Bradenton Dog

Bradenton

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Pet Suites Opens in Bradenton

A brand new pet boarding, daycare and grooming business, Pet Suites has opened on Route 70 in Bradenton. The Grand Opening party was held on Saturday, locals and their pups were invited for tours, to meet other local vendors and to visit with adoptable dogs from Bishop’s.

Attendees were treated to Baha Tacos, Kona Ice and door prizes.

 

Pet Suites will also offer retail items for pet owners from brands that you might not find in your everyday big box pet store.  We saw these cool leash bags – which seemed like a great idea – especially if you are always on the lookout for lost dogs.

 

Manatee County’s growth in 2017 was just over 9%, and it’s trajectory for 2018 is about the same.   Right now there are about 323,000 residents, if 1/3 of those households have dogs – there is plenty of room for a new business catering to canine needs.

Pet Suites offers a variety of boarding options for pets from roomy “townhouses” for large dogs, outfitted with Kuranda beds, and smaller rooms for the wee ones.

Indoor and outdoor play areas let dogs run off energy.

 

And a bone-shaped swimming pool is a luxury for water-loving pups.  Get ready to be splashed!

 

Pet Suites is located at 5205 53rd Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34203, just East of Lockwood Ridge in Bradenton.

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DogOlympics to Benefit Local Shelter Pets at Bayside Pet Resort

The second annual DogOlympics will be held tomorrow, Saturday October 25th, 2014  at Bayside Pet Resort 8154 N. Tamiami Trail from 10-2.   Dogs are invited to participate in a variety of contests from Smallest Dog,  Red Light, Green Light (a call and return trial), Shedding Contest, and the popular competition of The Longest Tail.

2013 Smallest Dog Winners

Contest registration fees are $3.00 each or you may purchase a bandana for $15.00 which will allow you unlimited access to competitions.

 

The mission of the DogOlympics it to bring together more than 9 local rescue groups and local pet lovers to help raise awareness for shelter pets and increase adoptions.   Shelter pets are often victims of families in financial crisis, divorce or relocation and deserve not only a second chance but real families that they can love and be loved by.   It’s fun for the family and supports a cause that is close to our hearts.  Stop by with your dog for chance to win, and a tail-waggin’ good time.

Never been to Bayside? Check it out on the map here:

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Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

Looking for an idea to keep your kids off the Internet?  How about the No-Kill Pumpkin Decorating Contest?  As a benefit for Pip’s Pantry, Bayside Pet Resort has established this project to allow kids and adults to demonstrate their creativity in pumpkin decoration without ever wielding a knife.
Checking around town, pumpkins are running about.49 cents a pound at Dettweiler’s (we found pumpkins there just a little smaller than a bowling ball fro $1.99.) You can use paint, buttons, glitter, or ribbon to adorn your jack-o-lantern. For kids, you might consider washable markers and non-toxic fabric glue.

Grand prize is $100.00!

The entry fee is $5.00, please drop your pumpkin off before 10/30 at Bayside Pet Resort, 8154 Tamiami Trail, or call 941-351-0730.

 

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Save a Life Day: Saturday, July 28

Manatee County Animal Services invites everyone to the Support No Kill Manatee Challenge on “Save-A-Life Day,” July 28, 2012 at the Palmetto Animal Services location from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Dogs and Cats will be available for only $35 and some will even be FREE to a good home. The specials will be available at the downtown adoption center too.

“Join us for a day of fun and help us save the animals” said Animal Services Chief Kris Weiskopf. “All animals deserve a second chance at a good life; Adopt today.”

If you haven’t seen this in the news, you should know that pet ownership can be a health benefit.  From stress relief and lowering your blood pressure to helping kids fight allergies, pets rule!  Dogs can also help you get up off the couch for a daily walk or even a meet and greet at your local dog park.

This adoption event is another step in the County’s plan to become a no-kill community. Please help up save lives today! The animals greatly appreciate your support.

The special is event will be held at our Palmetto shelter location: 305 25th Street W, Palmetto (open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Preview available animals by visiting www.mymanatee.org/pets. For more information, call (941) 742-5933.

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Breed Profile: Shetland Sheepdog

By Alisha Corsi

One of the brightest dogs in the world, Shetland Sheepdogs, or “Shelties” as they are more commonly called, are known for their keen sense of intelligence and intense loyalty (think of a smaller version of Lassie). As athletic as they are smart, Shelties excel in agility and herding competitions, but are most successful when it comes to winning the hearts of their human families with their loving personalities.

photo by: Kelsee Dupras

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Shelties stand between 13-16 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 11-31 pounds, with males generally being larger and heavier than females.

Coat & Color: Shelties have a double coat. Their topcoats are long, straight, and water-repellent, while the undercoat is short, furry, and very dense. Shelties usually shed their coats in clumps, making them easier to groom than other smooth-haired dogs. Their coats come in three different colors: black, blue merle, and sable, with sable being the most common.

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Temperament

Shelties are exceptionally intelligent dogs, ranking 6th out of 123 breeds. They learn new commands quickly, obeying a command the first time more than 95% of the time. For this reason Shelties are one of the most successful obedience dogs. They are also herders, and are so adept at it that they can often be found attempting (and often succeeding) at herding people! In addition to their performance skills, Shelties are very devoted and docile dogs who make great family pets. While not as intimidating as some other dog breeds, their intense loyalty to their owners make them excellent watch dogs.

Travis, A Sarasota Dog

Something to Bark About: The original working sheepdogs of Shetland are now extinct, and have been replaced by Border Collies. In fact, the Shetland Sheepdog as it is now known has never been used as a working dog on Shetland, and ironically, these dogs are very rare there!

Wags

  • Shelties may just be the total package when it comes to dogs, possessing brains, beauty, and loyalty—need I say more?
  • Shelties are alert and have a keen sense of understanding.
  • Diverse in their talents, Shelties are great at herding, agility competitions, and simply loving on their families.
  • Great with kids if reared with them from a young age.

Challenges

  • Shelties require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Ignoring this may lead to the development of bad behaviors, such as excessive barking, nervousness, and phobias.
  • Shelties will herd anything, including cars, so owners must constantly be watchful.
  • Can sometimes be aloof with strangers, so they must be socialized at a young age.

If you’re ready to welcome a Sheltie into your family, find a list of Sheltie rescue groups near you at nationalsheltierescue.org.

Check out this amazing Sheltie we saw at a local pet event.

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Breed Profile: Saint Bernard

by Lauren R. Tharp

There have been plenty of famous Saint Bernards over the years!  Fortunately for dog lovers everywhere, these pooches are more like Beethoven than Cujo.  Part of the Working group, the St. Bernard was first recognized by the AKC in 1885 and currently reigns as the 37th most popular breed of dog in the United States.

 

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight:  Extremely large.  24-25 inches tall at the shoulder and typically 130-200 pounds.  Males are
larger with the females on the “smaller” end of the spectrum.

Coat & Color:  Red and white with varying degrees of color dominance (mostly white with spots of red, or mostly red with spots of white).  Brownish-yellow is also a known color for the St. Bernard, but not as common. Their coat is shorthaired, dense, and rough to the touch.  Medium-length coats (sometimes called
“longhaired”) are also available.

Other:  While most St. Bernards fall within the size/weight range listed above, in 1981 a St. Bernard named Benedictine V Schwarzwald Hof reached 315 pounds and earned a spot in the Guinness Book of
World Records!

Life Expectancy:  7-10 years

Temperament: These gentle giants have been used as avalanche rescue dogs and family pets for many, many years.  Easily trained and highly protective of their owners, these dogs are perfect for men and women of all ages (though children and smaller adults may have trouble with getting toppled over by the Saint’s loving greetings!).  These dogs are friendly, patient, and make excellent watchdogs.

Wags:

  • If you start early, these dogs are incredibly easy to train and socialize.
  • Wonderful with children.  Again, if you start  the socialization early, you couldn’t wish for a better dog.  St. Bernard’s are incredibly patient and gentle with children, often treating them as if they were their own pups!
  • Alert and protective, these dogs make wonderful watchdogs without being too “barky.”

Challenges:

  • They slobber incessantly.  Be prepared for a cascade of drool to the likes you cannot imagine without
    experiencing it first hand.  You and everything you own will be wet.
  • Regular grooming is a must.  And even with regular grooming, your Saint will shed. A lot.
  • These poor dogs just do not do well in the heat.  In hot weather, you will need to take extra special precautions.

Looking for a St. Bernard? Please contact Florida St. Bernard Rescue  to learn more about their adoptable dogs.

A special thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image of the St. Bernard.