Last Minute Christmas Gifts

We are down to 5 shopping days until Christmas, so if you are looking for something perfect for the pet or pet lover in your life, this list should help.  I love the smart phone skin, I am so attached to mine that being able to really personalize it would be great.  The Dachshund soap is perfect for my mom, she is lover and former breeder of Dachshund's, her whole tree is decorated with Dachshund ornaments.  There are some great finds for the special dog or cat in your life as well, the beds that they feature in this list look very warm and comfortable!  I know my cat keeps telling me about it.

I hope these lists help, happy Christmas shopping!

To view the list for Pet Lovers, bark on the link:  Bark! 

To view the list for Pets, bark on the link:  Bark! 

A Little Bit Of Silly For Friday

With this being the last weekend of shopping before Christmas, I thought I would send you all into the weekend with a silly video that was sent to me by one of our readers and I have been watching all week.  This little pooch is the cutest and he has much better dance moves than I do.  I laugh and aw at it each time I watch!  I also thought that after my Grinch-like comments in yesterday, I should give you all something much more upbeat.

Enjoy the video and good luck for those of you with last minute shopping to do.

If you have a story or video to share, bark on the link and send it to me:  Bark!

Michael Vick Wants A Pet Dog

I know that at this time of year, I should be forgiving and feel empathy for others, give second chances.  But when it comes to Michael Vick, I don't feel this way.  Hearing him say in the interview video below that he wants a pet dog and that he is an animal lover, makes my skin crawl.  Yes, I know he has been hard at work talking to youth on behave of the Humane Society of the U.S., but I just can't buy in.  What did was beyond wrong and I don't believe he should ever be allowed to own an animal ever again.  I am sorry that this affects his daughters, I hope one day they can have a dog, but not him.  I strongly feel that this has to be part of his punishment, after what he did to all of those dogs, in my opinion he doesn't deserve to ever feel the love, loyalty and compassion from a dog.

Many of you may disagree with me and respect what he has done to turn around his life and feel he deserves a second chance.  My hat is off to you for your ability to forgive.

I will let you all form your own opinion, watch the full interview below:

Some Holiday Fun Downtown

Have you been to the Ice Skating Rink in Pershing Square yet?  If not, tonight might be the night to go, Rock Around the Ice kicks off tonight.  It is a concert free concert series on Wednesdays from 8-10 PM through January 5th.  Tonight, Wednesday, December 15th starts off the event with the sound of the 80's with The Motels.  In the weeks to come you can look forward to the sounds of The Spazmatics, Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats and Flashback Heart Attack to name a few.  For more about this series, bark on the link:  Bark!

Looking for something to do with the kids?  Breakfast with Santa would be a hit for sure!  Patina Restaurant Group is hosting their second breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 18th at the Music Center of Los Angeles.  The event will be from 9:30 AM - Noon and there will be activities for the kids, a visit from Santa and a traditional holiday brunch.  It is $39 for adults, $16 for kids 3 - 10 and free for kids under 3 and the Music Center is located 135 N. Grand Ave.   To make reservation call (213) 972-756, or bark on the link for more information:  Bark!

Still looking for fun, shopping or great places to eat over the holiday?  Don't forget the Guide to the Holidays in Downtown to help you out.  Just bark on the link to view all the choices you have:  Bark! 

Dog Saves Owner From Fire

I love rescue stories this time of year, but especially when they are about our pets rescuing us.  A little Manchester Terrier mix named Peanut (not pictured above) woke his owner, Teresa Brown, just in time to get up and get out of their burning house.  As they exited the burning embers started to rain down on the bed.  Teresa lost everything and has no insurance to replace a thing, yet she is thankful to have her life and her faithful pet Peanut.  You could even say she is optimistic about where this "adventure" will take her.  It is a perfect story right before Christmas.

Watch the video below for the full story:

To view Dogster's original article, bark on the link:  Bark!

What Is Happening With The Cornfield?

I think one of the best parks to go to in Los Angeles is the Cornfield, also referred to as Los Angeles Historic State Park on Spring Street.  It is the perfect place to take your dog for a session of fetch or few laps around the track.  It is a day of fun with your dog for sure. 
The California State Parks Department announced last week their future plans to improve this park.  After securing money from Prop 84 (passed in 2006), they have planned an $18 million make over.  It will expand the current 13 acres, creating amenities such as pavilions, an architectural display, permanent restrooms and additional parking. It may also hide or move the high-speed train system that runs right past the park.  In the future plans, the train could run right through the middle of the park or the park officials may end up moving the tracks.  
I really do not want to see the train tracks moved, part of the charm of the park are the trains racing past.  I think there is a compromise that the park officials and the train system can come to that will allow the park to expand and the train to exist.  My fingers are crossed that the optimism being shown from the State Parks Department that all will work out will push this along and by 2013 we will have a bigger and better park to frolic in with our dogs and each other as planned.

To show you what great fun you can have at the Cornfield, watch the video below: 






For the full story, bark on the link: Bark!

Dog Helps Save Owner

It seems that more and more stories are coming out about dogs saving their owners or staying with them until they are found.  I don't know if it is happening more often or if we are just hearing about it more.  There is such a special bond between owner and dog and when dogs see their owners in distress the first response is almost always to help.  But our definition of "help" and their definition may be different.  Thinking your dog will run to the nearest home and get help may not be the best way, but to stay by your side protecting you and waiting for help may be.
That is exactly the case with Yogi, a Golden Retriever,  and his owner Paul Horton.  Paul was taking a bike ride as usual with Yogi and went to jump from the dirt path to the road when he endured a horrible crash that left him paralyzed from the chest down.  Yogi stayed by his side until he heard a neighbor walking down the road and he got his owner help. 
Watch the video below for this amazing story.



Happy Friday, have a save and wonderful weekend.