A Murphy Christmas

Maybe you haven't met my best friend...

He's Murphy.

or Murph

or The Murphinator.

No matter what he's called,

he's the best furry friend a Lori could ask for.

And when you have a bestie like him,

you must have a stocking for him at Christmas

and he must receive fun items from "Santa" too!

Here of some of the things that will be under the tree for Murph

and a few things that he just LOVES that will make your pooch happy too.

Star Spinner

Murphy's brain needs to be active all of the time (Border Collies-Geesh!) and this will be a perfect, fun game.  I was super excited when I won the bid for this on an online auction for Lovers Not Fighters Pit Bull Rescue.  He's going to love it!

Mimi Green Reflective Collar

Okay, maybe Murphy doesn't care about this, but he's happy when I'm happy.  I'm happy when he's safe and I can see him.  It works well.  I love these collars because Murphy had a habit of breaking his dog tag off during his very active play and these collars are engraved with my contact information.  Perfect!

Yeti Dog Chew

Murphy loves these chews and it's easy to know why...it's cheese! Yep...it's Yak and Cow milk made into this hard cheese.  Now if your furry bestie is an aggressive chewer, DON'T get this.  My mom got one for sweet Daisy girl and it lasted just a few minutes. Yikes! At around $10 a chew, you would definitely want it to last a little bit longer than that. Murphy isn't an aggressive chewer...he's a savors each bite and nibble, so it's perfect for him.  (I have to admit that I purchased this for Christmas and have already given it to him.  He smelled it and I gave in.  I can't take those big eyes looking at me! Yes, I'm a sucker.)

Buster Dog Maze

When I leave for work, this makes me not feel as guilty because Murphy's face isn't so sad.  He knows that when I leave he has some of his favorite treats to find and get out of his maze.  It makes leaving this sweet face a little easier.

Chase 'n Pull

A holiday is not complete until I mention the best toy ever!  The Chase 'n Pull is the highest reward toy for Murphy, which means that he adores this toy and I keep it that way by only bringing it out once or twice a week.  He gets so excited as soon as I say, "Tug?!" Boom.  Murph is ready to run and run fast! Zoom!

These are just a few ideas,
but they are sure to make your pup happy and you feel good.

From myself and The Murph,

Merry Christmas to you!

Puppy! Puppy! Puppy!

Oh boy! I mean...

Oh girl! Oh girl!

In honor of the new addition to my dear friends' family,

I've decided to put together my list of essential puppy supplies.

The must haves for every family with a new puppy member.

When I adopted Murphy, I hadn't had a young dog for 16 years. 

It was a bit overwhelming to pick out things for him,

and I ended up spending a lot more money than necessary.

So, I will help save you some money by giving you my list of must haves. 
But first..meet Daisy. Isn't she the cutest?!

Though I'm sure you'll find many cute things to also purchase...I did.

 
 
 Top 10 Puppy Supplies
These supplies are in addition to the basics; food, kennel, bedding, and collar. Though you can go over to my blog post entitled, Top 10 Dog Products, for other ideas about those topics.

1. Feeding Mat by Platinum Pets- Dogs are messy eaters, and though this isn't a fancy supply you will love it! Unlike other mats, this one has a little lip so that all of the water drips and spilled food stays in one location and off of your floors.

Amazon Price: $14.95

2. Puppy Primer by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D. and Brenda Scidmore:

 

This is the first book to purchase and read.  Though once you begin reading advice from Dr. Patricia McConnell you will want to read more because she's AMAZING! Dog training and behavior can be complicated, but she gives simple and sound advice for seasoned and beginner dog owners.

Amazon Price: $13.46

3. Puppy Kong:

This is the toy that will help keep you sane and your puppy busy.  Stuff it with treats, or even better line it with peanut butter and your sweet puppy will be licking it clean.

Amazon Price: $6.40

 

Treats and lots of them- Here are my favorites.

4. Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Treats- These little, soft treats will entice your pup to practice her manners and training.

Amazon Price: $7.99

 

5. Natural Balance Beef Formula Dog Food Roll, 4-Pound- This is an economical way to always have high-quality natural treats on hand. Chop the rolls up into small bite-sized pieces and you're ready to train and reward positive behavior.

Amazon Price: $12.78

 

6. RC Pet Products Doggie Bag with Me Love Treats Pattern- You'll want to keep the treats in a handy spot and a treat bag is the perfect way to perfect sit, down, and stay. Plus, it's cute and who doesn't like cute?!

Amazon Price: $6.53

7. Roamer™ Leash from RuffWear

It's a hand-held, waist-worn, and bungee extending leash...perfect for an active pup and times when you need your hands free. This is our newest product purchase from Paws on the Beach in Lincoln City, Oregon. I was tired of the extend-a-leash and loved that this had a bungee-cord in the middle.

Amazon Price: $34.95


8. Kyjen Plush Water Bottle Buddy Dog Toy- This is a crunchy...crunch, crunch toy that will keep your pups chompers busy while you make dinner, chat with friends, or write your blog post.  Crunch! Crunch!
Amazon Price: $5.99

9. Premier Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harnesses for Dogs- No one enjoys walking a pup that tugs and tugs and tugs.  Other harnesses might be fine, but if your dog is as strong and determined as mine, than you definitely need a harness with a d-ring in the front.  That way when he or she tugs, it turns them around and away from whatever is catching their attention and bring their focus back to you.  Perfection.
Amazon Price: $15.87

10. Premier Pet Waggle Dog Toy- Wiggle-waggle, wiggle-waggle, this is a fun toy to help keep your puppy busy, again.  Keeping your pup active and their brain engaged will help them stay out of trouble and your furniture in one piece without teeth marks. The Busy Buddy toys will help on all fronts.

Most of all, enjoy the time with your puppy.  Run, prance, skip, and play! The time that they're so young is short and so important.  Help them become the best possible dog that they can be.

Remember, a happy and tired puppy, makes for a happy human.

Love,

Lori and Murphy

Our Top 10 Dog Products

I can be a bit picky about dog products, so can Murph. 

Some I like, some I don't. 

Murphy likes some of them, and he LOVES a few. 

Here is a simple list of the products that both Murphy and I love.

Number 10: Wham-O Frisbee
I know, I know...this isn't a official dog product, but it is by far the best Frisbee to use with your dog.  Murphy LOVES a Frisbee and I've gotten pretty good at throwing one, but this Frisbee makes throwing it well much easier.

#9: The Pet Lodge Crate
Crate training from an early age is crucial to raising a happy, secure dog.  Though it is comforting to have a dog snuggle with you in bed, but it's not a healthy sleeping arrangement for either you or your dog.  Dogs need a place that they feel is just theirs...a place that they can go to a feel safe.  Murphy loves his crate.  Sure he likes to snuggle, but when it's time for bed he snuggles into his own bed and we both sleep well.  I really like this crate because it have two doors and is big enough for Murphy to curl up, stand, and stretch.  Perfect.



Eight: Flying Duck Slingshot Dog Toy-Hyper Products
Bird?! Is that a bird?! Oh man, Murphy loves to chase birds...and with this toy he can chase and catch them without any real harm.  Plus, it's really durable!






http://www.castorpolluxpet.com/product/good-buddy-rawhide-bone


Number 7: Good Buddy Rawhide Bones
When Murphy deserves a treat (a BIG treat) this is what I pick up for him.  He doesn't get too excited over food, but he LOVES these.  Doesn't your pup deserve a treat?!



#6: FURminator: Medium Yellow Deshedding Tool
Right now my house is a fur magnet.  Every day I look around and find puffs of fluffy Murphy fur floating around, or clinging to something, or even landing right here on my computer keyboard.  At least with the FURminator I stand a chance against this Spring battle.


Number Five: Chuck-it
Junior LauncherThis one is really a no-brainer.  Every dog who loves to run and chase and catch, loves a ball.  The Chuck-it makes throwing a ball much easier for a none softball playing girl like myself.  Without it, I would never be able to throw a ball far enough to let  Murphy run full-out, but with it...well, I can set it sailing.
Glow-in-the-dark Ball



4: Roamer™ Leash from RuffWear

It's a hand-held, waist-worn, and bungee extending leash...perfect for an active pup and times when you need your hands free.  This is our newest product purchase from Paws on the Beach in Lincoln City, Oregon.  I was tired of the extend-a-leash and loved that this had a bungee-cord in the middle.




THREE: Thundershirt
You've seen 'em...or at least the advertising for this product.  But it really works!  Murphy gets really, REALLY nervous at loud noises, especially at the 4th of July.  This swaddling jacket is a lifesaver.  He doesn't really like it, but I know what's best.




#2- PureVida Dog Food-

Simply the BEST dog food I've found.  You may think, "What's the big deal about dog food?"  Well, there's a lot that is a BIG deal about dog food, and PureVida is miracle food.  Not only is it created here in the USA, but it's nutrient dense, which means that your dog will poop less.  LESS POOP!  If that's not something to be excited about then you are not picking up your dogs' poop.  (You really should be people...pick it up!)

NUMBER 1: Chase 'n Pull
The absolutely BEST, I mean BEST dog product ever created! When Murphy was a puppy, I used a fishing pole and feathers to make a toy like this.  He LOVED it, and I thought that it was going to be my million dollars idea!  Sadly, someone beat me to it.  But at least it's given me a way to wear out a very active Border Collie. 

Chase 'n Pull my life-saving dog toy.  Okay, it's not life-saving, but it does wear out my boy and some days, that saves my life...or at least my sanity.  I promise that if you have an active dog with a high prey-drive, this is the dog toy for you!  And order a couple replacement end tie-on's.  In three years I've had one pole and three tie-on's...I think that's a pretty good investment on daily fun with your pup!

Now, go out there and play people!
Have fun!

Heart Tugs

SO many times I have grandiose ideas. 

I generally think big instead of small.

I like to tackle big projects...

but sometimes my ideas are just too big for my time restraints.

Originally, I had wanted to make stuffies for a children's charity,

but the hand stitching of the faces has just taken too long to get them done before Christmas. 

So now I have a couple bear faces in the middle of construction and a huge pile of fleece. 

I'm going to save the bears that I've started, but there is just no way that I can conceivably finish them this year...so they will be saved until the summer when I have more time. 

What to do with all of this fleece?! 

I really want to use it for a charity project...but what would be useful and needed? 

Also, what could I really finish in-between all of the other things that I want to finish?! 

Ahhh....dog tugs.

Murphy and his sweet friend IO play tug-a-war using fleece tugs every time they get together.  They fling the tug around, tease each other, run around, and talk smack(Woof! Rrrrrr! You know, smack.) to each other while tugging.  If these two have so much fun with tugs, other dogs will as well.

I love making these tugs and dogs seem to LOVE them just as much.

So, I found simple and easy instructions at The Crazy Simple Life

Please click on the site to read detailed directions.

 

My large pile of fleece would take a lot of time for me to make each and every tug.

Good thing I had a fabulous group of families

with a lot of little hands to help twist, braid, and tie tugs.

 

 Again, a HUGE thank you to Mission:Salt + Light and

the Little Lights for all of your twisting and knotting!

Endless hours of fun will be had using these tugs.