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Sunday, August 30, 2009
Donations needed for Lowell Animal Shelter
Friday, August 28, 2009
Upcoming Yappie Hours - September 2009
Hey Everyone!
I finally finished the Upcoming Yappie Hours for September. I think that these specials are some of the best we have done yet. You will have to stop by for 50% OFF Halloween costumes next Tuesday and you'll want to check out the great deals during our treat-a-thon too! Plus we have give aways from Angel Pet Sitters this month and to wrap it all up, Sam's birthday. You'll want to be at Bigwag every Tuesday this month!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Throw Away Pets
Hey Everyone!
I just read an article on MSN Money titled "Why you can't afford a dog" You can read entire the article here.
The author makes several valid points, including thinking about the cost of a dog before you buy one. It's true that dogs are expensive and unpredictable, you never know when a dog might eat a sock and require emergency surgery or develop an allergy that costs hundreds of dollars to test for. I'm not arguing that if you're unemployed you should go out looking for a puppy to comfort you through the time of hardship. The author compares adopting an animal in a time of poor finances to the decision to have children when you can't afford it. And I agree. A pet is a responsibility. You are ultimately responsible for the needs of that pet, from food to love.
My quarrel with the author is this - she suggests that if you come upon hardship you should try to place your dog in a foster home or give it away all together. If adopting an animal is kin to having a child, then why does she suggest that an animal be given up so easily? Mind you, she doesn't say that its an easy decision, just a right one. But I take offense to that notion. No one would ever suggest that you give up your child if you became unemployed. Why do we treat pets as though they are throw away items? Is nothing permanent in our lives any more? Does this mean we should trade in pets like we do used cars? I believe that once you make a commitment to a pet, you make it for the remainder of that pet's life or yours. Just like you do to a spouse or a child. An animal is a living, breathing thing. It may not be human, but it isn't your cable bill either. You can't simply turn it off when things get tough.
I think this author should rethink her position of choosing financial stability over your pet. Instead of advocating throwing away your pets, she should be advocating responsible ownership. That means getting vaccinations instead of waiting for your puppy to get Parvo. That means using flea, tick and heartworm preventatives instead of waiting for flea anemia, blood diseases or heartworm infection. That means spaying or neutering so that you don't have unwanted puppies or kittens. It means purchasing pet insurance so that if you have a dog who swallows a sock, you can afford it, even in the worst of times. Be prepared. Know to what extent you are willing to go for your pet and plan for it in times of financial abundance (Think setting money aside for specifically for unexpected illnesses) That way, if you find yourself in the unemployment line, you won't also find yourself throwing away your best friend.
I just read an article on MSN Money titled "Why you can't afford a dog" You can read entire the article here.
The author makes several valid points, including thinking about the cost of a dog before you buy one. It's true that dogs are expensive and unpredictable, you never know when a dog might eat a sock and require emergency surgery or develop an allergy that costs hundreds of dollars to test for. I'm not arguing that if you're unemployed you should go out looking for a puppy to comfort you through the time of hardship. The author compares adopting an animal in a time of poor finances to the decision to have children when you can't afford it. And I agree. A pet is a responsibility. You are ultimately responsible for the needs of that pet, from food to love.
My quarrel with the author is this - she suggests that if you come upon hardship you should try to place your dog in a foster home or give it away all together. If adopting an animal is kin to having a child, then why does she suggest that an animal be given up so easily? Mind you, she doesn't say that its an easy decision, just a right one. But I take offense to that notion. No one would ever suggest that you give up your child if you became unemployed. Why do we treat pets as though they are throw away items? Is nothing permanent in our lives any more? Does this mean we should trade in pets like we do used cars? I believe that once you make a commitment to a pet, you make it for the remainder of that pet's life or yours. Just like you do to a spouse or a child. An animal is a living, breathing thing. It may not be human, but it isn't your cable bill either. You can't simply turn it off when things get tough.
I think this author should rethink her position of choosing financial stability over your pet. Instead of advocating throwing away your pets, she should be advocating responsible ownership. That means getting vaccinations instead of waiting for your puppy to get Parvo. That means using flea, tick and heartworm preventatives instead of waiting for flea anemia, blood diseases or heartworm infection. That means spaying or neutering so that you don't have unwanted puppies or kittens. It means purchasing pet insurance so that if you have a dog who swallows a sock, you can afford it, even in the worst of times. Be prepared. Know to what extent you are willing to go for your pet and plan for it in times of financial abundance (Think setting money aside for specifically for unexpected illnesses) That way, if you find yourself in the unemployment line, you won't also find yourself throwing away your best friend.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Back-to-School Thank You!
Hey Everyone!
On Tuesday we held our Back-to-school Yappie Hour and collected school supplies for local children in need. As a former elementary school teacher, this Yappie Hour was near and dear to my heart, because I've seen first hand how many children come to school unprepared because their parents can't afford supplies and I know how hard that is on the children and their teachers. Once again, you came out and reminded me how awesome and generous our customers are. We collected everything from backpacks to colored pencils and I know these supplies will help make someone's school year a little easier! THANK YOU
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Fashionista Night Update
Nick in his muttrosexual outfit, complete with scarf and Gap bag!
Hey Everyone!
Yesterday was our Back-to-School Night Yappie Hour, which was a great success. We saved people money on treats and collected much needed school supplies for locals schools. But, I realized that I never posted our winner of Fashionista Night here (probably because my mind went on vacation, before I did) Anyway, Toni Carter's dog, Nick, was the winner with his Muttrosexual outfit. He won a sitting with Rachel Sloan Photography. Rachel is also running a special for Bigwag customers, 25% off sittings booked before August 31st. Check her out, her photos are absolutely gorgeous. And congratulations to Toni and Nick!
Honorable mention went to OrMe and Jetta who came dressed to the nines in sequins and feathers!
Toni can't stop smiling about her prize!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Pet Loss Support Group
Hi All!
In an age when our pets have become our children, our friends and valued members of our family, dealing with their loss can be particularly difficult, especially because others might say, "It was just a dog, it was just a cat." This leaves people with nowhere to turn to deal with their grief. It is with that understanding that Julie Jarrett is organizing a pet loss support group, a place where you can turn if you need help dealing with the grief of losing a beloved pet. She ask me to distribute the following information to those who might be in need of it:
In an age when our pets have become our children, our friends and valued members of our family, dealing with their loss can be particularly difficult, especially because others might say, "It was just a dog, it was just a cat." This leaves people with nowhere to turn to deal with their grief. It is with that understanding that Julie Jarrett is organizing a pet loss support group, a place where you can turn if you need help dealing with the grief of losing a beloved pet. She ask me to distribute the following information to those who might be in need of it:
New Pet Loss group forming
This group will be to support one another through the death of a beloved pet. Whether it be a cat, dog, horse, or any other pet, everyone is welcome. All that I ask is that we be respectful of each other and make no judgments on each other’s beliefs. Everyone experiences grief differently and has different spiritual views. There is no right or wrong, just support.
For more information contact Julie Jarrett at
644-9016 or paws4me@cox.net
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bigwag in Southern Living
Hey Everyone!
Southern Living ran an article in their August 2009 issue about eco-friendly dog products, and they ask us for our opinion. They also named us one of their "Favorite Southern Pet Shops." A portion of the article is available online in slide show format, so you can check it out by clicking on the link!
Below is an excerpt from the slideshow where we're mentioned:
Eco Dog Book & Tux Toys
This book includes tips on everything from navigating the pet food aisle to making a recycled dog bed.
Eco Dog: Healthy Living for your Pet by Corbett Marshall and Jim Deskevich (Chronicle Books, $16.95)
Arkansas-based Bigwag Dog Bakery’s Erin Hague says her dog plays all day with Tux (shown in blue and orange on shelf) because there’s room inside for a treat. They’re indestructible and made from recycled materials.
Tux Toys in Tangerine and Aqua Blue; $14.50 by West Paw Design
Photography Van Chaplin, Art Meripol / Styling Anne Turner Carroll,
They also ask us for some photos of Hannah playing with her Tux that they didn't end up using, but they were pretty cute and it seems a shame to not share them, so I thought I'd go ahead and post them here:
Southern Living ran an article in their August 2009 issue about eco-friendly dog products, and they ask us for our opinion. They also named us one of their "Favorite Southern Pet Shops." A portion of the article is available online in slide show format, so you can check it out by clicking on the link!
Below is an excerpt from the slideshow where we're mentioned:
This book includes tips on everything from navigating the pet food aisle to making a recycled dog bed.
Eco Dog: Healthy Living for your Pet by Corbett Marshall and Jim Deskevich (Chronicle Books, $16.95)
Arkansas-based Bigwag Dog Bakery’s Erin Hague says her dog plays all day with Tux (shown in blue and orange on shelf) because there’s room inside for a treat. They’re indestructible and made from recycled materials.
Tux Toys in Tangerine and Aqua Blue; $14.50 by West Paw Design
Photography Van Chaplin, Art Meripol / Styling Anne Turner Carroll,
They also ask us for some photos of Hannah playing with her Tux that they didn't end up using, but they were pretty cute and it seems a shame to not share them, so I thought I'd go ahead and post them here:
The Winning Story
All the fabulous entries we received... You can still come in and read them or we'll be posting others on our blog in the future.
Stella and Lillian in Bigwag
For those of you who weren't able to make it in to read the entries for our year of Free Treats Contest, I wanted to post Margaret Choffel's story here.
My name is Margaret Choffel, I am part of the K-9 unit for Washington County Search and Rescue. I've been part of the team for the past ten years. My first search dog, Annie, was a hero, with finds to her credit, sadly died in her prime at five years of age. I currently have two Labrador females, Stella does area air scenting live find searches and cadaver searches.. She has helped to find lost victims, and has been on recovery missions as well, she is five years old and when she isn't doing SAR work, Stella goes to the Veteran's Home weekly to visit the patients, I also show her in local dog shows.. She loves her ball and as a Lab she loves treats as well.
Lillian is a yellow Lab, she is half sister to Stella and is a year younger at four years of age. Lillian's speciality is land cadaver, she has a very nice passive indication and loves treats as a reward. On her off time she also joins her sister in weekly visits to the Veteran's Home and likes to strut in the show ring when she can.. Search and Rescue requires lots of time and effort and is all voluntary. 99% of the expenses are born by the handler, the Girls work for treats, so a year's worth of treats for rewards would be very welcome.
The story as it ran in The Morning News
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Pictures from Our Birthday
Hey Everyone!
I am still trying to catch up on everything from our birthday party. We did actually manage to take some pictures on our own (mostly thanks to Terresa) so I wanted to go ahead and post some here.
Cary overseeing the give away contests
I am still trying to catch up on everything from our birthday party. We did actually manage to take some pictures on our own (mostly thanks to Terresa) so I wanted to go ahead and post some here.
We had lots of fantastic vendors from the pet community
And even some from outside the pet community - the girls from The Frosted Cupcake sold bows for children and dogs. We're looking forward to their bows and tutus being available in our store!
When we say Bigwag is a family, we mean it! Adam, Brandi's boyfriend, did all the cooking... with Brandi's assistance
THANK YOU ADAM!
THANK YOU ADAM!
It wouldn't be a party without Toni being, well... Toni
Northwest Arkansas Animal Rescue provided low cost microchipping and had kittens available for adoption
Cary overseeing the give away contests
Momma Mia!
Tonight we are having an Italian Night! Our Biscotti and pizza guys are HALF OFF and you won't want to miss our Limited Edition Canine-olis and Puppi-olis! Plus FREE Lasagna for humans!!!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Winners from our Birthday!
Hello All!
Today is another segment in my line of "I'm so behind it's not funny" blog posts. At our birthday party last Saturday there were lots of contests and prizes given away, not only by us but by the vendors in attendance as well. So I just wanted to congratulate all the winners and share who they are and what they won here.
Donna F. won 2 free pet visits from Sue Blumenfeld, The Errand Girl. Sue runs an awesome business for busy people. She'll do anything from renewing your tags to mailing your packages to grocery shopping!
Angela M. won a free grooming from Aussie Pet Mobile. Melvin and Viviana from Aussie Pet Mobile bring the grooming to you in their mobile pet unit - no more driving to the groomer! They service the entire Northwest Arkansas area. Melvin is one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever met - he's full of information on everything from dental health to how nutrtion affects your dog's coat.
The NWA K-9 Disc Club awarded three prizes - 1st prize of discs, a leash, a collar and a leash holder went to Claudia H., 2nd prize went to Viviara P. and 3rd Prize went to Dale T. Matt Srum is the president of the NWA K-9 Disc Club and he has done a fantastic job organizing and building this organization. If you're interested in teaching your dog to play disc, check out his website.
The winner of our Biggest Wag contest was Paul K. or rather his dog, Jeff Smith. Jeff Smith was a rescue from a backyard breeder. He came to Paul is terrible shape, in need of food and attention, but now he is a wonderful success story. He wagged so hard he wagged not only his tail but his head. They won a gift basket worth $90.
Today is another segment in my line of "I'm so behind it's not funny" blog posts. At our birthday party last Saturday there were lots of contests and prizes given away, not only by us but by the vendors in attendance as well. So I just wanted to congratulate all the winners and share who they are and what they won here.
Donna F. won 2 free pet visits from Sue Blumenfeld, The Errand Girl. Sue runs an awesome business for busy people. She'll do anything from renewing your tags to mailing your packages to grocery shopping!
Angela M. won a free grooming from Aussie Pet Mobile. Melvin and Viviana from Aussie Pet Mobile bring the grooming to you in their mobile pet unit - no more driving to the groomer! They service the entire Northwest Arkansas area. Melvin is one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever met - he's full of information on everything from dental health to how nutrtion affects your dog's coat.
The NWA K-9 Disc Club awarded three prizes - 1st prize of discs, a leash, a collar and a leash holder went to Claudia H., 2nd prize went to Viviara P. and 3rd Prize went to Dale T. Matt Srum is the president of the NWA K-9 Disc Club and he has done a fantastic job organizing and building this organization. If you're interested in teaching your dog to play disc, check out his website.
The winner of our Biggest Wag contest was Paul K. or rather his dog, Jeff Smith. Jeff Smith was a rescue from a backyard breeder. He came to Paul is terrible shape, in need of food and attention, but now he is a wonderful success story. He wagged so hard he wagged not only his tail but his head. They won a gift basket worth $90.
Rachel Sloan of Rachel Sloan Photography also captured Cary giving Paul the gift basket and lots of other great photos of our event which you can view on her website.
Finally, the winners of our year of Free Treats Contest were Margaret Choffel and her dogs, Lillian and Stella. They were voted winners by our fantastic customers!
Lillian and Stella, winners of the Year of Free Treats
Finally, the winners of our year of Free Treats Contest were Margaret Choffel and her dogs, Lillian and Stella. They were voted winners by our fantastic customers!
Lillian and Stella, winners of the Year of Free Treats
Get your story ready, because we'll hold this contest annually and you can enter at anytime at www.contest.bigwag.com!
We also want to say a big thanks to all of the other vendors who came out and supported us - American K-9 Academy, Angel Pet Sitters, Doggie Heaven, The Dog Scouts, The Frosted Cupcake, Lesli Eschbacher, Camp Bow Wow, New Hope Animal Hospital, Good Steward Pet Sitting, Northwest Arkansas Animal Rescue, Murphy Dog Park and Humane Society for Animals
Our birthday party wouldn't have been as great without all of these wonderful people. And thanks also to our fantastic customers who make everything we do possible!
We also want to say a big thanks to all of the other vendors who came out and supported us - American K-9 Academy, Angel Pet Sitters, Doggie Heaven, The Dog Scouts, The Frosted Cupcake, Lesli Eschbacher, Camp Bow Wow, New Hope Animal Hospital, Good Steward Pet Sitting, Northwest Arkansas Animal Rescue, Murphy Dog Park and Humane Society for Animals
Our birthday party wouldn't have been as great without all of these wonderful people. And thanks also to our fantastic customers who make everything we do possible!
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