Many gardeners use cocoa bean shells to landscape their yards and gardens. But remember cocoa beans are chocolate, which is toxic to pets. Dogs are not ones to have discriminating taste or be finicky eaters, they will tend to eat anything & everything in front of their noses. For a dog if it smells good, and tastes good, then it must be good, a misconception that dogs just don't get.

Instead, go with a less toxic alternative like shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. But remember the true key to pet safety is supervision - keep an eye on your pet when he or she is outside.

by Adam, Wendy & Lola of Pawl Luxury, http://www.pawlux.com/

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Fly the Pet-friendly Skies

With the busy holiday season upon us, that also means, busy travel season.  Many people have experienced the challenges of air travel for themselves, but what if you are traveling with your pet? Weather it be to take your fur kid with you to visit family, friends, for a pet-friendly vacation or you are tasked with a cross-country move. 

Here is some information that can help:

PetAirways, a pet-only airline!  Your pets fly in the main cabin of the aircraft.  http://www.petairways.com/

Air travel for our tri-state area pet lovers:
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/index.jsp

All Airline Pet Policies consolidated for easy research:
http://www.pettravel.com/airline_rules.cfm

Traveling to Amsterdam? KLM will transport, hold for pick up at the Pet Hotel and offers a dog-walking service! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkSQD93uUcQ

A wonderful site for everything "dog-friendly": http://www.dogfriendly.com/

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Safe Rides for Rover: Top 10 Pet-safe Vehicles

Although "Cash for Clunkers" has hit the road, pet people everywhere are still picking out their new wheels. Naturally, their pet's safety and comfort are top priority. But the research is overwhelming. Does the new ride offer a pet restraint system? Check. Tri-climate control? Check. Fold-flat rear seats? Check. Treat holders? Check.
 
Fortunately, Edmunds.com and the pet-travel safety group, Bark Buckle Up narrow down the selection with their Top 10 Pet-Safe Vehicles for 2009.

Look what made the list (in alphabetical order): Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Borrego, Mazda 5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Tribeca, Volvo XC70.

Get your paws on them and get rolling! Read more about the Top 10 here:
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/155306/article.html

by Woof Report, www.woofreport.com

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