Baby Amani

This is the darling baby aardvark, Amani, born at the Detroit Zoo on Christmas Day.

Call of the day...

I know that you won't even believe this but here it goes.

"I have a couple of questions." the caller alerts me, "Do you have time?"

"OK." I say. "I have a little."

"Do you have any dry shampoos for dogs?" she asks.

"No," I say, "but we have mousse and wipes and things like that. What kind of dog do you have?"

"Well, my dog is actually no longer alive. I had it freeze dried and keep it in the house, and with the holidays, I feel like it needs to be cleaned up, you know, for guests."

"I understand." I say.

Holiday Photo Shoot Update

OK Kids, the Holiday Pet Photo shoot is REALLY filling up fast. We only have a couple of slots left open because lots of people have opted to sign up for the event early.

We will be extending our hours that day to accommodate as many photo seekers as we can but please do call us at 617.323.7387 if you want to be sure to get in.

Pet Photos

We had some really great photo results from our "Howl-O-Ween Pet Photo Day". Pooches, kitties, and humans showed up and walked away with dandy, fun shots.

Here's a few for you to take a gander at:



Our Christmas Pet Photo Event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 23rd at the store.
It will again be a first come, first served type of event and judging from the Howl-O-Ween shoot, we do expect it to be well attended. We'll let you know more details as we get them.

I'm wondering...

Yesterday's, "do you sell" phone call question was "Do you sell ants?"

"Ants?" I say, "Why, no...you can get them outside..."

"Oh." came the reply and a polite "Thank you" followed.

Piranhas, ants...am I missing some sort of marketing opportunity here??

Howloween Photo Shoot

Our annual Howloween Photo shoot is going to be Sunday, October 26th at the store.

It'll be first come, first served this year though we are accepting early sign ups.

We will get back to you all with more details as soon as we have them.

Poodle Rescue Alert!

OK kids, let's think about how we can help the people over at Flora's Pet Project in Connecticut.
Our pal Daryl just let us know about a seizure they did of over twenty poodles from a neglectful
"breeder". This person kept far too many dogs to care for them and when they seized they were in deplorable condition - matted, smelly, thin, and scared.

The volunteers of Flora's cleaned them up and are providing veterinary care to them now. They range in age from a few months old to three years old.

Daryl tells us that they are a terrifically sweet group of dogs though none of them is sure about how to live in the real world. They are looking for experienced adopters to provide training and social skills to these wonderful little pooches. They will be great pals to someone.

Just to let you know...

that someone just called and asked if we sold Piranhas.

We don't.

I thought you would like to know.

Please welcome...

Mr. Giacomo Gigio, our new store kitty.

Mr. Giacomo comes to us from the Boston MSPCA and is the long lost son
of our late, beloved Topo Gigio, (so we imagine).
You will probably see him hanging out in the window or running around
the store introducing himself.
Please make yourself known to him. He is new in town.

Greg Tilford Lecture- Herbs and Natural Supplements for Dogs & Cats

It is with great pleasure that we once again announce a lecture by herbalist Greg Tilford. Greg is also an author and co-owner of Animals Essentials, a line of herbal and nutritional supplements that we carry at The Pet Cabaret.

The lecture is entitled "Herbs and Natural Supplements

for

Dogs & Cats".
The presentation is designed to identify and explore the true dietary and supplemental requirements of dogs and cats, viewed from a holistic perspective. This knowledge will help take attendees into deeper, more loving and caring relationships with their companion animals.

THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE

ON: SEPT, 19, 2008 at 7:00PM
AT: THE PET CABARET
4404 WASHINGTON STREET
ROSLINDALE, MA
617-323-7387

Pre-registration for this event is necessary. Really...space is limited.

Greg is rarely in the Boston area so this is a really great opportunity to hear a well-known expert on herbal medicine and supplementation for animals.

Greg with students on an herbal walk
from a June 2008 seminar in Montana

Annie!

So the auditions for the part of Sandy the dog in the Footlight Club version of Annie went very well. We had a beautiful day and everyone was nicely behaved. No fights broke out even when participants were being pelted with tennis balls. The show, did indeed go on.

Here's a picture of the finalists. Good luck to them all!

Off Leash Dog Parks

We get a lot of inquiries regarding off leash dog parks in our area...you know...Roslindale, JP, Brookline, Dedham...

Now we all know that we don't really have any to speak of around here since the powers that be in the city have not seen fit to convey that honor upon us and our pooches, but we do know some exist.

So my question to you all is where are they all and where are your favorites?

Let us know where the pooch packs are playing.

Thanks!

Exciting News!

Hi Kids!

Just got word that Greg Tilford - herbalist supreme - will be gracing us with an hour long lecture about the use of herbal remedies in animals on Friday evening, September 19, 2008.
We have not yet confirmed the exact hour but we'll get back to you on that... I really did just find out.

Greg is the owner and formulator of the Animal Essentials line of remedies that we sell at The Pet Cabaret. Those of you who have used these formulas can attest to their gentleness and effectiveness. They really are just great.

This is going to be a wonderful opportunity to hear Greg speak and ask him a question or two.

We are very excited about Greg coming to our store and urge you all to sign up for this lecture as soon as we get back.

The Road Trip continues...

Da Falls








These shadowy characters have been following us everywhere.









Looks relaxing doesn't it?

The Road Trip Begins!

All right kids, here's what's going on...I have been meticulously photo documenting our road trip for your viewing pleasure but for some reason cannot upload the photos to the site yet. I will keep trying.

In the meantime I will say that going to Niagra Falls seemed like a good idea at the time. Obviously, it seemed like a good idea to about a million other tourists as well.

So there we all were...in Niagra Falls...slowly we turned...inch by inch, step by step.

But it turned out to be very fun as well. We took the Maid of the Mist boat ride and had a swingingly good time on it. We all looked marvelous in our blue plastic ponchos.

We ate at Wolfgang Putz's place, didn't really work out like we planned.

We walked around in a dazed and confused state for the remainder of the evening after getting completely over-stimulated in a casino.

So now, here we are in Michigan drinking wine and swearing at the computer. Not different from most evenings.

We'll get back to you soon with photos.

The Road Trip Begins!

Leaving Roslindale...

• First stop for the hardy travelers...Dedham

Oooo...yummy...










Why is the cup so big??
Why is my head so small??

Gigi, One Happy Customer

No chihuahuas were harmed during the making of this video.

But the ducky didn't make out so well.

Panda's Latest Work

Panda just wanted to show you the new shrine she just built in the backyard. 

She did all the work herself.

Now here she is contemplating things.

She hopes that you like everything.

Second Day Activities

Banged a right at the "Gas and Grub" to make my way to the Carriage House for day two of our herbal conference. Like the previous day  another flood of information was unleashed onto our heads. Another great learning day. We talked about formulating herbal remedies and how to address pest/parasite issues in a more holistic way. We talked a lot about changing the way in which we view health and healing - about taking a real, whole view of all the beings involved.

I've gotta tell you kids, the once a month flea and tick insecticides are SO NOT OK for your pet, you, or the environment. PLEASE, PLEASE THINK ABOUT THEM BEFORE YOU USE THEM. They are not good things.

Lots of stuff to talk you all about when I get back
when I can once again form coherent sentences.

Took a break today and made our way to the Farmer's Market in downtown Hamilton. It was very cool and I was happy to locate an Emu farm from which we can source fresh Emu oil. This is great stuff, this Emu oil goo. It's been used for many years as a skin healing treatment and as a pain reliever for joint and muscle disorders. The question is, do Emu run in packs? Herds? Flocks? Gaggles? Gangs? I'll look into it.

Notes and Observations:

I feel utterly compelled to drive fast and turn up the radio here. Don't tell the other Lisa.

Favorite sign of the day.

Day One of the Herbal Seminar

So today was the first day of the Animal Essentials Herbal Seminar here in Hamilton, Montana. 

Not only is the seminar being taught by talented herbalist Greg Tilford, but it is being attended by a wonderful group as well including holistic vets, two women from pet food manufacturer "The Honest Kitchen", Stacy LaPoint, the owner of Companion Natural Pet Food Company (whose foods we carry), the staff of Animal Essentials, and owners of other retail stores similar to The Pet Cabaret.

We talked a great deal about how to best encourage the body to heal itself, how to support it through the use of supportive herbs and a nutritious, quality diet. We talked about chronic diseases, acute conditions, active ingredients in herbs, determining herbal dosing and LOTS of other subjects. In short, it was a day full of learning (and great food as well). Tomorrow we'll 

cover some more cool subjects and my tiny brain may just explode. 

                                                         

I took a walk through downtown Hamilton after the seminar. 

                                                                     

 Came across this tank that I thought you should see.

More Notes and Observations:

It's definitely odd to see mountains, real mountains everywhere. We are in a valley here 

so every time I look around, mountains to the left, mountains to the right.

I now know where to get a set of spurs.

Who knew there were casinos out here?

Most of America drives large pick up trucks.

Go West!

06/12/08

So I am traveling to Montana for the first time ever. I am going to a seminar entitled “Western Herbal Medicine in Veterinary Use”. It’s being hosted by Animal Essentials, one of our favorite remedy suppliers in the store. I hope to come home with lots of good new knowledge so that we can work on keeping our pets healthier in a gentler, more natural way.

I don’t travel much so I am that combination of nervous and excited, sort of feeling free and unmoored at the same time.

I have gotten into the habit, for better or for worse, of abdicating responsibility for certain things because B Looey takes care of them. Little detail things…like, do I have a watch? Do I have Kleenex? What time is the flight? What airline? Do I have “weapons” in my pockets? I forget to think about these things, until I have to remember them.

Today I had to remember them. I am doing OK…not great with the details. I left my “Juice” in my checked luggage. Good. I forgot my watch. Not so good. I remembered my glasses. Score! I forgot Kleenex. There are paper towels in the restrooms. I did not check for changes in my flight. There was one. It will take a while for me to adjust to thinking for myself.

Travel notes…

Travel is not as much fun as it used to be.

The space, or lack thereof, on planes is enough to keep me on a diet for the rest of my life. The aisles are not even wide enough to fit their own equipment. I was roused from my Dramamine induced stupor when my shoulder took a massive hit from the beverage cart as the flight attendant attempted to maneuver it through the plane. The abuse did not end there. My shoulder apparently had a bulls-eye printed on it as visitors to the rear of the plane pretty much just took part of my arm with them coming and going.

There is a very talkative 3 or 4 year old sitting behind me who is not using her “inside voice” and a wildly precocious 9 or 10 year old sitting in front of me. They are vying for the title of “most annoying”. Both sets of parents have apparently just given up.


Notes and Observations thus far:
I think that the Missoula runway must be pretty short because the pilot pretty much popped a wheelie while landing the plane. Since I am writing this from the beauty of my Super 8 motel room in Hamilton, MT, I am assuming he knew what he was doing.

You don’t see as many cowboy hats in Boston as you do in Montana or on the way there.

Consume a LOTTA meat out here.

A New Photographer and Pet Photo Day!

We are thoroughly pleased to announce that on Sunday, June 29th, photographer Andrew Potter will be doing pet portraits here at The Pet Cabaret.

Andrew is a Roslindale guy and does beautiful work of pets, people and objects. Check out his website at http://potterimages.com/ for a look at his work.

Now here's a few of the details on the photo day:

- Each session is a private sitting that will last about 20 minutes or so.

- Sessions must be booked in advance.

- Multiple pets are welcome.

- Kids and owners can sit in on the shots.

- There is a $25.00 non-refundable fee required to book a session.

- The total session fee is $75.00 and includes a Photo package. The Photo Package includes one of the following:

2 - 8 x 10 prints, or 1 - 8 x 10 and 2 - 5 x 7 prints, or 1 - 8 x 10 and 4 - 4 x 6 prints.

- Andrew will post each session to his website in its own secure gallery so that you may choose the shots you want.

So there you have it. Please come into the shop or give us a call at 617-353-7387 to book a session with Andrew.

Also remember that we'll be choosing pet shots from these sessions for display in our windows, so this may be your pet's opportunity to become a star!

Speak Out Against "Pet Rentals" in Massachusetts-

This information was forwarded to us by our pals at Poodle Rescue New England. Please take a minute to help out, this needs NOT to happen in Massachusetts or any other state for that matter.

If you think dogs and cats should not be used and returned like ZipCars,now's the time to do something about it. Waiting even a few weeks could be toolate. FlexPetz, which rents companion dogs by the hour or day, is poised toopen in Boston soon. Once the door is open, other pet rental businesses willfollow.All aggressively promote the "disposable pet" mindset, to the detriment ofanimals--and those of us dedicated to rescuing them.Every voice is needed; Boston residents have extra clout.How to Help in Three Quick, Easy Ways

1. Urge your Boston City Councilor to ban FlexPetz and similar businesses,because they could put animals, consumers and the general public at risk.How? See the Talking Points, below. You can send Councilors the attached ExpertPerspectives for extra impact.To find your Councilor: _http://www.cityofboston.gov/CITYCOUNCIL/_(http://www.cityofboston.gov/CITYCOUNCIL/)

2. Call State Rep. Angelo Scaccia (617-722-2692), who represents parts ofBoston and Milton. If you're a constituent, say so. Urge that "An ActProhibiting the Renting of Pets" (HD 4864) be released right away. That's just thefirst step in the passage process, which ends in July, so it has to happenNOW. If you get voicemail, leave a message (including your address) but try tocall back to speak with a person.

3. Ask your state rep and senator to co-sponsor; 17 colleagues already havestepped up, yours should too. Most legislators have expressed personalsupport, but want to hear from constituents: That means you. You have the power toprotect animals. Please don't let them down.To find your legislators:_http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php_ (http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php)Want to do more?

Join a group of animal lovers who will be visiting Beacon Hill to speak withlegislators personally. Email _CPRPets@aol.com_ (mailto:CPRPets@aol.com) byMay 7 if you're available for an hour or two on a weekday.

Rent Cars, Not Pets: Talking PointsFlexPetz is a business that rents dogs by the hour or day for people to useand return on whim. FlexPetz calls it "flexible ownership." But exploitationby any name hurts.Why It's Bad for Pets

1. Pet rental businesses suggest they benefit shelter animals. Not so,according to the MSPCA, Animal Rescue League, Buddy Dog Humane Society and otherreputable shelters and rescue groups: They oppose renting pets and don'tprovide animals for this purpose. Besides, dogs appealing enough to command heftyusage fees obviously are appealing enough to be adopted. Duh! Instead, they're turned into profit centers.

2. Being rented could ruin a companion animal's chance for a "forever home"when the business is done with her, according to behavior consultant JoJacques, CDBC, CPDT, CPCT. "These animals will become distrustful of humans; theywill withdraw. If they're not adopted or it fails as a result? Off to ashelter, but older, more confused…and more likely to be euthanized or spend therest of their lives in cages."

3. Dogs and cats need stability and consistency. Rental pets are handed offto a succession of people for short periods of time, subjected to differentpersonalities, routines and rules. "I see a lot of dogs who have severebehavioral issues resulting from inconsistency. It is nearly impossible to beconsistent with rented pets," says Jo Jacques.

4. What happens to rental pets who become chronically ill, are criticallyinjured or develop behavior problems? No business can hold "inventory" thatcosts instead of pays. And few people adopt animals requiring a lifetime ofexpensive medical care. Fewer still want those who bite. What do you thinkhappens to them?

5. Who will protect rental pets from abuse? Because these businesses areunregulated, it is unlikely animal protection agencies will know if the pets arebeing abused—or their fate when they cease to be profitable.

6. Who will pay attention to early signs of distress? Probably not a doggieday care worker charged with overseeing a pack, including rental pets betweenassignments. Like humans, an animal's psychological and physical problemsare more easily treated when caught early. Unlike humans, animals may be putdown if those problems escalate.

7. Renting encourages "disposable pet syndrome"—thinking of all pets as "things" we enjoy till they're no longer cute or convenient, then return.

8. Pet rentals and dog fighting are on the same continuum: They trade ondesensitization of humans, commoditization of animals. One business conditionsus to tolerate the other.

Why It's Bad for People - Even well-mannered pets are more apt to bite when stressed, and constantchange is very stressful, say the experts. Consumers may not appreciate the riskof injury—or a lawsuit—to which renting a pet could expose them."Indemnification or liability insurance, if offered, may not adequately protect petrental clients from the stress and/or staggering costs of litigation," accordingto Atty. Jonathan Stone Rankin.

Why It's Bad for Massachusetts - The "disposable pet syndrome" that pet rental businesses promote mayultimately strain public and private resources. It is akin to the dumbing down ofAmerica—except it's our perception of and responsibility to companion animalsthat will erode. That can only lead to increased pet abandonment, adoptionreturns and abuse. And that hurts all of us, including taxpayers who don'thave an affinity for animals.

Explaining ourselves...the wonderful world of EFAs

Those of you that have been in the store know that we are big fans of supplementing our pets' diets. It's not as though we feel that our foods aren't "good enough" to nicely sustain our pet pals, it's just that each animal is different and has different needs.
Some animals, like people, need more of certain vitamins or minerals than others, some need a joint supplement to help them with pain or stiffness, some need an herbal or homeopathic remedy to help with anxiety or fear. Supplements are not a "one size fits all" thing and we love to talk to people to try to help find the right nutritional fix or remedy for their pet.
Still there are some supplements that can be used that really will help most any animal, and one of those is an Essential Fatty Acid Oil in the form of fish oil. We feel that Dr. Shawn Messionnier, author of the excellent book, The Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, (available at The Pet Cabaret) perhaps provides one of the best explanations as to why fish oil is such a great choice for a supplement.
Dr. Messonnier says,
"Fish oil is one of my favorite supplements for a variety of problems in both dogs and cats. Even normal pets can benefit from improved haircoats when supplemented with fatty acids such as fish oil. In pets, fish oil is useful for reducing inflammation in pets with allergic skin disease and kidney failure. It possibly also helps pets with heart disease and osteoarthritis. Studies show that pets fed high doses of fish oil have better control of cancer. Extra vitamin E is needed when giving fish oil on a regular basis as fish oil supplemented for many months can lower vitamin E levels (most fish oil supplements contain additional vitamin E for this reason [all available at The Pet Cabaret contain additional vitamin E.])
Side effects are very rare using fish oil...There is concern about environmental contamination of fish oil with toxins. Studies have shown that fish meat (not oil) may be contaminated with methylmercury."

So, next time you're in the store, take a look at some of the EFA and fish oils we offer by Bravo, The Wholistic Pet, Nordic Naturals, Animal Essentials, and Wysong. You and your pet will be glad you did.

Quick Notes

Hi kids,



A couple of quick notes for you all...



Flea and tick season approaches as we speak. You all know that we are not fans of the chemical potions that are used as flea and tick repellents. We feel that they're bad for you, your pet, and the environment. We have in stock again this year the Tic Clip, a non toxic flea and tick repellent out of Germany as well as a number of herbal and esential oil sprays designed to keep you and you pets pest free and healthy.



We have in as well some non toxic household cleaners designed again, for safe, effective use in the home.



We've taken in a new line of hemp toys for cats and dogs manufactured by a small company called From the Field out of Washington state. They are simple, yet wonderful little toys made from sustainable hemp that our cat and dogs are enjoying.



Lastly, please visit Healthy Home Center site for some tips on how to make your home a better place for all the beings that hang out there. We all deserve a safe, healthy home.

Panda's Big Bash

Panda cuts her cake

Mary is thrilled

So today is Panda's all day birthday soiree...and the festivities are OUT OF CONTROL! Friends have been stopping by for cake and biscuits all morning. Here's a brief glimpse at what's going on...

Indy waits for

some more cake

Some Sad News

It is with much sadness that we tell you all of the sudden and unexpected death of our wonderful store cat, Topo Gigio.

Topo died last night around 7:30 pm at the store. We were getting ready to leave for the night and as usual, Topo was looking for his dinner. He was nudging at Lisa to feed him and as she got up to do so, he went into a violent seizure.

I stayed with him while Lisa ran to get something to help him and the seizure seemed to subside a bit. Then he let out three great yeowls and simply died. It all took less than a minute. He was there and then he wasn't.

Topo was a very good store cat. Nothing really seemed to bother him. He loved watching people at the counter and from the store windows. He loved dogs and played with our puppy Panda every day. In fact, Panda rushed around looking for him this morning and seems confused and forlorn that he is not coming out for a game of chase.

Thank you all for being nice to Topo and tolerant of his "love bites". We will miss him very much.

Begging apologies...

We have to beg your apologies for our extended silence here in lovely blog land. We've been a bit pulled thin, having to do many things in our personal lives as well as at the store so some things have slipped through the cracks...el bloggo being one of them.
In the next few weeks things should begin to settle down a bit and we hope to be chatting more regularly. There are, as always, SO MANY THINGS to talk about...

There are a few things you should know about in the short term though:

We will be CLOSED on Tuesday, February, 26th to take care of some personal business. This is for one day only. We'll be back the next day, Wednesday, February, 26th for our regular tour of duty.

Also, some new foods that you should taks a look at include Orijen Six, a grainless, fish formula Orijen product that is going very nicely and feeding well.

Wellness has expanded its Core (grainless) line to include a fish based offering as well. Again, feeding very nicely. A little lower protein and fat than the other grainless products making it more suitable for some dogs.

These two new fish based products give some more options to those of you that have been feeding Timber Wolf's Ocean Blue kibble, which is sometimes difficult to get.