Raise a Glass to National Dog Day!

This Saturday, August 26th, is National Dog Day and ONEHOPE Wine wants to let you help dogs in need by drinking wine. Yes, you read that right. Drink wine, help dogs.

ONEHOPE encourages others to “serve and celebrate” National Dog Day with a bottle of wine, and a gift for both humans and pets alike. The best part…each product helps to fund pet adoptions:

Pinot for Paws Woof! Gift Box ($49) – Includes ONEHOPE CA Pinot Noir, Tennis ball, #WINENOT canvas bone dog toy, cotton rope toy, and gourmet treats. Every box helps fund 1 pet adoption.

California Pinot Noir ($19.99) – Every case funds 1 pet adoption 

And even if you're reading this and it's not National Pet Day anymore, what a great way to support a worthy cause any day of the week. These sets would make cool gifts for anyone in your life who loves dogs.

To date, ONEHOPE has helped more than 43,000 shelter animals find a forever home which is pretty awesome. We'll drink to that! 

Cheers!

*(Sidebar: I swear there is literally a holiday for everything... pretzels, ice cream sundaes...)

Lindy's Bakery Treats for a Good Cause

While we were on leave we received a TON of mail about lots of new and exciting luxe and fancy products for your pup, but this one particularly stuck out because it combines a good cause with delicious snacks! 

In addition to making yummy gourmet treats, 100% of proceeds from the sales of Lindy's Bakery go to Daybreak- a nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter, outreach programs, transitional housing, and other vital services to the US homeless and transient youth population. Your purchase helps to fund emergency shelter, housing, and support for over 500 homeless teens and young adults each year.

Featuring all-natural flavors, their treats even come in grain-free, vegan and gluten free options. Blends like Sweet Pea and Carrot Cake and Peanut Butter Bacon definitely sound yummy! 

To purchase their products, head to their website where bags range from $5.99 to $6.99.

Cards Against Caninity

What's more fun than playing a game for a good cause? 

Our friends at Earth Rated (you may remember that we were big fans of the bio-friendly waste bags last year!), have created a 100 card expansion pack for the popular Cards Against Humanity game that gives back to deserving animal shelters.

How do you get your paws on a set of these hilarious cards? Head over to the Cards Against Caninity site to nominate your favorite shelter for the chance to receive a case of warm blankets (50 will win!). Nominating the shelter of your choice will also enters you for the chance to receive one of 1,000 printed packs of cards!

Head over to the Cards Against Caninity site today to give a shout out to your favorite shelter. The campaign runs through February 10th, so make sure to swing by today!

Royal Canin Holiday Pet Food Drive

One of the best parts of the holiday season is that there are so many opportunities to give back! Royal Canin and Banfield Charitable Trust have joined together to help feed hungry pets with their 9th annual holiday pet food drive. From now through December 24th, there are two ways you can participate:

#1: Post on our Social Channels

Share a snapshots of a pet on Royal Canin's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/royalcanin), Twitter @RoyalCanin or Instagram @RoyalCainUS. For each submission, 20 pounds of food will be donated and participants are automatically entered to win a one of twelve prizes from Royal Canin all month long.

#2: Donate through Banfield Charitable Trust/Hospitals

Visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org or one of the 870+ Banfield Pet Hospitals to make a food or financial donation to the Meals on Wheels pet food programs. For each monetary donation of $10 or more, KONG® will donate a toy to the pet of a Meals on Wheels client.

Royal Canin is committed to making a 60,000-pound pet food donation this year, so start posting/tweeting/snapping those pics!

RESCUE Pet Products

It shouldn't come as a surprise that we're a little bit picky about the grooming products we use at home. While there's something to be said for some of the "salon" brands, we're often more drawn to more fur-friendly and chemical-free picks, like RESCUE...Pet Products. Handmade to order, these organic pet products were created by a veterinary technician who donates a percentage of profits to local animal shelters and other organizations.

In addition to her wide range of products, from paw and nose balm (vegan friendly!) to anti-itch shampoo, RESCUE Pet Products also offers travel/sample sized options which are PERFECT for packing. What a brilliant idea!

Head over to their Etsy store to pick up yours today-- and make sure to check out their shop announcement which includes discounts for Facebook fans and folks in the pet industry.

P.L.A.Y. & PetFinder #WarmBellies Twitter Party

It's time to party for a good cause! That's right, save the date for P.L.A.Y. and PetFinder's first ever Twitter Party on 4/3 at 4PM ET/7 PM PT which will be hosted by pet-experts like Andrea Arden and doggy style guru Dara Foster.  In addition to kicking off National Pet Month, the event will be helping to raise awareness about the Warm Bellies Initiative which helps to pups in need feel more cozy while waiting for their forever homes. For each purchase of a P.L.A.Y. Artist or Original Collection bed, one will be donated to a shelter.

Seriously, AWWW!!! And if the good cause wasn't enough to get you involved, there will be party favors to be won! We hope you'll join us at the party! RSVP now on the P.L.A.Y. blog and also enter to win some pre-party prize packs!

 

Lend a Helping Paw This Veteran's Day

This Veteran's Day, help those who have served by giving back to the organization America's VetDogs by participating in Bil-Jac's Facebook campaign! For every fan added to the Bil-Jac Facebook page through November 30th 2011, Bil-Jac will be donating a dollar to America's VetDogs.

This is an amazing non-profit which serves disabled veterans and military personnel across the country and overseas. Created by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, it has been helping veterans since 1946 by providing guide and service dogs to those who have honorably and bravely served our country.

Joseph Worley, a Navy veteran who served in Iraq, with his dog Benjamin.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to Bil-Jac's Facebook page and help to spread the word-- don't forget to also check out VetDogs' Facebook page as well! You can also contribute by purchasing America's VetDogs Treats which are available online and at Petco stores nationwide.


 

I'm Not the Biggest Bitch in This Relationship

That blog title got your attention, right? Fellow Barkistas, prepare yourself for what is possibly the funniest dog book we have EVER read. Compiled by the wonderful Wade Rouse, this collection of witty stories from some of America's top humorists, this book hits the spot-- and by the spot we mean the funny bone.

 

Doesn't the cover just crack you up? 

So many of the anecdotes or lessons shared in this collection are funny because THEY ARE TRUE.  Perhaps a little too true, though we did find it reassuring to know that we're not the only folks out there that have blessed their dog with an imaginary voice. (Albeit, one that is really, really annoying to anyone except for the residents of our apartment...)
 
A great read for those with a commute, the stories are sweet and funny without going the soppy route.  Be warned: You will laugh out-loud. Strangers on the subway may look at you funny.

While we're big fans of the Kindle, with a cover like this, how could you NOT buy this book in paperback!? Pick up your paper or digital copy from Amazon.com. 50% of all proceeds from this book are being donated to the Humane Society of the United States. Yay for good things that give back!

Oh, and now we totally want to know-- what does your dog's voice sound like?

PB Teen Puppy Pillow Love

On the days when your pup doesn't want to snuggle, these adorable pillows from Pottery Barn Teen will come in handy. Choose from 6 different breeds (and one cat...).

$5 from the purchase of each pillow goes to the ASPCA (yay!).

Our favorite? The Yorkie of course.

Available from Pottery Barn Teen stores and online for $39 each.

Dear Dog, I Love You: A Movie

There is really nothing we love more than people doing what they're passionate about, which is why we were so stoked to get an email from Jed Crowley- a filmmaker at Columbia University who has just completed his first film! Unfortunately for Jed, filming movies can be expensive, and thus he's looking for film and dog lovers to help fund post-production costs.

Check out the trailer here:

In addition to helping out a film student who's dreaming big-- we would argue that this movie is totally worth supporting to check out the mad-acting skills of Paul Newman.... the dog... not the actor. 

Yes, that's right-- the adorable basset hound featured above is named Paul Newman. He's awesome, not only because his name is Paul Newman, but also because he has an amazing rescue story which you can read here. 

SO: head over to KickStarter now to read more about Jed's project and contribute what you can if you feel so motivated :) 

Wags for Wellness, NYC - Saturday August 6th

What could be more fun than spending a summer afternoon with your pup and fellow dog-lovers for a good cause? Pawgua has teamed up with some of our favorite people (The Salty Paw and Andrea Arden to name two!) to help raise awareness about the benefits of proper hydration an exercise for dogs (and their owners... cough).
 
Oh, and if the good cause wasn't enough to get you motivated, there will be fun and games! In addition to a kickoff at The Salty Paw (located at the South Street Seaport at Peck Slip), Andrea Arden will be on hand at the "After Pawty," which will also include treats, refreshments and raffle prizes. Doggies will also walk away with goodie bags!


The walk will take place on August 13th and kickoff at 11 AM. Participants will walk roughly 2 miles across the Brooklyn Bridge (which is something that we still have yet to do after living in the city for over 4 years... shocking I know). Pre-event registration is $20 per dog and $30 the day of. All proceeds are going to The Animal Medical Center and Animal Haven Shelter.

Date: August 13th, 2011
Time: 11 AM - 12 PM (start your walk!)
Registration: $20 per dog in advance, $30 per dog day of. Register online here.
Location: The Salty Paw, 38 Peck Slip at the South Street Seaport
For more information, visit here. 

theBalm to the Rescue!

Even though we rarely need a reason to invest in beauty products, theBalm's Vegan Lip Treatment is a must for soft, kissable lips and has the added bonus of helping pugs in need! 

#ThursdayBling: Paw for a Cause

 

What makes #ThursdayBling even more fabulous? #ThursdayBling that's for a great cause! The net proceeds from the sale of these London Jewelers' bracelets all go to help build humane, no-kill shelters providing spay and neutering services in Alabama. 

Pick yours up from London Jewelers locations or from their website-- the basic sterling silver retails for $65, while the diamond adorned sterling silver paw is $95 (why not spring for the bling?).

Good Deeds: Dog Bless You

From Memorial Day through July 4th Explore.org, The Annenberg Foundation and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America are joining forces as part of a campaign called "Dog Bless You," which pairs veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with service dogs to help them on the road to recovery.

"This campaign is to channel the energy of the dog community into the gift of unconditional love and healing that only a canine can provide.  We want to raise awareness about the amazing role dogs can play in the lives of veterans and people who suffer from emotional and psychological damage- while giving everyone a chance to participate through a zero-cost contribution,” said Charles Annenberg Weingarten, founder of Explore.org and Dog Bless You.

And here's how to help: simply head over to their Facebook page and "Like" it to do your part. For every 5,000 likes, Explore.org will donate a service dog to a recently returned veteran (up to 100 dogs). How awesome is that?

So easy, and such an amazing initiative-- there's really no excuse not to send your support! (And here's the link again!: http://www.facebook.com/exploredogs)

Bark for Life!

The American Cancer Society is joining forces with dog lovers on May 1st to help raise awareness and support for the fight against cancer. Join them with your pup at Riverside Park at West 108th Street from 9 AM -1 PM for a day of fun, starting off with the walk followed by contests, games and demonstrations. 

To find out more, visit: http://www.relayforlife.org/nycbark

It's not too late to register or start your own team-- and if you can't make it, consider making a donation to this very bark-worthy cause!

Cloud Star 100% For Japan

 Fact: we’re pretty sure that doing stuff for others in need is good for your health. 

On April 4^th, give your health (or at least karma) a one-two-boost by making a purchase from purveyor of delicious doggy yum-yums Cloud Star. Between the hours of 5-9 pm PST (that’s 2-6 EST, right?)—100% of your purchase will be donated to Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue & Support  (a collaboration of 3 Japanese no-kill animal welfare organizations), and the Japan Organization for International Cooperation on Family Planning, which helps support mothers and newborns affected by the recent disaster.*

So, mark your calendar now and stock up on Cloud Star’s delicious Soft & Chewy Buddy Biscuits (see our review here), help the relief effort in Japan, AND make your pup happy all with just a few clicks!

* Total proceeds will be divided evenly between the two groups.

Paws For Thought

The Search Dog Foundation hits the ground running in Japan. 
Image from their website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the world continues to watch as Japan recovers from last week's massive earthquake and tsunami, we just wanted to take a moment to spotlight the ways that you can help the people and animals affected by this tragedy.

In addition to making contributing to organizations like the Red Cross, groups like World Vets International, which is a non-governmental organization that provides animals with aid around the world, are also in need of donations. The World Vets International team is currently on the ground working with Japanese animal welfare groups, and they are posting regular updates on their website.

The California based Search Dog Foundation is also responding to the disaster in Japan and have deployed 6 search and rescue dog teams to help find those still trapped in the rubble. You can help support the organization or make a donation by visiting their web page, and get regular updates from their team here.

We hope that even if you are unable to give to any of the amazing aid groups currently on the ground in Japan, that you will keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

The Barkistas

The Evermore Challenge

Have you heard about this?! That's right: for the entire month of March, two women are eating nothing but dog food for a month. 

Albeit, it is super fancy schmancy dog food, but still-- I can't wrap my stomach around it. Sure, we've tried little pieces of the food we've cooked for Paddy (mostly baked treats)... but soft dog food? Not sure if we would be committed enough...

Anyway, the two women in question are Alison Weiner and Hanna Mandelbaum, co-founders of the dog food company, Evermore, which is based in nearby Brooklyn. Fueled by the belief that "since pets don’t have the luxury of making that choice, we owe them the best," they cook up delicious chicken and beef meals that are produced in a USDA- and FDA-inspected kitchen in strict compliance with HACCP food safety standards. In fact, Alison and Hanna are so dedicated to the quality of Evermore that they personally taste-test each new batch. 

In March, they take this personal commitment to a whole new level with their month-long dog-food only diet to make the point that what they make for your pooch is good enough to sustain YOU as well. To find out more, watch the video below:

Apparently Hanna and Alison aren't the only ones dining for the dogs-- as featured in the above segment, dog trainer Nikki Moustaki is eating her own "lucky dog cuisine," to help raise awareness about Nitro's Law, which would make animal abuse penalties in Ohio more serious.

While we're not quite ready to join 'em, we raise our forks and salute them! What say you? Have you tried your pet's food?

Make sure to follow Alison and Hanna's dog food adventures starting in March on their website!

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

Pet Flys Lends a Paw

 

When the weather goes below zero, we often think about the people and pets who have not got somewhere warm to go home to. PetFlys has created three toys from which a portion of the proceeds benefit Pets of the Homeless, a non-profit volunteer organization that provides pet food, shelter and veterinary care to pets of the homeless and less fortunate in communities across the United States and Canada. 

Choose from Hope the Elephant, Faith the Giraffe, and Peace the Camel-- or better yet, pick up all three from Pet Flys' site for $18 (individually they retail for $7). Make sure to also stop by Pets of the Homeless' site to find out more about the organization and how you can get involved!

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

Have a Heart. Donate a Bed This Valentine's Day.

Attention all you West Coast Barkistas (and significant others of animal lovers): this Valentine's Day give a gift that gives back!

Journalist Lu Parker, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Bark Pet Photography, Shifting Gears for Paws, Colors in Bloom, YELP!, and Sporteve are joining forces for good this Valentine's Day! Their goal is to provide 140 dog beds to the deserving pups at the South LA Shelter. For a donation of $65 (the cost of a dog bed), you will receive a beautiful Valentine's Day Bouquet and card. Simply bring your receipt on 2/13 to either Sporteve or Peet's Coffee & Tea to pick up your thank you.

Seriously-- what a great cause that solves the problem of finding the perfect Valentine's Day gift, while making life better for pups in need. Kudos to all of those invovled. 

Visit DonateABed.Wordpress.com for more information.

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

p.s. Even if you're not on the West Coast, we're pretty sure this is a gift that will go over well with any Valentine (HINT....).