Dog (Hardcover) by Matthew Van Fleet (Author), Brian Stanton (Photographer)

While catching up on some Tivoed episodes of the Martha Stewart show I saw the author of this book. He was on the show demonstrating how to make a pull tabbed card, somewhat like pages in the book. This cute book highlights various critters and their behaviors, making comparisons and contrasts. On one page, a wheaton terrier (Little dog) is posed next to an English mastiff (Big dog) and a nervous-looking Chihuahua (Teeny dog quakes), while opposite, a neatly coiffed schnauzer backs away from a damp mutt in a tub and the verse finishes, Dry dog,/Wet dog–/shake,/shake,/shake! (a pull tab moves the bather's head from side to side). Buy this fun book for a little one in your life.

Looking for a gift for a dog lover?

Coldwater Creek has the greatest pins. They have one they call "Doggone Cute!" and the "Sweater Scotty Dog Pin".
Sweater Scotty Dog Pin	Scottie reindeer pin

67 Days to Christmas

Time to start thinking about decorating the tree. A few years ago, in honor of the granddogs, my mom decorated one of her Christmas trees with a dog theme. Much to all of the families delight and surprise, she had collected the cutest ornaments of just about every popular dog breed she could find. Not only did we find the tree covered with the infamous Snoopy, there were Labs, Retrievers, Afghan Hounds, Poodles, Terriers, Maltese - many more breeds than I can name at this point and cute little dog bones too. Underneath the tree, she had wrapped doggie treats and toys for each of her beloved granddogs. Needless to say, the tree was one of the many highlights of that Christmas and we still talk about it today!

If you and your family love dogs or your shopping for a dog lover, how about trimming the tree with some doggie ornaments? They are guaranteed to make the dog lover smile and I'll bet you hear a few "awes" too. Over the next few weeks, we'll continue to feature a variety of ornaments and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do in our household.

71 Days to Christmas - Shopping Tips for Dogs & Dog Lovers

Perhaps your shopping for the Dog and Dog Lover that has just about everything one can imagine. Every gift you can think of is already tucked away in their closet, stuck on their book shelf or buried in the toy chest. So this year, instead of handing over another gift you know they don't need, how about making a charitable donation in their name or their beloved dog's name? As we posted earlier, the South Carolina HSPCA has set up a food bank for pets. If your in their vicinity, they need pet food but you can always make a monetary donation too. In addition to the HSPCA, shelters all across our country need help. As people lose their homes and face financial crisis, they are abandoning their pets at an alarming rate. For those of us who believe a pet adoption is for life, it is especially tragic to see the rise of animals left to fend for themselves or dropped off at a shelter.
So consider a charitable donation to your local shelter and rescue group. Your Dog Lover will be honored!
This idea gets a 4 Paw Salute from our 4 leggeds at Canine Element:)) WOOF!

72 Days to Christmas - Shopping tips for dogs & dog lovers

If you are shopping for a dog lover, then we've found the perfect gift from National Geographic. This excellent video gives a history of the relationship between humans and canines. Touching, informative and a delightful addition to any dog lover's collection! Get it now!

Those Wonderful Dogs Video Learn how canines have helped humankind.

Gift Idea: Together by Tom Sullivan with Betty White

I am way behind on my Tivo'ed episodes of Ellen. So, today while I was ironing shirts for the week, I decided to watch a few. Betty White was on one I watched. She talked about the book Together written by Tom Sullivan with Betty White. I haven't read the book but it sounds like a perfect present for some of my dog loving friends (shhhh don't tell them). Here is part of the book description from Amazon: Brenden McCarthy feels like he's lost everything. His fiancee. His independence. And his passion for life. All due to one tragic misstep while mountain climbing that cost him his sight. But he's about to gain the last thing he ever expected. A big-hearted black Labrador named Nelson who's given one last shot at being a Seeing Eye dog. Both are beyond hope and resigned to live alone. And both are about to experience a bond of friendship that develops when they least expect it. Together is a heartwarming story for anyone who's ever lost sight of what matters most in life . . . but has hope that there's more. I suggest you buy a few copes for your dog loving friends.

73 Days to Christmas - Shopping tips for dogs & dog lovers

We think the dog lovers work too much but if you've got to work, then we want you to remember what's important. Let this little gift serve as a reminder.
We think it will bring a smile to your face and it won't break the bank!
Happy Howlidays! Another 4 paw recommendation!

74 Days to Christmas - shopping tips

If you or your friends are in the mindset that a raw diet is nutritionally superior for the canine, then perhaps the suggestion of a meat grinder and dog food cookbook from yesterday's post might well be at the top of your shopping list. After surveying several dog chefs that prepare daily raw diets for their dogs, Canine Element is here to report that the Northern Industrial Electric Meat Grinder comes highly recommended. While most dogs don't have a problem gnawing and swallowing raw meaty bones, others seem to do better when the bone is ground. The Northern Industrial can easily handle necks, thighs, knuckle and large pieces of bone without you having to chop or saw the bone into smaller pieces first. It is stainless steel, easy to clean and basically very low maintenance. You can even buy an attachment and make some boneless sausage for the human meat eaters in the family. What a deal!
If you don't know much about balanced raw food meals for canines or you want to expand your knowledge of a raw diet and canine nutrition, then we suggest you take a look at Real Dogs Don't Eat Kibble! (Naturally Healthy Dog) by Sandra Bailey. An easy to read book with tips on foods to use, foods to avoid, portion control, boosting the immune system and of course, recipes.
These two items get a 4 paw salute in our household!

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75 Days to Christmas

or whatever holiday humans celebrate.
A computer meltdown this morning so no snooping around the net for bargains yet today....maybe tomorrow. The canines think a meat grinder with a dog food cookbook is a great idea. They love raw meaty bones and home cooked meals.

How Many Days to Christmas?

Woof, Woof - 76 Days to Christmas! OK, the market is crashing, the humans are getting laid off, and doom & gloom hovers. That could mean some slim pickins for the dog and dog lover under the tree...Unless..we sniff out those bargains. As we countdown to the holidays, rely on Canine Element to fetch the best gift ideas along with the deals.

DogBreedStore.com has dozens of bargain items available. Get them before they run out!

Book Review: The Dog Owner's Maintenance Log

I would highly recommend buying "The Dog Owner's Maintenance Log" for each and every one of your dog companions. This comprehensive spiral bound log provides a tool for you to document all the things you really "should" keep track of about your dog. You can easily record medication, vaccinations, vet visits, and much more. BUT, not only do you need to buy it, you need to keep it up-to-date. These efforts will be sure to help you when you move, if there is an emergency situation, or a natural disaster. You will know right where all your information is located so you can grab it and go.

Nonprofit News: Dog Lovers Wine Club

I love wine and I love helping The Humane Society of the United States. Now there is an opportunity for a win-win -- wine to help eliminate whimpering. The Human Society of the United States just announced their "Dog Lovers Wine Club." The club comes from the Carivintâs Winery. Enjoy a good bottle of wine, with a label designed by an artist, and suggested food parings all to the benefit of The Human Society of the United States.

Buy a bottle for your favorite "dog daddy" for father's day.

Gift Idea: Broadway Barks by Bernadette Peters

I had the chance to hear Bernadette Peters talk about her new book and the inspiration behind it. Broadway Barks sounds like a great gift. She also sang a lullaby from the CD included with the book. It is the first song she has written and it is truly wonderful. Sales of the book benefit Broadway Barks, an annual star-studded animal adoption event benefiting animal shelters throughout the New York City area. Broadway Barks was co-founded by Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore. Peter's passion for animals and her work on behalf of the organization are the inspiration behind this book.

Buying the book is a win-win. Get it now on Amazon!!