From Now on "Like" us on Facebook!

From now on we will be continuing our blog posts on our New Facebook Page! "Like" us at http://facebook.com/bestfriendswheatridge

Keeping your pets safe during the holiday season

The holiday's are nipping at our heels just as Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, be prepared this holiday season.  Click here for more details on how to keep your pet safe this holiday season. 

Thanksgiving Dinner

Did you know that we serve a Thankgiving meal for all our doggie friends when they stay with us over the holiday?  We cook up all the yummy goodies the day just before Thanksgiving and serve it during dinner time on Turkey Day!  Mmmm something smells good!  

Ski season is here!

Heading up to the mountains to hit the slopes?  Bring your furry friend to us for his own get away!  Call today to book your pet for his own ski weekend. 

Betty White teams up with Morris Animal Foudation

It's on everyone's mind, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, how will we clean it up and how will we help the wildlife.  Betty White promises to match $25K in Donations to Morris Animal Foundation for Wildlife.  Click here to read more about this amazing promise and how you can help. 

Furry Scurry this weekend!

Don't forget the Denver Dumb Friends League will be holding their 17th Annual Furry Scurry at Washington Park.  There is still time to register, click here to register now. 

Cart Pulling-A favorite for Nadja and her Bernese Mountain Dogs

By Nadja Torling

Bernese Mountain Dogs originated in Bern, Switzerland. They were farm watchdogs that accompanied the cows to pasture and pulled the cart with dairy products to the market. Today, Bernese owners continue to honor their dogs' heritage by doing draft work. This can be just for fun; hauling the grass clippings to the compost pile in the yard, participating in parades or giving rides to the kids in the neighborhood. For those who want to get a little more serious, there’s the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America’s draft test. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) introduced a draft test in 1991 that has grown immensely in popularity. It’s a series of exercises designed to develop and demonstrate the hauling abilities of the Bernese. Two judges evaluate the entrants. The teams, the dog and handler, are evaluated on their performance of the exercises, teamwork and willingness to work. The handler is encouraged to talk to the dog during most portions of the test.

There are three parts to the test; the basic control, maneuvering, group stay and freight haul. During the basic control the team performs a heeling pattern determined by the judges, including turns, halts and changes of pace. A recall finishes this part of the test. Next the dog is harnessed and hitched to the cart and the team completes a maneuvering course that includes loading the cart, backing up, going through a narrow gate, greeting a “friendly stranger”, making turns and circles around obstacles and passing visual and audio distractions. After this part the team gets a break while the other contestants perform the same exercises. After all teams have finished the maneuvering course, they enter the ring and do a “stay” where the dogs have to remain in one place without changing position for three minutes. Three minutes is a lot longer than you think! Finally, the entrants head out for a half-mile freight haul where the dogs in the novice class pull 20 pounds and the dogs in the open class pull their own weight. Keep in mind these dogs can weigh up to 120 lbs! The dogs that pass each part receive a draft title.

If you are interested in teaching your dog to pull a cart, visit the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America’s website, to learn more.

About the Author, Nadja.  Having been around dogs all her life, Nadja has built her career and personal life around canines.  She is an integral part of the professional team at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital and has dedicated her life to all furry creatures.  Nadja has also taught dog training classes for many years, competed in conformation and obedience, and has earned the title of AKC Canine Good Citizen with many of her personal dogs.  Needless to say, Nadja has let her life "go to the dogs"! 

                                                     

         Pictures clockwise:  Henry giving a little

Papillion friend a ride.  Henry and Nadja

giving cart rides during Responsible Dog

Owner Day 2006.  Fisher, Nadja's newest  

team member showing off his new ride!       

Centennial Celebration

The year 2010 marks the 100th Birthday for the Denver Dumb Friends League!  On September 8, 1910, five Denver women incorporated the Denver Dumb Friends League.  A century later, the League continues to serve the eight counties that make up the Denver Metro area with two shelters, thus fulfilling the dreams and visions of its founders.   To learn more click here.     

Want to see an AWESOME part of the history of Colorado's humane society history?  Click here to view the history timeline of Denver Dumb Friends League. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Denver Dumb Friends League! 

Best Friends is Spotlighted at the NJ Super Pet Expo

At the New Jersey Super Pet Expo Danielle, the manager from our Windsor, NJ location was interviewed for the "How Cute is Your Pet" segment of The Cute Pet Gazette.   Check out her interview about Best Friends Pet Care.

Dog Training

Best Friends Wheat Ridge is pleased to announce the newest member of our team.  Natalie Hawkins has joined the team as Dog Trainer.  She brings with her 20 years of experience training dogs and horses.  She uses holistic techniques and also works with dogs who have behavioral problems.  We will be starting a new Puppy Kindergarten Class (puppies 3-6 months of age) on April 6, 7:00 PM.  On April 8, 2010 we will start a new Basic I Class at 7:00 PM.  Call to sign up or discuss other training options with Natalie (303)422-2055.  Sign up for a new class and use the attached coupon! 

Funny Cat Clip

Please click here for Mystical Cat

Labrador Retrievers

Once again, Labs are the most popular dogs in the United States! Click here to read the article by Maria Goodavage.

Playgroup is FUN!

"Of course we can share, isn't that what playgroup is all about"?  Best Friends offers playgroup for all boarding dogs who play well together.  What better way to spend your doggy time while mom and dad are away!  Playgroup is a supervised 45 minute session with up to 10 dogs in each group, where the dogs run off leash in the yard to romp and play with their friends.  Sign your dog up today!

Great Dane Meetup this weekend

The Denver Great Dane Meet Up will be meeting at our place this Saturday, February 20th at 12:00 Noon.  We have a great big yard for all our great dane friends!  As usual, all dogs who play well with others are welcome to join in on the fun.   

Valentine's Day Bailey Style

This is the most heart warming story, and just in time for Valentine's Day.  This Boxer, Bailey is so lucky to have Gina as her angel.  Click here to watch the video about Bailey and see how you can help the Denver Dumb Friends League this Valentine's Day. 

DONATE NOW

Great Dane Meetup

The Denver Great Dane Meetup on February 20, 2010 will be hosted by Best Friends Pet Care in Wheat Ridge. All the Great Danes will meet at our place at 12:00PM and have free run of the large outdoor yard on the front of the property. Bring all your friends, danes, and dogs for an afternoon of fun and festivities!

Pet Telethon this Weekend

Don't forget the Pledges for Pets telethon this Sunday, January 31, 12-5PM live on Fox31. Help support the Denver Dumb Friends League and call in to make your pledge!

Denver Great Dane Meet Up

 Hey!

We need more Daniacs this Saturday. 

This Saturday, January 30th the Denver Great Dane Meet Up is meeting at Elk Meadow Open space Bark Park in Evergreen.  RSVP's are low so far and they need at least 5 people committed to hold the event.  If you own a Great Dane who plays well with others, join the Denver Great Dane Meet Up group today!  It's always so much fun to see all the danes running around, romping, slobbering, and playing with each other.  It's also a great way to connect with fellow dane lovers. 

Look at the Ducks!

Today one of our boarding guests spotted a few ducks while taking her walk and explore today.  Did you know that Best Friends Wheat Ridge is surrounded by Prospect Park?  It's just a hop, skip, a couple shakes of a dogs tail and a jump away from the beautiful Prospect Lake.  When you sign your dog up for a "walk and explore", one of our certified activity associates takes your dog to the park for a great time walking and exploring.  We all know how much dogs love to be a part of nature especially when they get to see other creatures in their natural habitats.

Dumb Friends League Upcoming Events

The Denver Dumb Friends League has a few exciting events coming up.  On Sunday, January 31, from 12-5P.M., they will be having their "Pledges for Pets" Telethon live on Fox31.  Click here for more information

May 1, 2010 is the offical date for the Annual Furry Scurry and registration is now open! 

Coping with Dry, Itchy Skin

Is your pet scratching and licking more than usual? It could be winter itch caused by dry heated air in your home. Just as heated indoor air is harsh on your skin and hair, it makes your pet's skin dry and itchy and fills his coat with static.


You can make your pet more comfortable with a little extra attention to weekly home and professional grooming. Best Friends grooming salon has a wide variety of services, from remoisturizing shampoos to fancy nail polish. Call (303) 422-2055 today for an appointment.

Zebra Zoo Baby at Denver Zoo

Endangered in their native Kenya and Ethiopia, the Grevy's Zebra is the world's largest equine species (i.e. largest horse-like critter). In addition to their breeding efforts, like this little foal born November 27th, the Denver Zoo works with communities in Kenya to educate people on steps they can take to help protect this endangered species. The zoo even offers undergraduate scholarships in Kenya for the next generation of local wildlife leaders.

 

                                                              

            

  Photo credits: Dave Parsons / Denver Zoo

Best Friends Makes a Donation to Local Animal Rescue

Santa Visits Local Animal Rescue!

Each year Best Friends in Wheat Ridge sets up an "Angel Tree" in our center, where we collect cash donations and other supplies for homeless dogs and cats in our community.  This year we collected supplies for the Hope for Animals Rescue. 

Thanks to our very generous customers, our Angel Tree Program turned out to be a great success!  Last week we were able to deliver many large bags full of goodies to the rescue. 

Still want to donate?  It's never to late!  Give us a call or stop by our center anytime; we are happy to help! 

Great prices on popular Eagle Pack & Eagle Pack Holistic Select

We carry the full line of Eagle Pack and Eagle Pack Holistic Select dog and cat foods.  Your search has ended for a convenient and competitive Eagle Pack retailer.  Stop by today and take a bite out of Eagle Pack!

Dog paws vs. Ice Melter

Did you know that pets who walk on "de-iced" sidewalks and driveways are prone to dry, chapped paws? The pain from this happening will make them want to lick their paws. Injestion of the chemicals used to "de-ice" can cause gastrointestinal upset.


Please click on link below for a pet safety checklist.
 
http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/diseasesall/a/coldweatherlist.htm