Best Buddies Blog

Guess the Dog

2012-02-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

How many of these dogs can you name?

Dogs Throughout History (Part 1)

2012-02-02T11:36:00.000-05:00

Dogs have been Human kind's closest animal companion for centuries. We have relied on dogs for everything from labor to companionship to religious symbolism.

In this series of blog posts, we'll explore all the different ways dogs have impacted our lives throughout time and how our attitudes have changed along the way.

We begin, in no particular order, with Ancient Egypt.

Ancient Egypt is a very different place than our own. The culture and daily life differs greatly from our 21st Century connected world. Egyptians lived their lives according to the rule of the Pharaoh and the whims of their gods. Although cats are certainly widely known to have been creatures of affection and royal status in Egypt, dogs also had their place. Dogs were seen as religious symbols, companions and even a metaphor for low-lives.

Inpu was the Egyptian god of the deceased. For a time, he was the most important Egyptian god. Inpu is depicted as having a human body with the head of a jackal. He played a big role in funerals and processions, marching out ahead of the rest. He is also frequently depicted in statue form as the full head and body of a jackal. Inpu is also known as Anubis and was later merged with the Greek god Hermes. He is entrusted with the power of truth and can be seen carrying the scales of justice. Dogs have many qualities that benefit humans, one of which is loyalty. Dogs are also very honest animals, which may be reflected by the reverence given to them by the Egyptians by worshiping Inpu. Our view of dogs has not changed much in this respect.

Egyptians also loved and cared for their dogs as pets, but used them mostly for hunting and as watchdogs. Egyptians had dogs that resemble Basenjis and Greyhounds, which are hunting dogs.The Saluki is known as the "royal dog of Egypt". Its ancestors can be dated to before 2000 BC, in tombs of Egyptian royalty. The cemetery at Abydos has a section devoted to dogs. Many Egyptians were also buried with their dogs. Egyptians, like us, named their dogs after their qualities like "Reliable" and "Brave". Cats are depicted as being of royal status, but dogs were relied upon for protection and for their assistance in bringing home the bacon.

On the other hand, dogs were considered to be just animals and prisoners were sometimes called dogs as insult. Even now, people use the word "dog" to refer to people they find unpleasant.

It seems that dogs played many roles in Ancient Egypt. Like in today's world, some may have loved their dogs and some may have used them for protection. It's clear that they appreciated the loyal, affectionate and intelligent qualities dogs posses and that they relied on dogs for many of the same reasons we do so today.

That Wheezing Sound

2012-02-01T11:06:00.000-05:00

If you have a small or medium sized dog, you may have heard him or her make a wheezing coughing sound. This sound may be due to a condition called Tracheal Collapse.

The trachea is the tunnel going down the neck that connects the dog's nose and mouth to the lungs. The tube is made up of rings of cartilage (same material your nose and ears are made of) connected by ligament. The tunnel is not a complete tube, it has a band of muscle down one side to aid in the breathing process.

When the cartilage weakens, the trachea can collapse, resulting in annoying and sometimes painful wheezing noises. Think of a kazoo and how air travels down the tube until it is squeezed by a narrower part. But this can be a huge problem for dogs. The narrower parts of the collapsed trachea can make breathing and eating difficult.

What is happening is the dog is having trouble with air intake. Usually we inhale to fill our lungs, but a collapsed trachea prohibits the dog from inhaling a steady stream of air.

During meals, as the dog tries to eat and breathe, the damaged trachea can cause choking and coughing.

It's best to use a harness that pulls on the dog's belly and arms rather than on their neck. This alleviates stress on their already fragile necks. You can also help your dog by teaching them to walk with you and not pull on the leash.

Your vet should be able to tell you if your dog's condition warrants treatment. Always consult with a good vet before making any decisions.

(This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a vet if in doubt.)

My Doggie Couture Studio

2012-01-31T13:47:00.001-05:00

Attention all artists and budding designers: The world of doggie couture is full of fabulous designs and now you have an opportunity to show us what you would do if you were a dog clothing designer. Pick a dog from the pictures below and print it out. Then using any coloring tools you want, design the dog fashion of your dreams. Ask your parents to scan and send your finished masterpiece so we can post it on this blog. (If you don't have a scanner, use a camera to take a good picture). Open to kids of all ages.

Have fun and be creative!

Touchdowns and Squeakers

2012-01-22T16:21:00.001-05:00

It's official! With the annual Puppy Bowl just two weeks away, they have announced the lineup:

There will be drooling, fumbles, tugging, pileups and tons of squee. No matter how many touchdown are scored, all dogs are winners. Be sure to watch Feb 5th, 3pm EST.

How Many Treats?

2012-01-18T17:08:00.003-05:00

Our gourmet treats are the best ever. Just ask any of the happy dogs that come back over and over for their weekly treats.

The whole experience of buying treats is part of the fun. We have a huge variety of different treats on constant rotation. We try new ones all the time and keep some of the favorites coming.

With the help of their humans, dogs fill up a container of treats, mixing and matching as they wish. Now we have added a new element of fun to sort of tie off the experience.

Our brand new, one of a kind, hand made, uber cute Treat Scale helps people see how many treats will keep their dog happy.

The whole thing is made of recycled and re-purposed items. The gauge is made of a reused cake pan (notice a theme?) with some hand molded acrylic, springs and gears.

The tray is made of a stainless steel dog food bowl.

Just place your container of treats on the scale and the needle (a painted coffee stirrer) will move to the right, showing how happy your dog will be.

It's all just for fun, but we think it's pretty cool.

What do you think? Take it out for a spin next time you are at Best Buddies!

Props to Alex Ronay: his idea, his ingenuity, his handy work.

Closeups after the break:

AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Orlando 2011

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Dina from the National Beagle Club of America sent us these pictures from the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship held in Orlando, FL on December 17 and 18, 2011.

Check out the bone fence around the booth. Look familiar? It's the same bone fence we have here at Best Buddies. Dina loved it so much she asked us to make her some identical fencing for her booth. The fence looks great but the real stars are the beautiful beagles.

Dina writes:

"AKC Meet the Breeds® is a family-friendly event designed to allow breed experts to share their knowledge of dogs with the general public. Each Breed was highlighted in its own decorated booth on December 17 and 18 during the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Orlando, Florida.
The National Beagle Club of America and its volunteers attracted more spectators than most of the other 130 breed booths. Club experts were on hand with adult dogs and puppies allowing visitors to learn about the distinct features and special characteristics of the breed, which was a perfect opportunity to gather information to help determine if a certain breed is right for your family.
The booth was decorated in the club colors and adorned with fun features such as a dog fence border designed by Best Buddies Dog Boutique and Bakery and a banner featuring this year’s beagle champions from the state of Florida."

For more information, please visit http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/

More pictures after the break.

"Honey, I shrunk Best Buddies..." Part 2

2011-12-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

When we last left off... Our Delivery Van had shrunk to the size of a business card. Now our bakery has shrunk as well. All the treats are itty bitty. Each treat is hand made and hand decorated just like our real Gourmet Treats, except these are not edible and are 1/24th the size.

This is a work in progress, so use your imagination to picture what the whole store will look like when we are done shrinking all our products.

For Reference, here is a picture of the real thing: (after the break)

"Honey, I shrunk Best Buddies..." Part 1

2011-12-28T13:18:00.000-05:00

Check out what happened to our Delivery Van. It shrunk! It wasn't done with a shrink ray, just a little Best Buddies magic.

Holiday Decoration Drama (Updated)

2011-12-27T14:00:00.000-05:00

We heart St. Pete Beach. We've been here for over 20 years and our family has had businesses on St. Pete Beach for over 15 years. The City Government of St. Pete Beach, or parts of it, seem not to heart us back.

Last year, we purchased an inflatable Christmas dog decoration at the local hardware store for $34.95. Having just opened Best Buddies in November 2010, we didn't have much time to decorate the store's exterior with lights or garland so we opted for the inflatable Christmas dog. The dog was placed in different spots in front of the store. Then the Christmas rush started and we had all of our parking spots used up by customers so we placed the decoration on the roof of our four-door car. Everyone enjoyed the decoration and the holidays went without incident.

This year, for some reason, we have been hassled by the city code inspectors. They decided our Christmas decoration is a sign and that it violates the sign ordinance. We beg to differ since there is no language in the sign ordinance that would make our decoration against the law.

In fact, many other businesses and residences display these inflatable decorations every year. They have become the hottest thing. According to the code enforcement officer, we were the only ones cited for the decoration.

After contacting the City Manager, the Code Enforcement Officer returned to tell us we were allowed to place it on the ground, but not in a parking space, right of way or sidewalk. If you look at our store, the entire front and sides are parking and sidewalk. She pointed to a section of pavement near the back of the store, saying it would be okay with her if we placed the dog there.

But according to her, the dog is a sign and according to the sign ordinance it is not legal to place it anywhere-- so she contradicted herself.

The St. Pete Times (now the Tampa Bay Times) picked up on the story and ran it on December 21, 2011. The out pour of support from businesses, resident and other city officials has been phenomenal. We were overwhelmed by the amount of support we received in the weeks after the article came out. Some of these awesome people are our customers, but many we never met before! What really surprised us is when many city officials, including the Mayor, called and came by to lend a hand.

We still don't know why the Code Enforcement Officers have decided to pick on us or what rationale they intend to use to back up their side, but we have not broken any law and we cannot find any statute that prohibits our decoration; whether it stands on the ground or on top of a vehicle.

Leave a comment below and tell us what you think.

Read the full article here:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/inflatable-dog-stands-his-ground-in-st-pete-beach/1207072

Bookmark this page and check back later for updates on this case.

Update #1:
We have filed a Request for Information with the city to see if the actions taken by the Code Enforcement Officers and City Managers originated with a complaint and if so, by whom. The city is required to disclose all information upon request, so we will see...

Update #2:
The Mayor has been amazing and has given us an Honorary Pardon.

Update #3:

The Gabber has written about the case:

http://www.thegabber.com/dog-receives-mayoral-pardon-cms-912

According to the Code Enforcement Officer, the cold air inflatable decorations at other businesses are okay, but the one on our van is not okay. Nowhere in the city code does it say that, so we are eager to see how she defends her position at the magistrate hearing.

Update #4:
Heidi Hartsock stopped by today to give us the Notice of Hearing, but the paperwork had tons of errors in it, including our address. That's our taxpayer dollars at work.. at least they could that right, one would hope. We called the city manager to get a new corrected copy by certified mail. The Notice of Hearing we received had the wrong time of the hearing. According to the City of St. Pete Beach website, the hearing is at 9am and has always been at 9am, but the Notice we received said it was at 10am. Either way, to all of you who are coming please stay tuned and come at 9am just in case.

Thanks again for your continued support! It has been the most amazing thing I could ever receive!

Dog Mobile

2011-12-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

Recently we got a new Delivery Van. Many of you have already seen it on the road while we take dog food to hungry customers throughout Pinellas.

But it appears we made a huge mistake with the van. We ordered a large hot pink van with bones and paws all over it, not knowing this was also an option:

Just kidding. We're super happy with our van and it does the job of taking food all over the place. I do wish I had known about these Japanese designs. Maybe for the next one? What do you think?

More pics after the jump:

St. Pete Beach Holiday Land Parade

2011-12-10T10:49:00.001-05:00

We just got back from participating in St. Pete Beach's Holiday Land Parade. I can't tell you how amazing it was! For a small city, it sure packs a punch! The streets were lined with hundreds of people, many of them in festive colors and a lot of them in costume. We saw tons of dogs enjoying the floats and the giveaways. Many floats handed out candy or beads and we handed out packs of our all-natural gourmet treats.

The parade went North on Gulf Blvd from 70th Street to Corey Ave, and then turned right onto Corey Ave all the way down:

The Best Buddies Mobile with (L to R) Dusty, Happy and Buddy and their humans.

We were number 18 in the parade, behind Kids Beach Tours and followed by Corey Corners and the Parrots of the Caribbean.

Our giant inflatable dog with the Merry Christmas stocking was a huge hit!

The kids from Kids Beach Tours were really pumped up with energy. One of them rode a unicycle the whole time.

Happy and Dusty were supposed to ride in their stylish strollers but they were too excited and ended up walking most of the way.

We had no idea the parade was this huge and we ran out of treats halfway! Sorry to those of you that didn't get treats. Stop by the store any time-- everyone always walks out with free treats!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Holidays to all! And to all good health, happiness and peace of mind for the new year and always!

Bad Table

2011-12-06T14:02:00.001-05:00

How awesome is this table?

Artist:

Judson Beaumont

Bad Table
40” W x 18”H x 20” D
Western Maple, Maple Veneer, Aluminium, IKEA Carpet

Technology Dogs

2011-11-19T13:11:00.001-05:00

For the tech buffs out there, check out this cute USB hub with tiny USB drives in the shape of puppies! Looks like it's just a cute design and not available yet for purchase, but it's so adorable! They also have one that's kitties and one with pigs.

http://www.weplaygod.com/buddydog.php

Read on for more pictures

We're 3!

2011-10-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

Come celebrate with us! Everyone gets gifts to commemorate our three years in business and our first year at our new larger location. Come grab a party hat, have some cake and enjoy the great pre-holiday sales!

FDA Warning about Pig Ears and Bully Sticks: Salmonella Found

2011-10-22T14:11:00.000-04:00

The Federal Food and Drug Administration has sent out a warning about Salmonella present in current production of Pig Ears and other chews including Bully Sticks, Pizzle Sticks and Animal based chews.

Import Alert # 72-03
Published Date: 10/12/2011
Type: DWPE
Import Alert Name:
"Detention Without Physical Examination and Intensified Coverage of Pig Ears And Other Pet Treats Due To The Presence Of Salmonella"
Reason for Alert:
In September 1999, FDA learned that 30 cases of Salmonella infantis in Canada were strongly associated with pig ear dog treats. All affected individuals are dog owners. Many of the cases have been children. Rollover Brand pig ear dog treats, manufactured by Farm Meats Canada, Ltd., High River, Alberta, Canada had been determined to be the most likely source of contamination. An inspection was conducted at Farm Meats Canada, Ltd. by Canadian health authorities. Multiple positive samples were found in the plant.
Analysis also identified a PFGE (Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis) match to an opened box in a home of a dog owner (1 band difference) with samples taken at the plant. Additional product from other homes, phage type matches.
Farm Meats Canada, Ltd., has recalled the product from the Canadian marketplace. A safety alert issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on September 24, 1999, advised that the elderly, children and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid handling the pig ear dog treats.
Further, other Canadian companies have been under investigation by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Samples from Euro Can Manufacturing Inc. (Pet Products), collected on September 13, 1999, and analyzed by Health Canada, have been found positive for Salmonella. Euro Can Manufacturing and Farm Meats have recalled their pig ear dog treats in Canada. On September 25, 1999 the CFIA issued a safety alert on Euro Can pet chews.
Review of OASIS data indicates that both firms have routinely shipped products to the U.S.
FDA and CDC are not aware of any cases of Salmonella in the U.S. that have been linked to pig ear dog treats; however, CDC has notified state health departments so they can ask about possible exposure to pig ear dog treats.

Read the rest of the article here.

Trade Show Goodies!

2011-10-18T14:07:00.000-04:00

We're BACK from one of the nation's largest pet trade shows! It was an amazing experience and we came back with a ton of great new products for your dogs. Here are just some of the products we saw:

The Mountain dog and cat T-shirts are so cute! They come in a huge variety of breeds and are packaged in boxes shaped like shirts. Very cool at $19.99 each.

The Rubit is a convenient way to always have your dog's tag on hand. It's easy to switch collars or even clip it on a harness when going out. $4.99 each.

Bowser Beer is beer for dogs. It's delicious and nutricious. They make custom labels so if you are having a party and want to have your dog's face on the label, it's totally do-able! $5.99 each, $6.99 with custom label.

Tastybone is a product we already sell, but we got to see some of their new products for the Winter 2011 season. The new Edibles are fantastic all natural chews. We brought home a sample and our dogs fought over it. Once our order comes in, they will each have their own! $14.99 each.

We saw a bazillion booths with Bully Sticks, but this is one product we will never carry. Why? It's made of Bull Penis. That's right! They take the bull, remove its private parts, stretch them and dry them. Something about having your dog chew on penis all day long doesn't sit right with us; even if it IS 100% natural.

Bubble Buddy is a fun toy to interact with your dog. The trigger produces flavored bubbles that are sure to amaze your dog when he pops them in his mouth. Makes a great gift, too!

Freezy Pups have been a fantastic product so far and we just re-ordered for stocking stuffers. Prices are also going down to just $14.95 for the kits and $4.00 for the refills.

Dog Pawz are disposable dog boots. They are like balloons that go on their paws to keep them from stepping in treated lawns or in dirty water after a rain. They come in different sizes and colors in 12-packs. $9.99 a set.

The Softflex Bestball is a fun toy with a handle to help dogs grip it without swallowing it. Comes in a range of sizes, colors and also in textured varieties. $3 to $9 each.

PhysiPet is a toy that holds a ball on a string. When the dog hits it, it goes round and round for hours of fun and exercise. The ball is replaceable a the base is weighted for great fun. Comes in green, red and pink. Great outdoor toy, too! $55 each.

Everyone loves our exterior topiaries and wants to buy them. We made those ourselves and they are not for sale, but we found some that are just as clever. These dog shaped topiaries can be filled with moss and planted, filled with faux moss or decorated with holiday lights for a festive decor item. Huge range of dog breeds and sizes.

For the home groomer, we have this new wash kit. It's in the shape of a fire hydrant and houses everything you need to safely give your pooch a wash in the tub or shower.

You are Invited!

2011-10-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

You are Invited!

What: Best Buddies Halloween
When: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Time: 11am to 6pm
Where: 6498 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL
Why: Free Treats to all dogs! Everybody's a winner at Best Buddies, come show off your cool costume and get free treats.

2011-10-05T13:20:00.000-04:00

We Guarantee the lowest prices on pet food. We carry premium quality pet food and take special orders for specialty foods.

We also have a 110% Price Match on all food. If you find it cheaper anywhere within 5 miles of us, we will give you 10% off the lower price!

Local delivery is FREE within the 33706 zip code. Delivery outside 33706 is just $5 inside Pinellas.

Healthy food shouldn't be expensive. That's our motto.

Best Buddies Wins Award

2011-08-23T17:47:00.001-04:00

Pet Product News International has awarded Best Buddies Dog Boutique and Bakery the "Outstanding Merchandising & Marketing" Award for 2011.

FDA Launches System to Track Pet Food-Related Illnesses

2011-08-18T13:21:00.001-04:00

FDA Launches System to Track Pet Food-Related Illnesses

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Partnership for Food Protection launched yesterday a Web-based system to track pet illnesses associated with pet food.

The Pet Event Tracking Network (PETNet) will allow FDA and federal and state agencies to voluntarily share in real-time information about pet food-related incidents, such as illness associated with the consumption of pet food or pet food product defects.

The system was developed by FDA and the Partnership for Food Protection, which includes state and local public health officials and representatives from several federal agencies, in the wake of the mass pet food recalls in 2007. One difficulty faced during that incident, according to FDA, was the timely sharing of information between the agency and the states and among the states themselves. PETNet is designed to allow for better communications between the various government officials.

PETNet will be accessible to federal, state and territorial government officials responsible for the regulation of pet food products and the investigation of disease outbreaks in companion animals. It is currently made up of over 200 representatives from four federal agencies, all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

Members will enter “events” into the system when they have identified a trend or a suspicious incident associated with pet food products, as well as pet food product defects within their own jurisdiction that should be communicated to their regulatory counterparts. Once entered on the standardized form, the information will be immediately available to all other PETNet members. This will enable PETNet members to track the emergence of such data and to evaluate the need for action within individual jurisdictions, according to FDA.

Reblogged from www.petproductnews.com

Concepts in Nutrition- Guest Blogger Dr. Molina-Brisson

2011-08-17T12:22:00.000-04:00

Often times I get the same questions over and over again on pet nutrition, people are worried about food allergies, nutrition in the aging pet, obesity, “food fillers”.

I am going to discuss two of those concerns. Good part of this note has been reproduced with permission of Dr. Melo from Royal Canin.

FOOD ALLERGIES:

The body tends to reject foreign objects: whether is something inhaled , injected or ingested. Sometimes the body does not recognize certain proteins, however the body is normally able to make a difference between foreign substances essential for life, and others that threaten its integrity. This is why we usually tolerate very well the different kinds of foods which make up our diet.

Click to read more:

For allergic people and animals, the tolerance is more selective: some foods are not "recognized" as being safe, and abnormal reactions arise. A dietary allergy is first characterized by intense itching. The animal itches so much that they mutilate themselves, inducing severe lesions. In dogs and cats, the most affected areas are the head, the ears, the neck, and forelimbs. Sometimes, digestive troubles are observed: diarrheas, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc. These allergies are non seasonal, and respond poorly or not at all to steroid treatment.

Dietary allergies are rare diseases: they represent less than 10% of allergies in general, and are responsible for about 1% of dermatology problems in dogs and cats. Food allergy is often confused with dietary intolerance. This is also an adverse reaction of the body to an ingredient or a food additive, but it does not involve the immune system.

As lamb meal used to be an uncommon ingredient in pet foods, it was often proposed for elimination diets. It does not mean, however, that an animal cannot progressively become allergic to lamb proteins. In fact, these types of allergies have already been seen. Moreover, in lamb (and rice) products, the lamb is usually not the single source of protein. They often include protein from egg, corn, chicken (chicken digest or chicken flavoring), wheat, or fish. This type of product is often not useful in the diagnosis and treatment of dietary allergies.

In cases of food allergies, dermatological signs disappear within 1-3 weeks in 25 % of cases, 4-6 weeks in 50 % of cases, and sometimes, 9-16 weeks are even necessary in other cases. The cat recovers more quickly than the dog. Even if itching disappears, a diagnosis of food allergy will be confirmed only if a "re-challenge test" is performed. All the most common ingredients of pet food diets are likely to cause an allergy problem. The most often involved food products are: chicken, beef, fish, egg, milk, wheat (in the Irish Setter) and soy. 60 % of allergic dogs react to more than 2 different proteins.

This protocol is quite long and disappointing for the owners who often refuse to perform the re-challenge test to identify the specific allergen, when a new diet brings satisfying improvement.

The animal must be fed a diet free of the proteins causing the allergy. However, let's point out the fact an animal can get sensitized again towards one of the components of the new diet. The whole thing is then to be done again. There are diets available which are designed with very small proteins. Since the protein has to be a certain size to elicit an allergic reaction, these diets have promise, and may be better for the long term remission of food allergy symptoms. These diets are more expensive due to the process of “micronization” the proteins have to go through. Different companies make their own.

FOOD FOR THE AGING PET.

During the course of a pet's lifetime, changes in the needs of certain nutrients may occur because a pet's ability to digest, absorb, or utilize certain nutrients may differ at different life stages. Changes in the pet's dental health or changes in their sense of smell or taste may also necessitate adaptations in the food. The addition of other nutrients such as antioxidants and chondroprotectives (joint protectors) can have a benefit to the pet's health as well.

Unfortunately, not all aging changes may occur at the same time, so when is dietary modification recommended for aging pets? We consider different pets to be "mature" or "senior" at different times. A cat is usually not considered to be mature until about ten years of age, while a large breed dog may be considered to be a senior after only five years of age.

One key to helping slow the effects of aging is antioxidants. Normal body functions, environmental factors, stress, and many other factors result in oxidative damage to cells. The pet's body has a built-in antioxidation system, but in many cases it can be overwhelmed. Oxidative damage continues to occur and may build up over the years. A complex of vitamin E, vitamin C, taurine, lutein, and decaffeinated green tea polyphenols is included in their diets for mature animals. When used in this combination, these antioxidants have a synergistic effect. By adding these antioxidants to the food, we can fight some of the effects of aging.

Energy need is another area that changes as an animal ages. Interestingly, the needs in mature dogs and cats are opposite. In dogs, their digestive ability remains virtually the same (with perhaps a slight increase in transit time), but their activity usually decreases with age, which results in a decreased energy need (similar to humans). For many years, it was thought that cats needed decreased energy diets in their senior years as well. Research has shown that conversely, cats have a reduction in their digestive ability, but their activity level doesn't really change that much. For this reason, older cats have increased energy need.

Palatability is important for aging pets because of decreased smell or taste sensation. This issue can be particularly prominent in small breed dogs. For mature cats, dental disease may also have an effect on their desire to eat. If the teeth and gums are inflamed, chewing can be painful. The kibble of the feline mature formulas has been softened to reduce the likelihood of painful chewing. Additionally, these formulas contain an oral calcium chelator, or binder, that reduces tartar by preventing the incorporation of calcium into plaque.

Many older pets develop arthritis, so they have included supplemental levels of both glucosamine and chondroitin to help promote overall joint health. Omega 3 fatty acids are added to also help reduce any joint inflammation. Nutrients such as protein, phosphorus, and sodium are slightly reduced to reduce the workload of the kidneys.

Age is not a disease, but there are certain changes that occur in pets as a result of aging. By respecting the animal’s changes in physiology, we can adapt their nutrition accordingly. Although we can not stop the effects of aging, we can provide food that promotes longevity and quality of life.

Dr. Juan Molina-Brisson

Andes Animal Hospital - Largo, Fl.

http://www.andesanimalhospital.com/

Walk a Snake?

2011-08-12T12:14:00.000-04:00

Interesting article found at Futility Closet.

In case, you know, you want to take Slithers out for a walk...

How do you make a collar for a creature that’s all neck?

Standard animal collars such as designed for dogs and cats as well as other legged animals are not designed for the body style of a snake because the snake has no external appendages. … The concertina motion of a snake coupled with an ability to alter the shape of its circumference enables it to move through and escape any known annular restraint such as a neck-style collar.

Donald Boys’ snake collar, patented in 2002, includes a “concertina movement neutralization device” that prevents these escapes so you can take your snake outdoors. “A reptile getting more sunlight will have a better skin condition than one kept in the dark.”

Via Futility Closet.

What IS Carob, anyway?

2011-07-06T12:34:00.000-04:00

We try to have the best bakery treats available for our dogs. As humans, we are drawn to lovely chocolate and smooth caramel. And why shouldn't our dogs enjoy the same decadence we do?

So for the canines in our lives, we get the tastiest treats but substitute some of the ingredients to make sure they enjoy their treats and don't get sick.

Chocolate has a natural chemical called Theobromine. It's also naturally occurring in tea. This chemical is super dangerous for dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains, and the smaller the dog, the less chocolate it takes to make him sick or kill him.

So as a substitute to chocolate, we use carob in our bakery. Carob is a legume, just like peanuts and is safe for dogs. Unlike cocoa which comes in fruit-like pods, carob comes in a long bean, like peas.

Many people would characterize carob as a wimpy chocolate. It doesn't pack the punch that real chocolate does-- and that's because the high you get from chocolate comes from the theobromine. Bakers have found new and innovative ways for using carob. Most of the time it is used as powder to flavor the cookie recipe, but more and more, the carob is used as a smooth covering for cakes and cookies. Carob can be used to make fantastic drizzles and fillings, as well. There is no end to how carob can infuse dog treats with flavor to make sure your dog is treated with as much love as you would treat yourself.

Vote!

2011-07-05T14:00:00.004-04:00

Best Buddies is located in a very old pink building. During its lifetime, it has been a residence, apartment units, clothing shop, and now Best Buddies. When we took over the space, we did heavy renovation to update the inside but keep the architectural beauty intact.

Check out these drawings of our building and vote on which one you like the best by posting a comment below.

First one or second one?

New Waterproof Collars

2011-07-02T11:11:00.001-04:00

We have stocked Dublin Dog Collars since we first opened and they are one of our hottest items to date. But now the company has moved their production to American soil and redesigned the collars to be much tougher and lighter than before. They are also introducing three new styles.

We are so super excited to be getting these awesome collars in soon. They are waterproof and stink free, so they are great for the beach and the pool. You can also keep them on the dog while grooming or bathing.

Check our website soon to see when they arrive.

Why Mobile Grooming is Better

2011-07-01T13:57:00.000-04:00

It's very important to keep your dog clean and their coat at a healthy length. Bathing a dog is important to prevent skin problems and keep undesirable pests from setting up house. That's why grooming is good to schedule every month or so. But taking a dog to a grooming salon is not always a good idea.

Besides the hassle of getting the dog or dogs into the car and driving them to the groomer, they have to spend a lot of time in a cage or crate.

With mobile grooming, they come to your house. All you have to do is take them out the front door and the groomer takes them into the van. The vans now-a-days are state of the art and have their own power and water supplies. They are clean and the equipment is the same as you will find in full service grooming salons.

The best part is that the dogs go in to get groomed and come out when they are done. They don't spend any time in cages or crates and they are only there with the groomer-- no other dogs are in there to upset yours.

The convenience is not expensive and the benefits are great. You don't have to take your dogs anywhere or wait for them for hours to pick them up. Most times the dogs are ready in 45 minutes to an hour.

Art and Clip Art

2011-07-01T13:36:00.002-04:00

Everybody loves our logo and many people ask us where we had it done. Alejandro Ronay is the artist behind our awesome logo and he is doing a lot of wonderful work for some very cool companies.

And now we have some awesome news for everyone! He's doing clipart and it's all available for you to use in your newsletters, emails, scrapbooks, and more. He has a huge library of clipart and they are all super cute. Head on over to his blog to see what he's up to.

You can buy his clipart here: http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-698131p1.html

Collar and Leash Wall

2011-06-16T11:38:00.000-04:00

We've been working hard for months to create a very special section of Best Buddies where it will be easy and convenient to shop for the perfect collar and leash. After many design ideas, we came up with rows of bones that showcase each style of collar we offer.

So we are pleased to report that our brand new Collar and Leash section is almost ready. We have one wall up and stocked, we'll be getting the last two walls up this week and the rest of the collars will arrive the first week of July.

We are super excited. Not only do our collars look amazing, it's really nice to be able to see them all like this and be able to make a smart decision about which one will look best on your dogs.

And to top it off, all the leather collars are $24.99. Any color, any size, any style. Leashes too! All leather collars are made from genuine leather right here in America. Top quality stitching and adornments finish off the look. We have faux ostrich (real leather made to look like ostrich), faux croc (also real leather made to look like croc), suade, and more. Come check out all the styles and let us know what you think of our addition.

Download our Sizing Guide to make sure you get the perfect size for your dog.

Guess? (Clue #1) UPDATED

2011-05-26T10:38:00.001-04:00

Clue #1

We're getting ready for a major addition to the store in honor of our 6 months at our new larger location. We're creating a very special area of the store. We can't say much, but it will be ready in about 4 weeks. Here is your first clue. Any guesses?

UPDATE:
Did you guess correctly??
Click here for the answer.

And Bongo is his Name-o

2011-05-24T10:42:00.000-04:00

Very Happy Birthdays!!!

2011-05-23T13:43:00.000-04:00

Joyce sent us these pictures of the cakes she made for her dogs. Don't they look amazing????!

Awesome job, Joyce. I especially love how you color coordinated the bone shaped sprinkles.

Joyce used our Make at Home Dog Cake Kits to bake these awesome cakes.

She used the included bone shaped baking form for one cake and a heart shaped form of her own for the other.

Both look yummy and I'm sure the dogs really enjoyed them.
Thank you so much for sharing, Joyce. Happy Birthday to your dogs and may they always have the love and happiness they've come to know from you.

Dog Awesomeness

2011-05-19T16:09:00.000-04:00

Check out this really cool dog pool! It's part of the Pampered Paws Luxury Dog Boarding Hotel in Newfoundland.

Looks like these dogs get to relax and enjoy themselves while they stay here.

http://www.pamperedpawsgfw.com/

Care for their Teeth!

2011-05-18T11:43:00.000-04:00

Dog's love to fetch, we know that. Fetching is a great way to strengthen the bond between human and dog. It's also a great way to exercise and breathe in fresh air.

But did you know what they fetch makes a huge difference?

Dog teeth, like human teeth, need to be taken care of. Although we think of dogs as being rugged, the abrasive covering on a tennis ball can cause major damage to their teeth. Repeated grabbing, chewing and clamping onto tennis balls will wear away layers of the dog's teeth.

Think of a tennis ball as a brillo pad that rubs up against your dog's teeth.

You should pick a ball suitable to your specific dog's needs. Smaller dogs will benefit from lighter balls with grip holes while larger dogs need stronger materials and a larger size so they don't swallow it. Rubber, plastic and new synthetic materials help dogs grip the ball without causing damage to their teeth. Some balls are even infused with flavor or scents to make them more attractive. Remember, though, that no matter what ball you choose, they are not chew toys-- keep them for when you play with your dog.

Have fun and stay safe.

Florida = Beaches

2011-05-14T11:55:00.000-04:00

You can't leave Florida with just a sunburn! Check out our awesome squeaky shells! They come in different sizes and species of shell. It's a great souvenir and it will look better around your house than most other dog toys.

Adopt-a-Bud Event

2011-05-07T13:32:00.001-04:00

Check out the event going on now.

Beds are here!

2011-05-05T11:31:00.000-04:00

What do you look for in a pet bed? You want something that's super comfortable and soft for the dog, but you also want something that's easy to clean and that lasts.

Our new beds from Bowsers are all that and more. They are super soft and comfy and they wash right in your home clothes washer and dryer. The beds come apart so the pieces can be washed and they come together easily. The best part is that the fabric is microvelvet and microfleece, so the material stays soft and looking like new for many years!

We have had our Bowser beds in our home for 10 years and they are washed weekly. That's over 500 washes and they still look like new. Want to see what a 10 year old Bowser bed looks like? Come to Best Buddies and I bet you can't tell the difference between a brand new one and a 10 year old bed.

And to top off how awesome these beds are, they range between $89 and $200.

The patterns are beautiful and will compliment your own home decor. They even make pillows and throws to match.

Come by and see the beds in person.

Adopt a Bud-- May 7-- Noon to 4pm

2011-05-04T13:14:00.001-04:00

Do you want a dog? Can you handle the responsibility? You will need to feed it, get it to the vet regularly, care for it, walk it, and love it.

If so, the SPCA will be at Best Buddies

this Saturday the 7th
from noon to 4pm

with several dogs that desperately need good homes.

Everyone that comes will get FREE gifts and every dog that gets adopted will get a FREE bag of premium dog food.

Wheelchair for dogs

2011-04-30T12:41:00.000-04:00

Denver Outfits Its Trucks With Pet Oxygen Masks

2011-04-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

The Cookies Are Yummy!

2011-04-08T17:24:00.000-04:00

It's really hard to remember that these are dog treats. But all of our cookies, cakes and treats are made with human grade ingredients and in a human kitchen. So they're for dogs? Yep. But humans can also enjoy them. They have no sugar or chocolate. The best ones to try are the sandwich cookies. You'll never miss the sugar. The peanut butter takes care of the sweetness. Come check out our assortment and take home a take-out container full of a variety of treats. We switch out the kinds of treats we offer, so some of the ones you see pictured may change by the time you come by.

How to: Make a Faux Cake

2011-04-08T15:23:00.001-04:00

Here at the shop, we have tons of yummy treats for dogs. One of the new products we have is a Bake at Home Dog Bone Birthday Cake Kit. It's like the ones you buy at the supermarket for humans, but it's sugar and gluten free-- and in the shape of a dog bone.

So I decided to bake one to experience first hand how they work. Naturally, I wanted to share the results with my customers, but not surprisingly the cake did not last very long (dogs had at it).

So in order to show people what the cake looks like I decided to make a fake cake display. And you can make one too! It's super easy and you can change it up to make a fake human cake or whatever shape you want.

Materials: Ruler, Pen, Project Board, Glue Gun and Glue Sticks, Sharp Craft Knife, White Caulking and Caulking Gun. Work in a well ventilated area.

Step 1: Print the bone shape. You can also do a round shape or any shape you want. For a tiered cake, print out several circles of smaller and smaller sizes.

Step 2: Place the print out on the project board and cut out two identical shapes.

Step 3: Cut out two 2 inch strips of foam core (vary the width for different effects).

Step 4: Cut lines about 1/4 inch apart all the way down the strips of project board. Don't cut all the way through, just cut the top layer and the foam. This makes the strips flexible and able to make the sides of the cake.

Step 5: Glue the long strips onto one of the cake bases. Go all the way around and make sure you bend the strips to fit the contours of the cake.

Step 6: Glue to other half of the base on top to make a complete cake shape.

Step 7: Use the caulking gun to spread the caulk on the cake. I prefer to put all the caulking on the top at once and then use a plastic knife or spatula to spread the caulking like real icing. I used only one tube, but you may need more depending on the size of the cake. Make sure you cover the sides and the top evenly and that you make it look like icing by lightly going over the cake at the end with a clean spatula.

Step 8: Let the cake dry. The caulking smells really bad so make sure you leave it outside in a covered area away from hungry dogs or kids.

Step 9: You can leave the cake white as is or paint it using spray paint or craft paints. I used a light buttercup spray paint to give it a natural look. You can then use paper cutouts to add sprinkles or use real candles to accent. You can also take some leftover caulking, tint it different colors and use a disposable piping bag to decorate the cake further. The creativity is up to you and there is so much you can do.

Step 10: Now make a REAL cake. Enjoy!

Time Warp - Dog Drinking

2011-03-21T20:14:00.000-04:00

Pet trade show!

2011-03-16T19:18:00.001-04:00

Location:International Dr,Orlando,United States

We'll be right back....

2011-03-15T11:58:00.000-04:00

We'll be closed March 16-21 to bring you tons of new products for your dogs (and cats). You can still shop on our website www.BestBuddiesBoutique.com 24 hours a day. We will ship orders when we get back.

We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring you new and exciting products your pets will love.

See you next week!

Grapes of Wrath

2011-03-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

Juicy, delicious, plump grapes.... or are they deadly, vicious, dangerous poison?!

To you and me, they are a lovely snack or a beautiful promise of a bottle of wine, but to dogs, grapes and raisins are toxic! Scientists don't know what about grapes is dangerous to dogs, but studies have shown that dogs who ate grapes developed renal failure and stopped eating.

Please keep grapes and raisins away from dogs. Make sure that food doesn't contain grapes and that they don't ingest grape juice.

Lovely Spring Accessories

2011-03-08T12:39:00.001-05:00

For the fashion conscious girl, one purse is never enough. Stay in style this spring with these cute puppy purses.

Location:Florida 699,St Pete Beach,United States

"Hold my calls..."

2011-02-16T17:47:00.002-05:00

Vinyl Cutter and New Hours

2011-02-12T14:50:00.008-05:00

I love our Vinyl Cutter. It's like the one you see in craft stores, but it connects to my computer so I can cut virtually anything I want! I can design anything in my computer and then have it cut out of adhesive vinyl or paper or whatever thin media I want.

I just made the "Push" sticker and the new hours for the front door. I think they came out really nicely. I used Oracal 651 black and white adhesive vinyl and a brand new 60 degree blade for the cutter.

Our new hours are: Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.

I'm using the cutter to make all kinds of neat things. A few weeks ago I posted about the personalized pet bowls.

These are just a few of the things I can do. Any font, any image, any idea! Send me your suggestions.

Gif

2011-02-11T14:22:00.007-05:00

Click on these animated gifs to see them move.

Save them and use them as you wish.

Rainy Day Project

2011-02-11T14:15:00.000-05:00

http://www.bestbuddiesboutique.com/BestBuddies%20DIY.pdf

Print, Cut and Glue this project to have your very own Best Buddies Dog Boutique and Bakery.

Mini Shop

2011-02-09T14:42:00.000-05:00

Check out my 1:28 scale model of the new home of Best Buddies Dog Boutique and Bakery! It's really small! Come see it for yourself. It will be on display for a few weeks before we send it off to the SPCA Animal Affair Gala on March 5th.

Yummy Gourmet Treats

2011-02-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

Serve yourself at our new Dog Bakery Bar. We offer only the best treats ranging from yummy cookies to decadent truffles and even peanut butter pops. Full up a cute Take Out box with any treats for only $6.50.

Love to Shop

2011-01-28T16:31:00.000-05:00

Tons of new products are arriving weekly! Come see what's new and have a wonderful shopping experience. Kids can use our little shopping cart and grown ups can use our fabulous baskets to shop.

See you soon!

Spring Couture

2011-01-28T16:29:00.000-05:00

Check out these cuter than cute Spring designs. The Jeans and T combo on the dalmatian puppy is $12 for the set. The Lovely Spring Dress on the corgi comes in bright orange and blue for only $4.99. The Rocking Biker Jacket comes in sizes for even enormous dogs and ranges from $29.99 to $39.99. It features multiple zippers, metal button accents, embroidered biker emblem and hip buckles.

These and more are available now at Best Buddies. Bring your dog and have them try on our fabulous clothes.

Share Your Pictures

2011-01-16T09:14:00.000-05:00

Our Customers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are little, some are big. Some are rescues, some are not. But you have to admit that every single one of them is amazing and deserving of tons of love. Send us your pet pictures and we'll put them up on our blog and our in-store bulletin board.

Click on for more pictures.

Dog Origami

2011-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cats. Yeah.

2011-01-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Offered without comment.

Slow their Roll

2011-01-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

If your dog eats too fast, use these great Brake-Fast Bowls. The nubs act like obstacles to slow them down. Eating too fast can be bad for their digestion. We have had great success with these bowls.

Fresh Water Fountains

2011-01-12T10:00:00.005-05:00

Fresh Water is more appealing than standing water. And clean water is healthier than dirty water. The new Water Fountains are perfect for dogs and cats of all sizes. The filter inside keeps the water clean and the fountain keeps the water moving and fresh. They come in two sizes and in Ceramic or Stainless Steel- both of which deter bacteria growth and are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Now in Stock in-store or online.

Carriers have Grown Up

2011-01-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

Take your dog or cat almost anywhere in style with these carrier totes.

Classy and Simple

2011-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Dress up with these elegant Collar covers. Whether it's a date at the Ritz or a charity event, you will be sure to look the part. Coming soon to Best Buddies.

Tough Guys and Gals

2011-01-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Biker Dudes and Dudettes will love these awesome jackets. Wear them when riding on the chopper or with a tasteful collar and leash for a sophisticated, yet rad look.

Spring Wear

2011-01-09T13:19:00.002-05:00

Get Ready for Spring in these fabulous designer outfits. The girls get a splash of flowers in their one piece dress and the boys get spring colors in their tanks and polos. They are so cute, they almost make the temperature rise about 20 degrees! Coming soon to Best Buddies.

Hit the jump for more

Comfiest Beds Ever

2011-01-08T11:18:00.002-05:00

The Eco Drop is the fluffiest, softest, most comfortable bed we have ever had. The large is huge and the small is big enough for a 40 lb dog! Made in Montana in a green facility. Made of recycled soda bottles and very easy to clean. Just unzip the soft plush cover and throw in the washing machine.

Your dog will sleep like a puppy!

Come try it for yourself. You dog won't want to leave without one.

Click for more pictures and a diagram of how these awesome beds are made using green ingredients.

Cats rock, too

2011-01-07T17:18:00.001-05:00

We now carry toys, food, and beds for cats!

Try our all organic catnip- it's the best!

The Dog House Gets Classy!

2011-01-05T16:50:00.003-05:00

Just in: The Ooboo Dog House. This awesome house features a Memory Foam bed, folding design and an attic storage space for all those toys.

Gourmet Dog Bakery

2010-12-30T17:39:00.001-05:00

Check out the fresh new cookies and bon bons available now at our bakery.

As always, No sugar and no chocolate.

The icing is made of yogurt and we substitute carob for chocolate.

Remember: it's for the dogs... so no cheating!

King of the Living Room

2010-12-29T12:12:00.003-05:00

It's their couch and you know it! When they are on it nobody else can be there unless you snuggle with them. So if you want your space back, you better upgrade them to a classy couch of their own. We can't guarantee they won't still want to snuggle on your couch, but at least they will have a place of their own during family movie night.

More styles are coming and they range between $69.99 to $179.99.

(Pictured from L to R: Mini Chaise $99.95, Fancy Sofa in Chocolate $149.95, Homey Sofa with Throw Pillows $149.95)

Welcome Home!

2010-12-26T16:36:00.000-05:00

To all new dogs: Welcome Home. May you always get the love, attention and care you deserve. May you always bring a smile on people's face and may your life be filled with happy moments.

To all new dog owners: May your new addition bring you the love and companionship you deserve. May you always remember that dogs are people too and they deserve care and attention. Dogs are a big responsability and you must always feed them the right food on time and walk them on schedule. Remember to keep them clean and safe. Keep them away from chocolate, grapes, raisins, sugar, coffee, alcohol, and medications. Teach them to sit, stay, and high five. Keep both their body and mind active.

Stop by to Best Buddies to get your free bag of premium dog food for newly adopted dogs of any age and breed. Remember to bring your dog's adoption papers and a photo ID.

Tough Dog Toys Zogoflex

2010-12-25T16:07:00.001-05:00

We proudly sell Zogoflex toys! They are recyclable, tough, and fun! All Zogoflex toys have a guarantee. If it breaks, bring it back for a free replacement.

Toy Dog Makes Doody Fun?

2010-12-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

Picture Cloud

2010-12-22T23:16:00.001-05:00

Roy Tanck's Flickr Widget requires Flash Player 9 or better.

Get this widget at roytanck.com

It's Cold Outside!

2010-12-18T17:48:00.001-05:00

New Sweaters are now in! The most popular styles are back and some brand new designs are also in stock. The Beige Cable Sweater with buttons is waaaay too cute!

We're getting awesome jackets soon too. Come by and try some on your dogs.

Affordable Stocking Stuffers!

2010-12-15T13:39:00.000-05:00

Stylish Tags and Collars from Red Dingo are a great way to show someone you care year round!

Tags come in 60 styles, 3 sizes and many colors. Customized and delivered right to your door, or pick them up at Best Buddies.

LOL. They Talk!

2010-12-12T12:45:00.000-05:00

FREE-- No Asterisk!

2010-12-11T11:27:00.004-05:00

Introducing Treat Tokens. Each coin is eligible for a FREE treat. No purchase required. How do you get a Treat Token? We hide them! Ask your local businesses if they have Treat Tokens. We give stacks of them to businesses and professionals all over the city to give their clients as gifts.

Do you have clients that would like to receive gifts from you? Just email us and we'll send you a stack of Treat Tokens to give your VIPs. Each token is coded with an individual number so we can keep track of how many people redeem their tokens. At the end of each month, you will receive an email outlining how many tokens you handed out were redeemed. For each token that gets redeemed you get 1 point. Points are good for discounts on merchandise from our store.

You give a gift to your loyal customers and get points- WIN!
They get a free gift-- WIN!
We get more traffic-- WIN!

Everybody's happy! SUPER WIN!

Did we mention they are free? They're FREE.

Check in!

2010-12-10T11:36:00.003-05:00

Check in with Facebook Places, Foursquare, Gowalla, Google Places or Yelp.

Hot Salsa Dog

2010-12-08T16:37:00.000-05:00

Asia, The Amazing Surfing Dog!

2010-12-06T13:36:00.000-05:00

Check this dog out! Her name is Asia and she surfs! She's surfing with her mom in the picture, but she goes all by herself. We're happy to have Asia as a new friend and customer. She also works at the local hospitals as a therapy dog, helping patients get better. What an amazing pug!

Catch her on the waves in St. Pete Beach.

Raffle Winners!

2010-12-05T14:18:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all who entered the raffle! We all had a great time at the Grand Opening Celebration and I hope you and your dogs did too.

The winners were chosen at random. First the raffle cards were shuffled thoroughly. Then they were numbered. Using Random.org, a number was chosen, first for the 2 Night/3 Day stay at the TradeWinds Island Grand, then for the Original Pet-a-Potty, and last for the Leather Dog House Ottoman.

The winners have been notified by email. If they do not respond by Friday, we will call them. If the winners are not found or decide they do not want the prize, a new number will be selected on Random.org.

Congratulations to all the winners! We hope you enjoy your prizes!

Grand Opening Recap (Part 2)

2010-12-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

Lennox with his new awesome collar!

Wave to the St. Bernard!

We gave away tons of colorful bandannas.

Fantastic balloons weathered the cold.

Grand Opening Recap (Part 1)

2010-12-05T12:58:00.001-05:00

Welcome wagon!

My Brother Alex surprised me with a cake!

Kuma, another one of our Downtown customer returning to see us!

Generous offering from our neighbors at Agave Mexican Grill.

Wave to our Mascot!

2010-12-04T11:25:00.000-05:00

Wave to our Dog Mascot on Gulf Blvd! Part of our Grand Opening Celebration!

Today until 4pm.

(6498 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL)

Win!

2010-12-03T13:54:00.000-05:00

Win Big at our Grand Opening Celebration!

We're giving away some amazing gifts to give or to keep.

Resort Package: 3 Day/2 Night stay at the TradeWinds Island Grand.
The Original Pet-a-Potty Grass box
Black Leather Dog House Ottoman

To enter, come to our Grand Opening on Saturday, Dec 4, 2010 and fill out an entry form with your correct email address, phone number, and other information. We will select all three winners at random and contact them by email. Entries do not require any purchase and all entries must be received by 8pm on December 4, 2010. Winners will be contacted on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 and may pick up their prize at their leisure. One entry per person only.

Pop with Style

2010-11-30T23:13:00.000-05:00

Paul Frank is all the rage with the new kids. Julius the Monkey is on everything from Laptop skins and cases to cell phone cases to car decals..... Now he's on our amazing retractable leashes too! The Paul Frank retractable leashes come in several styles, including some that are not pictured here. They come in two sizes and make awesome gifts for the style conscious dog.

Click the link below to see some of the other styles of retractable leashes we carry. More styles are available at the store.

For the Kids!

2010-11-28T11:00:00.004-05:00

Don't forget the kids this Holiday season. With any of our amazingly huggy and soft plush dogs, you get a cute house for only $3. You can also add 2 accessories and get 10% off the entire order.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T13:21:00.001-05:00

Delicious Thanksgiving Gourmet Dog Treats

I am thankful each and every day that I have such wonderful dogs that love me and take care of me. I am trully blessed to have them in my life. From the Best Buddies family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving and may you all be blessed every day with love and good health.

Remember your dogs

2010-11-22T13:36:00.001-05:00

Print and fill out this card so you have all your dog's info with you when you go shopping. Collar sizes and body girth are important so you get the right size items. If you are planning on giving a friend dog items, have them fill one out too and exchange so you are all happy when unwrapping presents.

Who's a "pup"?

2010-11-21T13:30:00.005-05:00

That's a pup. Isn't it cute?

Also pups: Baby Seals, Baby Rats, Baby Sharks.

I'm a pup!

I am also a pup.

Who you calling a pup!?

What else is a pup?

Dinner Time!

2010-11-20T13:25:00.000-05:00

Good Food fuels a happy dog. We carry only the best brands and healthiest formulas.

Pure Vita
Natural Planet Organics
Solid Gold
Old Mother Hubbard
Nutri Source
Earthborn Holistic
Dogswell

If you need food from other brands, we can special order it for you at no additional cost.

PRICE MATCH: If you see the food we carry someplace else at a lower price, bring proof of their price and we'll match it PLUS 10% off!

CURB SIDE DELIVERY: if you call ahead and place an order, we can deliver it to your car when you pull up on the side.

AMAZING DEALS: We often feature lower prices, Buy one-Get one, Coupons and more!

2010-11-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

Swimming starts and ends with the look. Life Jackets and goggles are in stock!

Edible cards

2010-11-19T15:34:00.000-05:00

"I Bite Ugly People," "I'm not fat, I'm fluffy!" Just some of the amazing edible cards for dogs we carry. They come with envelope included so you can send them to your best bud no matter where you are.

Custom Toys

2010-11-19T13:58:00.000-05:00

We have tons of great products at our store, but if you need something extra special, we can help! Our custom photo book and photo book plush make great gifts. We take your own pictures and make a custom book set. Photo quality book for mom or dad and a squeaky plush version for the dog. (We can do it with or without the squeaker.)

Each set is $24.95 and they usually take about 7 business days to create.

Super Tough and Super Fun

2010-11-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

Our line of Zogoflex toys is amazing. The Zogoflex material is made to withstand the toughest chewers. Toys come in 5 different shapes and in many colors and sizes. The most popular is the Hurley. The Zisc is great too!

The great thing about these toys is that if your dog does happen to break it, you can get a free one time replacement at any store that sells them or by sending it back to the manufacturer. The broken toy is washed and melted into a new toy so no materials are wasted.

The toys all float and are dishwasher safe.

Welcome to the store!

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Come see us at 6498 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Dogs are welcome inside!

Get Them Started on the Right Paw

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We want to make sure your new puppy starts off with the best food you can get. We also know that there are way too many neglected dogs in shelters and that shelters cannot afford to keep so many dogs.

When you adopt a dog (puppy or full grown), bring us the adoption papers within a month of adoption and a valid photo ID and we will give you a free bag of premium dog food. Our hope is that your dog will love the food and get good nutrition in the most important years of his or her life. Good food and lots of love will result in a happy dog that will be loyal to you for many many years.

(Please understand that we do this at a loss to us, so we limit one free bag per dog.)

Best Buddies Bins

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Displaying plush toys is difficult. Some won't stand on their own. Most don't have hooks or loops to hang them up. So bins are the best way to show them off. These bins showcase the adorable and uber soft Plush Monsters that we have for $5 each. We order hundreds at a time and we always sell out very quickly. You have to feel them to understand why they are so popular. They are sooooooo soft!

We are now open at 6498 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL. We are also taking online orders at www.BestBuddiesBoutique.com. The holidays are upon us and these Plush Monsters are among the best gifts to give dogs and dog friends.

Dog Christmas Decorations- Update

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Update on the post from here.

Whatddaya think? The bones are almost ready to go up on the white Christmas tree. So exciting!!

Decorate your tree

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Back by popular demand: The Minty Treat Ornament. This year we are tying a red bow onto clear plastic ornament filled with scrumptious mint bone treats. So while Santa is enjoying what's left of his cookies, your dogs will enjoy their snacks as well. Available November 20 for $3.99 each. Also available by the dozen for 15% off. While supplies last. They move fast so get yours while we still have them.

You can also call in your order at 727-386-8364.