Review: Lindy & Co. Gourmet Dog Treats

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fuzzy the Taste Tester 

Lindy & Co. Gourmet Dog Treats was created by Daybreak which is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, outreach programs, traditional housing and other vital services to Dayton, Ohio's homeless, transient youth population. This means that you are not only treating your dog but you are helping kids in need of assistance. Dogs and cats aren't the only ones who end up in the streets; so do kids who have been kicked out of their home. 100% of the profits go directly to Daybreak, funding emergency shelter, housing and for over 500 homeless teens and young adults each year.

The wide assortment of flavors come in everything from Vegetarian to Gluten-Free to combos like Peanut Butter Bacon. 

One of my product testers, Gary Rhode, agreed to put the treats to the test with his shelter rescue dog, Fuzzy.  An assortment of cookie flavors were duly sent to Fuzzy for his "opinion."  Here is Gary's report.

"Fuzzy was trying to peel one of the treat bags open. So far, he's tried three of the flavors: Honey and Oats, Peanut Butter Cookie and the Carrot Cake Cookie. He's looking forward to trying all of the flavors!

"I like the fact that they are made from healthy ingredients and the packaging is people-friendly." I must interject and say that Gary has a problem with his hands so this is a huge advantage for him.  "It would grab my attention in a store. I like the name. Lindy's Bakery sounds like a very nice place! It sounds like a specialty company for dogs.

"Fuzzy is an equal-opportunity lover but regarding these treats, he loved the three we sampled. If he could have had a knife and fork, he would have had it for dinner! He loved the three. The pictures and the video speak for themselves. He loved the packaging, the ingredients and could not wait for the next training session!"

Gary had his hands full trying to juggle the camera and take each picture before Fuzzy devoured the treats!

"This is like the Rolls Royce, Mazarati or Tessler of dog treats!," he added.

Below is a video of Fuzzy and Lindy & Co. Gourmet Dog Treats:

Don't forget to check the Lindy & Company Gourmet Dog Treats' website: 

http://www.lindyandcompany.org

All photos of Fuzzy taste testing Lindy & Company Gourmet Dog Treats were taken by his owner and our reviewer, Gary Rhode, who owns the copyright to them, and may not be used without his written permission.

Gary, Fuzzy and The Leash

 Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Any number of e-mails arrive daily asking if I'd be interested in trying this dog product or that cat product. I don't do a lot of product reviews but if something catches my eye because I think it might be useful, I will agree. One press release that arrived had several products in it before Christmas. One product caught my eye but not for the reason the publicist or manufacturer might have thought.

The Kinn™ Kangaroo Leash with Super Soft Fleece Handle, Shock Absorber leash and a Kache™ Poop Bag Dispenser made of the highest quality nylon webbing, making it even softer to the touch. It is described as a six foot leash for dogs up to 90 lbs. Cat owners could also use it with a harness. I don't have a dog at this time but I have a few trusted friends who will test dog products for me.

When I saw the leash and read about the super soft fleece handle I had one of those lightbulb moments. My friend, Gary Rohde is disabled. He has limited mobility in his hands and an active rescue dog, Fuzzy, who is taken for walks at least twice a day. Holding a regular leash when you have that sort of disability can become a fairly painful experience. I asked Gary if he'd like to test the leash for me. He readily agreed. I asked the publicist to send it to him instead of me, since he would test it. 

Here's his report now that he has been using it for several weeks:

When I first opened the box up it was a little confusing because the pooper bag dispenser was zip-tied to the shock absorber, extremely tight, so it was difficult to cut off.  So, either attach it someplace else, like on the handle or there has to be a better way without using a zip tie. Use something with a little more give that the person can get a scissors in to separate it from the leash. That is my only real complaint, except that the pouch can only carry one pooper bag and that would be a small one for a small dog’s output.  There is a little pocket in the back for a key or cash. I could only wish that it had Velcro on the pocket.

The handle I found absolutely superb, the fur is absolutely easy on your hand and wrist making it the perfect leash for someone who has weakening extremities. It slides to fit my hand when walking Fuzzy who weighs 25 lbs.

 

The leash is very solid. The one I tested is grey which tends to disappear from sight when walking my dog at night on a dark street. I’d love to see it in a color that would be more visible after dark, or add something to it that would be visible, perhaps reflective.

The shock absorber does its job. It’s where the dog’s collar is hooked to the leash, it's a little rubber washer. When Fuzzy took off a little faster than I was prepared for, it did its job and didn’t choke him, nor did it hurt my hand.

I recommend it not only for people who have normal use of hands and wrist, but I highly recommend it for people who have hand and wrist issues like mine. It’s very solidly made. Construction of the leash is excellent, no issues with that at all.  It’s not falling apart. Even in a rainstorm, it didn’t split, it was fine. It didn’t shred or separate. The seams are all tight. Far better to buy a leash that’s well-made and will last. It exceeded my expectations.

Thank you very much! Fuzzy enjoys the leash and I enjoy the soft handle. It helps my sore hands when taking Fuzzy for a walk.

Thank you, Gary, for a most comprehensive review. Obviously, he and Fuzzy give it thumbs and paws up!

The Leash Retails for $29.95

www.KinnInc.com  and at Amazon.com as well as select boutiques and Veterinary clinics.

Note: I received no compensation for this review, nor did Gary Rohde. He was sent a leash for review.

Halloween Pet Safety

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

With Halloween upon us, it's time for a reminder to keep your pets safe. While some pets enjoy going out for a walk (on a leash!) with the kids while they're Trick or Treating, most dogs and cats do not enjoy the noise and the unaccustomed activity. There are too many potential dangers lurking.

Candy will make your dog sick. And far.  Chocolate, which contains theobromine, can be lethal to dogs and cats. Keep them away from the children's treats. You may think it's cute but a sick pet and a high vet bill aren't much fun at all. Not just candy but sugarless chewing gum is also lethal to pets.

Photo by Gary Rohde

The ringing of the doorbell and the door constantly opening and closing don't bode well for your pet. Even a dog with a reliable recall can escape in all the  confusion. That last think you want s for your dog or cat to leave the house. Be sure they have a tag and a microchip for safety and your cat's tags are on a breakaway collar. You don't want to allow children to swoop down on them. 

Some pets wear costumes for Ha.lloween it is, conservatively, a multi-billion dollar business. Let's talk about those costumes. Never put anything on your dog or cat that will inhibit his mobility. If he can't walk easily in it, don't buy it. One should never cover up the years of a dog or cat. Cats especially, need to be able to rotate their ears to gather information. If you insist upon dressing up your dog or cat, you can find a nice teeshirt with a Halloween design on it.

Patrol the floor for small toys and other things your dog or cat could pick up and swallow. Halloween decorations can also cause the same problem.

Photo: Frank Incremona

If you're having a Halloween Party for grown-ups, it is not funny for your guests to give your pets liquor to drink. Nor is it allowable for your guests to try to scare your pets.

The safest place for your cat or dog is in a room with the door closed, the television or radio on to help distract from the other noises. They will need fresh water, toys, a scratcher for your cat, beds on which to rest, perhaps some food or, better yet, a toy that dispenses food to keep them occupied.  You can check in on them every so often. You'll probably be happy to spend a few quiet, calm minutes with them.  

You want your pets to have some of the fun of Halloween but think about whether or not this is really going to be fun for your pet. Keeping him safe and happy is your responsibility.   

Have a Happy and SAFE Halloween.      

Algae, You and Your Pets

How often do you think about algae? If you're like me, you probably only think of it when you're at the beach, if at all. I really wasn't aware that primarily in Asia it is being studied as a source of natural energy and health. Nor did I know that it has been used for 50 years by Olympic Athletes. No, I don't know which ones. It has also allegedly been used by NASA astronauts. So, now you're wondering what that has to do with you and your pets. 

Frankly, I'm always in search of new sources of energy. Life moves at such a fast pace that meeting deadlines, keeping up with interview requests, speaking engagements, etc., is fun but if you're like I am, you really need energy to keep up with your busy life. Your pets do, too. Whether they're involved in a sport (did you know that cats do agility, too?) or just racing around the house or playing fetch in the yard, energy is important.

I was recently made aware of a fairly new (6 years old) company that's practically in my back yard. ENERGYbits® is based in Boston and they are putting algae to work for us and our pets. 

ENERGYbits are a performance fuel/food for runners, endurance racers and the rest of us who have busy lives. The small pills are made of 100% organic spiralina algae and are absorbed within 10 minutes. Believe it or not, they are loaded with 40 vitamins, including all the B vitamins, Omega-3 and "the highest concentration of protein in the world."  The company insists that they deliver a steady stream of mental focus and physical energy without sugar, caffeine, chemicals, soy, gluten, animal products or stomach distress. They can be used as a snack or meal replacement.

Well, frankly, I'd be hard-pressed to used them as a meal replacement for myself or for Aimee. 

The company sent samples of both their ENERGYbits® and RECOVERYbits®, the latter is made from 100% organic chorella algae, which has the highest concentration of chlorophyll and RNA/DNA in the world. It is supposed to build the immune system, prevent colds and speed recovery from athletics or injury. It also is supposed to remove toxins.

Photo © Gary Rohde

All of the bits are swallowed like supplements but they're not a supplement. Algae is a plant which is grown organically and dried into small tablets. While you and your family can consume them, so can your cats and dogs. 

The information accompanying the samples I received pointed out that it's better to swallow them although pets often like the taste.  I put it to the test. Aimee came up on my lap for a cuddle, as she does throughout the day. I opened a packet, offered her one and she sniffed it. Then she delicately took it from my hand, chewed it, swallowed it, seemed satisfied and went off to investigate the whereabouts of one of her toys.  I decided to see what would happen if I consumed it the way she did.  Trust me, the company is right. You want to swallow it unthawed, untasted.  

We haven't tested it long enough to know if we have increased energy or if our immune systems are improved. Winter in New England is a better test of the latter since most of us walk around with pneumonia thanks to the weather. 

Photo © Frank Incremona

I can tell you that these bits are pricey but what isn't these days.  I can also tell you that it passed my cat's taste test. 

If you're involved in dog sports (or cat agility) or have a particularly active pet, or one who can use an energy boost, you may want to give this a try. Dieticians have been quoted approvingly. If you have any hesitation, talk to your veterinarian. 

To learn more or to order some for yourself and your family, both two-legged and four-legged, point your browser to:  www.energybits.com

NOTE: I received no payment of any sort in return for this review. I received only samples of the two products so that I might test them. The opinions expressed are my own.

Pet Blogger Challenge

Darlene & The Amazing Aimee

This marks the first year I've participated in The Pet Blogger Challenge, created 5 years ago by Amy Burkert of Go Pet Friendly (www.gopetfriendly.com) for people who travel with their pets. It's a nice way for readers to get to know blogs and bloggers and for bloggers to get to know each other. 

Amy comes up with a list of questions each year, the bloggers who participate in this blog hop answer them, and the list of all bloggers who are participating is at the bottom of each blog so you can jump (hop?) from one to another. Perhaps even subscribe to the ones you'd like to remember to read again, whenever there's new content posted.

Vinny by Mary Slaney

1. How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone stopping by for the first time, please give us a quick description of what your blog is about.

I've been blogging for so many years that I really don't remember when I started! I used to maintain two blogs, the other was more eclectic but the blogging site was sold, the new one didn't suit me and I haven't found time to search for another site for the second blog. I'm a long-time, award-winning writer, journalist, author and a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant. A former member of Dog Writers Association of America, I am a founding member of Cat Writers Association. My passion for animals has led me to write several dog and cat books to help owners, thousands of articles for a wide range of publications, magazines and newspapers, and has spilled over into blogging. My goal is always to make life better for pets and their people. I write about dogs and cats with topics including health and welfare. I also do occasional book and product reviews and sometimes those include a give-away.

2. Tell us one thing that you accomplished on your blog during 2014 that made you proud.

There were several really helpful posts but my last post of the year would be my choice. It was The BEST Holiday Gift for Your Cat. The "gift" is an annual veterinary visit. I'm truly horrified by the fact that after the first year owners don't take their cat back to the veterinarian. Some can't get the cat into the carrier so I included ways to teach your cat that the carrier is a wonderful, safe place, as well as how to situate the carrier in the waiting room to remove any stress that might come from seeing strange cats and dogs, and there's so much more, including statistics that are positively eye-opening.

Fuzzy by Gary Rohde

3. What lessons have you learned this year – from other blogs, or through your own experience – that could help us all with our own blogs?

I've had one of my beliefs emphasized: we have to be true to ourselves. I come from a journalism background. Having written for so many magazines (articles, columns, etc.) I knew that you were paid for an article but if an article promoted a sponsor, I knew that was called an advertorial. It might look like editorial content but it was really a paid opinion. I may be the only blogger who doesn't charge for reviews and doesn't have sponsors. If I'm going to review a product I don't want my readers to wonder if I'm saying I liked it because I was paid by the company for my review. Frankly, I won't write a bad review, I will just ignore the product. I won't give it any publicity of any sort. Consumer Reports is free of advertising for exactly the same reason. How do I make money? Magazine and newspaper articles, Speaking Engagements, Behavior Consultations (cats and dogs). Would I be a spokesperson for a product? Yes, but ONLY if I believed in the product and used it. My readers would know up front that I was a spokesperson for that company. So far, that hasn't been an issue. For me it's a matter of my integrity. I write what I believe. It's really that simple for me. If someone wants to book me to speak or discuss endorsement opportunities, they can contact me through my website: www.darlenearden.com

Elektra by Anthony James

4. What have you found to be the most successful way to bring traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?

I utilize social networking. Each post goes out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIN and Google+  I also send each post to a mailing list with permission to forward.

5. What was your most popular blog post this year? Did it surprise you that it was your most popular?

It was the one of which I am most proud: The BEST Holiday Gift for Your Cat.

6. What was your favorite blog post to write this year?

I don't know if I'd call it my favorite because it wasn't fun, but it was the most important one. In October 2014 I revisited an important topic in Are Your Pets Covered? It was about the all-important issue of having someone to care for your pets if you are incapacitated or in the event of your death, what you need to have in your will and more to ensure that your cat or dog doesn't end up on the street or in a shelter, which is so often a death sentence. I want to help owners avoid that.

7. Has your policy on product reviews and/or giveaways changed this year?

No, it's still the same as described above. I'm not paid other than a sample to test or a review copy to read. I also have people who serve as product testers and I have the item sent to them for an honest review. Dog toys, for example, can come in different sizes so I'll ask someone with a dog the appropriate size for the toy. Sometimes the company will offer the item to a reader so I can run a contest, which is fun for everyone. One problem I've encountered is that people will enter and not check back to see if they have won. I usually have no way of tracking them down so I have to do another drawing of the remaining names.

If you do reviews, what do you find works best, and what doesn’t work at all?

I read books cover to cover. Some things are tested by my cat, some by friends' cats and since this is the first time I'm living without a dog, I have an assortment of friends with dogs of various sizes and shapes and I will ask them if they are willing to test and review a product. They keep the product, I run the review. They must include photos, of course.

Karma by Veronique Schejtman

8. What’s your best piece of advice for other bloggers?

Don't reprint old "facts."  Things change so be prepared to do some real research. If you're going to quote an expert, try to quote two or three experts so you're not relying on one opinion. Give your readers the most current information by the people who know best, not just your opinion. You're certainly entitled to your opinion and entitled to use it but if you're writing something serious about health or nutrition where you have a personal opinion but are not a professional in that field, I believe you owe it to your readers to give them more than one view by more than one expert. That's my journalism background speaking. 

9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2015?

I plan to bring the best information possible to my readers so they can make informed decisions and understand more about cats and dogs. Along the way I expect to do some fun things as well. I hope you'll join me for the journey!

10. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

Building more of an audience and gaining more attention for posts that I believe are helpful to dog and cat owners. How can I also point them towards my books which are chock full of useful information without it sounding like an ego trip?

Neezie, my "heart" dog

The BEST Holiday Gift for Your Cat

Aimee

If you're reading this, then you, like me, include your cat in every celebration. In December, whatever you celebrate it's a pretty safe bet that you cat will be getting presents. Only you know what you have planned. A new bed? A new scratching post or cat tree? A new toy or two? Some special kitty treats? Some sort of goody is on your gift list but do you know what your cat really needs? The best thing you can give your cat? It's a visit to his or her veterinarian. Really.

There are some interesting facts that lead me to this conclusion and I'm happy to share them with you.
In the United States there are 86 million owned cats and 78 million owned dogs yet nearly twice as many cats than dogs never visit the veterinarian. Think about that for a minute. What's wrong with this picture?

41% of cats only go to the veterinarian for vaccinations and 39% of cat owners say that they would only take their cat to the veterinarian if it was sick. 83% of cats are taken to the veterinarian within the first year that they're owned but over half of them do not return. That's a sad fact. 

"Little One," photo by Gary Rhode, finds a shoebox comfy. 

Why? 60% of cat owners say their cat hates to go to the veterinarian, 39% only take the cat to the veterinarian if the cat is sick and 38% report that the thought of taking their cat to the veterinarian stresses them out.

This really is an issue that's easily resolved but it seems that few people have sought help, or even information that could help them. Yet a full 56% of owners say they would bring their cat to the veterinarian more often if they knew it could prevent problems.

Wellness started in human medicine but moved to veterinarian medicine. Preventive care is as important for our pets as it is for us. That yearly visit to the veterinarian can help prevent disease, or catch it early before it becomes advanced and more difficult to treat.  Your veterinarian can also teach you to brush your cat's teeth. Healthy teeth and gums are as important for our pets as they are for us. All sorts of germs can leech down from dirty teeth and cause a wide range of health problems.

My cat, Aimee, is now 15 years old. When she was about 12  I took her for her first Senior Wellness Exam. It included a full range of blood work and tests to see what her baseline is so that her veterinarian can tell if something is changing and catch it early. Senior cats should visit their veterinarian twice a year.  Putting off veterinary visits is a case of pennywise and pound foolish. If kitty really gets sick it will cost you more in the end to try to fix the problem, and it will be harder on both you and your kitty.

"Velvet" photo by Sue Janson

Cats are experts at hiding illness and Feline Practitioners are experts in feline health.  Please don't wait until kitty is really ill.

The sad thing is that only 18% of cat owners report that they have received instruction teaching them how to transport their cat. Transporting a cat isn't all that difficult. Cats are extremely intelligent and they only need to learn that their carrier is a wonderful place to be.  Bring the carrier out, leave it open and put a soft towel, or pad or snuggly blanket in there. You might want to add a toy. Let kitty get used to going in an out. There is a product called Feliway that will help calm the cat.  You may have heard of it as a plug-in room spray, or as a spray can but it also comes in the form of wipes. You can wipe the inside of the carrier, especially before the trip to the veterinarian, to help calm kitty.

When you arrive at the veterinary hospital, hopefully there will be a separate waiting room for cats but whether there is or not, keep kitty's carrier on a chair next to you so it's elevated. Cats like higher places. Turn the carrier toward you so she's not making eye contact with other cats or curious dogs. You may opt to put a towel on top of the carrier and drop it down over the door for privacy which can make kitty feel more secure.

My veterinarian sees all manner of pets in her practice but she's also a Feline Practitioner. The American Association of Feline Practitioners is an organization of veterinarians who are dedicated to cats and their health. Their website has a special section for pets owners with  downloadable brochures to help you and your kitty as well as a listing of members so you can locate a Feline Practitioner near you. You can find them at: www.catvets.com

Photo by Darlene Arden

Here are some helpful links:

Getting your cat to the veterinarian: 
http://www.catvets.com/cat-owners/behavior-and-care-tips/getting-your-cat-to-the-vet

Signs and Symptoms of illness:
http://www.catvets.com/cat-owners/caring-for-cats/signs-and-symptoms

Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian Brochure:
http://www.catvets.com/public/PDFs/ClientBrochures/Cat-to-VetHandout.pdf

More educational brochures are available on the website. Spend some time looking around.  It's a great resource for cat owners, whether new or experienced.

Aimee and I wish you a your special cat(s) a wonderful holiday season! Call and make that veterinary appointment now, while you're thinking about it, and give kitty the gift of good health every year! 

And to All A Goodnight!

"Alana" photo by Claire Clayton

References:

American Association of Feline Practitioners: www.catvets.com

Ownership Statistics in the U.S.: http://www.statista.com/statistics/198102/cats-in-the-united-states-since-2000/

Statistics Simplified: https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-US-pet-ownership.aspx

Petxpert Podcast with Dr, .Jane Brunt of The Catalyst Council: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JsGafbkLNw

Review: The Chuckit LIGHTPLAY Toy & Giveaway

Photo of Fuzzy by Gary Rohde

When it comes to testing toys, I have an assortment of volunteers. One of the most avid toy testers is Fuzzy who has owned Gary Rohde in Southern California ever since Gary rescued him from a shelter. A rather insecure, anxious dog who seemed to come not with baggage but a full set of luggage, he has flourished under Gary's loving care, great socialization and gentle training. 

Photo by Gary Rohde

Fuzzy has turned into a connoisseur of dog toys. Give him one and he'll be happy to play until he has either destroyed the toy or finally grows tired, whichever comes first.  When I was offered an opportunity to test Chuckit, a LIGHTPLAY toy by Petmate, Fuzzy was a pretty obvious choice. 

LIGHTPLAY Toys aglow!

A bonus of this group of new toys is that it can be seen when it's starting to get dark and great indoors to keep you from falling over the toy in the middle of the night if it's still charged. The Max Glow rubber charges under a bright light - including light from a cell phone in less than 10 minutes and the glow lasts for up to 30 minutes of nighttime play.

Lucas & Fuzzy Photo by Gary Rohde

I asked that one of the toys be shipped directly to Gary and Fuzzy.  It arrived quickly and Fuzzy immediately bonded with the box - after all, it was for him, contents and all.  



Gary unpacked the toy and Fuzzy loved it, playing with it on the sofa in their apartment. Then off they went for the real test - outdoors on one of their multiple daily walks.

Photo by Gary Rohde

Gary is disabled but even he could play with the toy, throwing it for Fuzzy in the safety of a friend's yard. Then he enlisted one of Fuzzy's friends, a young man named Luke and while Gary shot still pictures and video, they played together with the joy kids and dogs seem to naturally share.

Fuzzy gives this toy 4 paws up!  Gary and Luke seem to concur. The fact that Fuzzy hasn't been able to destroy it is another major plus since he's hard on toys.  Gary enthused that, "Fuzzy loves it!"

As you can see in the pictures (and the video below), Chuckit is a big hit with Fuzzy, Gary and Luke. 

If you want to learn more, you can go to Petmate's website:  http://www.petmate.com

Video of Fuzzy & Luke by Gary Rohde

If you want a LIGHTPLAY toy for your special canine friend, please comment on this post. A winner in the U.S. will be chosen at random from all entries.  Check back on Monday when I'll announce the lucky winner!

NOTE:  I was not paid for this review. The toy was sent to Gary Rohde so he and his dog, Fuzzy, could test it.  No money changed hands. This review is based on Gary's experiences with the toy, his dog and their young friend, Luke.