Springtime is here, typically when a young man’s fancy turns to love…..or a new dog. Depending on your particular situation - if you live in a house or apartment,  have kids, work long hours, have other animals - different breeds have different needs and temperaments. Some questions to ask yourself before you embark on your search are the qualities you are looking for in a dog like demeanor, activity needs, size, coat, etc. For example, if you live in a city apartment and work all day, you are not going to want to get a high energy breed like a...

Everybody talks so much about their cats and dogs, but recently I have a new found love for the Guinea Pig.  My kids both have severe allergies to cats and certain dogs, but when I took them to the allergist to get tested for Guinea Pig allergies, they both came back negative!  We had talked about the best pets for young children and when we tossed around the idea of a snake, a turtle or an iguana, I was open but hoping for something a little more, you know, cuddly! Enter the Guinea Pig!  Although it is a rodent, the Guinea...

Sometimes when I am feeling frustrated with work I look over at my pets and think “When are you guys going to get jobs?”, sometimes I even say it out loud! They stare back at me blankly, honestly, they have no idea how much they cost me. Henwin with her prescription cat food to help with her urinary crystals (at $60 a bag this stuff is like kitty gold)! And the electric bill from Baloo with her heating pad on on frigid winter days (she is half hairless after all). Baloo and Her Catastic pal Henwin But last week, I had no...

Dog photographer Garry Gross took this beautiful portrait of Isaboo recently, which became one of John’s Christmas presents to Rachael.  Check out Garry’s website for more of his work! www.dogphotographyofnewyor...

With over one million monthly active users, you pet lovers out there have probably already heard of Facebook’s not-so-new pet sites - Catbook and Dogbook - but they are new to me. I had to check out the sites - which are Facebook applications where pet owners can set up a profile for their pet, post photos, and “friend”other pets/owners. In addition to Catbook and Dogbook, there are apps for other animals as well - Horsebook, Fishbook, even Ferretbook. On the sites, there are ways to connect with other pet owners who have the same breed or live nearby to meet up for...

Dear Pet Lovers - I live in the snowy northeast and have a 10 year old lab. With snowy, icy or salted (ouch) sidewalks, I am wondering if my dog likes to stay indoors out of the cold in the winter - like me - or does he need just as much activity as warmer months? Sincerely, Lazybones Dear Lazybones: Sorry but yes, your dog’s activity needs are the same all year round:-). If passable sidewalks are a problem, a few ideas to try are: driving to a local park or off leash dog area, playing fetch or frisbee in your yard, and even playing...

RACHAEL RAY NAMES ANGEL’S GATE HOSPICE WINNER IN FIRST-EVER MUTT MADNESS COMPETITION The announcement was made on today’s Rachael Ray Show, with Angel’s Gate Hospice awarded $50,000 and runner-up, Last Chance Ranch, receiving $25,000 NEW YORK, NY DECEMBER 24, 2009 - Angel’s Gate Hospice & Rehabilitation Home for Animals, has an extra reason to celebrate this holiday season. The Delhi, NY animal charity was named the winner in Rachael Ray’s “Mutt Madness Awards Program” and received a cash donation of $50,000. Ray made the announcement on today’s Rachael Ray Show. In August, the daytime television host and best selling author...

If you’ve been following Mutt Madness, you know that the voting period has officially ended.  The two finalists are Angel’s Gate Hospice and Last Chance Rescue.  These two wonderful organizations are competing for the first prize of $50,000, but meanwhile second prize is not so shabby-$25,000! Stay tuned as we plan to announce the winner before the end of the month! Thanks to everyone who v...

Tonight at midnight marks the end of round three of Mutt Madness.  Make sure you cast your vote, if you haven’t already (only one per week allowed) and check back tomorrow to see who made it to the next r...