Ever wanted to come to NYC for the Annual Westminster Dog Show? Well, now here is your chance. Simply follow the link and enter the chance to win 2 free tickets for the show being held on February 15 and 16, 2010 in New York City. Good luck!

http://www.bestfriendnyc.com/win.html

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Starting tomorrow, Tuesday July 28 Best Friend NYC natural dog grooming products will be available at Henri Bendel in New York during their special annual event “Dog Days of Summer”.  Since 1895, Henri Bendel white and brown striped shopping bags have been spotted swinging from the arms of stylish young women around the world. 

This exciting shopping event will begin at 10 am continue for a week through August 4, 2009 on the main Atrium level of the famed Henri Bendel flagship store on 5th  Avenue in New York City.

Known as a mecca for high- fashion, Henri Bendel will turn its main level into a “doggie playground” and will present a handful of new upscale pet manufacturers. “Dogs Days of Summer” will feature a dog photo contest, complimentary treats and makeovers for Henri Bendel patrons and their canine companions.

During the event Best Friend NYC will showcase their natural dog grooming products, canine aromatherapy candles, and organic dog treats, along with few surprises unveiled at the event.


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Now that the weather is pleasant, humans and dogs alike are looking for excuses to get out into the sunshine and do something useful. It is particularly important for working dog breeds and individuals with particularly driven temperaments to stay busy tin order to avoid behavior problems and finding your job a job or hobby is a great way to do that.

Protection Training
Many dogs really need to feel useful to be emotionally healthy and protection training is a great way to give your dog something to do and benefit from it. Protection training sounds dangerous, but it gives your dog a firm groundwork so that he understands that it is not appropriate to be aggressive unless you say so- and the type of aggression is also proscribed. Protection training is not appropriate for unpredictable aggressive dogs, however. Your dog is not ready for protection work unless he is already very reliable in obedience.

Your Dog- An Athlete
If your dog is energetic, obedient and eager to please, he may find his place in one of the many available athletic pursuits for dogs. Athletic pursuits are often a good outlet for dogs who have behavioral issues like hyperactivity and chasing, so even if your dog isn't a perfect angel, consider giving one of these fun canine sports a try. If you're dog is energetic and eager to please and enjoys jumping and running, agility may be her sport. 

Does your dog want to be a hero?
Is she well-behaved and calm and enjoys human interaction, she may be a good candidate for Animal Assisted Therapy. These give the elderly or people with illnesses and handicaps the opportunity to interact with animals in a positive way.

Just Get Out
Maybe you and your dog aren't looking to be heroes, athletes or superstars. Maybe you just like to get out and have fun with other dogs and dog owners. Whatever you do, get out and have fun. It's good for you, it's goof for your dog, and it's a shame to waste the summer.


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As a human, flying is sometimes one of the most nerve-wracking experiences, even when you know it is safe, efficient and generally pleasant. If flying can be that troubling for humans, you can only imagine how tough it is on our pets. Both dogs and cats can be transported by plane, as can many other types of pets, providing they are in the correct and approved crates or cages.

Preparing your pet for a safe airplane journey does require some advance preparation that can help minimize the stress that your pet experiences. The tips that follow will work with dogs, cats and most other types of pets. Prior to the trip, a trip to the dog groomers is a nice way to begin

Food and Exercise
It is important to restrict both food and water for approximately 12 hours before a flight. This means that the pet should be fed normally and on schedule and then kept from food or water for approximately half a day. If you only feed once a day in the morning and if you are not flying out until the next afternoon you may wish to adjust the feeding schedule to the evening at least a week before the flight to avoid the pet going for over 24 hours without food or water. Withholding food and water for 12 hours will prevent messes in the carrier and will also prevent vomiting and possible choking concerns while the pet is in the air.




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Janine Franceschi

Janine Franceschi and her Irish setter Beau set off from Nantucket, Mass., in August to go on a four month, cross-country trip. Franceschi, the owner of a new hotel booking website Pet-friendly Accommodations Worldwide (PAW), was on a mission to source, visit, and review luxury pet-friendly hotels.

Now, about 13,000 miles, 30 states, and 50 pet-friendly hotels later, she has compiled a list of the “Top Dogs” in luxury accommodations, with the help of Beau, of course. The “Top Dog” list represents hotels that have at least a four-star rating and, in Franceschi’s opinion, not only offer the best in human and pet amenities, but also execute those amenities exceptionally well.

“The Tog Dog list, they are all hotels and businesses and resources that genuinely want to see you with your pet,” she said. “They’re not necessarily businesses that have pet programs to keep existing clients or attract clients. They really are excited to see you and your pet.”

Taking the title of PAW “Top Dog” Luxury Pet-friendly Resort 2008 was Calistoga Ranch in Calistoga, Calif. Westin and Kimpton tied for first place in the luxury pet-friendly hotel chain category and Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, Calif., was named the PAW “Top Dog” Luxury Pet-friendly Hotel 2008.

Recognition for the best pet-welcome amenity went to The Woodlands Resort & Inn in Summerville, S.C., for its personalized dog collar. Hotel Palomar of Dallas, Texas, received honorable mention for its goldfish bowl. Also included on the list are the top pet-friendly activities, resources, and restaurants Franceschi encountered throughout her and Beau’s trip.

In the pet-friendly restaurant category, Fetch, in the Upper East Side of New York City, and 50 Plates, of Portland, Ore., tied for first place. Franceschi said Fetch received high marks for its atmosphere and 50 Plates received high marks for its food.

The title of PAW “Top Dog” Pet-friendly Activity 2008 went to New York Dog Tours, of New York, N.Y., and the title of PAW “Top Dog” Pet-friendly Resource 2008 went to Dining with Sophie, of San Francisco, Calif.


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