Top 10 Dog Friendly U.S Vacation & Destination Cities

Are you feeling down that summer time is coming to an end? Well, what better way to cheer up then taking a mini vacation with your family & furry buddy before the dog days of summer come to a close. We are sure your kids & dog won't be opposed!

We have some good news worth barking about. Our friends at DogFriendly.com, a
nationwide city & travel guide site for dog owners, compiled a 2009 list of the Top 10 dog-friendly vacation destination cities in the United States. Rank is based on the quality of dog-friendly accommodations, transportation, beaches, parks, attractions, stores, dining and things to do with your dog.

1. San Francisco -- Luxurious hotels. Plenty of pet-friendly patio dining. Many off-leash beaches and areas. Ride the cable car, walk the Golden Gate.

2. Austin -- Dine in outdoor cafes. Visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens. See the Congress Street Bats. Many off-leash parks.

3. Boston -- Tour Boston harbor by boat. Walk the Freedom Trail and explore many National Historical Sites. Your leashed dog is welcome on the subway.

4. Northern Virginia -- Enjoy a yappy hour or dine in dog- friendly Alexandria. Take the Canine Cruise. Visit outdoor monuments and nearby Washington.

5. Portland (OR) -- Enjoy off-leash areas and the famous Rose Gardens. Visit the Saturday Outdoor Market. Have a drink at the Lucky Lab.

6. Charleston (SC) -- Take a ghost tour or walking tour. See the grounds of the Magnolia and Boone Hall Plantations. Visit the beach.

7. Chicago -- Visit Navy Pier. Ride the Canine Cruise. See Buckingham Fountain, take a walk in Oak Park. Many dog-friendly patio restaurants.

8. San Diego -- Visit fabulous dog beaches. Shop at dog-friendly Otay Ranch with its dog park. Dine outdoors and hike many parks.

9. New York -- Stay in a fine hotel. Take a walking tour of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Shop at Time Warner Center. See the Balto Statue and Central Park.

10. Ann Arbor (MI) -- Visit Nichols Arboretum, rent a dog- friendly canoe. Visit nearby gardens and farms. Visit many local parks.

Honorable & tailwagging Mentions: Dallas, Madison/Wisconsin Dells, Minneapolis, Salt Lake, Seattle

twitter.com/PawLuxury

Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic travel goodies for your dog.

LOL Funny & Cute Pet Viral Video

Looking for a good laugh & adorable moments. Well here are some funny pet viral videos on the web that we've enjoyed and want to share with you. This is a laughing matter. Are you ready to roll on the floor laughing?












twitter.com/PawLuxury

Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic dog products made in the USA.

DIY: Make Your Own Frosty Paws Ice Cream Dessert for Your Dog

We came across a wonderful article on blisstree.com that gives an amazing recipe for making your own Frosty Paws pup-cream. We were so excited to find this recipe that we immediately, along with our dog got out our apron & mixing bowls. This is such a great recipe to make with the entire family, in fact humans can enjoy a bowl along with their tail wagging & happy top dog.

Frosty Paws Dog Ice Cream

32 oz vanilla yogurt
1 mashed banana or one large jar of banana baby
2 T. peanut butter
2 T honey

*Use plain yogurt with active cultures, great for aiding in your dogs digestion.

Instructions:

Blend all together and freeze in paper cups. Peel away the cups & place in your pets dish to serve. These can also be made in a non-salt automatic ice cream maker and served like regular ice cream in a dish.

DO NOT freeze in ice cube trays as your dog is likely to eat them so fast he’ll choke!

We hope your pups enjoy cooling down this with barkworthy, drool-tastic & delicious ice cream recipe made just for them. Okay, go ahead you can have a bowl too!!

twitter.com/PawLuxury

Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic dog products made in the USA.

Helping Paws-Spotlight on a Charity Salutes The National Canine Cancer Foundation (NCCF)

What is "Helping Paws- Spotlight on a Charity"?

Paw Luxury's "Helping Paws-Spotlight on a Charity" is dedicated to spreading awareness about pet related causes. As well as paying tribute to organizations that are helping our paw pals thrive, nurture the human pet bond & save lives. We're strongly committed to taking care of our environment, our communities and, most importantly, the future generation of dog lovers. We foster the belief that giving feeds the soul. So, that is why we have decided to start a new blog segment titled "Helping Paws: Spotlight on a Charity".

Every #woofwednesday on Twitter we will be spotlighting a pet charity, our unsung heroes who are dedicated to enriching & saving the lives of our deserving four legged friends. Our hope is that this segment will encourage you to give your time & voice in support of these wonderful charities. So, how can you help you can blog about our featured charity, tweet about them or support their cause. Also, email or tweet us if you know of a deserving charity that needs recognized or spotlighted on our blog. Together we can all make a difference!!

Todays "Helping Paws" Spotlight on a Charity is The National Canine Cancer Foundation.

What they do?

The National Canine Cancer Foundation is a nationwide, contribution funded, 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to eliminating Cancer as a major health issue in dogs by funding grants directly to Cancer researchers who are working to save lives, find cures, better treatments and accurate, cost effective diagnostic methods in dealing with canine Cancer.

The purpose of the Foundation’s Research Grant Program is to encourage and provide grant support for basic, pre-clinical and clinical research in high impact and innovative cancer research, which is intended to develop innovative approaches to a cure, treatment, diagnosis or prevention of cancers in dogs. The program fosters collaboration between basic and clinical scientists with the intent of enhancing the transfer of basic research findings to clinical usefulness.

Putting a face to this devastating life threatening disease is key. Click image to read their story & inspiration for the foundation.

Why should you care?

Canine Cancer affects one out of every three dogs. Of those, over half of them will die of cancer. The National Canine Cancer Foundation is asking for your help to fund important research grants that are working towards improving those statistics. Through a major project funded by the National Institute of Health, the mapping of the genome sequence of the dog has been complete. Knowing the mapping of every gene in the dog, gives researchers an advantage not yet achieved in humans.

How Can You Help?

Put your money where your heart is by making a heartfelt donation. Its no the size of the donation that matters but the size of the heart. So, whether your donation is big or small every bit helps the cause & saves lives. You can give a charitable donation to The National Canine Cancer Foundation (NCCF) in the following ways:

1. NCCF Core Membership

2. General Donation

3. Memorial Donation

4. Honor a Special Occasion

5. Honor a Friend or Veterinarian
6. The Suni Fund

Although the key to finding a cure is through donations to do research. However, if you can't give a financial donation at this time you can Bark the Word. Give your time, tweets & blogs in support of this wonderful non-profit. Spread the word about The National Canine Cancer Foundation "We Are the Cure" campaign to your circles of influence via word of mouth or word of mouse. Hey, you can use your tweets & blogging talents for good. Follow them on Twitter & tell your friends/tweeples to do the same. You can also recommend them to your paw pals & pet lovers on #woofwednesday. Or go the extra mile in support of their cause to find a cure for canine cancer by blogging about their charity:)

Upcoming NCCF event :

Show up & show your support-Lure for a Cure at Fido's Festival USA

NCCF is excited to bring Lure for a Cure to Fido's Festival USA on August 28030, 2009 at the Salem County Fairgrounds in Woodstown NJ. Join us in introducing our high performance lure coursing to the east coast. The fun will take place 4pm - 9pm on Friday, and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Lure Coursing is a crowd favorite. Every event that Lure for a Cure puts on draws huge crowds of spectators that have just a much fun watching as the dogs have running the course. And the best part of the National Canine Cancer Foundations "Lure for a Cure" is that the proceeds go to funding canine Cancer research.

Bring your dogs and let them do what comes natural and enjoy that fact that we are raising money to help beat Cancer.

Fido's Festival USA promises to be a fun-filled weekend for the whole family, so don't miss out! Find out more at http://www.fidosfestivalusa.com

Learn more about this barkworthy charity here:

Our blog can be seen at:http://www.wearethecure.org/blog
The main site is: http://www.wearethecure.org
Their Facebook page:
Twitter: @wearethecure



twitter.com/PawLuxury

Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic dog products made in the USA.

Breaking news: Dogs Love Treats!

Ok...we guess the fact that dogs loving treats is not breaking news, but it got your attention and that is what your dog wanted us to do.

Isn't it great when you shake your dogs favorite treat bag and they come running. At that moment it seems like they will almost do anything for you. You think they love you so much, they think GIVE ME THE TREAT! :-) Ok, they still love you.

So this is where you come in. Since you love your dogs so much you need to protect them and give them the safest treats you can. DO you know what is in the treats you are feeding your dog? DO you know where they are made? or who makes them?

You feed your dog the best food, so why do you always pick up the cheapest treats you can find? The poor quality treats that are packed with ingredients you can't even pronounce can be causing fido some tummy problems and perhaps health problems down the road.

In this blog post we want to highlight some wonderful all-natural, healthy and organic dog treats. These treats are the best of the best! They only include top quality ingredients, many times all human grade and most times all organic too. Isn't it time you reward your dog with the best dog treats too? You will feel good because you know they are eating only the best!

Take a look at these yummy treats and why they are great for your pup!

Paw Luxury Odor Free Bully Sticks are the only one of their kind. These All Natural Dog Chews are completely Odor Free. Most Bully Sticks on the market today leave your room with the pungent odor. Not the Paw Luxury Odor Free Bully Sticks. Our bully sticks come from free-range Brazilian cattle raised without the use of antibiotics and growth hormones. Our bully sticks are the pinnacle of quality as they are odor free and produced in an approved USDA human grade facility. Dogs love our bully sticks because they are great long lasting chews, and owners love them because they don't have the smell that most bully sticks on the market do! Give them a try and we are sure that both you and your pooch will love the Paw Luxury bully stick!

High-protein dog chew
Premium protein source
Supports strength, health and vitality
Odor Free, Non Stinky Odor
Healthy, Natural dog chew
Free of wheat, corn and soy
Made without artificial colors, flavors or by-products
No additives or preservatives, single ingredient

BARKWHEATS
Our certified organic sea vegetable (bladderwrack) powder comes straight from the cold ocean off the Maine coast and is free of heavy metals. Known for it's detoxification properties and weight control abilities (due to the stimulation of the thyroid), bladderwrack has been a staple in coastal culture for centuries as both a food and a medicine. Chamomile also works to calm inflammation and as a treatment for nerves and stomach ailments. Chamomile also helps to remove mucus buildup associated with colds and other infections. Add that to the soothing comfort that chamomile provides, and your dog is sure to give you a big, lapping thank you when you feed these biscuits!

Scavenges heavy metals from the blood
Promotes healthy digestion
Sea vegetables contain many micro-nutrients essential to a healthy life.
Chamomile is a popular treatment for anxiety and sleeplessness.

POLKA DOG
What dog doesn't love Peanut Butter? Choosy dog lovers choose Polka Dog ! A full can of these fresh-baked goods, wrapped with love, and packed the old fashioned way. Better buy two and pass them around the block. That mailman’s getting a little too confident. Peanut Butter Medley may include the following treat flavors:peanut butter oatmeal crunch, carob chip puppy dough, peanut butter beet jam, & peanut butter and cinnamon. All natural. Wheat free. Corn free. All of Polka Dogs treat are baked & prepared with your pups health and heart in mind

Wheat , Corn & Soy Free
Holistic 100% All natural - human grade ingredients
Free of sugar, salt, and preservatives

ZUKES HIP ACTION
It is true that we are as young as we feel, well in Spot's case as young as the wag in his tail. But truth be told that with age comes achy joints and sounds reminiscent of creaking floor boards & rusty hinges on a barn door. Does your dog have trouble climbing stairs, or is slow to get up? Does a long walk lead to limping, pain or achy hips and joint stiffness? Zuke's Hip Action glucosamine treats for dogs are an easy, delicious way to support joint function and maintain your dog's mobility. Every delicious bite contains a substantial dose of Glucosamine HCl (300mg) and Chondroitin Sulfate (50 or 250mg), plus cofactor vitamins, minerals and amino acids to aid in absorption and metabolism. Great natural alternative to pills or powder. Hip Action isn't just for older dogs, help maintain hip and joint function in younger dogs by feeding Hip Action daily.

Each bite contains 300 mg glucosamine and 250 mg chondroitin – Great Value!
Contains essential cofactor vitamins and minerals that aid in absorption
Eases arthritis pain and joint deterioration
Formulated with whole fresh fruit: blueberries (natural antioxidant), carrots (Vitamin A for healthy eyes), apples (promotes healthy immune system)
Contains Ground flaxseed (Omega-3 fatty acids)
Formulated with healthy whole grains – dietary fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals
Made in the USA with USA sourced meats, grains, fruits and vegetables
Healthy, Natural dog treat
Free of wheat, corn and soy
Made without artificial colors, flavors or by-products

So whatever flavor treat your dog loves, do your part and treat them to a healthy dog treat! Your dog will thank you! Good ingredients are important!

twitter.com/PawLuxury

Shop www.pawlux.com for all natural organic dog treats & movie goodies made in the USA.

Our New Blog Segment Helping Paws-Spotlight on a Charity Salutes Paws Atlanta

Here at Paw Luxury we are passionate about doing good by striving to give back to our community. One of our missions is to choose charitable organizations to support. From funding specific projects to donating products or our time to a cause that will benefit non-profits and animals. But we feel the most important thing anyone can do is bark the word & spread awareness about a bark worthy cause or charity.

We're strongly committed to to taking care of our environment, our communities and, most importantly, the future generation of dog lovers. We foster the belief that giving feeds the soul. So, that is why we have decided to start a new blog segment titled "Helping Paws: Spotlight on a Charity". Every #woofwednesday on Twitter we will be spotlighting a pet charity, our unsung heroes who are dedicated to enriching & saving the lives of our deserving four legged friends. Our hope is that this segment will encourage you to give your time & voice in support of these wonderful charities. Together we can all make a difference!!



Todays "Helping Paws" Spotlight on a Charity is PAWS Atlanta. PAWS Atlanta is a humane society located in Decatur, Georgia, just 10 minutes east of Atlanta.

What they do?

As a no kill shelter the cats and dogs in PAWS Atlanta's care stay there until they get adopted. Every pet adopted from PAWS Atlanta is spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, de wormed and microchipped.

The cats at PAWS Atlanta live in a cage free environment.

The dogs at PAWS Atlanta have inside and outside dog runs and a one acre wooded dog trail an off leash area.

In our 43rd year of operation PAWS Atlanta started operations as The Dekalb Humane Society. The name was changed in 2006 because of the incorrect perception that Dekalb County funded the organization.

In fact PAWS Atlanta has always operated on donations from the public, grants and fundraisers.


Most of the animals at PAWS Atlanta are picked up from local animal control offices. Unfortunately the supply is always greater than the demand and our cage space is rarely empty. Having said that PAWS Atlanta does adopt more than 1,000 animals a year. The sad fact of pet overpopulation dictates that regardless of how effective we are at finding them homes, there will always be more.


PAWS Atlanta does offer a vaccination clinic at least twice a month that is open to the public. This allows folks to get their pets vaccinated for $45 or to get a heartworm test or a la carte shots.

How Can You Help?

PAWS Atlanta can use help in a number of different ways:

1. Bark or Meow the Word. Pass the word about one of our great cats or dogs to your circles of influence. Hey, you can use your tweets & blogging talents for good. Follow us on Twitter & tell your friends to the same and blog about our charity:)

2. Attend one of our fundraisers. The next one is October 10, The Posh PAWty for PAWS Atlanta, hosted by Victoria Stilwell from the hit show "Its Me or The Dog".

You can purchase tickets to The Posh PAWty here.

3. Volunteer. We need folks to get walk dogs, socialize dogs, clean cat litter trays, tape animals (then upload them to YouTube) and more. How do you become a volunteer?

4. Adopt. Adopting a pet is the ultimate form of recycling. Get a shelter dog or cat, that's an easy way to help... Besides the joy of being a parent is priceless!

Regardless of how you can help, or what you can do-THANKS!

Learn more about this barkworthy charity here:

Our blog can be seen at: http://pawsatlanta.blogspot.com
The main site is: http://pawsatlanta.org
Our Facebook page:
Twitter: @pawsatlanta



twitter.com/PawLuxury

Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic dog products made in the USA.