Raise a Green Dog!

Turn off and unplug what you don't use!

2008-11-15T07:52:00.006-05:00

Did you know that all those unused appliances plugged into your wall are using up electricity and money from your wallet? Money you could be using to get your pup a new toy, or some yummy treats!

According to Planet Green:

Though it's known by a laundry list of names-phantom load, idle current, vampire power and wall wart are the most common-this "phantom energy" all does the same thing: sucks extra energy from the grid into your home when you aren't looking and you don't need it.
Many gadgets, electronic devices and appliances draw power even when they're switched off or not in use, just by being plugged in, and though it may seem trivial, it can add up over time.

So what can you do beyond going around and unplugging everything when it's not being used?

Green Planet goes on to recommend several things to cut the cord on 'phantom power'.

One is purchase smart a Smart Power Strip. This power strip not only acts as a surge protector for your appliances, it also completely turns off any appliances connected to it when shut down.

Another is to utilize a Kill-A-Watt detector. This device is placed between any appliance and its outlet, and measures energy use by the kilowatt so you can calculate consumption patterns, assess appliance efficiency when the appliance is off or on.

You can also install a Green Switch in your home. With the flip of just one switch you can substantially reduce home energy consumption. They say the average home installation can be done in about an hour, utilizing wireless technology.

So, take a few steps, and help save energy, and your budget!

Energy saving tricks you can teach your green dog!

2008-11-10T08:28:00.003-05:00

Dogs can save energy too! How? By turning off a light switch, recycling those cans, putting the newspaper in the recycle bin, and more.

How your pup can help you around the house and help reduce your family's carbon footprint is unlimited by your imagination!

Before you get started teaching your dog these wonderful and helpful tricks, we recommend that you watch this video of an overview of clicker training. Clicker training is a wonderful way to help your pup learn - easily, effectively and with loads of fun. Just ask me, I love my clicker!

Here are a few ideas of great things you can teach your dog to do to help save energy:

Using what you learned in these 'tricks' there is much more you can teach your pup, like...

Pull a drapery cord to close those drapes or blinds and conserve energy
Close the outside door when your arms are full of groceries and save on heating and cooling costs and energy
Retrieve junk mail and other item, and put in recycling bin
Pull the recycling bin out to the curb for pick up
And, loads more...

Here's a great video of just some of the tricks that Service Dog Tauri, the Pit Bull, can do. He's got his work down!

It's incredibly rewarding to watch your dog learn, and discover new talents and tricks. Remember to make it positive, make it a game, and make it fun!

Photo courtesy of: Australian Government, Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Visit their page for some energy saving tips.

New products for November!

2008-11-05T20:44:00.003-05:00

Start your holiday shopping early! Check out these new products for November.

West Paw Big Sky Stockings - "Good Dog" Fern

$23.99

Planet Dog Holiday Ginger Man Dog Toy - 9" For Dogs And Canines

$9.99

Simply Fido Organic Holiday Moose

$14.99

West Paw Eco Friendly Dog Toys - Charlie Tree, Brown

$14.99

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Lil' Holiday Bulbs Green

$6.99

Doggie Treat Christmas Advent Calendar

$11.99

West Paw Holiday Eco Nap Small Snowglobe For Cats And Dogs

$37.99

West Paw Design Eco-Friendly Reknitz Sweaters For Dogs - Size 10, Teal Strip

$37.99

West Paw Recycled Fill Bumper Beds L Chocolate

$117.99

West Paw Holiday Nature Nap Fleece Bed 24x19x2 Small Cardinal Red

$25.99

Big Sky Blanket Medium

$40.00

Striped Bumper Bed S 23x19x7

$70.00

$92.00

$10.99

$13.99

$5.99

$13.99

Lil Madison Moose Toy

$10.99

$6.99

$5.99

$5.99

$14.99

$5.99

$5.99

$5.99

WestPaw Ecotoys for Small Dogs

$13.65

WestPaw Plush Toys for Tiny Dogs

$5.25

Planet Dog Zip Lead Retractable Leash - Large Titanium For Dogs And Canines

$31.99

$11.95

$3.95

$6.95

$3.95

Earthdog Hemp Stuffed Toy Bone - Large

$11.99

Plush Soccer Ball

$7.95

Harry Barker Quilted Car Seat Cover For Cats And Dogs - Silver

$67.99

Harry Barker Rectangle Hemp Pet Beds - M Green For Cats And Dogs

$139.99

Eco Friendly Polar Fleece Beds by Harry Barker

$110.00

Eco Friendly Round Fleece Beds by Harry Barker

$110.00

Raw Advantage Whole Turkey Necks 2 lbs.

$14.89

Monzies Organics Organic Muesli for Dogs 8 lb.

$27.99

Wet Noses Holiday Dog Treats

$7.99

Wagatha's Organic Dog Biscuit Treats - 9 oz. Cranberry Cheddar

$8.49

Ruff Wear Cloud Chaser Soft Shell Jacket for Dogs Medium, Black

$74.99

Dr. Harvey's Barkotti Treats For Dogs - Medium to Large Dogs

$15.99

Ruff Wear Urban Sprawl Dog Beds For Canines - Medium

$99.99

Ruff Wear Gourdo - Small

$9.95

Ruff Wear Mt. Bachelor Pad Dog Bed - Medium

$49.95

Bravo! Raw Food Diets Certified Organic Chicken Blend 1 lb package for dog or cat

$7.79

2008-11-01T12:05:00.001-04:00

Eco-friendly shelter saves environment, money!

2008-10-21T09:29:00.001-04:00

News from zootoo:

ALBURQUERQUE, N.M. -- More and more shelters across the country are helping animals and trying to save the environment. One such shelter in Albuquerque is giving recycling a whole new meaning.
Sometimes doing the right thing is not easy. It often takes quite a bit of effort -- and in this case -- quite a bit of sweat. But it is how to build green on a budget.
Watermelon Mountain Ranch took a hard look at the shelter’s possible impact on the desert environment, and an even harder look at its bank account -- leaving facilities manager Rick Dillender to act as a one man construction crew at times.

Help offset 350 lbs of carbon!

2008-10-21T09:13:00.000-04:00

Take the 350 Challenge and offset 350 pounds of carbon in your name! 350 pounds? That's like flicking off 100 light bulbs for a day. Or going two full weeks without your car! The 350 Challenge is a small way to show your support to fight climate change. Click on the badge, learn more and add it to your blog.

Help a shelter dog!

2008-10-15T21:05:00.008-04:00

Margaret Mead once said...

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."

Being a green dog is a great way to live - we help the environment, we live a healthy and happy life. But not all dogs are as fortunate as we are. Many are living in shelters and rescues all across the country; and they need us. They need a furever home, just like we have.

This month is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a time when we can shine the light on pups in shelters and rescues all across the country, in hopes that we can help them find their furever home.

Today I want to share a wonderful adoption story. A story of hope. The story of Ernie...

In January of 2007 I started my blog, Rescue Me, because I wanted to help other pups in shelters find a wonderful home, just like I now have. Every day we post about a dog, living in a shelter or rescue, hoping that it brings awareness and helps them find their forever home.

On that day, we saw a pup on Petfinder.com in a shelter here in Indianapolis. His name was Ernie, and he needed a home. We asked the nice folks at the Southside Animal Shelter if Ernie could be our mascot - the mascot for Rescue Me. They agreed. For nearly two years Ernie has appeared in our promotional logos and videos; and has helped us get the word out about the pups needing homes.

We had never met Ernie (who was named Bosco then), but here is what his Petfinder page said about him:

Bosco is a sweet boy who has lots of energy and loves belly rubs! He likes just about everybody, but will need a home without small children, 'cause he's got so much energy that he may knock them down without meaning too!
He's just about 1 year young and ready to go have some fun!! Bosco will need a fenced yard and basic obedience training, and would also benefit from daily long walks or even runs once he gets the obedience thing down!

We checked in with Ernie through the months after he became our mascot. After a year long stay at the shelter and passed over for adoption, he was taken in by a foster family that cared for him until he could be adopted. We learned later that after a year and a half, Ernie finally found a home. But after that we lost track of him.

Then, just last month we received an email, a very special email. It was from Ernie's new furever Mom. She saw our blog and our promotional video, and emailed us to tell us that she is the luckiest dog Mom in the World.

Here's what she wrote...

Dear Johann,
I just happened to see your Rescue Me video from November 2007, and my dog Ernie is the first one shown. We adopted Ernie last October (from the Southside Animal Shelter), and he has brought us much joy! Here is a current picture of him - he will be turning 2 next month.
I was delighted and laughed out loud when you told me his original name was Bosco! For fun, I called to him, "Bosco, Bosco, Bosco," and he ran around the house. And now Bosco has become his middle name: Ernie Bosco Shay. He loves it!
I had a childhood dog, but Ernie is my first dog as an adult. I can't believe he wasn't adopted when he was younger. He is the sweetest, happiest boy you could ever meet. It was just meant to be for me to adopt Ernie, and I am so grateful.
He loves to play ball and roll around in the grass. We have a big back yard and part of it is attached to a levy which means that one side of the yard has quite a steep hill to it. He loves running to the top of the hill and sliding down on his belly to the bottom. He is all smiles when he does it.
Please let people know Ernie has found a wonderful forever home. I took these pictures of him today. It is so cool that Ernie is the Rescue Me mascot. He is very special indeed!
Signed, Ernie's Mom

Ernie is one lucky boy, just like me!

This month, as we spotlight National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, think about how you can help a pup in need - whether it be through adoption, financially, by volunteering of your time, or by donating a few useful items to your local shelter or rescue group. They need you, and they will be very grateful. I know I was!

--------------

We are participating in the First Annual Pet 'Net Adoption Event, a blogging event shared with many other pet bloggers in the blogosphere. Be sure and stop by Petside.com's Pet 'Net Adoption Hub see all the blogs participating, read all the wonderful adoption stories, and get more information about how you can help pets in shelters and rescues all over the country.

Got an old suitcase? You've got a dog bed!

2008-10-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

You know how much we love reusing old stuff around the house. So when we were over at ReadyMade the other day and found this cool idea, we just had to share it with you!

What is it? It's a dog bed, created from an old suitcase. What a great idea!

Stop by their website and see how they created this really cool dog bed! And if you've got the time, check out their instructions on making a quilted dog coat.

Lawn update!

2008-10-15T20:49:00.001-04:00

At the end of August we blogged about a new lawn care regime we were going to try. Our lawn took a beating last year with all the dry, hot weather; and it needed some help.

The first step was to put down some organic fertilizer in early September. We completed that step using the Mega Green Organic Lawn Food we ordered. It's 100% cat fish protein, a fish emulsion.

And here are the results! The first pic is a portion of our lawn that we didn't treat with the organic lawn food.

And this pic is from the part of the lawn we treated.

We are really happy with the results.

The lawn food was super easy to put down. Mum hooked the bottle up to the garden hose, and in about 15 minutes she had sprayed the entire lawn.

Our reaction? None, not even a sniff. Mum thought there was a slight fishy order about 10 minutes after she sprayed, but it went away very quickly.

We were so impressed with the lawn food, that we immediately ordered four more bottles. Two to use in November, and two to use in early Spring 2009.

For more information about the dangers of lawn chemicals, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides - read Just one more reason to have an organic lawn! and Keep the lawn safe and green!. Happy gardening!

Raise a Green Dog and Petside.com to help shine light on pet adoption!

2008-10-13T18:01:00.004-04:00

Being the green dog that I am, I believe that shelter and rescue pups are amazing pups, just waiting for their furever home. By adopting a pup from a shelter, you are not only helping the environment, but you are saving life!

And the best part is you can find lovable, wonderful, talented, cute, big or small, fun and furry, purebred and All-American pups at shelters and rescues all across this great country.

So when we were asked to participate in the First Annual Pet 'Net Adoption Event we jumped at the chance. Here are the details, and be sure and stop back on Thursday, when we will be blogging about an amazing story of a rescued pup - the mascot of Rescue Me.

First Annual Pet 'Net Adoption Event to be held on Thursday, October 16

Pet-Centric Bloggers & Site Editors To Raise Voices In Unison To Shine Spotlight on Animal Shelter Adoption

Organizer Petside.com To Feature Event Hub At Petside.com/PetNetAdoption

Englewood Cliffs, NJ, (October 13, 2008) -- In an effort to heighten awareness about animal shelter adoption, Petside.com (http://www.petside.com), the popular online destination for pet owners and pet enthusiasts from NBC Universal Digital Media, has organized a landmark consortium of some of the Web’s favorite pet-focused sites to launch the inaugural Pet ‘Net Adoption Event on Thursday, October 16.

Each participating site and Weblog will highlight content devoted to the topic of animal shelter adoption on this date, with Petside.com hosting a comprehensive one-page hub (http:///www.petside.com/petnetadoption) with links to all of the special coverage.

"Due to the current troubles in the economy, animal shelters are full to over-flowing and shelter adoption is mission critical for animal lovers across the country," said Kim Jack Riley, editor-in-chief of Petside.com. “Through the power of these diverse and robust voices being raised at once online, we hope this experiment -- The Pet ‘Net Adoption Event -- will help focus some much-needed attention on the cause.”

Sites slated to join in the event include:

About.com Cats (http://cats.about.com)
About.com Exotic Pets (http://exoticpets.about.com)
About.com Veterinary Medicine (http://vetmedicine.about.com)
The Daily Puppy (http://www.dailypuppy.com)
The Days of Johann (http://blog.johannthedog.com)
Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Pet Central (http://petcentral.startribune.com)
The Pet Haven (http://the-pet-haven.blogspot.com)
PetDoc (http://www.petdoc.com)
PetLvr - The Blog (http://www.petlvr.com/blog)
Petopia (http://www.thestarryeye.typepad.com/pets)
PetPeoplesPlace (http://www.petpeoplesplace.com)
Pets Channel (http://www.petschannel.com)
PetSitUSA (http://www.petsitusa.com)
Polka Dot Pup (http://www.polkadotpup.blogspot.com)
Raise A Green Dog (http://blog.raiseagreendog.com)
Rescue Me (http://blog.helpingpups.com)
Thoughts Fur Paws (http://thoughtsfurpaws.com)
YouPet (http://www.youpet.com)

About Petside.com

Petside.com (http://www.petside.com) was created by NBC Universal, in partnership with Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc., as a comprehensive source of information and services that helps pets and their owners get the most out of life. Offering customized content and a highly personalized experience, Petside.com is ranked among the top 10 pet Web sites and offers unique editorial features, expert Q&A's, tools and how-to videos.

New products for October!

2008-10-02T17:13:00.000-04:00

Check out these new cool 'green dog' products for October!

Bunkhouse Bed

The Good Dog Company Hemp Canvas Collar Large BF Blue

$18.99

Sam's Yams Green & Clean Herbal Dog Treats 6 oz. Bag

$7.99

ZiwiPeak Good Dog Jerky Reward Treats Green-Lipped Mussel 1 lb. Bag

$20.99

Green Recycle Dog T-Shirt

$21.99

West Paw Nip-N-Night Fleece Sleeper 16x20 Checkerboard

$16.99

Pet Crafts

$3.98

The Good Dog Company Hemp Corduroy Leash, 1" Bronze

$21.99

Big S Stretch

$15.50

Sojos Good Dog Treats Chicken Pot Pie

$6.39

Pet Food Nation: The Smart, Easy, and Healthy Way to Feed Your Pet Now

$15.95

WestPaw Ecotoys for Small Dogs

$13.65

Acorn Via Moc Shoes - Sienna - Women

$64.00

The Good Dog Company Hemp Canvas Leash, 1" Green Bones

$22.99

Life is good Run Like A Dog Tee - Women's

$25.00

My Good Dog Vibram Ball - 3''

$12.95

O.R.E. Recycled Food Scoop For Dogs And Cats - Large

$7.99

West Paw Zogoflex Tux - Aqua Blue

$14.49

Dog Crafts (Kids Can Do It)

$19.48

Earth Women's Hoodie Apparel - Light Lilac - Women

$50.00

My Recycled Pets: Diary of a Dog Addict

$16.95

Eco Bone Plush Dog Toy

$13.95

Reusable Tote Bag

$27.95

REI Reusable Shopping Tote

$1.00

The Good Dog Company Hemp Corduroy Collar, Large Marigold

$17.99

Ruff Wear Knot-a-Leash - Large

$24.95

Ruff Wear TurnUp Dog Toy

$10.00

Patagonia Finn Women Shoes - Stone - Women

$100.00

Simple Gifts For Dog Lovers

$15.48

When Pigs Fly: Training Success with Impossible Dogs

$17.95

Zukes Z-Ridge Fresh Breath Chew Bone

$3.09

Green clean!

2008-09-25T08:00:00.004-04:00

Being the green dog that I am, I love green products; you know those ones that are good for the environment and good for me.

So when the nice folks at Canine Earth wanted to send us a couple of their new products, we jumped at the chance.

Recently they sent us two sample sizes of their 'Not So Mangy Mango' conditioning coat cleaner, and the same 'flavor' of their aromatherapy coat spray. They have other 'flavors', like lavender and coconut, but we have our regular cleanser in those scents. So it was great to try something new!

Being the guy that I am, I don't like anything perfume-y. The Canine Earth conditioner and spray were just right - not perfume-y at all, but very clean smelling. Mum can't stop shoving her nose into my fur and taking big wiffs. Knock it off Mum!

And take a look at me! Don't I look handsome - well, at least I look clean and shiny. The cleanser did a great job of getting the agility grime off me, and left me looking my best.

But the best, best, best part? It's that these conditioners, cleansers and sprays, don't have any bad stuff in them. They are certified organic under USDA National Organic Program standards; are naturally self-preserving, petro chemical free, and have absolutely no artificial colorants or fragrance - which not only makes them good for me, but great for the environment too!

So when you get a chance, stop by their site and say hi to Brodie! He's one cool Green Dog and the mastermind behind Canine Earth; and read all about their mission, and their new products.

Free and fun eco-living tips, delivered right to your inbox!

2008-09-24T23:50:00.003-04:00

Are you looking for some green advice? Do what I do - subscribe to Idealbite.

We know you would just love to "do the right thing" for yourself and the planet if it were convenient, fun, inexpensive, and made you feel good. But real advice for busy people can be difficult to come by. Not now!

Make your own eco-friendly dog tug toy!

2008-09-24T21:06:00.009-04:00

Dog toys can be so expensive. And it's really fun to buy some nice Made in the USA, organic, safe and fun toys for your pups as gifts for their Barkday, or the Holidays, or for other special events.

But what about everyday toys? If you are like me and Gracie, well, we can go through toys, like kitties go through cat litter.

You can save loads of money by making your own. We do it all the time. Remember I told you a couple of months ago, that Gracie's new favorite toy was an old cotton towel that Mum had lying around the house for years? That towel has been turned into several tugs toys for Gracie over the past year. And it's still going strong. She tugged with it just last night, after Mum put together a few quick knots, until she could get it braided. My sis is soooo impatient.

Today we found a great site with instructions for making your own dog tug toy - from an old pair of your jeans! Jeans that have been worn and wash for years can now have a new life as the best thing that ever happened to your dog's life!

Check out Instructables for all the great instructions for making your dog's new favorite toy.

Your dog doesn't like to tug? Try 'accidentally' spilling a little chicken stock on the toy, or tucking a little cheese in the crevices, and then see how they like it.

Remember, always supervise your pup when playing with toys - it's the safest way to be. And have lots and lots of fun!