Did you know that you don't always have to take your dog to the vet in order to get a veterinarian's diagnosis (and maybe even meds) for your dog's minor health issues?

It's true. With any non-emergency doggie ailment, you generally have 3 options:

1. You could call the vet's office & ask your question over the phone.

2. You could take a sample of your dog's pee or poop to the vet.

3. You could take your dog to the vet.

Here's more about each option...

The book, Planet of the Dogs by Robert McCarty, is an enjoyable read for children (maybe ages 7 -12?) and dog-lovers who enjoy fun fiction books -- but don't have a lot of time to spare.

It's a quick read. (I like that!)

But it's not just one of those "one-line per page" kinds of books. You know, the kind that you feel ripped off because it's not really a 'book' as much as it is a 'to do list' or a notepad of 'happy thoughts'.

Our dog, Tenor, has such a thick and luscious coat of fur. (He's part Black Lab, part Great Pyrenees, but he mostly just looks like your average Labrador Retriever.)

His skin and coat weren't always in such great shape, though. In fact, a few months ago he had dry, flaky, itchy skin so bad that we thought he had an incurable skin disease!

Here's what the vet recommended. And it worked like a charm!

As many of you know, I'm not much of a football fan. My husband and my dogs have always loved football, but not me.

To give you an idea...
During last night's Superbowl, Jim asked:

Isn't Tom Brady dating Jessica Simpson?

To which I replied:

NO... Jessica Simpson was dating Tony Romo! Now quit asking me all these football questions, would ya?

Yes, that is the extent of my football knowledge, folks.

So anyway... last night before, during, and after Superbowl XLII, I channel-surfed over to Animal Planet and watched some of Puppy Bowl IV with my dog.

Here's how that went. [Hint: too cute!]

Show some love to your favorite four-legged friend...

The following dog beds are heart-shaped (many of 'em are hot pink!) and they're so plush and cozy , they're filled with lots of love.