Monday, November 30, 2009

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!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

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?

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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. 

Monday, November 23, 2009

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?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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!


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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!








Saturday, November 14, 2009

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.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

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.

Thursday, November 5, 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!