Santa Paws

There is a holiday tradition at Waggin' Tails. Every year on Christmas Eve, Santa Paws pays a visit to the kennel, leaving toys and treats for the good dogs who aren't with their families on Christmas. It's always so much fun watching the dogs open and enjoy their gifts!

Riley wanted to open everyone else's gift!

Simba and Mocha can't wait to see what Santa Paws brought them

George is patient as Donovan helps him unwrap his treat

Caramel spends every Christmas at Waggin' Tails, and knows the Santa Paws drill well

Bella LOVES her new duck!

Muse poses for the camera in her stylish jacket as she receives her treat

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from everyone at Waggin' Tails!

'Tis the Season

Waggin' Tails dogs really know how to get in the Christmas spirit!

Make a picture slideshow

Thanks so much to Sarah Thede for her amazing photography!

Small Business Saturday

Next Saturday, November 26, is Small Business Saturday.


So what? you say. Well, who wouldn't want FREE MONEY just for shopping at their favorite store pet boarding, grooming and retail business?

That's right, free money. And after Black Friday, that sounds even better. All you have to do is register your American Express card (you can do that here), spend $25 at a small business on Saturday, and you get a $25 credit on your statement.

This week, Waggin' Tails is decking our halls with brand new Christmas retail- and Small Business Saturday would be a perfect day to shop for your 4-legged family members.


We hope to see you next Saturday!

Katy Chamber Yappy Hour

A few weeks ago, my people hosted a Yappy Hour at the Ranch for the Katy Chamber of Commerce. We invited folks to come out for food, networking and doggie socialization.

We had the Wag and Wade Dog Park open for canine swimming, and yummy food from Fulshear's own Essence House Cafe.

About halfway through the event, the weather turned nasty and we had to move the party inside. We gave tours of the facility and gave away some door prizes!

Thanks to all that braved the weather and came out- it was a great time!

Amazing!

Before...

And After...

Hot Spots

Hey Canine Friends!

I've been having some issues with my skin because of this awful heat (seriously, is it EVER going to be down to double digit temperatures again?!). Have ya'll been itchy and miserable too? Some of this just comes with the territory of being a dog and living in Texas. Here's some information for your human parents- so they know what's normal, when they need to take you to the vet, etc. Pass this on to them, will ya?

Hot Spots- I know you've heard of 'em, but would you know one when you saw one? Hotspots are one of the most common, annoying skin problem down here. They are painful, swollen warm patches of skin. I know when I have one, I can't leave it alone. I scratch it, lick it, bite at it, and of course, whine about it. I bet you do too.

Wanna see a picture of one? Yeah, it's gross, sorry. But aren't you glad you'll know when when you see one now?

Ok- so you have a hot spot. Do you just keep messin' with it and pray it goes away on it's own? No. You need to have your parents clip the hair away from the hot spot, clean it, and keep it dry. And for goodness sake, quit chewing and scratching!

Regular grooming can do wonders for your skin. Waggin' Tails will be happy to set up a grooming appointment for you or give you advice on keeping your skin healthy!

Now, I know hot spots aren't the only thing that's making your skin angry this summer. Want to read more? Click here.

Waggin' Tails Wants to Help

Twelve year old Macie Gardner loves pink, zebras and the Houston Astros. Her favorite baseball players are Hunter Pence and Lance Berkman (who sadly, no longer play for the Astros). Macie was supposed to start the 6th grade this month, but on August 4, she suffered an arrhythmia, seizure, and cardiac arrest. Macie has been in a coma at Children's Memorial Hermann since that day. She will be moved to Health Bridge, a long term care facility, next week.

My family, the Einkaufs, are good friends with Macie's family, and Macie's sister Kimi works at Waggin' Tails as a kennel tech. We at Waggin' Tails want to help the family any way we can.

There is a benefit being held for Macie on September 20 (see flier below). Tickets will be available for purchase at Waggin' Tails if you would like to contribute and help the Gardner family in this difficult time. Donations will also be accepted at Waggin' Tails and we will make sure they get to the family.

A Birthday Top 10

Top Ten Reasons I had the BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY in history!



 10.  Dogs in party hats. How can you not smile when you see that?

I am almost too handsome in a party hat

9. Cake. No further explanation needed.

Just for Dogs Birthday Cake...it was dee-lish!

8. Presents!!!!

Thanks for my new toy, Andy McNichol!

7. Kids. My favorite thing!

My friend Mikey and me...our birthdays are just a few days apart!

6. Baby Kisses!



I wonder who slobbers more...me or the baby?

5. 100+ degree weather, and afternoon with my besties at the pool, and more cake!

Oia says, "Got. To. Get. Cake. NOW."

4. Catching awkward expressions on my friends' faces.

Remi's face says it all- YUM!

3. The bloodhound that never stops howling is better than "Happy Birthday" any day!

Hank is always ready to party

2. Post party naps!

Maybe I'm getting too old for this...

1. This Dude.

Too. Much. Punch.

 My birthday party was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who came out to help me celebrate. We took lots more pictures- see our Facebook page for all of them!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I tried to keep it low key, but word has leaked out that I turned 7 last week. That's right, SEVEN. Most people think that each year equals seven dog years, which would make me 49, but that's not entirely accurate. Actually, since dogs reach adulthood faster than humans, the formula is 10.5 years for each of the first 2 years of a dog's life, then 4 years for each year after that. So, screw 49, I'm only 41! Yeah, I know, still middle age. Sigh.

Getting old is hard. But luckily, instead of letting me lay around moping about the fact that I'm no longer a spring chicken dog, my WT people are throwing me a party! Here's the invitation- and you are all invited. Spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, by text message, or if you are old fashioned, you could actually tell someone about it face to face (gasp!).

Hope you see you and your kids out at the Ranch next Thursday!

A Comparison

Excerpt from a dog's diary...

8:00 AM- Dog Food! My favorite thing!
9:40 AM- A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:50 AM- A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 AM- Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM- Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM- Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM- Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM- Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM- Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM- Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM- Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpt from a cat's diary...

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a good little hunter I am.

Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies". I must learn what this means and use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his foot as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released- and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now....

We All Scream For Ice Cream!

Last week, we decided to celebrate the 4th of July at the Ranch with our first ever Ice Cream Social! All the dogs that participated had a great time and LOVED their frozen treats! It was a perfect All-American way to beat the heat!

What a Difference A Year Makes

This weekend at Waggin' Tails, we boarded Hondo, a pot belly pig. This was the second visit to the Ranch for Hondo- last summer he boarded when he was just a "tiny" piglet. Here are some pictures from his first visit:

Obviously, Hondo has been "pigging out" since last summer, because he has done a little growing since we last saw him. Here are pictures from this weekend's stay:

Summer has definitely arrived, and this weekend was a scorcher. But don't worry, Hondo stayed plenty cool with his mudbaths and drinks from the hose.

We love you Hondo!