Dog-ma #giveaway

Do you love to cuddle up with a good book by the fire? I'm currently reading "Dog-ma: The Zen of Slobber,"  as part of a book tour, and there is an awesome giveaway you should know about:

 SPONSORED DOGTASTIC GIVEAWAY !!

10 WINNERS !!

EACH WILL RECEIVE...

A DOGGIE SWAG BAG WORTH $150

PLUS

A DOG-MA AUDIOBOOK GIFT CODE FOR DOWNLOAD

for US entrants

Want more winners?

15 more winners will receive the Dog-Ma audiobook gift code to download aswell!!

to all worldwide entrants

Plus the 'very first winner' will also win a really cute dog outfit (US only)

Ending on Thursday 12th December at 11.59pm EST

So what's inside the swag bags?

Dog-Ma Audiobook gift code for one download from ACX rrp $18

Barbara's vivid and dramatic stories, told with a wicked sense of humor, will make you laugh out loud. She definitely gets what living with rescued dogs (nine of them!) is all about.

When Barbara meets her future husband, Ray, it is love-and dog-at first sight. Over the course of thirty-two years, seventeen relocations and nine dogs, their mutual love of dogs guides them on their unconventional path. The love that Barbara and Ray get in return is literally lifesaving, with one dog attacking a lethal intruder and another discovering Barbara’s cancer. Her own survival story underscores the story of how her dogs become survivors themselves. 

Each new dog adds its own dynamic to the family, sometimes upending it. From Turbo (whose Spock-like ears may have provided super powers), Barbara learns about the will to live; Lexington demonstrates incredible patience and an inexplicable love of golf; Madison teaches that laughter is truly the best medicine and that the whole “nine lives thing” is not reserved just for cats; Morgan should be sainted for tolerating Izzy, who is as cute as she is bad. Barbara is certain that somewhere in doggie heaven there is a poster that says “If you are sick, injured or in need of really expensive medical care, FIND THESE HUMANS!”

Sponsored by

PurOtic Ear Cleaning Solution from Innovet rrp $16

What is PurOtic™ Ear Cleaner?
Purotic® is a non-irritating wash designed by veterinary and health care professionals to breakup wax and prevent ear infections. Made with a pharmaceutical grade emulsifier and combined with all natural ingredients, PurOtic™ instantly eliminates odor. PurOtic™ is the first ear cleaner for home use that comes with an soft ear applicator for quick and precise delivery; A must for pets that resist ear cleaning.
Benefits and uses: 

•Anti-inflammatory agent
•Breaks up wax
•Silicone applicator for deep cleaning
•Alcohol and sulfate free
•Clean natural scent
Sponsored by

Blanket ID Gift Card for One ID tag of choice and a three year membership rrp $47

Blanket ID Features:
Online information available 24/7
Missing pet email broadcasts
Report lost and stolen pets
Print your own lost pet posters
Found pet GSP location mapping
Support your chosen rescue
Sponsored by

Paw or Bone Keyring from Hot Dogs All Dressed rrp $10

  

Sponsored by

Naturally Shed Moose Antler from Got Antler? rrp $25

High quality naturally shed moose and elk antler chews

Sponsored by

Artisan Refrigerator Magnet of Dogaaurus Rex from Karen Mcclain Visuals Inc. rrp $25

"An artisan is a craftperson and a skilled worker. Karen McClain Visuals, Inc. has more than 20 years of artisanal experience providing clients with professional, inspiring, and unique results. Karen McClain specializes indecorative painting and faux finishes, painted furniture and sculpture, as well as design and consultation. ..."

 

Sponsored by

Gift Card for one box of Pawflex Bandages from Pawflex rrp $10-15

PawFlex™ is a disposable non adhesive fur friendly super stretch all in one bandage that maintains a secure comfortable natural fit. PawFlex™ is hands down the quickest and easiest bandage system to use. 

Sponsored by

Plus the 'very first Winner' (US only)

will receive this marvelous doggie outfit (dog not included !!) from Issa Bella World

Nurse Costume - Size Small - Fits a dog under 12 pounds.

Sponsored by

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

i want to pet sit for Sizzles

Don't pets in books, movies, and on TV always steal the show?

I have quite a few favorites, but my current celebrity doggie crush is on Sizzles, from the Charlie & Lola books and TV series. My littles introduced me to the Charlie & Lola books by Lauren Child, and soon after, we saw the characters come to life on the small screen, much to our delight. Honestly, it's the only kids show I actually enjoy watching with them.

For me, the books and episodes shine because of the dialogue and the illustrations/animation. And it's quite impressive how closely the animation keeps with the books' illustrations. The characters are charming and adorable and creative, and they make the most mundane thing seem like an adventure. Every book and episode starts the same way in Charlie's voice (he's British, so don't forget to imagine the accent):

I have this little sister Lola. She is small and very funny...

Charlie is the sweet older brother, and all of the stories are told in his voice. Lola is his adorable (and small and funny) little sister, who he often must rescue from one thing or another. Nothing too dramatic. Things like not being able to find her favorite book at the library or spending all her money at the zoo so she can't purchase the seal bath toy she had her heart set on. Charlie always makes things right for Lola.

So what about Sizzles? Sizzles is their friend, Marv's, dog. Lola loves Sizzles, and so do I. Sizzles is part mischief and part love, and has a knowing look almost all of the time, though he doesn't seem quite as smart as Lola thinks he is. He appears in only some of the books and episodes. Just enough to get you to fall in love and beg for more. And his bottom is just the cutest!

My favorite Charlie & Lola book is We Honestly Can Look After Your Dog, so, naturally, my favorite episode is We Do Promise Honestly We Can Look After Your Dog, which is, of course, based on the book. I won't debate which is better, but I will say I love to see Sizzles in action. Lola, and her BFF, Lotta, beg Marv to let them look after Sizzles. The girls are in a bit over their heads, but it's jolly good fun, and *spoiler alert* Sizzles makes it out of the experience just fine. If you are a dog lover who wants to smile right now, please click here and watch the episode. I completely absolutely promise you will love it. Watch with your dog-loving kids, too. Okay, go ahead...let me know what you think, and let me know how madly in love with Sizzles you are.

But you can't have him. He's mine. Sizzles can do anything.

my new bible: The Kind Diet

A few months ago, I borrowed Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet from the library, and once I hit the maximum number of renewals allowed, I hung onto the book and paid the overdue fees until a purchased copy was delivered to my doorstep. I couldn't be without it. As an aspiring vegan for reasons of health, animal protection, environmental preservation, and, well, hell, the love of a good challenge, I find myself turning to The Kind Diet on a daily basis. Silverstone's book provides coaching, inspiration, and damn good recipes, all free of judgement.

The first half of the book shares Silverstone's opinions and research about why being vegan is a good choice and how it makes her feel. It is often funny. It's thought-provoking and approachable, as if you're chatting on the couch with a girlfriend. I mean, she talks about farts. Good stuff. She discusses the benefits of particular foods and coaches the why and how of making a transition to a vegan lifestyle. I've called myself a flexitarian because I'm making mostly vegan choices but still can't tear myself away from an occasional juicy burger. Since being a vegan can seem extreme and the lifestyle has it's share of critics, it's helpful that Silverstone outlines three levels of vegans, and how to qualify: "flirting," "going vegan," and "becoming a superhero." There's something for everyone!

The second half of the book is full of delicious recipes. Silverstone has introduced me to some new ingredients I never knew existed, which is really exciting. Some of the recipes are quick and simple and have become staples for my family, such as "Christopher's Cauliflower Steaks." Some are definitely more time-consuming and labor-intensive, but since Silverstone talks a lot about experiencing the joy and sensuality of cooking, this makes sense. I have to plan ahead a bit more for these recipes, but they are worth it.

I've implemented many of the basic tips from The Kind Diet and am working my way through the recipes in the book as a huge part of my journey toward becoming vegan. Plus, it's a fun read. Everything about it is kind. To learn more about The Kind Diet and the vegan way of life, check out Silverstone's Web site, The Kind Life.