Surprise!

Surprise! Bet you didn't count on seeing any more posts on here I bet.

The main reason we sold the business - this little guy,
who is not enjoying santa

Well, I was feeling a little nostalgic since the website is about to go away, and I battled whether or not to shut down the blog. It just seemed so wrong with all of the hard work we had poured into this blog, trying to create content that informed as well as educated our users on the pet food industry, where we were taking the store, research into the food science of pet food. 25,000 blog reads later and the store is gone. We really thought that Dena would carry the torch beyond 2011. I would be suing here right now for the money she skipped out on paying us if her grooming business was still open. Oh well - lesson I learned for being nice and allowing someone to pay me in installments. That wont happen again. What a piece of work.

I would also think twice about doing business with Sudden Values again. They were super nice right up until it came to pay us for all of those stupid half price gift certificates they sold and we had honored. I apologize to anyone that got bamboozled by them. It sounded like a great way to reach new customers when they pitched us the idea. But, I just couldn't let the Sudden Values article be the last article on the blog.

So much has changed in the last two years. I hear (I have not been there yet) that we have a puppy mill store in Rogers now. I see emails from Toni every now and again organizing a boycott or protest. Oh, the good ole days. NWAAR got their mobile clinic, and Shauna is now the director of the Washington Cty animal shelter. We keep telling ourselves that we are going to go to the next dog park event, and then it arrives and we are exhausted from keeping up with shortypants that we cannot muster the troupe into the car. I can say that I miss seeing all of the dogparkers, our customers and friends, and the pet community in large.

I'm not sure we would have made it much longer in the end. Trolling through the pet isles now, I see a lot more companies have gotten on the bandwagon of healthy baked treats for dogs, and when you mass produce them, it's hard to compete on their price points. It's too bad - Bigwag was a business I would have enjoyed owning for some time I think. The winds change and then it's gone. You can always count on the change, for it is the one thing that is constant.

Well, I have sufficiently pushed the Sudden Values post to no longer the first post any longer. Mission accomplished. I hope everyone is doing famously.

-- Cary

Sudden Blitz Redemption Instructions

Attention All Sudden Blitz Purchasers!

When redeeming your voucher, please be aware of the following:

• Please allow 48 hours after purchase to use your voucher online
• You may use your purchased Voucher at the store same day
• Enter the only the last 4 characters of your unique Gift Voucher number (located at the top left of Voucher) into the coupon code section at time of purchase
• You must print the voucher to use
• Vouchers gifted to friends and family must be in the recipient’s name

Lucy's Luau

The Guest of Honor!

Hey Everyone!

On Saturday, May 14th we were honored to host Lucy's Luau, a celebration of the life of Lucy the Rescue Pug.  This is the third year we've held a party celebrating the continually remarkable Lucy.  Last year we held a Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds party and the year before that it was an I Love Lucy party.  If you aren't familiar with Lucy's story, you can read it here.  The luau was great fun for both dogs and humans alike, complete with cake for the dogs and cupcakes and punch for people!

Lucy's Beach Ball Cake

Andrea and Maddy get in the Hawaiian spirit

The spirited refreshments

Lucy's mom, Jolene (right)

  And just a few of Lucy's guests...

Protecting Pets in Severe Weather

Hey Everyone!

As I'm sitting here, it's pouring down rain, we had tornadoes touch down last night and Hannah is wearing a path around my coffee table in a release of nervous energy.  Which makes me think that there are probably some precautions that pet owners should take during severe weather season.  I was able to find this list from the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters that I think warrants taking a few minutes to review.  Many of the items are pretty common sense, but a few of them may just make you think again about habits to get into!

TORNADOES AND THUNDERSTORMS

Severe thunderstorm watch
Conditions are right for:
• Lightning or damaging winds greater than 58 mph
• Hail that could reach a diameter of 0.75 inches
• Heavy rain
A thunderstorm watch indicates that you should take action to protect yourself and your pets.

Severe thunderstorm warning
Severe thunderstorms have been sighted in your area.
Animals, especially dogs, can often hear thunderstorms before humans and may show this by becoming anxious, hiding, and vocalizing. Horses will sometimes run frantically around their pasture.

Tornado watch
Conditions are right for a tornado to develop and the sky should be watched.

Tornado warning
A tornado has been sighted or is spotted on radar. Warnings will give the location of the tornado and the area immediately affected by the warning.

There are several steps that you can take to keep yourself, and your animals safe during thunderstorms and tornadoes. Preparedness actions are listed below.

• Designate a safe area in or near your home to shelter your family and animals in a severe thunderstorm. Teach family members what to do in a storm if they are at home, outside, or in a car, including how to relocate animals to safe locations.

• If you have animals that get nervous and pose a safety risk in thunderstorms, contact your veterinarian for advice on how to mitigate this situation.

• The best preparation for a tornado is to designate a tornado shelter for yourself and your animals. Tornado shelters are safest if they are underground — a storm cellar or basement away from windows offers the best protection.

• If your home has no basement, stay in the center of the house away from the windows or in a small room on the ground floor that is away from outside walls. Take cover under solid furniture or mattresses. Protect your head.

• Do not drive. If you are driving and spot a tornado, get out of your car and go into a nearby building or ditch and take your animals with you. Protect your head and stay low to the ground.

• Know the location of the designated shelter where you work or go to school. If you frequently travel with your dog in the car, keep a leash in the vehicle at all times in case you have to vacate the car during a tornado.

I would add to this list that it's important to have current identification on your animals at all times and that they be up to date on all vaccinations.  That way if they do become separated from you in case of severe weather it becomes much easier for them to be returned to you.  And while identification tags are great, microchipping is ideal, because microchips will be carried with your pet, even if they lose their collar.

 The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters also provides tips for keeping your animals safe during other types of disasters, ranging from hurricanes to tsunamis.  You can view their entire emergency preparedness document here.

Mardi Gras, Bigwag Style!

Yesterday we had our annual Mardi Gras Yappie Hour. We had a great time and gave away a $50 gift basket for finding the "baby" in the King Cake.

Cecil, King of Mardi Gras!

The gift basket to be given away

Winner - Matt Sims

The Power of One

Hey Everyone!

You always hear that one person can make a difference. It's said so often that it's become cliche. But every once in a while we get a glimpse at how true it really is.

We have a customer who recently has begun "paying it forward". I won't mention her name, because recognition isn't her intention. But I will tell you that the last few times she has come in to purchase food for her pups, she also purchases an extra bag for the next person who comes in for food. That in itself is remarkable and inspiring.

But, what is amazing is the reaction to her gift. The next customer is often floored, and speechless and thankful. Then, when they recover, they want to find a way to continue passing along the good will. For example, the last customer who got free food continued paying it forward by buying treat mix for the next customer and that customer bought an extra bag of treat mix and donated it to the Humane Society. And, it doesn't end there. Those of us who work here are equally inspired, as are people who hear about or witness these acts. And while these simple acts aren't curing cancer or eliminating homelessness they are brightening people's days and reassuring others that there is still hope and love in a world that sometimes seems to have run amok.

So, thank you to the remarkable customer who began this and to all who have participated in it. You all inspire us to be better human beings.

Just a Little Fun

Hey Everyone!

Here's a fun cake that I got to do for Bess today. Bess is turning ten and she's an agility champion!



We also got to do goody bags for the guests at Bess' party! Lucky dogs :D

By Request

Hey Everyone!

As you probably know, we take lots of special orders around here. Sometimes it's barkday cakes, sometimes it's pupcakes and other times it's a completely unique order. So, I thought that from time to time I'd post some of our most unique special orders.

This week we made a dozen carob pupcakes for Willow to share with her agility class.

(Thanks to Grant and Kathy Johnson for providing this photo)

Unfortunately for Willow, there were new students at class this week and she didn't get one! So, Kathy called and asked if we could make a quick little something special for Willow. But Willow can't have peanut butter - so our Monster Bones were out and a cake was just too much for this pup! So, we were able to make a very special custom Howl at the Moon Pie for Willow's birthday...




One other fun request this week: Mardi Gras Ninjabread Men! We delivered yesterday, but sadly, I forgot to take a picture before they walked (or maybe danced) out the door. So, Joan if you're out there reading this and Ted E. hasn't already gobbled them up, would you send us a pic? We'd love to share your special request.

Oats - The Next Super Food?

An ingredient that you should start to see a lot more of in pet foods and treats starting this year will be oats.  The first federally sanctioned health claim for a manufactured food was granted to makers of oat-rich foods in early 1997, and are common ingredients in horse and rodent diets, but not so much in dog foods or treats today. There is no reason why except pet food manufacturers just have not thought of it yet, but they are starting to come around.

The nutritional composition of oats is high compared to other cereals. Oats are higher in protein (17.1%) with more essential amino acids than most other popular grains. Oats also carry a higher level of lipids than most other grains, of which about 40% is the essential fatty acid linoleic acid.

Most people think that the biggest benefit of oats is heart health, since that is the effect on humans. That is just simply not the case in dogs or cats. The biggest benefit of oats, however, is the large amounts of Beta Glucans. Beta Glucans harden the stools, and prevent the reabsorption of cholesterol and starches in the digestive track, thus lowering the glycemic index and help prevent health disorders like obesity and diabetes.
Another benefit of oats is the low allergic reactivity of the proteins. Many vets feel that the protein in oatmeal is very hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction) and therefore an ideal nutrient to be included in a diet formulated for pets suspected of having a food sensitivity or skin allergies. There are other benefits in performance and long term health as well.


This isn't something new for us - in fact all but two of our baked treats have oats as a primary ingredient - usually either the first or second ingredient in our recipe, and we've been using oats since day one, back in 2006.
 
CONTEST ALERT - The first person to comment on this post with one of the two treats that does not contain oats will win a free pound bag of treats - our Fish Sticks - great for skin and coat health with both oats and real Alaskan Salmon. Make sure you include a phone number or email address so that we can contact you. (We won't make anyone's information public). Or email us at sales@bigwag.com . Just head over to our online store http://www.bigwag.com/ and check out the treats section. We list all of the ingredients for all of our treats under each product.

For more information on oats and related pet food applications visit these articles on PetFoodIndustry.com

Gift Baskets - A Photo Essay

Hey Everyone!

Every year at Christmas we put together our world famous gift baskets, so I thought it would be fun to create a little photo essay of what exactly goes into making them.

Keeping Christmas Safe

Hey Everyone!

I know that Cary just recently posted some tips about keeping your pets safe at Thanksgiving, but the Christmas season can be just as dangerous to the four legged children in your home.  This article from Drs. Foster & Smith is worth looking over as you decorate your house and prepare for the upcoming holiday!

HOLIDAY PET HAZARDS

by Scott A. McKay, DVM on November 12, 2009

Well it’s that time of the year again. The holiday season will be here before you know it. As we festoon our homes with holiday decorations, seasonal plants and entertain family and friends, let’s be sure to remember that some of our seasonal favorites are hazardous to the four-legged members of our families.

Foods served this time of year tend to be higher in fat and very rich. While these foods help make this time of year special, they also can cause real problems for our pets. I’m always ready for the phone call after the holidays when someone’s dog has gotten into the turkey pan and is now ill and vomiting because of acute pancreatitis. In addition, holiday beverages containing alcohol are palatable to pets but real trouble if ingested.

Other holiday hazards include:

• Christmas trees (needles, stagnant or treated water in the tree stand), Christmas tree lights (electrocution), ornaments, tinsel, and garland (choking and/or intestinal impaction hazards); even the Christmas packages under the tree can lead to trouble if they contain items that smell appealing.

• Another holiday call I received was a cat that was vomiting because he had swallowed a length of tinsel causing a linear foreign body and intestinal blockage.

• Holiday plants including: Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and hibiscus are toxic to pets.

• Chocolate, especially dark or baker’s chocolate is harmful.

• The oils in a potpourri pot are harmful if ingested.

• Another consideration is the effect all the holiday company may have on our pets. New faces, smells and voices in the home can be stressful for some pets. Make sure they have a safe place to go. In addition, traveling with your pet presents its own set of hazards.

A little pre-planning and pet-proofing can make the holidays stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.  The point here is not to damper the holiday spirit but to avoid an unnecessary trip to your veterinarian.

Be safe and enjoy the holidays.

Think Small - Shop Big

Today, Saturday, November 27th is Small Business Saturday - an initiative spearheaded by American Express OPEN, the division of the credit card giant that serves small businesses, the campaign supports the locally owned businesses that help give neighborhoods their character.

Here are some facts that are presented on the Small Business Saturday website:

• According to Civic Economics, when $100 is spent in a small business, $68 of that somehow gets returned back to the local community.
• According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses employ half of all private sector employees.
• Also according to the Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms.
• Again, according to the SBA, 60 to 80 percent of new jobs generated every year during the last decade have been from small businesses.

 

Civic Economics also produced a study which measured economic effects of small locally owned business and big-box retailers.

This study examined financial data from 15 locally owned businesses in New Orleans and compared their impact on the local economy to that of an average SuperTarget store. The study found that only 16% of the money spent at a SuperTarget stays in the local economy. In contrast, the local retailers returned more than 32% of their revenue to the local economy.

The primary difference was that the local stores purchase many goods and services from other local businesses, while Target does not. The study concludes that even modest shifts in spending patterns can make a big difference to the local economy. If residents and visitors were to shift 10% of their spending from chains to local businesses, it would generate an additional $235 million a year in local economic activity, creating many new opportunities and jobs. Likewise, a 10% shift in the opposite direction - less spending at local stores and more at chains - would lead to an economic contraction of the same magnitude. Another noteworthy finding of the study is that locally owned businesses require far less land to produce an equivalent amount of economic activity.

We are a small, locally owned independent business, and do believe that businesses like ours help the community in numerous ways. Yes, I shop at the big box retailers and don't want them to go away, but I like the diversity small businesses can bring to a community.

Shopping at a local independent business isn't just the only way you can help. They need you to talk about them with your friends. Share them every chance you get. So, in the spirit of helping all small businesses during Small Business Saturday, I encourage you to share some of the locally owned independent businesses you like, and I will start us off with some of the ones we use and like.

• Sabores Mexican Cusine - In Bentonville just down 8th street, we like this restaurant because we think the food is fantastic, and the service has been spot on. Lunch prices are very reasonable and the staff are always bright and cheery.
• Lewis and Clark - I love this place. I've bought camping and backpacking gear here and bicycle gear as well. Staff is very friendly and believe it or not, the prices here were cheaper than Sportsman's Warehouse when it was open.
• Sweet's Fudge Kitchen - up in Eureka Springs, this shop is a chocolate lover's dream. I have yet to have anything from this place that was anything less than amazing.
• Napoli's - To us, this is the most authentic Italian we've found in the area. I have had something different each time we've been, and never been disappointed.
• Melody's Choices - This shop is just amazing. Tons of cool gifts for any person on your list. I cannot remember a Christmas that has gone by where we haven't found something in here for someone special.
• Shirley's Flowers - Hands down the best flower shop in NWA that I have used. They are always beautiful and never disappoint.
• Jim's Razorback Pizza - We now live in Lowell, so use the one here and the pizza is always great. I went to college when Jim's was in the UofA student union. It was always a treat to get a fresh slice in between classes around lunch time. I don't think their pepperoni can be topped.
• Dilly Dally's - Ok, we've never been in this store, but if we shopped for the two legged variety of kids, this would be one place we would frequent I think. Such a fun looking toy store. Reminds me of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium - at least from the windows.

There you go - there are many more that we like and use - I could list reviews here all day long, so just because it's not on this list doesn't mean we don't like it.

p.s. - I used Yelp for all of the review links. When we were in Denver, Yelp was our best friend. It never failed to deliver an outstanding restaurant that was within walking distance while we were in downtown. We don't use Yelp much in our community here - not like they do in Denver. So, I encourage you - if you like a local business - give them a review and help share with everyone else out there. I can tell you as a small business owner, that kind of feedback is what keeps you going when the hours are long and you seem to be stuck. I will if you do!

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

This is the season for holiday feasts for people, but this can also be a time for stress for your pets. Here are some tips to keep your pets happy during the holidays.

Turkey Time
A little turkey may be ok for your pets, just make sure it's well cooked and there are no bones. Cooked poultry bones can be bad your your four legged friends. Undercooked turkey can contain salmonella and can lead to food poisoning for your pets.
Sage Wisdom
Herbs like sage can make your feast taste savory, but these herbs may contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and depression if ingested in large quantities - especially cats.

No Yeast for the Beastie
Raw bread dough can be a double whammy for your pets. It can expand in the stomach requiring surgery to remove, and the yeast can create alcohol during fermentation and because their bodies are so much smaller than ours it can easily lead to alcohol poisoning.
Raw Eggs
Cake batter or anything containing raw eggs can cause salmonella in pets just like in humans.
A Little Goes A Long Way
Mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, boneless turkey, or even a small bite of pie may not hurt your dog, but even slightest dietary changes can lead to stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—a condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. Often fat trimmings are the leading cause of this condition. Any dietary changes can upset their digestive system, so keep the splurging to a minimum.
Me Too!
It is often tempting to give them some table scraps while we are chowing down on a feast fit for a king. Often those poor pathetic "sad faces" are too much for us to resist while we are stuffing ourselves. It can be a fun and safe time for them as well during the meal by indulging them with some healthy treats, a long lasting chew, or loading up an interactive toy for them to play with during dinner. These will occupy them while they feel they are getting something special along with everyone else.

Happy and Safe Holidays from the Bigwag Team

Won't You Be An Angel?

Hey Everyone!

Today we put up our Angel Tree! This year there are tags for four different rescue groups: Pug Rescue, Northwest Arkansas Animal Rescue, Bella Vista Animal Shelter and the Humane Society for Animals of Benton County. These groups have a variety of needs ranging from cleaning supplies to collars and toys to foster homes.



So, please stop by and pick up a tag to help out. Items need to be returned to Bigwag by December 24th. We hope you'll find it in your heart to help these groups who do so much to help homeless animals.

A Tree To Remember

This last Monday Erin and I decorated a very special Christmas tree for some very special, lucky dog out there. Last year we auctioned off our in-store Christmas tree display just because we thought it would be fun. This year, we donated our (mostly Erin's) Christmas tree decorating talents and all of the ornaments to the Alzheimer's annual Christmas Tree Silent Auction, being held this week and ends on Saturday at the Highlands Crossing Senior Center in Bella Vista.

This is a special cause for me, since my grandpa Hague succumbed to Alzheimer's several years ago, not to mention Erin and I got to play hooky on Monday. When Erin found the tweet that they needed more volunteers to decorate a tree we thought this would be a great and fun cause to help in, and Erin took up the challenge to design a tree that was dog themed from the bakery. We'd never been to the Highland Center, so the adventure began just trying to find the building.

Erin adding some finishing touches to the ribbon, still a bunch more ornaments and toys to add

Complete with some surprises under the tree

no tree is complete without a Christmas "Yule Doo" - frosted of course!

So for our tree the theme was "Doggie Dreams". We loaded it up with tons of dog lover ornaments

as well as enough toys to keep your pup occupied for at least a year.

Planet Dog's guaranteed Mint Chew Toy

This guy sings Christmas songs

Planet Dog's Christmas Bulb chew toy - also guaranteed

We also donated the dog bed, and there is a pound of treats under the tree along with a "surprise" for the lucky bidder under there as well. We made the tree as pet friendly as possible. There are no glass ornaments that can break, and all of the toys are near the bottom. There are even some plushies that sing Christmas carols to get everyone into the spirit.



Alas, the tree is complete. 8' tall and loaded to the brim with goodies for you and your dog. probably worth about $500 including the pre-lit tree and all of the toys 



I also snapped some photos of the other trees that were works in progress when we finished.

  Check out the rest of them at the Highlands Crossing center, bid on a tree, and help a good cause.



Getting to Know You

Hey Everyone!

As I told you yesterday, we have two new employees at Bigwag. I thought it would be fun to ask them a few questions (ala Inside the Actor's Studio) so you can get to know them better. Of course, we hope that you'll stop in and introduce yourselves and meet them in person!

Tonight, meet Andrea. Andrea has been working for us for about six weeks now.

1. What is your favorite word? Swimmingly

2. What is your least favorite word? Awesome possum or Ain't

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? A band I'm into or a crafty project

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Someone who's overly artsy and tries to make it seem like it's their life

5. What sound do you love? The THX sound in the theater at the beginning of a movie

6. What sound do you hate? The seatbelt warning sound in the car

7. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? Study wolves/large cats

8. What profession would you not like to attempt? Doctor - hate blood

9. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Welcome - I'll answer your questions

10. Cat person or dog person? Dog

11. Favorite Bigwag treat? Apple Blossoms

12. What's your pet peeve? Stupid questions

13. What's your guilty pleasure? Ridiculous rap and singing along to it in the car

14. What do you drive? 2007 Passat Wagon

15. What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Vanilla Bean

16. Where is your favorite spot to hang out? At friend's houses

17. What was the last book you read? Dead in the Family by Charlene Harris

Best Wishes Brandi!

Hey Everyone!

Today's post is a bittersweet one.  Most of you know Brandi, whether from being in the store or from reading her contributions on the blog.  Brandi began working for us way back at Christmas time 2007 as seasonal help.  In 2008 she became a permanent employee and more recently she became my assistant manager.  But even before Brandi was officially my assistant manager, she was someone whom I could rely on, someone who helped keep me sane and who helped make Bigwag a brighter place.  She did a number of jobs here, too many to really even enumerate.  Mostly, I will remember her as the person I could always turn to in a pinch, whether that meant her coming in early, working on her day off or staying late.  She was here to fill in for me when Lynn passed away, she was here to keep things running smoothly when I needed vacation.  She worked tirelessly to prepare for our birthday party and decorated for Christmas while I spent Thanksgiving with my family in Texas.  Once when I thanked her for all her hard work and her simple reply was, "No Problem.  I'm here to assist the manager."  That pretty well sums it up.  She was always here to do whatever was needed of her without complaint.  As Brandi moves onto a new life in Russelville, we wish her all the best.  We will miss her charm, her crazy stories and her love for Bigwag.

P.S. We do have two new employees, Andrea and Nicole.  Andrea has been working here for about six weeks now and Nicole is just beginning.  In the next few days, I will be posting a little information about them so you can get to know them better.  And we hope you'll stop into the store to welcome them both to the Bigwag family!

Faces of the Humane Society - November 2010

20 pounds of treats for the Humane Society, donated by you!

Hey Everyone!

Saturday Cary and I went out to the Humane Society to deliver treats, cleaning supplies and donations from our fabulous customers. With everything that's happened in the last month, I hadn't been out to the Humane Society in October. And did we have treats to give out! Cary weighed the treats you guys donated (because he likes to do things like that) There were 20 pounds of them! Lots of treats for each dog, plus plenty to leave behind until our next trip out. Also, I'd like to say a special thank you to Rainey W., because many of those treats were donated in honor of her birthday. She chose a treat for every dog at the Humane Society when she visited us on her tenth birthday.

Here are some of the cute faces we encountered Saturday, all of them still looking for forever homes.