Review Day and GIVEAWAY

     Hi, everyone! Thanks for all your advice on the heartworm/flea issue. Mom is more than likely going to go with Heartgard+ and Comfortis, but she'll talk to my vet and see what he says.


     Thunder of The Chronicle of Woos crossed his rainbow bridge yesterday. Please stop by and give his family some words of comfort. Run free, beautiful boy. We miss you.


     I've decided that, instead of doing a review week each month, I'm going to do several reviews in one post. Twice in the first week of each month, and then just weekly afterwards, at least until I catch up with all the reviews I have backed up. I'm doing 4 reviews today, and first up is Planet Dog. Here's a little bit about them:

Since incorporating in 1997, we have been known as the industry's leading socially responsible, values-based design house, bringing people and dogs together for fun and mutual support.

The fire in our belly is to concept, innovate and develop premium products "made for dogs, by dog lovers" all while being fully dedicated to satisfying both you and your best friend's needs.

Our mission is to amuse, explore, support, innovate, create, educate, celebrate and philanthropate... all in the name of the dog. We "romp the romp" by providing financial resources to those in need, educating consumers about canine-related issues, creating an array of non-toxic and recyclable products, and keeping the tails of "our pack" wagging.

Planet Dog’s flagship initiative is the Planet Dog Foundation. Since 2012, PDF has donated more than $800,000 in cash and product donations. Our internal mantra of "think globally, act doggedly," keeps us focused on the higher cause of why we entered this industry...wagging, drooling, sniffing, snuggling, howling, romping dogs.

     I received the Orbee-Tuff Strawberry treat toy, Orbee-Tuff Mazee food toy, Eats PB+J treats and a small hemp leash with fleeced lined handle. I'm going to break this down into tiny little reviews of each product.

Orbee-Tuff Strawberry toy:

      This little toy is non-toxic, recyclable and made in the USA. It can be used as a fetch toy, or a treat stuffing toy (like a Kong). We used it as a treat stuffed toy. It's 3" in hight, and gives your dog some B12 as they chew.

DM: I put yogurt and sometimes pureed pumpkin in Nola's treat toys, and freeze them for when she's crated or she just needs something to do and I'm busy!

PROS:
Cute!

USA made

While it doesn't say to put it in the dishwasher, it doesn't say not to either. We put it in the dishwasher many times with no issues.

Was fine in the freezer

Easy to fill

Good size

CONS:
It has a very strong mint smell, which Mom didn't like. The smell lessened a bit after being in the dishwasher, and the smell isn't as strong right out of the freezer, but it's still stinky.

Dachshund Mommy: I supervise Nola with this toy, because Little Miss can chew through regular Kongs toys in a second and this toy feels about as durable as red Kongs. It's definitaly not something I'd leave my little Jaws unattended with (like crated). While it'd be great for an average chewer, I'd like it to be more durable for Nola.

     Overall, we give this toy 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Orbee-Tuff Mazee toy:
   
     This is a food puzzle toy. It's washable, comes in two colors (pinkish red or green) and is made in the USA.

PROS:
Washable

Two colors

Engaging toy

CONS:
Even though it's not intended to be a chew toy, I'd like it to be a lot more durable. Nola put a few teeth holes in it just pushing it around, and her claws scratched it up, even though they're not that long.

The material is kind of sticky, so it picks up dirt and crime very fast

It's difficult to clean

     We give this 2/5 stars.

Eats PB+J Treats:

     These are made in the USA, tasty, with good ingredients. They smell really good, to both ME and Mom. They're easy to break about to, as they're kind of large.

PROS:
Good ingredients

Smells good

Easy to break apart

USA made

CONS:
They only offer 1 size box of treats

     We give it 4/5 stars.

Small hemp leash with fleeced lined handle:

     This is a 5ft long, 1/2" wide leash. It comes in 5 colors (blue, green, orange, purple and pink. We picked purple), and is made of eco friendly material. The fleeced lined leash is very soft of the skin, and would be great if you had a puller.

PROS:
Eco friendly

Soft handle

Fair price

Machine washable

CONS:
Not made in the USA

Needs more colors

Only one length offered

     We give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.



     Next up is a review featuring my brother/Minion #1 Augustine, and is for Argos Collars. Here's a little about them:

Argos Collars is a Los Angeles based business. We specialize in designing and hand crafting high end leather dog collars in the USA. With functionality and durability in mind, we use only the finest materials in the industry. Our hand crafted pieces are assembled and stitched with precision and care. We import Italian latigo leather, used in saddlery and equestrian equipment, in addition we prepare the leather with specially treated oils and waxes to withstand the harshest outdoor elements. Decorative hardware is available in stainless steel, brass or brushed aluminum. All of the collars are lined with high quality leather for the ultimate comfort and fit. Semi precious stones and fine crystals are available in various sizes and colors. Exotic leathers are also available upon request.

The Story of "Argos" in History

In Greek mythology, Argos was Odysseus' faithful dog. He waited for his master's return to Ithaca for over a decade while most presumed Odysseus dead. He was the first to recognize the King returning from the Trojan War, even though Odysseus was disguised as a beggar to discover what was going on in his palace during his absence. It was said that as soon as Argos recognized his master, he dropped his ears and did his best to wag his tail. Having fulfilled his destiny of faith by laying his eyes upon his master once more, he released a final whimper and died

  They offer beautiful leather collars in many sizes and colors. They're also on Etsy, and you can find them here. I picked the Small Red Leather Collar for Auggie, which is 1" wide and fits a dog with a 12"-15" neck. It's a beautiful collar, very sturdy and very handsome. It's a little hard to adjust at first, but once it softens up it's much easier.

ME modeling the collar (which is too big for me) since Auggie won't sit still

PROS:
Beautiful

Durable

Good quality

They stand 100% behind their products

Good prices for the quality

Hand crafted in the USA

CONS:
I wish they offered more options for smaller dogs

     Auggie and I give them 4/5 stars and 1 1/2 paws up.


     Up next is a review for ThatsOurDog.com's nesting bed (in grey). About:

Welcome to That's Our Dog. We specialize in all natural dog treats and accessories for your dog. I make all of the orders as I receive them so you are assured that the treats are fresh. I was tired at looking at the treat labels and not being able to pronounce them, so I started making them myself. I discovered our dog loved them way more than the store bought ones. I like the fact that they are soft and easy to eat. 

I have just added my newest product. I now have dog beds made out of old suitcases. 
They are really cute. I love the fact that I can Repurpose them. It's fun thinking of where they have been and who owned them. 

We also carry reversible bandanas that slide on the collar. We offer 5 sizes and a wide variety of fabric. We only use 100% high quality cotton fabric. I have step in harness, they are designed so they are easy to put on and off. I've really expanded my leash and collar line. 

I have been working very hard and have come out with our new bar soap. It is now available for online orders.  It is Tree tea oil, Lavender,Peppermint and olive oil, smells good. I like it because it last alot longer than the liquid soap. It is also a natural flea repellant. You can use it on you or the dog!

Pampered Pooch in Redwood Falls, Minnesota is carrying a variety of my products for sale. They are a full service groomer and Lady loves going to see all her friends. They do a wonderful job! They are now taking new clients so give them a call at 507-627-8239.

I would like to thank everyone who came to the Clara City, New Ulm, Alexandria, Jordan and Sanborn shows. I really had a great time talking with everyone. I have to share a story from a lady I talked with at the Alexandria show. I gave her a sample and she took it. She said her dog is very picky but she would try it anyway. A few hours later she came back and bought two bags of treats, her dog went crazy.

I now have nesting beds for dogs or cats. They have a nonclumping fiber inside so they will never clump up, like a pillow does. They are machine washable. I'm using ulta cuddle or fleece fabric. They remind me of a beanbag, I don't fill them all the way so they can dig and dig. They come in two sizes.

The spring shows will be here soon. My show dates for April are: April 13th I will be in Hutchinson, Mn at the convention center. April 20th I will be in Clara City, Mn from 9-4 at the high school. April 27th I will be in Tracy, Mn from 9-2 at the Caboose. I will have alot of new items for these shows.


My web store is a work in progress so if you saw an item at one of the shows and don't see it in the store please let me know and I will do my best to get it for you. I would like to thank all of my customers who have supported me with my dream of this bussiness, without you this would not be possible. It makes me proud when customers ask if I make my products and I can say I make everything I sell.
Feel free to call with any questions.


     This bed is perfect for any smaller (hm, I'd say 35lbs and under for the medium, 20lbs and under for the small) dog (or cat!) that likes to dig before laying dow. So Dachshunds and other terriers would love this bed. I know I do! It's super soft, and Mom has it in my crate. I even choose to lay on the nesting bed instead of MY Mom's bed sometimes!

I refused to share with Boston.

Nap time!

PROS:
Soft

Great for digging

Cozy

Good quality

Good price

Did I mention it's fun to dig in?

USA made

CONS:
I wish it had a bit more stuffing

    Overall, we give this bed 4/5 stars and 1 1/2 paws up.

 

    And lastly, a review and GIVEAWAY from Easy Canvas Prints.

Photos on Canvas I recieved an 11" x 14" photo canvas to review, and of course I put my gawjuss mug on it. The design process was very easy, and I think it turned out beautiful, mostly because it's of ME.

The picture I picked, one of Mom's favorites

PROS:
Easy design

Beautiful quality

Lots of options as far as sizing, effects, edging, ect

Prices are inline with others I've seen

CONS:
It was hard to set the photo up so the focus was where it's suppose to, and not cut off certain edges

It took about 10-14 days to arrive

     Overall, I give the canvas 4/5 stars and 1 1/2 paws up. Now for the giveaway details! These are the options of what one lucky winner gets to pick for their prize:

-A Free 8"x10" Canvas print from Easy Canvas Print

-$50 gift card for car magnets at MagnetsOnTheCheap

-$40 gift card for a vinyl banners from BannersOnTheCheap OR,

-$30 gift card for cheap signs at SignsOnTheCheap

     US residents only. Comment below and tell me which option you would pick if you won. YOU WILL NOT BE ENTERED IF YOU DON'T LEAVE THAT INFO. Leave an email address if you don't have it on your blog, and the winner will be picked on Friday. Good luck!


Kisses and Tail Wags,
Dachshund Nola