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     The continuation of ‘Tiki’s Story’…

   

      Although Tiki had spent so much time at the vet, he was only in the beginning stages of his recovery. For another month or so, Michelle, and some of the staff at that time, would take turns caring for Tiki. He still could not walk due to his injury, so they would carry him around on a large, sturdy platform in order to get him around for the time being. They would carry him inside and outside several times a day, and he would just hang out with Michelle in her office in his spare time. After almost two months of not being able to walk, they knew it was time. It was time to begin teaching him how to walk again. They could see it in his eyes just how much he wanted to walk, and he was determined to become mobile again. They would encourage him to walk by crouching down a small distance away from him, and they would call him to them. Although he would cry out at times due to the pain at first, he eventually began to drag himself using his front legs. He did this for some time to get around, but over time he finally began to use his back legs again. Of course, it wasn’t perfect at first. He would keep his back legs together and he would practically hop around. This was still so, so far from where he started. He was making so much progress then one day, in the blink of an eye, he began walking on all fours. It really goes to show you that with a little hope, you can truly do anything. 

             

       Originally, we thought Tiki would be adopted out, but we had grown far too close to him. He was apart of our family now, and everyone had so much love for him. He was simply the one, and he’s been with us ever-since. As you can see, this was not a story that could be summoned up in just a few sentences. Did you know that in the U.S alone, approximately 1.2 million dogs are hit on the roads each year? This is a staggering, heart-breaking number. This is just another reason why Tiki’s story was so important for us to tell. It is important for us to be reminded of how much power we have to help not only people, but animals too. We love you Tiki, and we thank you for bringing so much love and laughter to our lives each and every day. You inspire us, and our lives wouldn’t be the same without you!

 

 

Check out these holiday treats just for dogs that make the perfect addition to gift bags and family parties.

Tiki is ready for the holidays and waiting for some yummy dog treats.

Tiki is ready for the holidays and waiting for some yummy dog treats.

It’s holiday baking time, and while you’re thinking about all those yummy recipes sure to please even the most finicky of human guests, don’t forget about your furry friends. Yes, dogs love special treats too! In fact, Tiki, our Good Dog Hotel & Spa Ambassador, has some special suggestions that will add a little spice to your holiday preparations.

Take a look at these pooch-friendly delights, and from our family to yours, have a joyous and safe holiday.

Apple Mint Dog Christmas Cookies: You’ll find plenty of dog treat inspiration on the Best Dog Treat Recipes website, including Apple Mint Dog Christmas Cookies. These mint flavored mini-bones are made with applesauce and look festive. And not only are they tasty, the ingredient mint aids digestion and helps control bad dog breath.

Christmas Turkey Trees: This holiday treat provides some variety in flavors, as opposed to the sweetness of other holiday dog cookies. The ingredients for Christmas Turkey Trees include fresh ground turkey, dried oregano and garlic powder, so you know your dog is going to love it.

Christmas Cookie Dog Treats: If you’re a fan of cookie cutters, you’ll love this Christmas Cookie Dog Treat recipe. Featuring peanut butter and Greek yogurt, these adorable shapes will be a sure-fire dog pleaser.

Gingerbread Dog Cookies: From the website Gone to the Snow Dogs, this Gingerbread Dog Cookies recipe is super easy, and perfect for bagged gifts – whether for your neighborhood canines or a local animal shelter. And the smells of cinnamon, ginger and molasses will have your house smelling just like the holidays.

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats: Here’s a three-in-one bonus, as this Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treat recipe can be used, with variations, to also make Sweet Potato and Apple Carrot Treats.

Peppermint Pinwheel Dog Treats: There’s nothing like the smell and flavor of peppermint to get you in the holiday spirit. Peppermint Pinwheel Dog Treats are a colorful delight, and the perfect touch for doggie gift bags.

Snickerdoodles Dog Biscuits: This Snickerdoodles recipe for dog biscuits is an easy one, and a classic must-have for pooch gatherings during the holidays (or any other time, for that matter).

What are your favorite dog treat recipes?

Tiki is always looking for new recipes, especially during the holidays. Which is why he wants to know about your favorite dog treat concoctions. Please share your thoughts and suggestions below.

Did pilgrims serve pumpkin pie? Find out that and so much more with Tiki’s Thanksgiving trivia – just in time for the big day.

Thanksgiving Boston TerrierTiki, our Good Dog Hotel & Spa ambassador, loves any occasion to celebrate. That’s why he wanted to share some awesome Thanksgiving trivia just in time for the big day. He thinks if you’re armed with surprising holiday facts and interesting tidbits, it might help you impress all those relatives while you’re sitting around the dining room table.

We hope you enjoy Tiki’s 20 fun facts about Thanksgiving, and from our family to yours, have a wonderful and safe holiday.

  1. Puritans brought beer over with them on the Mayflower.
  2. The Wampanoag Indians taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land.
  3. The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, organized the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 and invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians. It lasted three days.
  4. There was no milk, cheese, bread, butter, mashed potatoes, corn or pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving feast. Rather, the menu included nuts, vegetables, a variety of meats, stewed pumpkin and cranberries.
  5. In 1784, Ben Franklin suggested the wild turkey would be a more appropriate national symbol for the U.S. rather than the bald eagle. He believed turkeys were more respectable and “true original Native of America.”
  6. The famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in the 1920’s.
  7. According to Guinness World Records, the largest pumpkin pie ever baked was 12 feet in diameter and 2,020 pounds.
  8. About 46 million turkeys are eaten in America for Thanksgiving dinner.
  9. It has been estimated that 88% of Americans eat turkey on the big day.
  10. The state of California consumes the most amount of turkey.
  11. According to the Guinness Book of Records, The heaviest turkey on record weighs 86 pounds, but the average turkey weighs about 15 pounds.
  12. In Canada, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October.
  13. Only tom turkeys gobble.
  14. Hen turkeys make a clicking noise.
  15. Domesticated turkeys cannot fly.
  16. Wild turkeys can fly for short distances up to 55 miles per hour and can run 20 miles per hour.
  17. The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day for plumbers, according to Roto-Rooter. This is mainly due to meal prep and cleanup, which can clog drains and garbage disposals.
  18. Minnesota produces more turkeys than any other state in the U.S., raising close to 46 million in 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
  19. Over 750 million pounds of cranberries are produced in the U.S. each year in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington.
  20. The largest pumpkin pie ever was baked on October 8, 2005, by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in Ohio. It weighed 2,020 pounds and measured just over 12 feet long, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

 Just how strong is a dog’s sense of smell? And what country has the most dogs? Find out the answers with these fun facts about our furry friends.

Dogs are amazing. And all of us at the Good Dog Hotel and Spa in Indianapolis love getting to know our furry friends, whether they’re in for a grooming appointment, visiting our doggie daycare, or spending the night in Good Dog Hotel.

This is our gorgeous friend with two different colors of eyes, which is due to a rare condition called Heterochromia iridis.

This is our gorgeous friend with two different colors of eyes, which is due to a rare condition called Heterochromia iridis.

But there’s always something new to learn, which is why we love sharing information about dogs. For instance, do you know how strong a dog’s sense of smell is? Or do you know the name of the dog on the Cracker Jacks boxes? Here are some of our favorite fun facts about dogs – we hope you enjoy them.

 

  1. An adult dog has 42 teeth. Puppies have 28.
  2. A typical dog is as smart as a 2-year-old toddler.
  3. A one-year-old puppy is as physically mature as a 15-year-old human.
  4. Dogs can see really well in the dark, thanks to a special eye membrane called Tapetum lucidum.
  5. Dogs and cats both slurp water the same way.
  6. Heterochromia iridisis a rare (and often strikingly gorgeous) condition in which animals, including humans, have two different colored eyes. It’s particularly noticeable in dogs and cats.
  7. A dog’s shoulder blades are unattached to the rest of the skeleton to allow greater flexibility for running.
  8. According to the World Canine Organization, there are 339 dog breeds in the world.
  9. The smallest dog breed in the world is Chihuahua, and the largest dog breed in the world is Wolfhound.
  10. A dog named Laika became the first living being to visit space in 1957.
  11. Dogs have an estimated 1,700 taste buds (humans average about 10,000).
  12. Although puppies are born deaf, when they mature, dogs can hear 4 times as far as humans.
  13. Whiskers help dogs “see” in the dark.
  14. The Poodle haircut was originally meant to improve the dog’s swimming abilities as a retriever, with the pom-poms left in place to warm their joints.
  15. It’s a myth that dogs are colorblind. They see color, just not as well as humans.
  16. Dogs only have sweat glands in their paws.
  17. A human has about 5 million scent glands, but dogs have 125 to 300 million (depending on the breed). Which means their sense of smell can be 1,000 to 10,000,000 times better than humans.
  18. America has the largest dog population in the world.
  19. Greyhounds are the fastest dog. They can reach speeds of nearly 45 miles per hour.
  20. The name of the dog on the Cracker Jacks box is Bingo. The Taco Bell Chihuahua is a rescued dog named Gidget.
  21. On average, a dog’s mouth exerts 320 pounds of pressure.
  22. Three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic (a Pekingese and two Pomeranians).
  23. Scouting offers two merit badges for dog lovers: Pets and Dog Care.
  24. Dogs have three eyelids. The third lid, called a nictitating membrane or “haw,” keeps the eye lubricated and protected.
  25. Humans have kept dogs as pets for more than 12,000 years.
  26. The most dogs ever owned by one person were 5,000 Mastiffs, owned by Kublai Khan.

Tailgating can be fun for humans and dogs alike. Check out these top tips to make sure everyone has a fun (and safe) time.

It’s finally football season, and the Good Dog Hotel & Spa team in Indianapolis is excited to join in on all the fun. Are you ready to break out the spirt wear and get your tailgating groove on?

Tiki is ready for some football and safe tailgating.

Tiki is ready for some football and safe tailgating.

Whether it’s in your living room, a neighbor’s backyard or an onsite parking lot, tailgating is a tradition that brings fans together to enjoy food and fun, no matter the final score. But what about your dog? Should you include him, and if so, what should you be aware of?

We asked Tiki, our Good Dog Hotel & Spa ambassador, for some sound tailgating advice. Here are his eight tailgating tips for pet owners.

  1. Make sure it’s dog-friendly. Before even considering taking your dog to a tailgating party, make sure she’s welcome. You don’t want to show up, only to be greeted by posted signs that say “No Dogs Allowed.” Make sure your host is okay with dogs, or if it’s a public area, see if there are sections specifically meant for us.
  2. Consider our feelings. We know sometimes you love to show us off, or maybe you feel guilty for leaving us at home. But remember that some of us just don’t like crowds, noises and constant activity – especially when we’re puppies. As tempting as it is to take us, if we do better with routines and a quite atmosphere, please leave us at home. If you do take us, make sure there is a quiet place where we can take a break if needed. And if I’m crate-trained, bring my crate along – it’ll make me feel safe and happy.
  3. Bring along dog food. Tailgate parties aren’t parties without lots of food – and not the pet-friendly kind. Bring the food that I’m used to (please include some treats). And keep an eye on all your friends – especially children – who might tempt us with human food that can make our tummies upset or be bad for us.
  4. Make sure we can cool off. We love to bask in the sun just like humans, but we also need to be able to cool off. Make sure we have plenty of water available to us, as well as access to shade.
  5. Don’t forget the toys. We know humans like to play games at parties, and so do we. But we’re not very good at corn hole. Make sure you bring something for us to do too, like Frisbees, tennis balls or any of our other favorite outdoor toys.
  6. Keep us leashed. There is so much activity going on at tailgating parties, most likely we will want to run and explore. But cars can come out of nowhere, and loud noises are everywhere. Keep us on a leash at all times (attached to something stable), but make sure we have plenty of room to move without feeling too constrained.
  7. Have first-aid supplies on hand. Accidents happen, and just as you would be prepared for an injured human, make sure you have some supplies on hand for us too. A good first-aid kit for dogs can include things like gauze and bandages, any medication I’m taking, sting ointment, hydrogen peroxide, an eye dropper, towels, and a muzzle.  Also, make sure you have my veterinarian’s phone number and a copy of my ID handy, just in case.
  8. Don’t forget to clean up. Humans can get really angry if they step on a forgotten pile of, well … you know. Have plenty of plastic bags handy (and don’t forget the pooper scooper). The better you clean up after us, the more likely we’ll be invited back.

WHAT ARE YOUR PET-FRIENDLY TAILGATING TIPS?

Do you have any football parties in your future? If so, will you include your dog? What are some things you do in preparation, and do you have any tailgating advice for other dog owners? We’d love to hear about them – please leave your comments below.

 

One of the many funny photos you can find on DogShaming.com.

One of the many funny photos you can find on DogShaming.com.

Check out these awesome websites for dog lovers, recommended by the Good Dog Hotel & Spa team in Indianapolis.

Need a laugh or a smile? Our team at Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Indianapolis love to share videos, photos and stories about our furry friends. And while we hear and experience lots of laughs every day from first-hand experience, we also appreciate a good website for dog-lovers.

That’s why we put together a list of some of our favorites. Whether you’re looking for a funny video to brighten your day or information about a specific topic, there’s something for everyone. Check out these awesome websites that share articles, photos, stories and videos – all about the animals we love.

Adopt-a-Pet

This is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. They help over 13,600 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month – for free. They’re all about getting homeless pets into homes.

Animalplanet.com

Although the Animal Planet website features all kinds of animals, there is plenty to please dog lovers. Included in the site is a series of games to play, like Mutt Maker, where you can create your own dog breed combination from a selection of dogs. You’ll also find a Pet Spa Challenge (where you run a pet spa), and Pet Picker – a quiz that helps people find the right pet for them based on their multiple choices picks. Animalplanet.com also includes videos, animal related news and a schedule of their shows.

Awkward Family Photos – Pets

You’ve seen the awkward family photos on greeting cards and endless memes, so it’s only appropriate that there is a special section dedicated specifically for pets. You’ll find funny photos and captions that capture that awkward moment in time, forever frozen for the world to see.

CatsDogsVideo

If it’s videos you want, you’ll get them at CatsDogsVideo.com, where you’ll find an extensive collection of general pet videos, documentaries, short films and animation categories for your viewing pleasure. There’s also a free newsletter you can subscribe to if you want to stay connected and know about new additions on the site.

DogShaming

When your dog destroys your toddler’s favorite toy and then sits there with a guilty look, you can’t help but take a picture. Dog Shaming first became “a thing” in 2013, serving as a fun way for exasperated owners to showcase their pet’s embarrassing behavior to the world. Although most owners no doubt love and adore their pet’s eccentricities, Dog Shaming (and its other versions) is a revealing insight into the arbitrary world of animal behavior.

Dogster: For the Love of Dog

Dogster offers a colorful layout that includes a home page in an easy-to-read magazine format. It also features photo galleries, a Q&A section, and links to articles. A champion of adoption and owner responsibility, you’ll find a ton of information about dogs.

Funnydogsite.com

This site is full of funny images, and is updated daily with photos of every variety of dog and their antics. With a video section too, the site encourages viewers to send in their own dog photos and add to their extensive catalog of amusing pictures. There is a sister site for cat lovers, funnycatsite.com, which has photographs, videos and animated gifs of our feline friends.

Global Animal

Global Animal is an online news magazine and social community for all things animal, from beloved pets to exotic wildlife. It’s a virtual clubhouse for pet lovers and animal advocates worldwide to stay informed, be moved, be heard, and get involved.

The Pet Collective TV

Described as “the ultimate destination for pet lovers on the internet,” The Pet Collective is home to trending clips, entertaining memes, and funny animal videos online. You can also subscribe to a YouTube channel or follow them on Facebook. They claim to broadcast the largest collection of 24/7 live streams on YouTube, so you can watch litters of puppies, kittens and other animals live, whenever you want.

What Are Your Favorite Websites for Dog Lovers?

Do you have more awesome websites for dog lovers to add to our list? Are there additional online resources out there that provide valuable information for pet owners? We’d love to hear about them – please share your suggestions below.