So, naturally, you want the best for your dog: the best foods, treats, and medical care. But there are SO many choices available that it's really hard to make the right decision--especially if you're an FTCP (first-time canine parent)!

Buster and his 'mom' (me) can help you sift through all the information that's out there.

We've got first-hand experience in feeding holistic foods and treats, and information on what NOT to feed your CBF (canine best friend).

We've 'test-driven' some of the most popular toys and accessories, so we know what 'canine kids' prefer--and what toys aren't worth the time.

We'll also give you tips on holistic vet care, nutritional supplements, games and exercise, grooming, safety tips, pet-friendly vacation ideas--everything you'll need to enjoy life with your furry pal.

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

The holidays are over, the decorations are down, and you and your CBF are looking for something fun to do. To keep the two of you from getting cabin fever, you can head outside for some winter fun. If you live in a cold climate (like we do here in Michigan), there's usually lots of snow to frolic in. Most dogs love to play in the snow, but you need to ensure that your dog is properly protected from the elements, particularly if your pup has a shorter coat. You know when you're getting too cold, but your dog relies on you to know when to go inside to warm up. Dogs can get frostbite just like people can. It shows up most commonly in the extremities: toes and the tips of ears and tail. If your pet has been outside for an extended period of time, check out these body parts. Dogs with frostbitten toes often limp, and frostbitten ear tips will droop. The affected areas will feel hard and stiff and very cold to the touch. If you suspect that your dog has frostbite, bring him inside immediately. You can try dipping the affected area in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes; this should do the trick if the frostbite isn't too severe. You also need to contact your veterinarian even if you think the frostbite isn't bad.

If you're going walking in a winter wonderland with your CBF, look at his paws beforehand. Bear in mind that the salt used to melt snow can get in cracks in your dog's paw pads, which can be very painful. There are a couple of solutions for this issue. How about boots for your dog? These actually are very practical if you and your dog go for long walks in the winter. We recommend Muttluks, which were originally developed for sled dogs to keep them from cutting their feet on ice. They come in a couple of different styles and sizes to fit from the tiniest Pomeranian to the largest Irish Wolfhounds. Click here to learn more about Muttluks. Muttluks Dog Booties If your pup absolutely refuses to wear anything on his feet, you can try a salve called Musher's Secret. This ointment forms a protective coating on your dog's paw pads and helps heal cracks and cuts. Click on the following link to learn more about Musher's Secret. Paw Care Tender Foot, 5 oz tube

If your pup is of the short-coated variety, it's wise to invest in a comfy warm sweater or coat. One of the cutest ones we've seen is faux suede with a faux shearling liner. It's stylish, warm, moderately priced, and has a pocket on the back for supplies (poop bags, anyone?) This coat also has matching boots for the truly fashion-forward canine. Here's the link for this darling coat: Cheyenne Shearling Coat (XSmall/Small) Color: Sage Size: Small If you'd rather have him snuggled into a sweater, Buster's got you covered there too. Here's a cute sweater that your CBF will love to wear: Marty's Sweater Large Color: Brown Bear in mind that some dogs will refuse to wear ANYTHING besides a collar and leash, so you might want to 'test-drive' him with an old t-shirt of yours to see how he tolerates wearing clothes.

Buster and I invented a new game today that is fun to play outside in the snow. I call it 'Buried Treasure'. I get a small handful of his dry food and scatter it randomly around the back yard. It drops down into the snow, and then he gets to sniff it out. He loves it.

If you're looking for something unusual to do in the snow with your dog, take a look at our skijoring page. It's great fun and exercise for both of you.

Take care and stay warm!!

By the way--we've run across some new treats and food that you might want to try, Orijen is an all-natural food that's loaded with high-quality protein and healthy fruits and veggies. (For more on Orijen, visit our Food and Treats page.) And our new favorite treat is from The Original K9 Granola Factory. Pumpkin Crunchers are crunchy baked treats that are wheat, corn, and soy-free, with pumpkin as the main ingredient. They come in several varieties including Blueberry. These treats smell so good you may be tempted to try them yourself!!

Select one of the buttons on the left of this page or click on one of the links below to see more great information and fun dog stuff!