In part one we discussed ‘human’ foods that your pup shouldn’t eat. In part two, we will go over common household items that should be kept out of reach of your pet!
Human and Animal medication: The Acetaminophen in Tylenol and other pain relievers may interfere with the animals oxygen flow and could severely harm their liver. Do not give any ‘human’ medication to your pet without consulting with your vet first. On the other hand veterinary pharmaceuticals should be given with caution as well. Just because they are prescribed to them, doesn’t mean they can’t overdose on them if given the wrong dosage. Always give medication of any kind under veterinary guidance.
Antifreeze: As many know, antifreeze gives off a sweet smell and taste. We as people of course know not to drink it, but our pets don’t and they may very well be tempted. Even a very small amount can be lethal for pets. Consumption can result in fatality for not only animals but humans as well.
Fertilizer: These contain harsh chemicals that are made to combat pest and weed problems. If your pet happens to eat some grass that has fertilizer on it, chances are he/she will probably be fine. The real problem is when it is ingested straight from the bag in its purest form. If this happens, it can result in tremors, seizures, and more.
Laundry Detergent: If detergent is ingested- this can cause gastrointestinal problems and lethargy in pets. The biggest concern is that the pet will begin to aspirate after the ingestion, which can result in aspiration pneumonititis (a type of lung infection) that can be very serious.
Plants: There are certain plants that are specifically poisonous to pets, while others are completely safe. Before purchasing a new house plant check to make sure they are pet-safe.
Rodenticides: These are specifically formulated to attract and exterminate small mammals. They may contain flavorings like fish, peanut butter, and more to attract the pest. However, these have a good chance of attracting your pet as well. Opt for baits that are considered ‘pet friendly’. These are created in a way that protects pets as they are resistant to tampering.
Insecticides: Just like with rodenticides, these are made with the purpose of extermination. If pesticides are necessary, there are a handful of safer options available.
Cleaning Products: Most cleaning products contain many harsh chemicals for removing dirt, grime, etc. With that being said- some of these products are of course harsher than others. It is just safer all around to keep all window cleaners, bleach, bathroom cleaners, etc. nice and tucked away.
Batteries: Because batteries are so acidic, if ingested they can cause mouth, throat, and stomach issues. When chewed or punctured alkaline batteries can leak a toxic substance that can potentially burn the inside of the mouth and throat. Not to mention- if swallowed whole they can cause blockages in the intestines.
Children’s toys: Any toy that isn’t specifically made for your pup, should not be given to your pup. Many children’s toys that have small bits and pieces can break off and potentially get lodged in the throat or intestines.
Dogs and pets in general tend to try to get into stuff every once in a while because they’re simply curious by nature. It is up to us to keep things secure and out of reach. This means locking up any potentially harmful substances that may be in our kitchens, bathrooms, etc. No one is perfect and accidents happen. Pets can be crafty little critters. If your pet ingests something that could possibly hurt them- contact your vet or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Center Hotline at 888-426-4435. Healthy pets are happy pets, and the more prepared we are the better!
Each year we as dog owners have to take our dogs to the vet for their annual vaccines. Because we love our furry little friends, we want them to be able to socialize with as little risk of getting sick as possible. Just like our own children, we want them to be protected against anything that can potentially be harmful to them. Sure we’ve heard of people getting vaccinated for the flu, but what about our dogs? Why not protect our pets when we have the ability to do so? Canine influenza is something a lot of people aren’t super familiar with, but it is very important for us to educate ourselves on the matter. Not only for the safety of our own dogs, but for dog safety worldwide.
What is canine influenza? According to Merck Animal Health, “it is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is caused by canine influenza virus (CIV) Type A.” Although we’re now starting to hear more about the canine flu, the first strain of it, CIV H3N8, was first reported in racing greyhounds in Florida back in 2004. It is believed that this first affected horses and made its way to dogs. This strain can also be a little harder for veterinarians to diagnose. The second strain, CIV H3N2, was more recently found here in the United states- although it was first found in South Korea in 2006. This strain of the virus is of avian origin and had spread to 30 states in the U.S. by April 2016. Every year more and more dogs are traveling from state to state with their families for vacations, road-trips, etc. Because dogs are being transported so much more than before, they are also exposed to more things that could be harmful to them. Which results in contagious illnesses, like the flu, being picked up and spread of course. The canine flu is not a seasonal virus like the human flu, which means it can be caught year-round.
How is canine influenza spread? For the most part, it is spread the same way the common cold would spread through people, and we all know how easy that is to get. Does your dog regularly attend a daycare or dog park? It is most commonly spread through dog to dog contact. This could be as simple as licking one another or even sniffing each other. Sharing water bowls and toys is of course another big way it is spread. Lastly, dogs can even get sick by merely coming into contact with us! If we unknowingly come into contact with the virus, our clothes, hands, and other surfaces can be contaminated in an instant. It’s that contagious. Any dog no matter their age, size, or breed can get the flu- it does not discriminate.
How do I know if my dog has the flu? The most common signs include, but are not limited to: coughing, retching, sneezing, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Although many cases of the flu are relatively mild, there is a small percentage of dogs who are plagued with severe cases. For instance, if the dog is very young or very old their immune systems are more compromised. Therefore, they are at greater risk for receiving the more severe cases because their bodies aren’t able to fight off the virus as well. Many people have the misconception that the canine flu is the same thing as kennel cough, because without diagnosis all canine respiratory illnesses can look similar. However, the flu is a viral disease which results in it being more difficult to treat than kennel cough.
With all of that being said, I think we all can agree that getting your dog the flu vaccine is the right thing to do. Let’s face it, if your dog does end up getting sick, you’ll be paying much more for vet visits than you would just getting the vaccine. Like most vaccines, this does have to be boostered two to three weeks after the initial vaccine. Once you’ve done that it will just be another annual vaccine to add to the list. Remember, the first priority of all canine facilities is dog safety. Most of these places will be requiring the flu vaccine in the near future if they aren’t already, so it wouldn’t hurt to get it sooner rather than later. Stop into your local vet’s office today to set up an appointment, that way your pup can get back to playing without a sweat!
*** As a reminder to all current or potential clients of Good Dog Hotel and Spa, we are requiring both rounds the canine influenza vaccine by 3/1/2020. For any questions you have about this, call us at 317-255-2525!
Puppies are just the best, aren’t they? Who doesn’t love a cute, happy, little puppy face?! Although they are undeniably adorable, they can be a real handful. There are many things one should consider before rushing to adopt a puppy. You want to make sure you are prepared to take on another full-time job. Here are a few things you should think about if you’re going to adopt a puppy!
What kind of dog you get is one, if not the most, important thing for you to think about before adopting. In fact, it is crucial that you do your research on different breeds to help you determine what will best fit into your life. For example, a 10-pound Chihuahua would be fine living in a small apartment. However, a 180-pound English Mastiff would need much more space. You also want to look at the breed’s coat-type, because some dog’s coats will require regular maintenance. Dogs with tight-curly coats must be brushed out regularly, or they can end up with some painful matting that will eventually have to be shaved off. On the other hand, short/straight-haired dogs require little to no grooming maintenance, aside from the usual bathing and nail trimming.
The next thing you should definitely consider is your lifestyle. Do you have a demanding job that calls for you to work long hours? Because to train a new puppy, you are going to need lots of time and patience. You also will have to make time to keep up with their vet appointments for annual vaccines and check-ups. Not to mention, most puppies can’t just be left home alone with no supervision. If you choose not to crate train, you will need someone there to watch them or find a doggie daycare/hotel that can watch them for you while you’re gone. It will make things much easier for you if you set these things up before you bring home your new pup!
Lastly, you will just want to make sure your home is ready to welcome a puppy. Puppies are curious, and they will more than likely be ready to get into stuff. You will want to puppy-proof your home to ensure his or her safety. This means keeping the trash put away, covering electrical cords, getting rid of any poisonous plants, etc. Also, if you have children or other pets, you will want to make sure they are ready to welcome a new pet into the home. It’s never a bad idea to educate yourself on the proper ways to introduce a new pup to your family, that way you can have peace of mind when leaving them alone together. Other than that, you will just need the basic dog supplies such as water/food bowls, toys, bedding, etc. Now you’re on your way to bringing home your new furry friend!
By no means is this written to deter you from adopting a puppy, puppies are great and they truly become part of your family. It is more so to simply educate on the fact the puppies aren’t just all fun and games. There is a lot of responsibility and work that comes with bringing home a new fur baby. As long as you are prepared, things will be great. To bring things to an end, we’d like to feature a few of the new puppies we’ve recently met here at Good Dog!
Each year when the holidays come around, we all start thinking of fun and useful gifts we could get for our loved ones. We start filling the stores trying to find something thoughtful for our mom, dad, kids, spouse, and more. In all the holiday chaos, we can’t forget about our furry friends! Luckily, they don’t tend to be too hard to please. Here we have compiled a list of awesome gifts for dogs in 2019. Ranging from classic toys to high-tech gifts, you’ll be sure to find something that your pup will love!
#1. Smart Dog Collar:
We as people can hardly live without our smart phones. With the LinkAKC Smart Dog Collar, you can track your dog’s location, store records and appointments, and even know when temperatures are too hot or cold for your dog, all from your phone! The smart collar can record adventures and it can also light up in the nighttime. It can be used on dogs of many different sizes and breeds so if you’re looking to splurge on your pup this year, this may just be the gift for you!
#2.Warm Coat:
A new, warm, fuzzy coat is always great to have for the winter! The great thing is you can find dog coats at many places including Walmart, PetSmart, Petco, Amazon, and lots more! Small short haired and senior dogs get chilly during the colder months and can always use a good coat!
#3.Dog DNA Test:
Have you ever wondered just what kind of dog you have? Many times, we adopt dogs from shelters, and it can be hard to pin-point just what breed they are. The ‘Embark’ dog DNA test is known as the most accurate and it captures over 200,000 genetic markers when testing. Although it is on the pricey side, this can be a fun one for the whole family!
#4. Classic Kong Toy:
Kong’s are durable, reusable, and they keep your pup busy! You can stuff their favorite treats, peanut butter, or cheese inside and just leave them to it. Kong’s are affordable and they come in different colors and sizes, something to fit each dog!
#5. Cozy Bed:
What dog doesn’t love to snuggle up and get comfy? Dog beds are one of the easier gifts you can get for your dog, as they are super easy to find, and they vary in pricing and sizes. They are typically affordable, and your dog can get tons of use out of them! Some lasting for years.#6. Dog Subscription Box:
This is the gift that keeps on giving! Doggie subscription boxes are tons of fun, and they come once a month full of surprises. There are a variety of plans you can choose from and you can personalize the things you get based on your pup’s interests.
#7. Treats from a Dog Bakery:
Grab a couple of festive treats from a local dog bakery! For example, here in Indiana we have ‘Three Dog’s Bakery’ which have locations in downtown Indianapolis, Broad Ripple, and Noblesville. They sell a variety of cute and yummy treats, including cakes, individual personalized treats, and bagged treats. Stop in your local doggie bakery today! Your pup won’t be disappointed.
#8. Personalized Pet Stuff:
Although most customizable things must be made online, there are so many things we can get personalized for our pets. You can get collars, bowls, toy boxes, and more personalized with your pet’s name or face just to let them know they’re extra special.
#9. Durable Stuffed Toy:
So many of our pups love stuffed, squeaky toys. However, a lot of dogs love them a little too much and they end up ripped to shreds. ‘Fluff and Tuff’ toys are ultra-plush, and they are double stitched with a mesh liner to keep your pup from tearing into them. They come in different animals too, such as a raccoon, bear, sloth, and more!
#10. Custom Pet Portrait:
Let’s be honest, this one’s more for us than the dog. I mean, a good pet portrait is just too cute! You can find different companies and local artists to paint up an awesome portrait for you and your pet. This varies depending on your location of course, but whichever way you spin it, this just makes a great gift for the whole family!
1. Stay inside and bake yummy treats! This one you can never go wrong with. Our furry friends are always up for a tasty treat! Instead of going out in the cold, hang out with your pup inside and get to baking. There are tons of cool recipes on the internet for easy, affordable, home-made dog treats. For example, you could whip up some savory bacon-peanut butter bones, or some sweet pupcakes!
2. Make some DIY Christmas Ornaments! For a fun way to do something festive with your pup, create some cool Christmas tree decorations together! Like in the picture above, you could make a salt-dough puppy paw print ornament. It’s super easy, all you need is some dough, and a furry puppy paw! These are even more special, because you will have something to remind you of your best friend, forever.
3. Take a snow-filled hike!Although we may not always be super excited to embrace the cold, our dogs love it! Dogs love to investigate and sniff out new environments. With snow, comes new smells, textures, and temperatures. Hence why they enjoy rolling in it/ running through it so much. Snow is just one big toy for them to play with!
4. Take pictures with Santa! During the holiday season, there are lots of places you can take your pups to get pictures made with Santa! How cute is that? Some pictures turn out totally adorable, and others will make you laugh for days. Either way, it makes for a great picture, and it would also create some awesome memories too!
5. Cuddles and a movie marathon! Although this may be the most simple on the list, it still is a great way to spend the day with your pup. Believe it or not, some dogs really enjoy watching T.V. Netflix even offers a variety of dog movies such as ‘Bolt’, ‘Hotel for Dogs’, ‘Benji’, and many more! So turn on a good movie, get the snacks, and cuddle up with your dog for the day.
These are just a few of the fun things you can do with your pup this winter! At the end of the day, your dog really just enjoys any time he/she gets to spend with you. It’s simple. We don’t always think about it, but our dog’s worlds revolve around us. Even if they don’t need too much to be happy, we should still take the time out of our day to spend a little quality time with them. Whether that’s inside or outside, your dog will love it either way! It’s the thought that counts, and they will be forever grateful for the time spent.
Approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S shelters each year. More times than not, these animals aren’t young and lively anymore. Many of them are senior pets, who probably once had homes and families, and could have ended up homeless for various reasons. When we think about bringing home a new pet, we often think of a tiny, fuzzy kitten or a fluffy, energetic puppy. But, why don’t we ever think of bringing home an older pet? Sure, they may be going a little gray and they may not have all the energy in the world, but a lot of us can probably say the same. They still have so much love to give, and just like the rest of us, they simply just want to be loved. November is adopt a senior pet month! Here at Good Dog, we have many senior dogs who come in to visit us. We wanted to highlight a few reasons why adopting a senior dog can be a rewarding, great experience. Not to mention, we also wanted to give a few of our very own senior residents some shine.
1. Old dogs can still learn new tricks! It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, a lot of times older dogs can be easier to train than puppies, due to their ability to focus for a longer period of time. Consistency is really the only thing that matters when teaching anyone something new! (Consistently giving treats that is.)
-Molly, the 14 year old Blue Heeler! She still loves to play fetch and she also enjoys bath time.
2. Senior dogs often already have basic training. Most senior dogs have already been potty trained, and many of them know basic commands like sit, stay, shake, etc. Teaching a new puppy these things can take a lot of time and energy that many people just don’t have.
-Buddy, the 14 year old chow-lab mix! He is one of our regulars in daycare! He still comes at least once a week.
3. Older dogs are more calm, and less energetic. Once dogs come out of their puppy stage, they tend to calm down quite a bit. This means fewer chewed up shoes, and less destroyed furniture. This also means they will be less needy in terms of wanting to play, or go on walks 24/7. If you have children, older dogs tend to be more calm which typically results in them doing better with kids as well!
-Bug and Sophie, the 14 year old pug sisters! They love to cuddle up together for naps.
4. Senior dogs already have set personalities and temperaments. Senior dogs are already who they are going to be. You won’t have to worry about any surprises. They already have their set personalities, whether that be shy, calm, outgoing, or friendly. What you see is what you get. With that being said, this will make it easier to assess how he/she may fit into your lifestyle.
-Bully, the almost 12 year old French Bulldog! He still comes to daycare all the time! (Even if his time here is mostly spent sleeping.)
5. Adopting an older dog is saving a life. Many times dogs over the age of five are overlooked. The odds for them aren’t always great. Some of these dogs will live in a shelter for the rest of their days. It’s important to remember that older dogs need a home just as badly as the young ones. It is a heroic thing to find beauty and love in what others wouldn’t even think twice about.
-Tipper, the almost 10 year old chihuahua-beagle mix! She is the best to snuggle with!
These are just a few of the many reasons why adopting an older dog can be the right choice for a lot of us. Everyone deserves a home and a family, no matter how young, old, big, or small. With all the cute puppies around, I think it can be easy for us to forget about the older dogs. That is why we wanted to bring awareness to adopt a senior pet month! Next time you are looking to bring home a new pet, consider taking home a senior pet. Take it from Tiki, who is a senior himself, that the old guys are just the best!
– Our very own Tiki, the 11 year old pug-poodle mix! Tiki loves his human and doggie friends and he likes to play with his toys.
Each and every dog has their own unique story. Here at Good Dog, we see hundreds of different dogs, from towering Great Danes to tiny chihuahuas. They all come from different backgrounds and homes, and their owners always have fun stories to tell. Unfortunately, not all dogs have a great start, but there is so much beauty in what we as people can do to better a dogs life. As many of you know, we have a furry little pug-poodle mix named Tiki, who has been our mascot for Good Dog for eight years! We always get so many questions about him, and we figured it would only be right to outline his inspiring journey for you all. Tiki’s story; who he is, his accident, and his recovery.
People are always so intrigued by Tiki, as he is a scruffy little old man, with a huge underbite, who just hangs out on our desk in the front lobby. He is always there to greet everyone as soon as they come in, and he is not the least bit shy. He is very much known for running around demanding attention. Many would say he lives the perfect doggie life, because all day long he gets numerous treats and all kinds of affection. If you know Tiki, you know that he is extremely vocal and makes the strangest noises when he gets excited. One thing for sure is that Good Dog would not be the same without our beloved Tiki. He is hilarious and truly one of a kind. In the eight years that he has been with us, he has changed so many of our lives for the better. I think I can speak for all of us when I say, Tiki makes coming to work so much more enjoyable. I mean, who wouldn’t want a cute little dog by their side all day while they work? Now, how did we get tiki you may be asking? It all started back in September of 2011. Michelle, who is one of the managers for Good Dog, was off for the day and she had an appointment scheduled at a beauty salon to have her hair styled. As she was waiting in the front lobby, one of the stylists rushed in exclaiming to her co-workers, “I am so sorry i’m late! I just saw a dog get hit by a car!”
After hearing this, Michelle, who has worked with dogs for years, and has many of her own, of course started to tune in at this point. The stylist goes on to say that she couldn’t keep him due to having two boxers at home, so she just took him to a nearby vet to see what they could do. Michelle at this point explains to her that she works for Good Dog, and she would love to help out, as we have had many rescues. So, she gives the stylist her number and waits to hear back. Not too long after, she ends up reaching out to Michelle. She tells her that Tiki had a broken hip and he was going to have to stay at the vet for quite some time. If you are a pet owner, you know how expensive things can get when you make trips to the vet. Although the stylist had no money to pay for him to essentially live at the vet for a while to recover, that’s when a miracle happened. A woman was standing at the front when Tiki was dropped off, and she had selflessly offered to pay. For it all! Thanks to her, Tiki was given a second chance, and was able to live there for a month. They called him ‘Neil’, before he was ever our Tiki. Before we knew it, it was time for him to come to what would become his forever home. He arrived for the first time at Good Dog, on October 10th, 2011.
To be continued….
What can you say about a dog? Plenty – check out these awesome quotes for dog lovers that’ll make you smile.
It’s no surprise that most of the conversations at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa have something to do with dogs. Whether it’s furry friends playing at our dog daycare, or overnight guests at our Good Dog Hotel, we love and care for all our visitors. It’s difficult to express how much we enjoy working with dogs every day (and how it enhances our lives), so we thought we’d let others do it for us.
Here are some of our favorite quotes for dog lovers. Some are funny and others are philosophical, but we appreciate them all. We hope you enjoy them too.
1. Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail. – Kinky Friedman
2. My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet. – Edith Wharton
3. It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. – Mark Twain
4. No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does. – Christopher Morley
5. I love women, but I feel like you can’t trust some of them. Some of them are liars, you know? Like I was in the park and I met this girl, she was cute and she had a dog. And I went up to her, we started talking. She told me her dog’s name. Then I said, ‘Does he bite?’ She said, ‘No.’ And I said, ‘Oh yeah? Then how does he eat?’ Liar. – Demetri Martin
6. Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read. – Groucho Marx
7. When the dog looks at you, the dog is not thinking what kind of a person you are. The dog is not judging you. – Eckhart Tolle
8. Fall in love with a dog, and in many ways you enter a new orbit, a universe that features not just new colors but new rituals, new rules, a new way of experiencing attachment. – Caroline Knapp
9. Your best ideas, those eureka moments that turn the world upside down, seldom come when you’re juggling emails, rushing to meet the 5 p.m. deadline or straining to make your voice heard in a high-stress meeting. They come when you’re walking the dog, soaking in the bath or swinging in a hammock. – Carl Honore
10. Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. – Ann Landers
11. When a man’s best friend is his dog, that dog has a problem. – Edward Abbey
12. You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog. – Harry S Truman
13. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring – it was peace. – Milan Kundera
14. My main characters are the most sunny, happy, optimistic, loving creatures on the face of the Earth. I couldn’t be happier that’s where I start. I can put as many flawed people in the dog’s world as I like, but the dog doesn’t care. Dog doesn’t judge. Dog doesn’t dislike. Dog loves. That’s not so bad. – W. Bruce Cameron
15. A boy can learn a lot from a dog: obedience, loyalty, and the importance of turning around three times before lying down. – Robert Benchley
16. If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience. – Woodrow Wilson
17. I have never met a dog I couldn’t help; however, I have met humans who weren’t willing to change. – Cesar Millan
18. My fashion philosophy is, if you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty. – Elayne Boosler
19. I read the Odyssey because it was the story of a man who returned home after being absent for more than twenty years and was recognized only by his dog. – Guillermo Cabrera Infante
20. You cannot share your life with a dog, as I had done in Bournemouth, or a cat, and not know perfectly well that animals have personalities and minds and feelings. – Jane Goodall
21. The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. – Samuel Butler
Need a good beach book? Check out our list of top 10 books that dog owners and dog lovers will adore.
Who doesn’t love summer, sun and a good book? The Good Dog Hotel & Spa team especially loves those that have something to do with dogs. That’s why we put together a list of our top 10 books for dog owners and lovers.
Whether you’re going to be on a beach, by a pool, in a hammock or on a plane, these reads will keep you engrossed and entertained. And remember, if you’re not taking your pooch with you on vacation, they can have a vacation of their own at the Good Dog Hotel! But reserve your space now – we’re filling up fast.
Have a great summer, and happy reading!
1. E.B. White on Dogs by E.B. White
In E. B. White on Dogs, his granddaughter and manager of his literary estate, Martha White, has compiled the best and funniest of his essays, poems, letters, and sketches depicting over a dozen of White’s various canine companions.
2. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope–a captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.
3. Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote
This touching portrait of a remarkable dog and his relationship with the author, Merle’s Door, explores the issues that all animals and their human companions face as their lives intertwine, bringing to bear the latest research into animal consciousness and behavior as well as insights into the origins and evolution of the human-dog partnership.
4. Off the Leash: A Year in the Dog Park by Matthew Gilbert
Off the Leash is a group portrait of dog people, specifically the strange, wonderful, neurotic, and eccentric dog people who gather at Amory Park, overlooking Boston near Fenway Park. And it’s about author Matthew Gilbert’s transformation, after much fear and loathing of dogs and social groups, into one of those dog people with fur on their jackets, squeaky toys in their hands, and biscuits in their pockets.
5. Travels with Casey by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
“I don’t think my dog likes me very much,” New York Times Magazine writer Benoit Denizet-Lewis confesses at the beginning of his cross-country journey with his nine-year-old Labrador-mix, Casey. Over the next four months, thirty-two states, and 13,000 miles in a rented motor home, Denizet-Lewis and his lovable, moody canine companion try – with humorous and touching results – to pay tribute to the most powerful interspecies bond there is, in the country with the highest rate of dog ownership in the world.
6. Thurber’s Dogs by James Thurber
If you’re a James Thurber fan, you know he created some thirty volumes of humor, fiction, children’s books, cartoons, and essays in just about as many years. A founding member of The New Yorker staff, Thurber wrote and illustrated such enduring books as The Thurber Carnival and My Life and Hard Times, which have appeared in countless editions and dozens of languages throughout the world.
Thurber’s Dogs explores the charming world of Thurber’s hounds as recorded in his prose and drawings.
7. A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives, and touches on the universal quest for an answer to life’s most basic question: Why are we here? Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of eight-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures, Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog.
8. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
The Call of the Wild, considered by many London’s greatest novel, is a gripping tale of a heroic dog that, thrust into the brutal life of the Alaska Gold Rush, ultimately faces a choice between living in man’s world and returning to nature. Adventure and dog-story enthusiasts as well as students and devotees of American literature will find this classic work a thrilling, memorable reading experience.
9. Following Atticus by Tom Ryan
Following Atticus is an unforgettable true saga of adventure, friendship, and the unlikeliest of family, as one remarkable animal opens the eyes and heart of a tough-as-nails newspaperman to the world’s beauty and its possibilities. The author decided to pay tribute to a close friend who died of cancer by attempting to climb all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000 ft. peaks twice in one winter while raising money for charity. Tom was middle-aged, overweight, and acrophobic (a fear of high places). It was an adventure of a lifetime, leading Tom and Atticus across hundreds of miles and deep into an enchanting but dangerous winter wonderland.
10. Dog Gone, Back Soon by Dr. Nick Trout
New York Times bestselling author and double-board certified veterinary surgeon Dr. Nick Trout wrote this lively novel about a small-town vet with big time challenges and a host of eccentric cases to treat (and those are just the pet-owners). This tale of new beginnings is a glimpse into the challenges and joys of being a small independent veterinarian who has to cure pot-head puppies, overly sensitive service dogs, and feline obesity.
Watching movies is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, especially if dogs are in the cast of characters. In fact, the Good Dog Hotel & Spa loves our furry friends on the silver screen so much, we feature dog movies for our four-legged guests who stay in our hotel’s Deluxe and Master Suites.
That’s why we decided to share our list of favorite holiday movies for dog lovers. Take a look, and feel free to add your own favorites in the comments section below. And don’t forget to make arrangements now for all your doggy day care and extended stay needs for the holidays.
Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure
You’ll love celebrating with Beethoven, the ever-adorable St. Bernard, in this heartwarming holiday adventure – where the hilarious canine speaks for the first time. When Henry the elf flees the North Pole with Santa’s sleigh and his magical bag of toys, he crash-lands the precious cargo in a suburban neighborhood tree. But when the bag ends up in the wrong hands, it’s up to heroic Beethoven and his teenage pal, Mason, to rescue Henry, fetch Santa’s toys and save Christmas for children everywhere.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Who can resist Snoopy, the spirited Beagle, in this classic Charlie Brown Christmas? This holiday staple (since 1965) features all the loveable Peanuts characters, plus Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz score and the timeless message of “what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
A Dog Named Christmas
This is a heart-warming tale of a young man with a learning disability named Todd McCray, living with his parents in the rural Midwest. The story takes place over a two-week period during the Christmas holidays, when the local animal shelter launches an “Adopt a Dog for Christmas” program. Todd’s unconditional love for animals enables him to embark on an endeavor to ensure that as many dogs as possible get adopted by the local community.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
On the outskirts of Whoville, there lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans on ruining the Christmas holiday for all of the town’s citizens. Thank goodness he has a trusty dog named Max. Whether it’s the original animated version, or the full-feature version starring Jim Carrey, the songs, the present-stealing and ultimate change of heart is a classic for all ages.
Lady and the Tramp
This thrilling adventure follows Lady, a lovingly pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a freewheeling mutt with a heart of gold. When Lady’s master and mistress, Jim Dear and Darling, leave town for a few days, Aunt Sarah arrives with her two cats to babysit. This heartwarming tale features exquisite animation, unforgettable songs and one of the greatest love stories of all time.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
This far-from-traditional classic features a show stealer named Zero, the ghostly dog who accompanies Jack Skellington family-friends but a little bit dark musical holiday film. Zero isn’t your ordinary pooch – he plays fetch with one of Jack’s ribs and comforts the Halloween King when he’s depressed. He even guides the ghastly sleigh when an attempt is made to give Christmas a face lift.
The 12 Dogs of Christmas
Upon being sent to live with her aunt in the small town of Doverville, 12-year-old Emma finds herself in the middle of a dog-fight with the Mayor and town dogcatcher. In order to strike down their no-dogs law, Emma must bring together a group of schoolmates, grown-ups and adorable dogs of all shapes and sizes in a spectacular holiday pageant. The 12 Dogs of Christmas is a fun, heartwarming story featuring a diverse canine cast of over 101 pooches, perfect for all those who love dogs, kids and Christmas.
