All Natural Beef Jerky

Our all natural beef jerky is a smart choice for your dog.  It is made right here in the USA!  We also use non-pet food facilities and USDA-certified meat plants to process our jerky.  It has only a touch of sea salt and water.  No artificial colors, preservatives or additives.  It is even okay for us humans to eat because it is human-grade meat that we use.  Haha not humans mind you! :)  So go online and order some today and have it shipped right to your door for your beloved pet.  

http://www.smartdogjerky.com/

Storms coming!

As an adult I actually enjoy Mother Nature's light and sound show however I can't say the same thing for my dogs....

Last night as I headed off to bed I could hear the low rumblings of thunder outside.  Within minutes it turned into a full on thunder and lightening show.  Now I will admit I'm one of those people that let's their dogs sleep on the bed with them.  In my house that usually means our two small dogs.  Our Golden Lab typically sleeps on the floor while the two smaller dogs sleep on the bed.  As the storm picked up in intensity the two smaller dogs found their way up next to my side, snuggling up to me as close as they could.  After the next loud crash of lightening my Golden Lab hopped up on my bed to find a spot on my other side thus sandwiching me.

Unfortunately our dogs don't have the benefit of reason to understand what is going on.  The bright flashes and the loud thunder will send them scurrying for cover and hopefully a lap to curl up on in order to ease their fear.  As much as we may enjoy nature's show we need to be aware of how it might affect our dogs.  They may seem like tough little companions but they can easily be scared despite how large or small they may be.  I know it's common sense but when storms start to roll into your neighborhood make sure you bring your dogs inside.  It breaks my heart when I hear dogs in my neighborhood barking outside during a storm, wanting desperately to get inside.  Even in the house keep an eye on them.  If they seem scared keep them close to you.  Our smallest dog, Roscoe, gets scared easily and someone just recommend to me last night on Facebook a product called a "Thunder Shirt", a snug fitting velcro-ed shirt that helps to keep dogs calm during stressful events like thunder storms.  I will be looking into those today as we head into storm season here.

So during these hot summer months, enjoy those afternoon and evening thundershowers but keep a watchful eye on your canine friends.

Rescue Centers

Fridays always seem to remind me of what I like to call "Rescue Weekend".

As some of you may know about four years ago we rescued our dog Sophie from Life Line Puppy Rescue in Brighton, Colorado.  Friends of ours knew we were looking to adopt a dog and suggested this wonderful organization that goes out across the country to various kill shelters to rescue dogs and help them find new homes.  Throughout the week they typically send out email notifications and postings on their web site to let folks know what dogs they have available for adoption for the upcoming weekend.  This is the photo of Sophie they posted and it's no wonder I fell in love with her right off.

So if you're looking for a new addition to the family and are wondering what to do this weekend check out your local rescue shelters to see what they have going on.  I bet you'll be surprised how many shelters are near you.   Make a day of it and bring your family and friends to a rescue shelter.  So many wonderful dogs are looking for a home!

Panting to the oldies!

Doctors will tell us that besides eating right we need to make sure we get plenty of exercise in order to stay fit.  It's really no different for our dogs.  I think sometimes we take for granted that our dogs should be exercising.  Perhaps because they walk around on all fours or have to run up and down the stairs or periodically try to chase squirrels in the backyard we don't always think about making sure they work up a pant now and then.  But sometimes we need to remind ourselves that our dogs need just as much exercise as we do.

Our Golden Lab mix, Sophie, definitely reminds us how much she wants to get out in the fresh air.  Every time my husband puts on his running or hiking shoes Sophie makes a bee-line for the door in hopes of joining him wherever he's going.  Luckily for her whenever we go hiking she's our constant companion.  By the time she was old enough my husband started taking her out on "14ers", hiking up the beautiful Colorado mountains where the summits are over 14,000 feet!  It might seem a little extreme but she loves it and it's something my husband always wanted in a dog - someone that could enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.

Never forget, though, that all dogs need their exercise.  Even our little "princess" Belle the Chihuahua and Roscoe the toy Poodle need to get out from time to time.  It's easy to forget to take them out on regular walks as most of the time the little dogs seem content to find a cozy spot in the house and nap the day away.  But just like humans without consistent exercise they'll quickly get out of shape, put on weight and after a while could develop health problems that could potentially impact their lives.  I do find that if our dogs are getting plenty of exercise they seem to sleep better, eat better and generally have a much better temperament.  Kinda sounds like us humans, doesn't it?

We all live busy lives but it's important to make time not only for ourselves but for our four-legged family members.  Make sure you make the time to get them out, to enjoy the fresh air, to run about and to let them be dogs.  Play time is not just for children.

Scary PIT BULL story

As I sit here in the Reno airport awaiting my flight I am reminded of my last visit here a year ago.  My husband and I drove here from Colorado to visit his parents for Mother's Day.  

The morning we left I was not feeling well.  We got up at 4 am to hit the road for our long drive home.  We were just heading out of town through Carson City and there were a few homes scattered on the outskirts of town.  I felt very ill and asked him to pull over immediately.  As I leaned out the car door to vomit, a large pit bull dog ran right up to my face.  It happened so quick and scared me to death.  It was dark out and at that point I didn't even know what kind of dog it was.  All I know was we were in front of someones's home and had pulled up rather abruptly and this dog was there to protect the home.  My heart raced so fast and I screamed there is a dog! My husband jumped out of the car to run around to help but it was too late...

The dog had totally started licking my face!  He fell so madly in love with me and jumped in the car instantly and onto my lap.  My husband had just reached my side of the car door and the dog was already in the car on my lap.  My fear instantly turned to love as this large Pit Bull sat on my lap licking me all over.  I started laughing so hard!

So it took us a bit to get him coaxed out of our car and then all I was so worried about him being on the road like that with so many truckers going by.  He was not a homeless dog, just a loose dog.  So we tried to get him back up by the house so we could feel comfortable leaving him.  My husband warned me right off..."NO, we are not keeping him!"

So next time anyone tries to make Pit Bulls sound so mean and viscous I hope you will remember this story.  I have met the most amazing, loving Pit Bulls in my life and have yet to ever meet a mean one.  I even live in a city where they are banned!!! It breaks my heart because they are very loving dogs.  

Peek a Boo

I can see you leaving...please take me too!

The Smartdog Team

Sometimes it is nice to put a face to a name.  We are the owners of Smartdog Jerky.  Founded in 2011 by Heather Merritt upon getting this great idea and pursuing her dreams.  Julie Karp joined forces in May as half owner and Marketing Director.  We have been long time friends and are now so thrilled to be doing this business adventure together.  Both of us have such a passion for dogs and their health and well being.  We both love our rescue dogs Carly and Sophie so much and it is the dogs who have truly rescued us.  We have a true passion to spread the word about the importance of saving a dog's life by going to a shelter to pick out your next pet.  We are huge advocates on dog rescuing!  Thank you for all of your support and we hope you will follow our blog.