EXPERT PET ADVICE

Paw-paring for Tax Write-offs

By:  The Muttly Crew

Video: FRR Show (Furry Friends Can Fetch Tax Deductions)

With the tax season ending, it's a great time to take a spreadsheet breather. But not for too long. Many of us humans wish we got our ducks in a row earlier. Well, you can start now by keeping track of expenses that you can write off. And don’t forget about the ones that could literally go to the dogs! Whether your adorable pup is on patrol or your cat exploits her gorgeous looks, you may want to read this. Although pets cannot be reported as dependents to the IRS…

PET SAFETY TIPS DURING BIRTHDAY PAWT-IES & HOLIDAYS

In our FRR Series, we interviewed pet industry experts and animal lovers for their advice during the holidays.
The pawesome tips can be applied to gatherings year-round, paw-ticularly for new dog parents. With Valentine's Day coming up and a slew of birthdays and Gotcha days, we had to outline some best practices. We didn't want to keep it to our ruffin' selves.

Here's what they kindly barked to us!

FRR SHOW 38 PARTY & Howl-iday Gift Tips

NEW DOG IN THE HOUSE DURING pawty TIME!
Michael, BEST PAW FORWARD CO-FOUNDER & TRAINER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjQTr1UqN9M&t=261s

• always have a leash

• have yummy treats handy

• practice a routine before hand (paw)

• avoid new commands

• designate a management area

…

SEA CLEANUP GIVES US A NEWFOUND LOVE

BY: THE MUTTLY CREW

Photo Credit: Terre Neuve 06

FRR 39: Watch our exclusive video report on the sea cleanup program with dogs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkwVKSfLWrQ&t=67s
We had an exclusive interview with French organizations making a difference with dogs and the environment. Our FRR team spoke to water rescue Terre Neuve 06 president, Jean-Christophe Meyer. The team joined conservation diving group Fonds Bleus on its innovative mission to clean up the seafloor. And one of the most im-paw-tent and unique assets is a pack of lifeguard dogs. The aquatic professionals utilize trained canines, namely Newfoundland dogs to h

COVID FURTEEN™ COMPETITION RECAP

By: The Muttly Crew

Our Covid Furteen™ Competition featured how paw-rents feed their fur-kids with healthy home recipes. In the late spring, contestants submit their creations for their cats and dogs. The goal: To fetch their summer bodies back! Studies show around half of U.S. pet cats and dogs are obese. But, by the looks of our furtastic winners they all were already set to have a “hot pet summer.” What was ruffin’ interesting is around 80% of our paw-ticipants from around the world, entered raw food meals. They mostly followed the BARF methodology. It’s kind of like the Atkins Diet for pets, minus the dairy and with more meat. BARF stands for 'Biologically Appropriate Raw Food’ and ‘

THE MUTTLY CREW BARKS… AND PURRS

YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR SHOW LAUNCH! 

We are excited to invite you to the virtual kick-off of our ongoing series FRR News on the PAWDEMIC NETWORK! Paw-lease mark your calendars! Tomorrow, October 5th, we’ll give you a preview of our info-taining animal show. From 5 pm to 7 pm pst / 8 pm to 10 pm est, you can go to channel The Muttly Crew on YouTube. Just sit back and relax. 
You and your pets will love the news and commentary!

EMPAWER (OR EMPOWER) YOUR PETS WITH HEALTHY RECIPES

BY THE MUTTLY CREW

It's that time of year again! Suns out, buns out. Furry ones too. But just like for humans, fetching that summer body for pets is important. Shedding those pandemic pounds and keeping them off should be a year-round goal with a healthy diet and exercise. Recent studies show more than half of dogs in the U.S. are obese while 50% of cats are overweight. Pet obesity can increase the risks for heart disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes and other disorders. To help combat this pawblem, The Muttly Crew has kicked off it's second annual pet food competition Covid Furteen™. The contest calls for…

WHITE HOUSE WELCOMES FIRST SHELTER DOG

THIS IS MAJOR FOR ALL SHELTER POOCHES IN NEED OF HOMES.

BY: THE MUTTLY CREW (OPINION)

Major’s Photo Credit: Adam Schultz, Official White House photographer

It’s a major deal! We missed seeing adorable dog cameos during white house news coverage. And now after 4 years, we have two including a rescue. President Joe Biden is walking into the White House leashed up with 2 German Sheperds. One of his furry companions is his former foster pooch Major Biden. A shelter dog becoming “First Furbaby” is significant to many rescue dog parents, volunteers and advocates. We are listing few reasons why Major’s pawprints in the Rose Garden will leave lasting impressions. 

• Major is a pawsome symbol of the American dream in a way.  You don’t have to be born into a position because of your upbringing and breed. You can earn it by walking the right path. Making a pawsitive impact on your companions and contributing to society counts. Major is no show dog even though we think he is fabulous! The Bidens found Major at the Delaware Humane Association. They fostered him at first. Then…

Practical Pointers for First-Time Pet Owners

By: Penny Martin, TMC Contributor

 Getting a pet is an exciting experience. From providing companionship to offering amusement, an animal will enrich your life in many ways in the future. It can even improve your wellbeing: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the health benefits of owning a pet include lower cholesterol, decreased blood pressure, and diminished feelings of loneliness. You can repay all that your pet does for you by creating a cozy and caring home for them. Find out how to prepare as a first-time pet-owner. 

 Choose the Animal Wisely

 Different pets are suitable for different types of people. Older adults who have limited mobility may be better off with cats or birds, which don’t require regular walks. Other factors to consider include the size of your home and yard, cost of the animal’s upkeep, and how much time you have to devote to the animal’s care. If anyone in your family has allergies, this is also a…..

NO “SHADY PINES” FOR POOCHES

THE MUTTLY CREW BARKS WITH PEYTON’S PLACE ANIMAL RESCUE CO-FOUNDER DANIELLE MARCHETTI. 

SITE LINK: HTTPS://PEYTONSPLACEANIMALRESCUE.ORG/
FB: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PEYTONSPLACEANIMALRESCUE/
INSTAGRAM: @PEYTONSPLACEANIMALRESCUE

Give it up for furry seniors! Our crew spoke to a rescue founder making a difference for older dogs. Danielle Marchetti and her husband Anthony founded Peyton’s Place Animal Rescue. You may guess that its namesake is based on former NFL quarterback star Peyton Manning. But it is mainly to honor their Papillon/Japanese Chin/Maltese angel who passed away. Danielle, Anthony and their pack help dogs find good homes for their golden years. This is no “Shady Pines” and we are sure Golden Girl Sophia Petrillo would give her approval. We are happy to share their tips on helping furry elders live their best life in this article!

Keep in mind, this is a more unique type of rescue group covering areas in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Arkansas. Because they deal with more mature dogs, they potentially work with more medical issues. And many of the dogs they take in have already had a lifetime of mixed experiences. Some are from shelters or surrenders. The rescue says it will also not turn away younger dogs that need help, even if they are expecting a litter of puppies! Birds like parrots can also fly into this rescue too. With the onset of COVID-19, like many others, the rescue’s number of adoption and foster applications jumped. Demand grew but so did the “fur-baby supply.” More dogs are…

TAKING TIME FOR A HAPPY HOME

THE MUTTLY CREW INTERVIEWS DOG TRAINING POWER COUPLE JAMIE AND MICHAEL BADIAL. THEY ARE THE FOUNDERS OF BEST PAW FORWARD (BPF) IN CHALFONT, PA.

Site link: https://bestpawforwardinc.com/dog-trainers/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/BestPawForwardPA

IG: @BestPawForward

Putting your best foot or paw forward with an aggressive dog can be challenging. How does a family help their furry child transition from exerting hostility to calmness and obedience? What do you do if you feel like there is not enough time to give your dog the attention he or she deserves? How can your dog and you have more peace of mind? Michael and Jamie Badial have the experience to answer those key questions.  And the BPF cofounders start part of their furry client investigation at home, literally. Michael and Jamie, along with their team of trainers, board and teach challenged pooches in their own homes. This pack embraces others’ furbabies as their own with positive reinforcement. For many dog parents, a professional’s home is preferred over a kennel or camp. Their 4-legged kids get more attention with less risk of a snout-to-snout paw fight.  And if the trainers don’t mind their own furniture and backyard getting chewed up, they will probably be very patient and understanding. The BPF crew says making the time to train dogs whether the parents can be involved or need more of their support is key. And they have quite the pawprint in the training field, guiding hundreds of other professionals.  Not only with dog…

WOOF OF WALL STREET

The Muttly Crew takes a deeper look at the world of rescue. We spoke with former Wall Street warrior Jen Mihocko-Tierney. She is the founder and Executive Director of Town & Country K9 ResQ LTD. 

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/TownCountryK9ResQ/

Site: http://townandcountryk9resq.org/

This is no random walk down woof street! (Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves). Taking in a new, unfamiliar dog can certainly make for a more unpredictable situation in the short term. But if you stick with that pooch for the long term, you will probably see a rewarding upward trend. 

We chatted with Town & Country K9 ResQ founder Jen Mihocko-Tierney. After a lucrative and cut-throat career in trading and investment banking, Jen applied her skills and her heart to saving dogs. Though she ate peers for lunch at work, she would not walk into a shelter because it hurt her too much. Prior to starting her own rescue, she began donating generously to the cause. Jen quickly learned for many, there are no rules in rescue. There are many bad actors involved in scams like puppy flipping and sharing of misleading information.

TRAINING FROM THE HEART

The Muttly Crew interviews Michael Asirvadem, Founder of Westside K9 and “Friends for Life” Project  

For many dog parents, hearing professional trainer Michael Asviradem’s advice is an enlightening experience. It’s similar to achieving the perfect, peaceful walk with your dog. You are moving at the same pace and in harmony. The weather is ideal. While any distraction, whether an unruly squirrel or a nosy neighbor is not a problem. You both are going with the natural flow. Michael’s love for critters and animals, particularly dogs, steered him to train and walk them. But what an interesting journey he took to get here! When Michael was younger, his mom was scared of what he may have in his pocket. It could have been an insect or a frog. He grew up in Sri Lanka with elephants roaming in his backyard. He was considered the adventurous wild child of the family. Michael grew up and fetched a corporate event management job. But a desk could not contain him. He became a news field reporter. He was shot twice, swam through a tsunami and has been put through a wall. During all of this, his heartfelt passion remained with animals and children.  Michael involved himself in humanitarian work helping children affected by war. Particularly child soldiers.  Later, he revisited his relationship with….

COUPLING DOG CARE AND BUSY CAREERS 

THE MUTTLY CREW FETCHES A COUPLE’S POINT OF VIEW ON DOG PARENTING AND FOSTERING 

LINK TO INSTAGRAM: @EASTCOASTCANINERESCUE

When we looked to Jackie and Ben for dog parenting advice, we knew we were barking up the right coupled tree! Work does not end at their (virtual) offices.  These two social distance, while they ensure their fur-children get enough exercise and maintain some routines to keep their adorable heads on straight. The pair is also active in the foster community. 

 Jackie, a tax accountant and rescue volunteer, and Ben, an IT account executive, are “furever” parents to 2 furry children. Their daughter Sadie is a Border Collie / Lab mix. And they describe their son Cooper as having everything in him! In 2019, young Cooper was already in the picture when they started fostering Sadie. Jackie and Ben had found their son at a pet store and adopted him at 7 weeks. They fostered before and while raising…

Five of Bohdi's Favorite Dog Movies

 I was very happy when my person asked me to be a guest columnist this week. 

 While most humans are having had a rough time during COVID 19, adoption rates at shelters across the country have sky-rocketed. And what have my fellow "ruffs" and their new person been doing while quarantining at home - watching movies. Yes! Watching lots of movies. 

 I felt you might like to know five of my favorite dog movies that are available on a number of cable and streaming services. I promise you, your dog will love them – as will you!

Lassie Come Home (1943)

As a dog, Lassie has always been a hero to me. In my humble dog opinion, this film started it all for dogs in movies, and is still a classic today. The film is about a destitute family who has to sell their dog, a collie named Lassie, because they can't afford….

LIFE WITH CHEETOH

By: Lashawn Garnes, Cat Guardian (TMC Contributor)

 Cheetoh is a feline of peculiar patience, or should I say lack thereof. He insists on having my undivided attention. Curls up near my feet, reaches up with one paw so that I may stop what I’m doing to pet him.

Petting him requires me to set aside time to give him a massage around his neck, stroke the left and right side of his cheeks and brushing his coat from the top of his head all the way down to his tail bone. Cheetoh then falls to his right side into a relaxed spread out position in which he experiences a moment of ecstasy. His eyes squint with approval.

Cheetoh can see the unseen—spirits. It’s quite fascinating to see my cat look up, turn his head left and right then up and down, followed by a sprint down the hallway, running away into the kitchen or into the living room. He watches the spirits in the house go about their day, existing with us. How do I know that they are…

FOSTER & ADOPTION SUPER MOMS 

THE MUTTLY CREW INTERVIEWS 3 BUSY AND INSPIRATIONAL MOTHERS TO KIDS WITH TAILS

The number of foster and adoption applications are soaring. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, dogs and cats are in demand by individuals and families, like never seen. We spoke to rescue organizations that are seeing growth in parent hopefuls jump from around 10 per month to 100. And many of those looking to embrace a furry companion have never done it before. For some, it has been a long time since they had a kid with a tail in the family.  Considering our own Crew’s current experience as a mother and an aunt to 4-legged children, we learned knowing what to expect, can go a long way in being a super pet-parent. We spoke to 3 busy and dedicated mothers to fur-babies. Their little companions include hairy and feather-kids too!  They kindly shared their insight and stories. We hope to help rookies find their footing with fostering and adoption. Check out these Q&As, where we paw-picked from some of their helpful responses:

Fostering During The Pandemic

The Muttly Crew Interviews Fostering Expert: Tiffany Justine c., East Coast Canine Rescue(ECCR)

Links to Instagram: @the.muttly.crew @fosteraholic @eastcoastcaninerescue

Our crew sniffed out in-depth advice from an active foster expert. We had the pleasure of speaking with rescue volunteer, “paws-on” mother, and foster parent Tiffany Justine C. She is a mom to…

Q&A:
The Muttly Crew (TMC):  Any advice for new pooch fosters?

Tiffany Justine (TJ):  Make friends! They can share tips, advice, and are an amazing support system. I can’t tell you how many wonderful people and life-long friends I’ve met through the rescue community.

TMC:  During our conversation, you mentioned: "the goal is goodbye."  Great words! Please explain more.

TJ:  There are lots of sayings and idioms in rescue and that one is probably my favorites. Saying…

FUR-Loughed

Being a Dog During a Pandemic

By: Bohdi the Rescue Mutt @adkunsolicited (Contributor)

My name is Bohdi. I was wandering on the streets of Venice, CA when I was in a rescued by my person. That was in March 2013. For the last seven years my person has taken me on a walk, usually 2-3 miles, every morning where I get to see my friends. I also get to see my person's friends who moved here from Australia that he has coffee with almost every day. 

            When the pandemic hit a lot of my friends' person stopped taking long walks or simply took my friends out to do their business…then right back home. 

            I haven’t seen one of my best friends, Maddie, in a long time. When she would see us coming, no matter how far away we were, she would stop in her tracks…..

MICRONESIAn MUTTS

BY: JOY CHARLES, THE MUTTLY CREW (CONTRIBUTOR)

On the islands, sand and coconut trees are as common as seeing crystal blue sky and cotton balls of clouds. Surprisingly, pups are also common, roaming freely around the beaches and mountain terrains. At 9 years old I anointed myself an amateur veterinarian, rescuing abandoned puppies and closing wounds on strays. One specific time remains vividly in my mind, when I rescued a handful of pups left in the bush. It was a rainy day and I could hear puppy screams from my bedroom. I grabbed a bucket and headed out with a flashlight, the skies were dark and no one was around. I peeled the bushes to find a spotted band of misfits, pink noses, with eyes still closed crawling over one another, 5 little blessings. Upon cleaning the fab five, I realized that their eyes were stuck with maggots, it was gross but…

Diapers, Diapers, Diapers series (Part 1,2&3):

Caring for a Newborn and a Senior Dog at the Same Time

By: Julie, The Muttly Crew

Our senior dog-son Teddy lost control of his “plumbing” 18 months ago. He suddenly could not pee on his own. We had a difficult time helping Teddy relieve himself. He became excessively thirsty all the time. Months passed of him having checkups, infections, catheterizations, good and bad days. Then, last spring his back started to bother him. We found out later he probably has slipped discs. As expected by any seasoned dog parent, Teddy’s comfort, our lifestyle and freedom were instantly and greatly compromised.

WHAT WE LEARNED AT THE WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW

BY: THE MUTTLY CREW TEAM

As we descend the stairs to our seats at the Madison Square Garden arena, the audience cheers sound like catcalling on a New York City sidewalk. Some patrons cheering for certain dog breeds shouted statements like “work that sh#t!” and “looking hot, nice legs!” Our excitement to finally attend the primetime session of the 2020 Westminster Dog Show was paired with our intrigue of the fellow attendees, parading of the furry centerfolds and the ambiance. And the jumbotron honing in on the dog of mention was a bonus! The screen showed the camera zooming in on the furry contestant and his or her handler with a list of traits possessed by that breed. It was so interesting for us as dog apparel creators and advocates for companion adoption! We love and adore all types of dogs, even purebreds! Catch that 😊. As familiar as we were with the show and some of its history, 144 years in the making, we learned…