Is Local Washing a Problem?

I went into Perfumania last night to finish up some last minute Christmas shopping, and thought, gee - this was great. Got to park right in front, walked 10 steps to the front door, and was waited on by someone who was familiar with their entire stock , got me exactly what I was looking for, and the entire transaction took 10 minutes.

Now, I'm thinking to myself, I couldn't even walk across the local Walmart store in 10 minutes - what a superb shopping experience. I took special appreciation to this, as a local business owner who tries to specialize in pet products that solve problems, works to educate our staff to be knowledgeable and able to answer patrons questions about topics that range from special dietary needs, food allergies, skin and coat problems, and how to fit clothes well for dogs.

So, I decided to research Perfumania as I was very impressed. Problem I found (and they did not lead me to believe this in any way) was that while Perfumania is a small, specialty store that models what I would want, it really isn't a local business. According to a study, every $100 spent locally, $45 stays in the community. The problem was that the study, conducted by the firm Civic Economics, found that to be true only if the money was spent at a locally owned business. Shop at a chain store, the analysis found, and only $13 of that $100 spent stays in the community.

This got me digging a little further, and found an interesting article from "The Urban Tulsa Weekly" that says:

Hoping to capitalize on growing public enthusiasm for all things local, some of the world's biggest corporations are brashly laying claim to the word "local."

This new variation on corporate greenwashing--local washing --is, like the buy-local movement itself, most advanced in the context of food. Hellmann's, the mayonnaise brand owned by the processed-food giant Unilever, is test-driving a new "Eat Real, Eat Local," initiative in Canada. The ad campaign seems aimed partly at enhancing the brand by simply associating Hellmann's with local food. But it also makes the claim that Hellmann's is local, because most of its ingredients come from North America.

It's not the only industrial food company muscling in on local. Frito-Lay's new television commercials use farmers as pitchmen to position the company's potato chips as local food, while Foster Farms, one of the largest producers of poultry products in the country, is labeling packages of chicken and turkey "locally grown."

You can read the entire article here.

According to Small Business Trends, "small businesses did not create the economic situation we find ourselves in. It was created by greed and excess and speculation — mostly on the part of very big businesses." I love this quote from Natasha Ball, also from the Urban Tulsa Weekly:

"Let's play a game. Which sounds more appetizing: A peach sprayed with pesticides and picked hard and green in an industrial orchard in California, processed and packed at a sprawling, faceless, corporate farm and trucked a couple thousand miles to your local grocery store...


Or, a peach picked ripe at a farm in a city you could, despite the geography courses at your public school, pinpoint on a map, delivered to your farmers' market totally free of chemicals, long-distance travel damage and other modes of interference and sold to you by a friendly guy in a hat who reminds you of your grandfather?

Wait. There wasn't really a choice presented there, was there? It's one of those "duh" decisions. Who in this day and age doesn't want unmitigated, fresh fruit grown by people they know? After multiple food safety scares, documentaries extolling the nutritional merits of fresh-picked produce and all those blurbs on TV about how we should all be reducing our carbon footprint, demand for food grown within a stone's throw from home is on the rise."

Local small businesses are going to help save the economy, provide better, greener products, and we actually create more jobs collectively than centrailized corporations tout they create. Small businesses make up more than 99.7% of all employers and create more than half of the private non-farm gross domestic product (GDP). (SBA Office of Advocacy)


While small specialty shops offer a great shopping experience which I truly appreciate, there is a larger prize to be had - small specialty shops that are local small businesses offer the best of both worlds. I'm not so sure the one-stop-shopping is really all that it's cracked up to be, if you really look at the net time spent at the bigger corporations, and no help to find what you are looking for. I wish we had more local small businesses to shop at.

We're one of Google's Favorite Places

You may start to see some signs like this in local businesses' windows. Google has started a campaign, which I think is great for local businesses, that helps promote Google local and Google maps. We were selected by Google as one of the most popular destinations in Northwest Arkansas on the web - apparently local traffic looking for us and finding directions to our store. See the little blockey computer generated thingy down at the bottom right corner? This is called a 2-D bar code. There is information embedded in the 2-D bar code that can describe anything - free text, a price, package dimensions, etc. Basically you can put whatever you want in it. Google is leading the charge in the US, and is embedding the Google map location for the local business touting these signs, so that you can use IPhone apps like MobileTag that will let you take a picture with your phone, translates the 2-D bar code, and then takes you to the website. Ingenius right?

This has been around for some time, and there are several versions of 2-D bar codes. This is the QR code, which is the most popular 2-D bar code in Japan, and created by a Japanese corporation in 1994. Japanese mobile phones have been able to read QR codes for some time, and they use these codes to quickly input information into their phones. They are so popular that Japanese students have even been printing them on T-shirts embedding their links to their Facebook and Myspace pages, so that friends can snap a picture, decode the bar code, and see their Facebook page with no typing on little phone sized keyboards.

I read an article of Japanese students printing these QR codes on their T-shirts several months ago, and decided to download the MobleTag IPhone app, but have not been able to find any QR codes to scan. With Google pushing these codes, and businesses like ours talking about them and displaying the signs, I would expect these codes and phone tagging to become much more popular very soon. So, if you start to see these codes poping up, just remember that there is secret information embedded in these. Could be a website or Google map, could be a Facebook page, could be a coupon code (wink wink), or anything else somebody creative dreams up for these handy codes and the phone apps that are using them.

Oh, and thanks Google! you are one of our favorite places too!

Baking and Kitchen Secrets from Bigwag Dog Bakery

Many of you may already know some of these, but this is the best collection of them that I have seen so far, so I thought I would share:

• Brush beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful, glossy finish! (you probably already knew this one.. just thought it would add to the validity of the tips ;)
• Storing Cake -- If you store half and apple in the container which you are storing a cake, the cake will retain its freshness.
• Dropping Cookie Dough -- To get cookie dough to drop without sticking dip the spoon in milk first.
• Potato chip bag open again and they're all stale and yucky?? Pop them in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, let stand for two minutes and they'll be crispy again. (obviously take out of foil bags if in foil bags)
• A good trick when you go away on vacation is to place a baggie with a few ice cubes in the freezer. If a power failure occurs while you are gone and the food thaws and then refreezes you will know about it when you get home.
• To keep milk past it's expiration date add salt. A pinch of salt in a gallon will do it. The salt slows the rate of bacteria growth.
• Don't panic if your soup's too salty: Add cut raw potatoes and throw them away once they are cooked and have absorbed the salt. Your soup's saved!
• Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers. Just slice and rub raw potato on the stains and rinse with water.
• Place a slice of bread in hardened brown sugar to soften it back up!
• Substitute half applesauce for the vegetable oil in your baking recipes~you'll greatly reduce the fat content! (Example: 1/2 cup vegetable oil = 1/4 cup applesauce + 1/4 cup oil)
• Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator it will keep for weeks!
• Save your store-bought-bread bags and ties~they make perfect storage bags for homemade bread! (mostly for us super 'savers')
• Mash and freeze ripe bananas, in one-cup portions, for use in later baking~no wasted bananas (or you can freeze them whole, peeled, in plastic baggies)
• Transfer your jelly to a small plastic squeeze bottle~no more messy, sticky jars or knives! This also works well for homemade salad dressing!
• To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes!
• Cottage cheese will remain fresher longer if you store it upside down in the refrigerator. This slows the effects of oxidation.

Now, some of you may ask, "but you guys make dog treats, why would I want kitchen tips from you?". Yes, while that is true and it may seem weird that a dog bakery is sending out kitchen tips, we do have a fully functional commercial kitchen, using human grade ingredients. The only real difference is that we don't add any sugar, salt, or artificial anything. Ok, maybe it's still a stretch. ;)

Today Show's Chistmas Picks for Dogs

Hey Everyone!

This morning on the Today Show, Dara Foster from PupStyle.com revealed her top picks for dog Christmas gifts.  You can read her list here.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

We were excited to see several of our favorite products made the list.  Our favorites among her choices were:

Molly Mutt Beds

We love Molly Mutt beds because they're stylish and affordable, not to mention green!  You can reuse old towels, blankets, clothes or other dog beds with these duvets and stuff sacks.  The stuff sacks run $10-$15 and the duvets run $20-$40, so you can get an entire bed for under $60, when most dog beds run closer to $100.  Plus with the revolutionary stuff sack, washing the entire bed becomes really easy, so you can keep your dog's bed clean and your home stylish at affordable prices.

Planet Dog Toys

We love Planet Dog toys for lots of reasons, but the biggest is they're GUARANTEED.  You really can't beat that.  If your dog chews it up, you get a new toy.  So really, it's the last dog toy you'll ever have to buy.  In addition, these toys are made in the USA, made with recycled materials and a portion of each purchase goes to the Planet Dog Foundation which supports canine service dogs.  They also make toys specially for old dogs that are high contrast and double mint so they're easier for your old dog to see and smell.  Or you can get Planet Dog toys specifically made for chewing  puppies!

Tag Silencers

If your dog has all the tags it's supposed to have, then you know the jingling is enough to drive you nuts.  While we've heard many solutions to this problem, Lupine tag silencers are our favorite.  They glow in the dark, they come in a variety of shapes and they'll help restore your sanity.  We also love Lupine's other fantastic products, like their leashes, collars and harnesses that are GUARANTEED, even if CHEWED!  And they make a handy tag clip so you can move your dog's tags from one collar to another without the hassle of taking them off the ring.

PLEASE Help us Help Lucky

Hey Everyone!

 

Northwest Arkansas Animal Rescue asked me to pass this story on.  If you can help Lucky, it would be greatly appreciated.

This is Lucky.  A good natured, happy to be here, tail waggin' kind of guy.  He also has a survivor's instinct and a strong will to live.  Lucky was found lying in a ditch after being hit by a car.  He was transported to a holding facility where he went three weeks without medical attention while it was being determined whether he should be euthanized.  Northwest Arkansas Animal Rescue heard of his story and determined that he should be given every opportunity available for life.  Volunteers from the NWAAR transported Lucky to a local veterinarian where he was X-rayed to determine the extent of his injuries.  X-rays showed one hip severly dislocated and one hip completely shattered.  X-rays also picked up buckshot which leads us to believe the car accident was not the only unfortunate incident Lucky has survived.  New Hope Animal Hospital examined Lucky and after viewing his X-rays and determining the severity of his injuries could not understand how Lucky was even able to walk.  The pain must have been excruciating.  New Hope Animal Hospital veterinarians contacted Oklahoma State Universitry a secured Lucky an appointment to see if there was anything that could be done.  Volunteers from NWAAR transported Lucky to Oklahoma State University where we recieved the good news that Lucky's injuries could be repaired.  Both of Lucky's hips have now been surgically repaired and he is currently undergoing physical therapy.  The prognosis is that Lucky should be able to live a normal, happy, pain free life.  Upon his release from Oklahoma State the volunteers of NWAAR have committed to continuing Lucky's physical therapy and rehabilitation until he can be placed in his forever home.

But we need your help!  The procedure that was necessary to help Lucky cost $6,000.  If you would like to help Lucky please send donations to:

Lucky c/o NWAAR

P.O. Box 7532

Springdale, AR 72766

*All donations are tax-deductible.  Please include your address when sending donations so we can send you a return reciept.

Humane Society Angel Tree 2009

Hey Everyone!

I know many of you are familiar with the Humane Society for Animals of Benton County and the wonderful work that Clay and his staff do there supporting the homeless animals.  Well, each year they place an Angel Tree here at Bigwag with tags for items that they need.  If you haven't yet given to a charitable organization this holiday season, I urge you to come by and check out the Angel Tree.  They need all types of items ranging from cleaning supplies to money for spay and neuter to gift cards from Lowes for repair work.  And as a bonus this year, when you return an item from the tree, you get a chance to win a beautiful prize that includes a large dog bed, toys and treats! 

The Angel Tree and some of the donations we've received so far

The prize you could win with your donation!

Upcoming Yappie Hours - December 2009

Hey Everyone!

Tonight is the first of our holiday Yappie Hours!  We're kicking it off with Merry & Bright, a Yappie Hour to get your dog looking and smelling it's best from head to toe.  Whether your pup is in need of a bath, a brush or some mouthwash, you'll save 20% tonight on the tools to get it done.  Next week we're making it easier to pick the perfect gift with our Favorite Things Sale.  You'll save 20%-50%on our most popular items.  In our last Yappie Hour before Christmas, we're helping you get it all wrapped up with Pretty Paper.  You get free gift wrapping with your purchases.  All of these Yappie Hours are from 5pm-8pm due to our holiday hours!

And if that isn't enough, you won't want to miss our on Chew Year's Eve, the end of year celebration for your dog.  Save 20% on chews and tough toys plus 50% on treats.  Plus, December 19th you can stop by for socializing and coffee on us before you head out for shopping.

 

Bigwag Holiday Hours

Hey Everyone!

As many of you know, we have extended hours for this holiday season.  But in case you weren't aware, I wanted to post them here.  We are open 9am-8pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-7pm Friday & Saturday as well as 12pm-5pm on Sunday to make your shopping more convenient!

Announcing the 2nd Annual Stock The Shelter event!

Announcing the 2nd Annual Stock The Shelter event!

This is a food and supply drive that will benefit Northwest Arkansas Shelter Animals! Rachel and Jamie will be collecting supplies from now until the 23rd of December.

Call Rachel at (479) 871-2138 or Jamie at (479) 234-2740 to have your items picked up!

Here's a list of items they're in need of:

Pillows
Towels
Sheets
Bleach
Leashes
Blankets
Pet Beds
Cat Litter
Cat Food (Dry and/or wet)
Dog Food (Dry and/or wet)
Pet Shampoo
Dog & Cat Toys
Brushes & Combs
Laundry Detergent
Stainless Steel Bowls
Flea Treatment Products
Pet Carriers
Newspapers
Office Supplies
Paper Towels
Dish Soap
Aluminum cans (by the bag)
Shredded Paper

Thank you!

Indoor Bark Park - Unleashed

We spent thanksgiving in Dallas this year, and heard through the grapevine that Dallas has an "indoor bark park", so we thought we would check it out.

Unleashed is billed as the nations first and only indoor, off-leash play park for dogs and owners. The facility boasts 25,000 square feet of indoor park area and 2.5 acres of exterior parks for plenty of space to frolic off leash.

We were very impressed. This was a class act the whole way through. The very first thing you notice when you walk in the door is they are actively engaged with rescues and the Dallas pet community. The have a huge bulletin board with calendars and events, parties, breed nights, training - seemed like everything.

There is also a turf drainage and flushing system that keeps the whole building smelling fresh and clean - we were very impressed that it did not smell like stinky dog.

Once inside, they have two main park areas - one for small or timid dogs, and one for large or body slammers - both in a central area.

The indoor area is huge, and surrounding the turfed area was a boutique and cafe (for people), some tables and chairs equiped with beds and leash hooks, and a boarding, daycare and grooming area.

Fees were $7.50 for the first dog, $5 for each additional dog, and members are issues an RFID collar tag that automatically recognizes your dog at the gate and charges you the daily fee just once, no matter how many times you go in or out each day.

How cool would it be if Northwest Arkansas had an indoor off leash dog park? I wonder how big the old Sportsmans Outdoors building is on Pleasant Grove?

Announcing Our Bark Friday Specials!!!

Our Bark Friday Specials - This Friday Only-At Bigwag Dog Bakery

Bark-At-Home Kits - $4.00

Chenelle Plush Dog Toys - $4.00

Planet Dog Old Soul Toys - 40% off all styles
Red Dingo Tags - New Styles $7.00/$8.00

Molly Mutt Beds - Free stuff sack with duvet purchase

Bamboo Fur Buster - $16.00-$26.00

10" Bully Sticks - $3.00

Ba-da-Beam Laser Cat Toys - $10.00

Lil' Nippers - Any three for $5.00

Pet Studio Inspirational Key Rings - $4.00

All varieties hair bows - Buy one get one free

All varieties Earthbath Shampoos - $10.50

We'll be announcing more specials throughout the day on Twitter. 

Follow us at www.twitter.com/BigwagDogBakery

Out With The Old

Our new sign went up today. This is almost the last reminants of the old logo after our logo makeover this year.



This matches our new logo on our marquee signs.






Ah, how much experience teaches us, how crummy the old logo was, how proud I was of that old design.

There are so many things to think about when designing a logo, how it looks on print, web, letter head, and 8' long. How it stands out from everything else around it. I developed the first logo in one day. I spent 2 years, some of it subconciously, thinking about how I would change it, to it's current design.

I think the new logo more closely captures what I was trying to communicate with the design. I guess it could be up for debate. Anyone care to comment?

Pre-Thanksgiving Savings

Simply print this coupon out, bring it in and choose what you'd like to save on!  Want to save paper?  Just show us this coupon on your iPhone or Blackberry while you're in the store and you'll save 40% just the same!

Santa Paws Collages

Hey Everyone!

Jackie from Pets Rock Photography was kind enough to put together some collages of pictures she has been taking the past few weekends here at the store.  As I mentioned before, Pets Rock takes amazing photos.  What I haven't mentioned before is that they are amazingly patient and will take pictures until you're satisfied with the pictures you see.  There are four spots left this coming Saturday, November 21st.  So, you can still come by and get beautiful pictures of your pets with Santa Paws.  You can either call us at (479) 631-2WAG or email us at sales@bigwag.com to make arrangements.  But hurry, like I said there are only 4 spots remaining!

If you can't make it by Bigwag this weekend to get photographs with Santa, be sure to check out Pets Rock Photography's website and arrange a sitting with them some other time!

Grooming Tools at Bigwag (plus tips on clipping nails!)

Hey Everyone!

I know that we're all trying to save money where we can and one place to save a few dollars is to trim your dog's toenails yourself.  The last time I went to the vet, it cost me $7 to have Hannah's nails trimmed.  With a little knowledge, you can safely do this at home and save that money!  Bigwag recently started carrying some basic grooming tools, such as brushes, nail clippers and even Fur Busters, which can help reduce the amount of hair around your house!

Our new grooming tools!  There's even a kit with seven pieces to get you started.

So come by, check out the new tools and here are some tips on trimming your dog's nails, contributed by Linda Kosecki of Camp Bow Wow!

Nail Clipping Steps

contributed by Linda Kosecki, Camp Bow Wow

Now that the weather will be turning colder, dogs may not be outside as often to wear down their nails naturally. If you hear their nails click when they walk on a hard surface, it is time for a nail trim.

Below you will find basic nail clipping steps for dogs. Pet owners should check their dog's nail every 3 to 4 weeks.

1. Place your left arm around the dog's middle body and hold it against your chest. Talk softly and kindly to ease the dog's anxiety about the clipping procedure.

2. In your left hand hold the dog's foot with your thumb on top of the toe, and two or more fingers below along the pad of the foot.

3. Insert the nail into the clipper, and clip below the quick (the pink in white nails) at a 45 degree angle. Be sure to also clip dew claws. On dog's with black nails, make several small clips instead of clipping "a chunk off." You will usually be able to see dark spot in the center of the nail when looking at it head on. This is the quick which you want to avoid cutting.

4. If you cut the quick you must stop the bleeding. In most cases, a coagulant product (nail styptic powder) is sufficient. Apply the powder to the tip of the quick where it was cut, and hold with moderate pressure. The bleeding often stops very quickly. Wipe away excess powder and re-check the "seal" often. Remember, it is possible that the powder seal may be washed or scratched off until the "seal" has had adequate time to dry. If you leave too much excess powder it hardens into a "cap" on the nail tip that can be broken off and entirely remove the seal. Therefore, be sure to remove excess powder only.

5. If desired, file each nail so that the tip is soft and without rough broken edges. Filing nails that bled may remove the coagulant styptic powder "seal" and resume bleeding. Do not file the seal away. Brittle nails will require more filing to remove burrs.

6. If a dew claw has grown into a circular loop, you can cut into the mid-section of the nail with scissor-type cutter before the quick. Afterwards, use the regular nail clippers to finish cutting but again avoiding the quick.

For a demo, check out this You Tube video

For more information on Camp Bow Wow, visit their website!

Harley's 3rd Cake from Bigwag!

This is Harley's 3rd Barkday Cake from Bigwag. Harley's first cake from Bigwag was our 100th cake. His second cake from bigwag was a phenomenal cake by Erin with the Harley Davidson Logo on top so I knew he needed something different besides basic paw prints or balloons! I was so excited about this cake and all of Harley's cakes that I needed to share it with everyone!

Harley's 3rd Cake from Bigwag!

Me (Brandi) decorating Harley's cake!

This is Harley's second cake from Bigwag! Decorated by Erin!

This is Harley and his mom coming in the store to pick up his first Barkday cake wich was our 100th Barkday cake!

Howl-O-Ween Photos

I know these are a little late, but finally had time to get them up today. These are some photos from the Howl-O-Ween social held at Murphy Dog Park on Saturday, Oct 31st. We had a lot of fun with out booth this year, as we went as "The Bigwag Butcher Shop", complete with fresh butcherings for samples.

Fresh Brains Anyone? (Liver jello with no sugar - some dogs loved it, some didn't, but the people facial expressions were priceless)

Erin and I showcasing our brains and eyeball cookies

Our "Butcher Shop" booth - Boy she looks like a crazy person with the backlit blood stained curtains.

"Joan of Arc" - she was cute!!!

We won best decorated booth! Thanks for all of the votes! We are already looking forward to next year!

Behind The Scenes of Santa Paws

Jackie and Chad of Pets Rock Photography, and Santa getting the perfect shot placement

Behind the scenes of Santa Paws. Get your professional pet photos with Santa (and your kids). We have two spots open today still. Tomorrow is full, and we have spots open for next weekend. Call 479-631-2924 to reserve your sitting.

FDA Health Alert for Certain Pet Treats Made by Pet Carousel Products

The FDA made an announcement for a recall of Pet Carousel pig ears. The pig ears we carry are not affected by this recall, as they are not manufactured by Carousel. 

To: Health Commissioners, Environmental Health Directors, Nursing Directors, ODA Food Safety
Specialists, and Other Interested Parties
Subject: Recall Announcement (ODA/ODH) 2009-85a1
Date: November 6, 2009

FDA Health Alert for Certain Pet Treats Made by Pet Carousel Products may be contaminated
with Salmonella

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears
and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated
with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in
pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.

The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or
lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising
consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.

The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel.
The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight,
and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.
During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test
results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel’s
manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further
analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can
become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having
contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these
products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can
result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the
heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these
signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and
vomiting. Some pets may only experience a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but
otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any
of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian
immediately.

The FDA will continue to investigate this matter to determine the source of the Salmonella contamination
and offer updates as appropriate. Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and
pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. You can locate the nearest
consumer complaint coordinator at:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm

No products sold at Bigwag are manufactured by Carousel Pet Products.

Santa Paws is Coming To Town!

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm tellin you why......

We still have spots to take pictures with SANTA PAWS available! This weekend is the first of three. You know your pet wants a picture with Santa Paws! They've been waiting all year! Avoid the pouty faces! The goody bags are awesome by the way! Santa dropped stocking by again this year. Double dose of pouty faces now! :(

It is possible to just drop by if you are not the reservation making type, but there could be a little bit of a wait while we squeeze you in.

Upcoming Yappie Hours - November 2009

Preparing Your Home for the "Howlidays"

Hey Everyone!

The Christmas shopping ads are airing on television, Santa Paws is coming to Bigwag this Saturday and you can't miss the Christmas decorations on the shelves at stores across NWA.  It definitely seems that the holidays are upon us.  And while that's stressful to us, it can also be stressful to our pets (although not because they're looking for that perfect gift...) Linda Kosecki of our local Bentonville Camp Bow Wow was generous enough to allow me to post their tips for prepping for the Howliday here.

Prepping for the Howlidays

Contributed by Linda Kosecki, owner, Camp Bow Wow 

As most of us decorate and prepare for holiday guests, friends and family, making sure the house is safe and pet-friendly should still be top of mind. Here are some suggestions below on how you can puppy proof your home and also fun ways to entertain your pet indoors so everyone can enjoy the festive holiday season together!

When puppy proofing your home for the holidays, remember to:

• Tidy-up electrical cords/wires: Dogs love chew toys so don’t entice them with a ball of wires from the holiday lights or extra extension cords lying around. Choose to zip-tie the cords together so they are kept neat and tucked behind furniture. Also, cord covers are a great idea for those extension cords running along the floor.

• See what your dog can get into by getting down on the floor. Be careful with floor plants as some can be harmful to your pets if eaten and keep low cabinet doors closed at all times.

• Have a variety of chew toys and stuffed animals for your pet to play with that are NOT the same colors as your holiday decorations. Think bright, neon colors so not only your four-legged friend know the difference, but you can easily spot when they aren't playing with the right toy.

• If you rearrange your home during the holidays, be careful what furniture is included in the play area. As dogs get excited they get clumsier and a new arrangement of furniture will create a different traffic pattern for them to get used to!

For more information on Camp Bow Wow, visit their website!

Bigwag Halloween Costume Contest 2009

Hey Everyone!

On Tuesday we held our annual Halloween costume contest during Yappie Hour.  There we many cute entries, making it very difficult to choose the winner, but we had to make a decision, so check out the entrants and the winners!

 

Lola and Lucky came wearing their cute shirts

 

Miss Mollie dressed as the devil (which couldn't be further from the truth!)

Addy in her Halloween best

Lucy the princess joins the party!

The Runners-Up

 

 Bella (the angel) and Lola (the devil)

The Winner

 

We just couldn't resist Izzy's adorable witch

 

Izzy wins this gift basket, valued over $50, containing an assortment of products including a Bamboo pin/bristle brush & flea comb combo, one of our  new Checker Chum toys, ProDental Solution, a 10 inch Bully Stick, a 10 inch bacon roll, a sample of Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain Free Food, a bag of our new Chicken Jerky made in the USA and some of our unique Halloween treats. 

Congratulations Izzy!