Summertime Isn't Just for Humans Anymore!

Considering the hot, muggy, sticky, unbearable, err... lovely warm weather that has hit Boston recently, I figured it was a little unfair that our sweet little four-pawed companions had to suffer in the heat. Think about it: we feel like walking heatstroke, and we don't even have fur.

Photo courtesy of Posh Puppy Boutique

What can I do? I wondered. And then it came to me: search for ways to promote canine equality! Everything we have, they can have access to also. Below, some basics.

The Cool Puppy Summer List

1. Ice cream!

Solution: Frosty Paws Frosty Treats for Dogs, available at select Shaw's and Stop & Shop stores around the Boston area. Visit Frosty Paws for more info.

2. Swimming

Solution: The Posh Puppy Boutique has all the supplies you need for your dog to make a splash, including doggie goggles ("doggles"), life vests, sunscreen and more. They even have bikinis and swim trunks for your fluffiest friend. For more info, check out their website.

3. Refreshing Beverages

Solution: The Drinkwell Pet Fountain, a self-refilling water fountain for your pooch. Give the gift of cool so you know your slobberball isn't dehydrated when you can't be home with him. Bonus: big, wet, sloppy kisses when you do get home! Available at Five Star Fido (click the link above).

4. Air Conditioning

Solution: a Dogloo. This doggie igloo keeps your dog cool in the summer, warm in the winter. Bingo, Bingo. Available at Amazon, Petmate, and other websites.

If you have questions about any of these products, please feel free to contact me at bengalengs@gmail.com.

How to Make Diabetic Dog Treats

I've never had a diabetic dog, but one in 400 dogs develops the disease. In honor of the many pups with the medical problem, I pulled a recipe from one of my favorite sites, AllRecipes.com, for doggie treats for diabetic dogs. This recipe got a bangin' five stars. Here's the gold:

Diabetic Dog Treats

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Ready in: 20 minutes

Servings: 36 (Note: if you want to make less or more, click the title of the recipe above, which will take you to the original recipe. There, you can change the servings and it will recalculate the ingredient portions accordingly)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

2 eggs

1-1/2 pounds beef liver, cut into pieces

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan with parchment paper.
2. Place the liver into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. If you have room, add the flour and eggs, and process until smooth. Otherwise, transfer to a bowl, and stir in the flour and eggs using a wooden spoon. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the center is firm. Cool, and cut into squares using a pizza cutter. The treats will have a consistency similar to a sponge. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information (Amount Per Serving):

Calories: 37

Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 79mg

A giant thank you to AllRecipes user Barb Maxwell for submitting the recipe. AllRecipes has a ton of dog treats recipes (all free!) that are easy to make at home. To learn more about canine diabetes, click here. If you have a dog living with diabetes, click here.

Puppy Paparazzi Group #7: Tommy the Yellow Lab

I know I said I was waiting on more photos, but I'll just have to do another post with them later. I had to post these pics of Tommy (a girl), the yellow lab I met on Charles Street who carries around everything -- and that day it was a giant blanket. Not only is she talented, but so pretty.

She had gorgeous eyes and I wish I could have gotten a close-up of her face, but I'm pretty sure she was only focused on two things at that point: protecting her baby (the blanket) and getting home for dinner. Mmmmm, scrumptious fleecy blanket.

Just had to add that I loooooove the name Tommy for a girl. I've always loved traditional boy names on girls; see Charlie.

Puppy Paparazzi Group #6: Penny the Puggle

Doesn't the name just swim through your ears like a melody? Her full name is Ms. Moneypenny, but Penny is a laid-back gal who isn't fussy enough to go by anything but her nickname.

She and Duke seemed to hit it off, but while she coyly flirted, Duke was full-on smitten. When she trotted away, I could see the pain in his eyes as this heart-wrenching event occurred in his life.

By the end of the day, Duke had moved on from Penny the Puggle, or had at least been temporarily bribed into bouts of happiness with jerky treats.

Penny was actually the second or third puggle I saw today, but I didn't get photos of the others. In the next few days I will post the final group, #7, but will have to postpone it as I'm waiting on more photos from the owner. Bonus: this yellow lab has an extra-special quality.

Puppy Paparazzi Group #5: Dobby the Spanish Water Dog + Barnabus the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel

What happy, curious pups. Inventive names (please Dog God, let me have gotten both their names right), wagging tails and a curiosity to match Duke's.

The first one pictured to the left is Dobby, a Spanish Water Dog. The second is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Barnabus who it was nearly impossible to snap a decent photo of. Some dogs run, some dogs turn away from the camera. Barnabus just wanted to know what was inside the camera, so he got as close to it as doggonly possible at every attempted shot.

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it thrilled the dog. Need proof? Look how cute these two are.

Puppy Paparazzi Group #4: the Irish Setter

I feel so bad for not remembering his name, because he was handsome, calm and although a bit timid for a moment, liked interacting cordially with Duke. They seemed like old friends meeting up for a chat.

Unlike the puppy play fights, these two shyly introduced themselves then seemed immediately at ease in each other's presence.

A note to the friendly owner of this gorgeous Irish Setter, if you're reading this: please correct me on the name! For some reason I'm thinking Xavier, but I have a feeling that's wrong. Please comment or email me at bengalengs@gmail.com to let me know his actual name.

Puppy Paparazzi Group #3: Goose, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

I think it's safe to say that after the number of times Duke and I ran into Goose and his owner on Charles Street and the surrounding area, his owner was tired of both our faces. Oops.

Goose and Duke play fought and seemed to love it -- each fight ended in gently wagged tails -- but it was nerve-wracking to supervise. It seemed like at any moment a growl could become real. Paranoia? Probably. But somewhat legitimate as again, Goose was a baby and Duke is larger and more experienced, even if it's just at play fighting. Luckily Duke is a gentle giant (although not really a giant to people, per se) and would never hurt a flea.

Either way, Goose seemed like a great dog and I love the irony of his name considering the name of his breed. Duck, duck, Goose.

Duke and Goose play fight

Puppy Paparazzi Group #2: Sam, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Sam was not only a complete sweetheart but also incredibly adorable and obviously a baby. He had the fluffy thang goin' on but also had a full tail -- a rarity for a corgi. He's a cardigan welsh corgi, a breed I've never seen or heard of before today.

Sam -- what a cutie and a lover, not a fighter. Friendly with Duke who was about a gillion times his size, and courageous (or maybe just naive) enough to play with a bigger dog fearlessly. For more info on this breed, visit The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America.

Sam in his owner's arms

Puppy Paparazzi Group #1: Dog Walking

To kick off the dog celebs I saw today, here is a group of beautiful canines with a dog walker. I didn't record all the names and breeds because there were so many, but Duke was able to interact with them comfortably, which is saying something because they were in a large group.

All in all, nice dogs, nice walker.

Boston Commons with Duke, My Favorite Boxer

When I get dog withdrawal (little known fact: my dogs live in California, where I'm from, so I don't have a dog in Boston) I have a relaxing dog day with a friend's pup. Today I spent all day with Duke, a friend's young boxer. Duke is so well-behaved that he gets constant comments on his great temper, and so handsome that he stops women in their tracks to woo over his slobbery jowls.

The only problem Duke really has is his tendency to kiss everything in sight. If he were a human, he'd be a bit of a man-slut. He has no preference -- man or woman, adult or child -- he wants to attack, and by attack I mean give your face and hands a bath.

Needless to say, after being in France for over four months and not seeing Duke, I was ecstatic to see the giant teddy bear. He was just as thrilled to see me. As I kneeled down to say hello, he ran over, pinned me to the ground and slobbered all over my face.

So I smiled, washed my face and took him to the Boston Commons, the Boston Public Gardens and Charles Street. We met tons of other great canines, so posts and photos to come.

Those aren't my legs -- I promise.

Me and Dukey! Note: Despite the look of horror and anxiety that appears to be consuming Duke's face, he was very happy to get a hug from me and tried to lick my nose immediately after this was taken.

Duke sniffs a willow

Duke is Very Curious...

This Happened to Me (Well, technically Nacho)

When I was dog sitting my friend Ana's White Shepherd, I noticed a strange habit Ana had described to me when I first met Nacho. He was literally obsessed with water.

As much as I tried to get him to stop, Nacho believed that the water was going to up and prance out of his reach. So when he drank, he drank. Like a freshman at their first college party, he didn't know his limit. And he peed. Oh, did he pee. Accidents, frequent trips out and nighttime whining sessions were all regular for Nacho.

Until now, I didn't know of any other dogs doing this, or why Nacho did it. Finally, THAT MUTT (another great dog blog) posted an anecdote about it. According to vets, it's dog OCD (unless the dog doesn't usually behave this way -- then it means it might be sick, so take it to the vet immediately). Again, I learn something new every day. Thanks to Lindsay Stordahl for the info.

Rib-Eye & The Magic Photographer

In a continuation of the last post, here is one of the canine queens of Alibi. This beautiful bloodhound's name is Rib-Eye, and she was as lovable as she looks in this photo. She's generous with the slobbery kisses as well. Err... and just slobber, in general. (Photo by me)

Below, you can see Charlie, the sweet little muffin I used to carry around at work with me -- literally everywhere. This photo was taken by a talented photographer named Elise Sinagra Donahue who photographed the Alibi Puppy Parties with great skill. As you can see, Elise has a knack for capturing the most personality-packed moments. This one pretty much sums up Charlie.

Check out more of Elise Donahue's work at www.eliseinc.com

Happy Hour With Your Dog in Boston

I'm about to do the big reveal: what dog-owning Bostonites really need. Hate those days when you want to relax and grab a drink with friends, but know you'll be seeping guilt from every pore for leaving Lucky home while it's a gorgeous day out in Boston?

I just turned 21, but I discovered dog-lover's heaven at Alibi Bar and Lounge (in the Liberty Hotel in Boston) over a year ago when I was the PR and event planning intern last summer. Alibi had monthly Puppy Parties -- with Alibi Puppy of the Month chosen at each fabulously dog-friendly party -- and I was lucky enough to work at the events.

Each month, the most awesomely-tempered and generally coolest dog was chosen from a pack of panting mutts. Every breed, age and personality of dog rolled through, almost like a canine kegger, but with water and jerky treats instead of beer and potato chips.

At the same time as the dogs were frolicking together, their owners could interact too, while sipping on ice-cold beverages provided by whatever company was sponsoring the Puppy Party that month (for instance, one month the sponsor was Bacardi, so dog owners enjoyed refreshing summer mojitos).

The winner won a prize from a local pet business and its very own Alibi Puppy of the Month mug shot. So adorable was the first winner, a pug with a mug to die for, that I kept a copy of her mug shot and hung it on my door. She looked as guilty as the celebrity shots lining the walls of the used-to-be jail, competing with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan (safe to say, she's much cuter than Lindsay or Paris).

I think Alibi stopped putting on the Alibi Puppy Parties (called the Dog Days of Summer), but I do know they still welcome dogs on the patio with open arms. I also know that the General Manager is a dog-lover herself, because I used to carry her baby long-haired chihuahua Charlie around with me all day at work.

Check it out for some fun in the sun (or the shade -- there are umbrellas) with your pet and other dog enthusiasts. And I'm willing to bet that if we get enough people who want to re-start the dog parties, it'll happen.

Alibi Bar & Lounge

215 Charles Street

Boston, MA 02114

(857) 241-1144

events@alibiboston.com

http://www.alibiboston.com/

http://www.facebook.com/alibibarandlounge

http://www.twitter.com/ALIBIbarlounge

Huskies Sing

When I was younger, I took voice lessons with a woman named Susie Davis. While she was an

amazing musician and teacher, the thing that shocked me the most was her pet husky's ability to

sing in tune with any song she played on the piano.

I've found a similar case here, which I'm assuming indicates that huskies are talented divas. Here,

proof.

For your entertainment. Thanks to YouTube user jlg121178 , who loves dog slobber and magic canine vocal chords as much as we do.

Oliver on Brainerd Road in Allston

You learn something new every day.

Meet Oliver, a sweet and gentle beagle mix. Unbeknownst to me, that cord around his nose is not a muzzle -- it's called a Gentle Leader, and it's designed to be a gentle way of walking your dog, without them being able to pull you in every direction known to man. Oliver seemed quite happy with this contraption.

Bubba & Gracie in the Boston Commons

Gracie looking at a squirrel.

Bubba's fantastic face wrinkles.

Bubba's pretty markings.

Gracie eating a treat from her lovely owner's hand.

Happy Bubba!

Bubba sitting down on my lap to get petted.

I had the good fortune of meeting these two delectably slobbery and beautiful creatures in the Commons not one but TWO days in a row. It must have been fate.

If you want to run into Bubba and his sister Gracie in the Boston Commons, just head out on a sunny day and prepare to be overwhelmed with joy. Both are old-breed English bulldogs (mix of English Mastiff, Bulldog, and a few other breeds as I remember).

I'd also like to note that as I was in the middle of asking if 90-pound Bubba believed himself to be a lapdog, he decidedly positioned all 90 pounds of himself in a grand heap on my lap. Photos ensued.

How to Give your Dog a Massage

From eHow:

Check out the dog's face before and after the massage. Both are pretty much hilarious.

Brooke Shields + Darla

If any of you share a first name with a celebrity, you know how incredibly original people are with name comparisons. I was living in France for the past four and a half months, and every time I introduced myself, this was the conversation (translated into English, of course):

"Hi, I'm Brooke."

"Like Brooke Shields??!"

*resentful sigh* "Yes. Yes, just like Brooke Shields."

Anyway, sorry for the tangent, but I read a quick blurb about her new movie Furry Vengeance in People Magazine in which she talks about working with animals for the movie. The interviewer asks, "Do you have any animals at home?" and this is the beginning of Brooke's fantastic response:

"Our American bulldog Darla, who weighs 80 lbs. and is 11 years old. She got her nails painted the other day unbeknownst to me. She looked at me like, 'Really, has it come to this?'"

Interview credit to Ulrica Wihlborg at People, experienced dog owner who understands her dog's personality credit to Brooke Shields.

Paws on the Streets of Allston

Cody and me

Anonymous loveable canine

Allston, the college student-ridden underbelly of Boston, is crawling with dogs. It's one thing I love about living here, even though it has its downsides, like Solo cup street decor and loud, screaming drunk people at all hours of the night on most evenings.

Above are pictures of two great dogs I met in Allston. The first one, which I forgot the name of (yikes -- sorry!) was so sweet, as was Cody, my friend Jess's dog (the big black one). There's even a photo of me hugging the Codester (what a fluffy mess of love).

Puppy Love

Welcome to the Boston Dog Blog! If you live in Beantown (or not) and have a passion for pooches, you're in the right place. Here I'll share all my dog-related findings, photos and more.

To start out with, I would like to introduce Lucy, the 10-week-old black lab puppy that my friend Luke adopted two days ago. Lucy was saved from a hoarder in Alabama and sent to Boston, where she and her siblings were warmly welcomed into the arms of Bostonian dog lovers. To find out more about this horrible problem that is all too common, check out the Animal Hoarding News & Info blog.

Enjoy Lucy's cuteness. She is so small -- her head is the size of a large potato. Also, sorry for the audio in the second video -- my roommate is commenting on Lucy's owners tan-ness. A little out of context.

Lucy on the car ride home

Lucy's first frolic in the park