January Petco Clearance Finds

01/03/2014

My family consists of me, my husband, and our two dogs Nina and Shadow. Since half of our family is canine one of my favorite stores is Petco... after all it's where the pets go right?

Petco has won my loyalty easily over Petsmart. They carry better foods well Petsmart has the grocery store dog food brands which FYI are not very good for your canine companion. Our dogs aren't on a strict diet, something that might change after their vet appointment today, one is over weight and the other seems to have some kind of allergy. We watch what their dog food is however, and we prefer to feed the Whole Earth Farms food by Merrick. Petco carries this type of dog food, they have other good choices as well.

My favorite thing about Petco? The clearance of course! My least favorite thing? The bathrooms... or the groomers, although I haven't used the groomers I have heard horror stories, and I could write a couple horror stories about the bathrooms!

I almost always find good deals in Petco, and rarely pay retail for anything other than their food and the occasional rawhide. A few days ago I hit jackpot in Petco, for $48 I got

• 30lb bag Whole Earth Dog Food ($20)
• 17.5 lb bag Whole Earth Dog Food ($10)
• 8 lb bag Whole Earth Dog Food ($6)
• 2 can covers (.40)
• 4 cans of Canyon Creek Ranch dog food ($4)
• A dog toy (1.50)
• A chew toy ($3)
• Cat toothpaste ($1)

One of the bags of dog food had a $4 off coupon attached to it which saved me money! Normally their 30lb bag of dog food runs about $48 after tax so I essentially got everything after that free. I did make two concessions 1. Cat toothpaste, I have dogs but I figure it will work just the same 2. The 17.5 lb bag is a senior formula and my oldest dog isn't considered a senior yet... however it isn't bad for them to have this dog food or unhealthy in any way. 

If you have pets I would recommend stopping into Petco often. I like to take my pets, that way they get excitement and socialization. I often find great buys there, organic treats, dental chews, toys! I <3 Petco!

Dog Trainers, is it worth it and do you need it?

01/01/2014

As many of my readers know we have two dogs: Shadow and Nina. Shadow is the younger of our dogs, weighing in at a whopping 60 lbs and over a year old. Nina weighs in around 23 lbs and she is 3-4 years old! Shadow has been our problem child!

When I got Nina she was a day from being put down. I took her out of pity, but I love her she is nothing but a snuggle bug and she will lick you to death if you let her. She is also a bit snobby, and prissy... and she doesn't always like to follow commands.

Shadow is our half wolf! He had puppy mange when we got him and every winter develops a skin condition we are going to the vet tomorrow for. He also has gotten worms quiet a few times, and is a dog who you have to watch out for getting bloat! Beyond smaller health concerns for him he also has behavioral issues. It is hard to think of the biggest problems.... hmmm,

• Fence Jumper (we have a enclosed yard and he can't be outside without a leash)
• Eating Unauthorized Food (I found him ON the counter once and he routinely takes anything he can)
• Whining, when he doesn't have to go out!
• Pulling on a leash, anymore he only does this when there is another animal
• Jumping on people, he gets over excited with guests and will jump!
• Not ALWAYS coming when called, when he does get loose his recall isn't great
• Doesn't obey commands outside

We have seen a dog trainer for him, but only to get him to walk on a leash and address his nutritional needs. Since watching how quickly that trainer whipped him into shape I have often considered taking him to classes. I would rate my skill at dog training above the average joe but perhaps not. My dogs know tricks but they have many undesired and rude behaviors. 

Classes in our area are around $300-$700 for a 7 week basic class... the problem is my dog already knows the tricks!

In my opinion, trainers can be VERY useful but basic classes are great when your dog is a PUPPY! I have already taught my dog most of what is taught in the classes, at his age I would think one on one personalized sessions would be much more effective and cost efficient! 

What are your thoughts on dog trainers?

New Years Resolution

12/30/2013

Sitting on my blog page and thinking about how long its been since I have posted and how much has changed I realized what time of the year it is. We are wrapping up one year and headed for the new year. It's a time of hope, and yet every new day, week, or month could have the same significance. Our lives can change overnight. In nine months we can create a new life!

Despite the fact that I don't completely see why the new year bears so much more significance than any other time period I can say I am absolutely excited for the new year. Its a great time to restart, a clean slate, another chance.

This year I'm not making any New Years Resolutions. I'm looking forward to the New Year with hope and excitement because of all the things I plan to do in it. Life is constantly changing, and as people so do we. Next year will hopefully be the year my husband and I buy our first house, conceive our first child, the year my husband starts college and the year I graduate with my associates degree! There really is so much to look forward to!

What about you? Are you making New Years Resolutions? Do you ever keep them? Sound off in comments, thanks for reading =)

Christmas Cleaning

12/12/2013

Christmas seems to be the time when we all think about being charitable. Whether its due to some "Christmas Spirit", or the charities that are in full gear around the holidays who can say. Many of us over extend ourselves at Christmas buying gifts for those we know and love. I can't begin to guess how many gifts my mom bought this year!!

Yahoo Shine is one of my favorite online haunts and I found a couple interesting blogs on their recently, one was about a present free birthday party and the newest one was a present free Christmas. I, personally, reject the idea completely. I would feel sorry for a child who didn't get any presents for their birthday or Christmas, after all aren't their charities who operate to give gifts to children who otherwise wouldn't get any? (There are, my mom has participated for a few years now in gifting to them).

Anyway on to my topic: Christmas Cleaning

In my online readings I came across two people mentioning a similar idea: pre-Christmas cleaning/donations. One said that they tell their children they need to get old toys together so Santa's elves can recycle them and make new toys (wonder if these people are eco friendly?), the other mentioned having their children gather up unused toys and clothes to donate to children in need. This action encourages their children to be charitable, and makes room for their new presents. For the children who receive the gifts, used or not, I'm sure many of them are happy. Libraries, Daycares, Churches, etc would also generally be happy for gifted toys and books!