”

Rosie shows Joey how it's done

“If you’re wondering how Joey acquired his shoe fetish, this photo explains it. Rosie, our 5 year old Chiuhuhua is teaching him the art of shoe liberation while Joey looks on. We found Rosie at a bus stop three years ago. After attempts to locate her family failed, we welcomed her into our family. Rosie is the pack leader in our pack of rescues and has nurtured several sister pups during her time with us. Now, where is my other shoe?”

Joey and Rosie are owned and loved by Kristin, Casey and Markie of Del Mar.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful stars with us!

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Dog Stars for August 8 – Maggie, Abby, Cooper & Kate

Written by Alexis on August 8, 2011 · Leave a Comment

We get so much from sharing our lives with dogs. There is the expected result of dog ownership: companionship, laughter (and some tears), a schedule, maybe a hobby, even friendships with other dog owners. But recently, within the last ten or so years, dog owners are finding that their furry friends also provide an identity. Think about how many of your dog-owning friends’ email addresses are some form of their dogs’ names . . . I’d like to think that it’s because we hold our dogs in such high regard that we feel they are what we aspire to be – loving, accepting, forgiving, sometimes brave and fierce and able to stand up for themselves and at other times able to be playful and silly and just let go (although they aren’t holding on to anything in the first place!). Today’s Dog Stars come in sets (would this be a Dog Star constellation??) – one set provided an identity; the other set made a family complete again – Maggie and Abby, Cooper and Kate!

Maggie (golden) and Abby (lab) inseparable buddies!

“Our Dog Stars have been with us in pairs. First there were Maggie and Abby. We got Maggie from a “breeder” and I use the term loosely. We got her before we knew better. When Maggie was 9 months old we (okay I, but Tim went along) decided she needed a friend and our relationship with Retrievers and Friends of Southern California was born. We filled out an application and asked for a male golden retriever. We got a call within a few days telling us that they had a female chocolate labrador who would be perfect for us. Thank goodness we decided to go with their opinion rather than our original thought and soon brought Abby home. She and Maggie were 11 days apart in age and spent the next 11+ years as best friends with never a cross word. Neither was a performance dog, or a show dog, or a therapy dog. They were just the best dogs ever. They also gave me the name I go by virtually everywhere on line. Magandab – Maggie and Abby. It wasn’t long after beginning my online life that I learned that magandab was short for maganda ba which means beautiful baby or babies in Tagalog. The perfect name for my girls.”

Kate (L) and Cooper (R), more than just pretty faces! Given a home and completed a family.

“Then along came Kaper. Kate and Cooper. Both came from Retrievers and Friends, first Cooper after Maggie went to the bridge and then Kate after Abby followed a year later. Cooper was about 14 months old when we got him, a simply beautiful boy with some issues we soon discovered. He has separation anxiety that manifests in destruction. Bushes, dog door flaps, and more trailer tire covers than I can count. When we lost Abby he got worse and we realized he needed a dog pack to be part of while we were at work. We wanted another labrador, 1-3 years old, any color. There were none to be found. There was a little 6 month golden at Retrievers and Friends and something about her face kept pulling me back. Finally, we went to meet her and our family was again complete. Kate is fast and smart and athletic and LOVES her agility classes. Cooper just loves going to class with Mom and is now in Rally O classes since he’s built for close work, not speed. We think Cooper has a future in therapy and as a READ dog too.”

Maggie, Abby (MagandAb), Cooper and Kate (Kaper) are owned and loved by Tim and Amy of Apple Valley.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful stars with us!

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