Camp Bow Wow Carmel

Mardi Dawg!

2011-03-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate Fat Tuesday with your camper!

Show us your beads! All campers arriving with a guardian wearing Mardi Gras beads must only pay $22 for a full day of camp...

AND stop in between 7am and 10am to select a random piece of "King Cake" for your camper! The camper who selects to lucky treat is King for the day, and gets his/her full day of camp free on Mardi Gras!!!

Obesity in Pets

2010-11-08T09:58:00.001-08:00

Just like people, pets become "a little too healthy." Obese pets can have serious health problems including arthritis, heat and respiratory problems, and shorter life spans. Your pet is overweight if you cannot feel his ribs or backbone when you lightly run your hands over him. Although it is hard to ignore the pleading eyes of your adoring pet, it is best to turn away and not give in to his pleas for more food.

In order to avoid over feeding it is best to use the feeding guides only as a recommendation. Pet food packages will often recommend how much to feed your pet. However it really depends on your pet's age, activity level, and size. It is always best to use your own judgment.

Try not to use the "free-feed" method. In other words, resist leaving food out for your pet all day long. This can be a big contributor to overeating.

It is also important to provide your pet with plenty of exercise. Take him our for an extra little walk or play with her in the house for a little bit each day. Every little bit helps.

Make sure you check severe weight loss or gain with your vet. If you think you are feeding your pet adequately but he loses weight, or your pet suddenly starts gaining weight, it is best to consult your vet.

Older and overweight pets may need to be switched to special diets. There are lots of high-quality pet food formulated especially for senior pets, as well as plenty of low-calorie diets. You may want to consult with your vet for recommendations.

Most importantly with the holidays approaching, resist the urge to feed your pet table scraps.

National Dog Day

2010-08-26T09:08:00.001-07:00

August 26th is National Dog Day. We wanted to wish you all a Happy National Dog Day and to tell you how this day came about!

National Dog Day always falls on August 26th.

National Dog Day has two goals: to honor dogs, and to rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse. It's an opportunity for us to recognize and appreciate the value and importance of dogs in our lives.

This day is intended to honor dogs for all that they do for us. In addition to giving love and companionship, dogs help us out in countless ways. They are watchdogs for our safety. They lead the blind. Dogs aid in search and rescue, and they seek out bombs and drugs.

The second goal of National Dog Day is to rescue dogs in need. On occasion, dogs need us to save them from homelesness and abuse. The goal of the National Dog Day foundation is to rescue 10,000 dogs a year. Lend a hand to help a dog in need today, or any day.

National Dog Day was created by the National Dog Day Foundation. Their motto is "Saving 10,000 Dogs - One Day at a Time".

National Dog Day was founded in 2004.

National Dog Day is against any kind of "breed ban". Dogs should not have to lose their lives because of the atrocities they have been forced to endure at the hands of man. And while we feel that American's have the constitutional right to purchase a pure breed dog, we strongly discourage buying from pet stores, backyard breeders, the internet, newspaper ads and puppy mills, and rather encourage those seeking new canine companions, to verify that they are buying from a reputable breeder, educate themselves about their dog's breed and better yet - visit their local shelter or pure breed rescue group for a new furry family member that will be forever grateful.

http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/nationaldogday.htm

http://www.nationaldogday.com/about.htm

Recent Pet Food Recall

2010-08-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Make sure you discard any of the pet food that was recalled. They have linked the food to salmonella outbreaks in people, especially children. Here is a short clip. Make sure you and your family wash their hands after being around dogs!

Dog Food Linked to Illness in Small Children.

Help us Fight Hunger!

2010-08-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Camp Bow Wow is teaming up with Alpha Graphics to Fight Hunger! Help us stock the shelves at Gleaner's Food Bank of Indiana. Please stop by camp today and drop off some non-perishable items. As a thank you for your donation you will receive a coupon for a free Paradise Cafe cookie!

Recall on Pet Food

2010-08-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION:

The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.

The following dry pet food products are included:

Product Name	Version	“Best-By” Dates	UPC Codes
Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas	All dry sizes and varieties	01Jul10 – 01Dec11	All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Naturally Wild	All dry sizes and varieties	01Jul10 – 01Dec11	All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Pure	All dry sizes and varieties	01Jul10 – 01Dec11	All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin	All dry sizes	01Jul10 – 01Dec11	All UPC Codes

The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement.

These products are made in a single, specialized facility. In cooperation with FDA, P&G determined that some products made at this facility have the potential for salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling all products made at this facility.

Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them.

For further information or a product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823

(Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).

This recall does not affect the Iams Lamb & Rice we provide here at Camp Bow Wow.

Hand Drawn Pet Portraits

2010-07-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

Camp counselor Haylee has volunteered to draw affordable pet portraits with the proceeds going to the Hamilton County Humane Society and Bow Wow Buddies. Please contact Haylee for more information at heheisel@umail.iu.edu

Help us win the best Boarding in Indy!

2010-07-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Click here to vote!

Pets in Hot Cars

2010-07-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Check out this article for tips about what to do if your dog gets overheated. Also learn about keeping your dog safe from the heat.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pets-in-hot-cars.pdf

National Pet Fire Safety Day

2010-07-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

July 15th was National Pet Fire Safety Day. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, 1,000 of the 500,000 house fires each year are caused by pets. Simple preventative measures can make the difference between life and death for you and your pup.

Prevent your pets from starting fires:
Extinguish open flames! Pets are curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Do not leave your pets unattended around an open flame. Also make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flames before leaving your home.

Remove stove knobs or protect them with covers. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.

Invest in flame-less candles. These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails overturn lit candles.

Beware of water bowls on wooden decks. Do not leave glass water bowls for your pet outside on a wooden deck. The sun's rays, when filtered through the glass and water, can actually heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it. Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls.

Keep your pets safe:
Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

Secure young pets in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas. Keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.

Consider using monitored smoke detectors. They are connected to a monitoring center so emergency responders can be contacted when you are not at home. These systems provide an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.

Affix a pet alert window cling. Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This is critical information that saves rescuers time when locating your pets.

Clicker Training

2010-07-19T07:26:00.001-07:00

Clicker training is a popular method used to train dogs and other animals including cats, horses, and dolphins. A clicker is a small handheld device that produces an audible “click” when activated. The basics of clicker training are relatively simple: “get” the wanted behavior, use the clicker to “mark” the wanted behavior, and then “reinforce” the wanted behavior with a reward. Unwanted behaviors can also be reduced with this type of training through a lack of reinforcement. Getting your dog to do what you want him to do with clicker training may be relatively simple. However, understanding why your dog responds the way he does just might require you to dig out your Psychology 101 text book.

Clicker training is based on the concept of Operant Conditioning. The dog learns from his environment by associating a behavior with a consequence. Consequences that increase the desired behavior are termed reinforcers and consequences that reduce the behavior are called punishers. Consequences must be immediately linked to the behavior with a click and rewarded with a treat or praise. With clicker training, you actually teach the dog exactly what he must do to earn his reward by marking the behavior.

Classical Conditioning associates a neutral stimulus with an antecedent condition until the stimulus elicits a certain response – think Pavlov’s dog. Pavlov measured the salivary response of dogs when presented with food. He then began to ring a bell prior to the presentation of the food. Eventually, ringing the bell elicited the salivary response in the dog even in the absence of food. Classical conditioning results in a habitual behavior whereas operant conditioning results in a purposeful behavior.

For more information on clicker training, consult the book “Clicker Training for Dogs” by Karen Pryor or research various dog training methods at www.apdt.com , the website of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

10 Reasons to Adopt a Rescue Pet

2010-07-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to adopt a furry friend you might want to consider adopting from a pet rescue group. Here are 10 reason why:

1. To save a life. Foster homes are only temporary. Fosters parents want to be able to give these furry friends a forever home instead of a pet shelter.

2. To spend money wisely. You get the animal you want and that is worth the cost!

3. A companion. You will be getting a companion that needs your love and will give you love right back.

4. Meet others who share your interest. You will find others who are just as enthusiastic about adopting as you are! They will also be helpful to answer any questions you may have.

5. What you see is what you get! You will get the animal you are wishing for and that is wishing to be picked by you!

6. You'll be screened. Hopefully you won't mind answering a lot of questions, because you will be thoroughly screened to make sure you're the right new parent and forever home. This way they are sure your new furry friend is safe and loved!

7. Spayed or neutered or ready to breed. If you want an animal with no surprises of offspring there are plenty of options! However, if you want to have your furry friend pass on the genes, you can also have that option.

8. Generosity. When you generously give a home to a homeless animal, you create a positive place for the animal.

9. Most animals are up to date on the necessary shots and will be healthy. The rescue group will have made sure that your new furry friend is in good shape. They can also answer any health related questions and personality traits about your new pet.

10. Become a rescuer yourself! By undergoing the process of becoming a foster parents, you may wish to become involved in animal rescue yourself.

Carmel Fest Festival 2010

2010-07-15T08:34:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at Carmel Fest again this year. Thank you to everyone that came out and saw us!

Oh boy, here comes baby

2010-07-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

Bringing a new baby into the home can upset the normal pack order for your dog. By planning ahead, you can make the transition as stress free as possible for your “Good boy” and the rest of the family.

Review all basic obedience commands

Your dog should know to “leave it” and respond consistently to a “down stay” command to ensure your baby’s safety. If necessary, repeat an obedience class prior to your delivery. Also, make sure your dog is up-to-date on all his vaccinations and his nails are trimmed.

Familiarize your dog with baby’s scents and sounds

Desensitize your dog to the baby before it arrives by playing a tape of a baby crying, and gradually playing it louder and longer. Present your dog with the smells of baby lotion, powders, and yes, even a dirty diaper smell. Introduce your dog to the baby’s room and train your dog to the areas that are off limits to him, such as the baby’s crib and changing table. After a general introduction to baby’s room, you may want to use a baby gate to restrict entry except when the dog is directly supervised in the room. Begin walking your dog beside a stroller and having the dog sit next to you quietly as you hold a doll in your arms.

Plan a positive introduction

Your dog has probably missed mom while she has been at the hospital. Have another family member hold the baby while mom enters the house and greets the dog in the typical manner. Once the dog settles down, let mom hold the baby while allowing the dog to approach in a controlled manner, such as being leashed. Reward the dog with treats for a calm, controlled behavior. Your dog is going to be less stressed if you can maintain his routine as much as possible. Consider having a neighbor walk your dog on schedule if you are not able to, especially during the first few days baby is home.

Pick up you toys

Realize that your dog will likely resource guard his toys and food. Crawling babies should be kept away from the dog’s toys and food to prevent bites to the baby’s face and arms. The dog should also respond to “leave it” in the presence of the baby’s toys.

Supervise the baby and dog at all times

Never, ever leave a baby unsupervised in the presence of your dog. No matter how loving your dog is, accidents can happen very quickly and unexpectedly. If you are going out and leaving the baby with a sitter, don’t put an undue responsibility on the sitter to watch the baby and the dog. Instead, crate the dog while you are gone.

Proper planning is key to establishing a positive bond between your dog and the new baby. Consult a professional dog trainer if you have any concerns about how your dog is adapting to his new environment.

Top Ten Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors With Your Dog This Summer!

2010-07-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

1. Have a barbecue with treats for Fido, too.

2. Go hiking on dog-friendly trails at a state or national park.

3. Eat al fresco at a dog-friendly cafe.

4. Go camping and sleep under the stars together.

5. Set up a picnic play date for your pooch and her favorite four-footed pals.

6. Let Fido have some fun by tossing a Frisbee back and forth.

7. Have a photo shoot of your pet frolicking in the wonderful outdoors.

8. Spend the afternoon at a dog-friendly beach.

9. Have some ice cream and get Fido his own doggie ice cream or frozen treat.

10. Spend some downtime hanging out in a hammock together.

Remember to keep yourself and your pets hydrate while you play outside in the summer heat!

Carmel Fest Festival 2010

2010-06-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

Camp Bow Wow will be at Carmel Fest on Sunday July 4th from 12-10 pm and Monday July 5th from 12-10:30 pm. There will be a parade on Monday from 10:30am-12pm and fireworks that night at 9:45 pm. The festival includes a multitude of vendors, arts and crafts booths, delectable festival foods, civic organization booths, an interactive KidZone (with a petting zoo, pony rides, games, and a family entertainment stage), a Civil War reenactment campground, the eclectic Americana North Zone (with zany entertainers, classic cars, Frisbee-catching dogs, a performance stage, displays and rides), CarmelFest Has Talent vocal competition, and a fabulous line-up of musical entertainment on the Gazebo Main Stage.

Carmel Fest takes place at Carmel Civic Square. The address for Carmel Civic Square is:
1 Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
We hope to see you all there!

Summer Time Heat Stroke

2010-06-25T12:50:00.001-07:00

Summer is a dangerous time for dogs living in hot climates. Many dog owners think their dog will be fine if left in the car for a short amount of time as long a the windows are cracked. Please be aware that leaving a dog in a hot car is very dangerous and could result in health problems for your dog and legal problems for you.

Heatstroke is an increase in body temperature above normal levels. It can cause irreversible health issues including brain damage and organ failure.

Signs of heatstroke:
Anxiety
Panting
Drooling

Dogs with thicker coats and shorter faces are at a higher risk of heat stroke than other breeds.

If you leave your dog in the car on a hot day, animal control has the authority to issue a ticket for neglect.

So please be careful and try to bring your dog with you when you shop as often as possible.

Check out this video of some of the dogs at camp cooling down in the pool today!

The Ten Commandments for Dog Owners

2010-06-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

This is a great article that we stumbled across and something every dog owner should read!

1) My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any extended separation from you will be very painful.

2) Give me time to understand what you want from me. Do not break my spirit with your temper, though I will always forgive you. Your patience and understanding will teach me more quickly those things you want me to learn.

3) Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. After all, you have your job, your friends, your entertainment. I only have you.

4) Speak to me often. Even if I don't understand all your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest sound I will ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiastic excitement when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.

5) Please take me inside when it's cold and wet. I'm a domestic animal and no longer am accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting me

6) Keep my bowl filled with clean water; I cannot tell you when I'm thirsty. Feed me good food so that I may stay well to romp and play, do your bidding, to stand ready by your side, willing to share with you my life, for that is what I live for. However you treat me, I'll never forget it.

7) Don't hit me. Remember, I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8) Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.

9) Take care of me when I get old. You will grow old, too.

10) When I am very old, when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. Be with me on that difficult journey when it is time to say "goodbye". Never say, "I can't bear to watch." Everything is easier for me when you are there.. I will leave this earth knowing with my least breath that my fate was always safest in your hands. Remember- I love you.

Pictures from Camp!

2010-06-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Check out some pictures from camp today!

CarmelFest 2010

2010-06-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Choosing a Boarding Facility that is Right for you!

2010-06-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

You’ve got your bags packed and ready to head out to Florida for a week in the sun. You’ve got your suntan lotion, a new bathing suit that actually fits you, a new SLR camera……..and oh,……who are you going to trust with caring for Fido while you are gone?

Finding the right place to board your dog can take a little homework on your part to ensure that Fido’s vacation is as fun as yours.

All reputable dog boarding facilities will require that your dog’s vaccinations are updated so have a copy available for their records.

Required vaccinations include distemper and rabies. Most facilities also require bordetella, to prevent canine cough, if your dog will be interacting with other dogs. This vaccination is typically given via an injection initially and then an intranasal booster is given every 6 months.

Traditional boarding facilities offer a safe environment for your dog. However, your dog will spend most of his day in a cage and have little to no interaction with other boarders. Caring staff will feed, water and let your dog out to do his business, but they may charge extra for walks, one-on-one playtime, or administering medications. These costs can add significantly to the base rate of the boarding stay. These boarding facilities are ideal for older dogs, dogs that don’t require much activity and younger pups that are not yet spayed or neutered.

Open play environments are ideal for more active, social dogs. Dogs often have to pass an ‘interview’ process to make sure they play well with other dogs. Questions to ask of staff include:

1) Are the play yards indoor /outdoor or just indoor?

2) Do all dogs play together or are they divided by size and temperament?

3) What is the required staff to dog ratio?

4) How does the staff manage the dogs’ behaviors in an open play environment?

Often just calling out the dog’s name or administering a compassionate squirt of water can redirect a dog who is getting too rambunctious or grumpy with his dog buddies. Open play environments are a great social experience for your dog and your dog is likely to have as much fun on his vacation as you are having on yours. And just to make sure, some facilities have webcams so you can watch your dog play while you are away!

Because doggie daycare and boarding is a service-based industry, the facility should be able to accommodate your dog’s needs within reason. This may include feeding your dog his particular diet two or three times per day, providing extra naps as needed or administering medications. Also, ask about staff training. The staff should have basic training in dog behavior and first aid and all staff should be aware of emergency procedures in case a dog becomes ill or is injured.

Safety features to look for include fire alarms, smoke alarms, ambient temperature controls and emergency evacuation procedures. Check to see what environmental barriers are present to keep your dog safe if he were to escape from his kennel or play yard. Cleanliness is also important to ensure your dog is not exposed to bacteria, viruses, or other bugs that may cause illness. Floors and all contact surfaces should be swept and mopped frequently with chemicals that are dog-safe yet provide optimal cleaning and prevent unwanted smells.

And finally, take your dog in to tour the facility and perhaps let him spend a day before you leave him for an extended stay. This will help Fido get used to the new environment and ease your mind that he’ll have a great time on his vacation too!

Keep Summer Fun!

2010-06-15T09:47:00.001-07:00

Dehydration
With summer in our mist, you and your dog will be taking advantage of the great weather to walk the Monon, play frisbee in the back yard, or romp with canine friends. However, hot temperatures and exercise can lead to dehydration in your pet with fluid losses of as little as 4 – 5 %. Dehydration also leads to the loss of important electrolytes including potassium, chloride and sodium which are important for muscle contractions and nerve impulse transmission.

Humans have 2.6 million sweat glands to cool our body as sweat evaporates off the skin. In contrast, our canine friends only have sweat glands on their nose and foot pads. Therefore, a dog’s primary means of heat dissipation is from panting; rapid, shallow respirations with open-mouthed breathing. Panting allows for evaporative cooling via increased air flow over moist surfaces in the upper respiratory tract. If excessive fluids are lost from panting and the movement of fluids from the cells to the body, dehydration may result.

Signs of dehydration include:
 Lethargy
 Tremors
 Increased body temperature
 Sunken, dry eyes
 Loss of appetite
 Elevated heart rate
 Dry mouth tissues
 Prolonged capillary refill

Tests you can perform on your dog to check for dehydration include:
 Skin elasticity: Pinch the skin on your dog’s back between your thumb and index finger. Once released, the skin should quickly pop back into place. Under conditions of dehydration, the skin will lose its elasticity. Thinner and older dogs’ skin will be less elastic than younger and fatter dogs. Therefore, it is important for you to know what is normal for your dog.
 Prolonged Capillary Refill: Push your finger firmly on your dog’s gums until the gums turn white. Remove your finger and count how long it takes the gums to return to their normal pink color. In a normal dog, the capillaries should immediately refill. Under conditions of dehydration, the time to refill with blood will be prolonged to 2-3 seconds. Again, you should test your dog under “normal” conditions in order to establish a baseline to compare to.

As a general rule of thumb, dogs need approximately once ounce of water per pound of body weight per day but this amount can be significantly increased with environmental factors, stress, or with certain health conditions. Working dogs and performance dogs should be hydrated prior to competition as exercise can increase water loss 10 -20 times over the resting rate. Elderly dogs with compromised kidneys or dogs on medications that are metabolized by the kidneys especially need to maintain adequate hydration. Always keep fresh water available for your dog at home and carry a portable source of water for him when traveling.

If your dog is dehydrated, introduce water to him slowly. Gulping water can lead to vomiting and further dehydration. Don’t give you dog dry food. Keep him in a cool place while you slowly re-hydrate him with water. Don’t use cold packs to cool him down was this can constrict blood flow. Contact your veterinarian as medical care may be needed to introduce IV fluids in cases of severe dehydration to prevent heat stroke.

American Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR Training

2010-06-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

Camp Bow Wow Carmel is sponsoring an American Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR community training session and we want you to be a part of it! The training is going to take place on Wednesday, June 16th from 6:30 - 9:00 pm. All of our counselors are certified to take great care of your dog. We want you to get certified so your dogs are safe at home as well! The training session will be taking place at 14300 Clay Terrace Blvd, Suite 204, Carmel, IN 46032. Please call Lisa Beals @ 317-408-1870 or email us at carmel@campbowwow.com for more information.

For only $40.00 you could learn how to save your pet's life!

Carmel Fest

2009-07-03T20:03:00.001-07:00

Camp Bow Wow Carmel enjoyed talking to dog lovers at Carmel Fest. Justin Alexander mans the booth

Carmel Fest

2009-06-30T20:12:00.001-07:00

Camp Bow Wow will be at Carmel Fest on Friday and Saturday. See you there!

Foster Dogs Edna and Jake need loving homes

2009-06-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Max Carpenter

2009-06-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of Max Carpenter!

Camp Bow Wow Carmel marches in the ZIonsville Pet Parade

2009-06-22T16:48:00.001-07:00

Camp Counselor Justin

2009-03-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

Camp Counselor Justin studies statistics (yuk!) while his cousin Misty looks on. You can tell she had a limited attention span when it came to numbers.

Midwest Veterinary Conference

2009-02-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

Camp Bow Wow Carmel is attending the Ohio Midwest Veterinary Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Look up for updates on the conference topics in the days to come.

Still Looking for Homes....

2009-02-15T18:03:00.000-08:00

Although several dogs were adopted, there are more still looking for homes. Please check out the rescue group websites: Lucky Labs, Hamilton County Humane Society, Beagle Buddies, Northern Lights Sled Dogs, Love of Labs and Companion Animal Hospital (for chiquaqua puppies).

Another Love Connection.....

2009-02-15T18:01:00.001-08:00

Doesn't this look like a very happy family!!

Cupids and Canines

2009-02-15T17:57:00.001-08:00

The Cupids and Canines event was a success with several dogs finding homes. This little dog will be going home with new parents very soon!

2009-02-08T11:19:00.001-08:00

Calvin and Sugar enjoy a day of play and the spring-like weather

Jillian is waiting for you

2009-02-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

Jillian is patiently waiting at the door at Camp Bow Wow for you to come take her home to love. She is a beautiful lab who loves to have her belly rubbed. Don't make her wait too long for you..

Danni needs a home

2009-02-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

Danni is a fine boy looking for a home. He is a Lab / Vizsla mix and he's great with people and other dogs. Come see him at Camp Bow Wow Carmel.

February is Pet Dental Health Month

2009-01-30T19:37:00.000-08:00

Smooch! Aw, I've been kissed by a dog! I have dog germs!!!

Lucy may have a point about Snoopy's kisses. Does your dog have bad breath?? It may be more than a turn off; it may actually be a health concern. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and even bacteria that can lead to kidney, liver and heart disease in your dog. The American Veterinary Dental Society notes that 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by the age of three.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month and here are a few things to consider before you smooch your pooch:

1. See your vet for annual dental check ups to assess for bad breath, tartar build-up, swollen or bleeding gums or bad teeth.

2. Brush your dogs teeth at least weekly. Get your dog used to brushing by first massaging the gums with great poultry-flavored dog toothpaste and gradually introduce brushing.

3. Nutritional supplements and special dog treats, rawhide and dental bones may help in maintaining good oral health.

4. Professional cleanings may periodically be necessary.

Who knows....after a good oral cleaning, Lucy may find Snoopy's kisses fresh and irresistable!

Snow Days

2009-01-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

Camp Bow Wow buddies TOKA and Misty enjoy a snow day

Charcoal is Adopted!

2009-01-26T19:34:00.001-08:00

Charcoal and her new sister. Good luck Charcoal. I know your new family loves you and will take very good care of you!

2009-01-26T19:27:00.000-08:00

Brady says goodbye to his friend Hilton before he leaves.

Lisa was giving me a hard time when she was picking up Brady, so I added her picture to the blog. Ha!

A Taste of Carmel

2009-01-22T18:14:00.000-08:00

Camp Bow Wow had a fun evening at "A Taste of Carmel" at the Ritz Charles. Several of our current clients came over to thank us for taking good care of their dogs -- that is always great to hear! We also met alot of passionate dog lovers who seemed interested in our services.

We were "big" winners in the raffle - Herman won a watch, Michele won a facial and Lisa won a ride on a Carmel snowplow (or street sweeper) -- no kidding. Wonder if she can take a dog on the snow plow with her? That would make a great TV spot.......

CAMP BOW WOW CARMEL CELEBRATES OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

2009-01-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

It's been alot of hard work, long days, and LOTS of cuddly, tail wagging dogs -- but here we are celebrating our one year anniversary. Thanks to our clients, employees, vet referrals and rescue groups that have made it a successful year. Since January 2008, twelve foster dogs have found their forever homes and hundreds more dogs have trotted in through our doors for a doggone good day of play with their fellow Camp Bow Wow campers. Thank you and we are looking forward to a great year in 2009.

Photos

1. Sammie, one of our first foster dogs that found his forever home

2. Camp Bow Wow Carmel - where a dog can be a dog!

3. Owner Steve Alexander crashes for a nap during Spring Break - one of our first busy holidays!

Check out those Mittens!

2009-01-11T18:26:00.003-08:00

Is Zeeba really wearing white mittens this cold winter night??

Sunday Play Date

2009-01-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

Zeeba,, Koda, Maxx and Peter Puddins had a fine time playing together tonight.

Belle

2009-01-05T16:27:00.000-08:00

Belle has been coming to Camp Bow Wow since she was a frisky little puppy. Look at her now! She is a beautiful teenage girl!

2009-01-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

2008-12-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

Frankey and Lacey hanging out in the lounge.

2008-12-30T07:41:00.000-08:00

Mr. Beau Jangles and Miss Bela Mae snoozing after a hard morning of play at camp.

Bruce Wayne

2008-12-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

Bruce Wayne spent some time over the holidays at Camp Bow Wow. Then the caped-crusader (AKA Batman??) is off to fight crime and keep the streets of Carmel safe for all the girls and boys! We enjoyed Bruce's stay at Camp Bow Wow.....and we didn't reveal his real identity to his furry friends!

2008-12-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

Cassidy dons her new Christmas mittens and hat. A big thanks to Lorna Alexander and Steve Day for the mittens and Starbucks cards. Also thanks to all our clients who supplied our staff with lots of goodies this holiday season.

Merry Christmas Katana

2008-12-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

Katana gets an early morning Christmas kiss. She made some new friends this holiday season -including Belle, an English Retriever and Oreo, a tri-color Sheltie.

GUNTHER finds his forever family!

2008-12-14T18:50:00.001-08:00

Gunther is so happy to go home with Roseanne and his new forever family!

Zach

2008-12-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

Zach gets a little encouragement from Lauren to eat his dinner!

PUPPIES !!! We have PUPPIES!

2008-12-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

Camp Bow Wow welcomes Jesse James and Black Bart. They are available for adoption through Love of Labs. Come by and see them if you are interested in a lovable lab!

Duke's Diary: Surgery Update

2008-11-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Hi friends, Duke here....

This a picture of Linda picking me up to go off to surgery. I didn't want to leave, but I knew eventually things would get better. Ally and Lissa wished me well before I left.

Update: Duke's surgery was successful and on Friday November 21 he went to his foster home for rehab. We will keep you updated on his progress!

Duke's Diary: What I'm Thankful For...

2008-11-20T19:40:00.000-08:00

"Imagine having a nice warm home where people took the time to teach you the basic commands like "sit" and "shake." Imagine feeling loved and secure with your family. Then one day I somehow got hurt. My knees hurt me badly. I could barely put my right leg down to walk. I tried to tell them I was in pain. They loved me and I knew they would help me. But imagine how my heart broke when I ended up in a shelter because they couldn't afford to take care of me. Imagine sitting in the cage at the shelter, crying the way dogs do....with our big sad eyes. I remember saying a prayer that God would send someone to help me. And He did." Duke

Duke is thankful for lots of people who have given of their time and money to help him:

Love of Labs In and Linda Acup and her staff

Camp Bow Wow Carmel (Steve & Michele Alexander, Eric Padget and the entire CBW staff)

Pet Co and Joe Harris

Dr. Hurd and the Michigan Road Animal Hospital

and last, but not least, the many people who have donated their change and their dollars to help out a very good dog!

Duke's Diary

2008-11-09T19:52:00.001-08:00

Hi Friends, Duke here....

Just wanted to give up an update on my condition. I saw the vet last week. He wants to do surgery sometime before Thanksgiving.

Why I Am Thankful For My Dog

2008-11-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." Roger Caras

Camp Bow Wow would like to celebrate your special relationship with your dog this Thanksgiving season. Take a moment to pen why you are thankful for your dog...this could be an essay of how your dog has enriched your life or a simple note of endearment to your dog. We encourage writers of all ages. We will display your writings, photos, and drawings of your dog at Camp Bow Wow through the month of November.

Duke's Diary

2008-11-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends, Duke here...

I just wanted to thank all of you for caring about me. Many people have called to see how I am doing. I am feeling much better since being on pain meds. My human friends are taking good care of me at Camp Bow Wow. I get special on-leash walks so I don't put too much strain on my knee. You can see the picture of me and Camp Counselor Sebastian having some one-on-one time together. Thank you so much for donating money for my surgery. Every little bit helps. I think we have $200 saved so far for a surgery that will cost around $2000.

I will always be grateful for your kindness,

Lots of Kisses,

Duke

Halloween Party

2008-11-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the campers and their humans for participating in Camp Bow Wow Carmel's fist Halloween costume contest.

Best Costume Winner: Cloe as Dorthy from the Wizard of OZ
Scariest Costume Winner: Louie

2008-11-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My new name is Duke and I am a very loving lab mix. I was recently rescued from a shelter by Love of Labs Rescue. While meeting the staff at Camp Bow Wow Carmel, my new foster home, they noticed one of my legs was bothering me. The vet says I have a partially torn ACL and need an expensive surgery to fix it. I am lucky enough to be able to stay here at camp while I save up enough money for my surgery. I am now relying on the good nature of my two legged friends to help me out as I do not want to go back to a shelter. I will also need a home to recover in after my surgery, so if you know anyone who needs a roommate, let me know. Thanks again for all your help and for giving me the chance to find my forever home.

Duke

For more information, contact Camp Bow Wow Carmel or Love of Labs Indiana.

Camp Bow Wow at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers: Play in Our Dogs' Lives

2008-11-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

Camp Bow Wow attended the APDT conference in Louisville, KY this October. Among the presenters were noted animal behaviorists Patricia McConnell, PhD (author, "The Other End of the Leash, among other books), Suzanne Clothier (author, "Bones Would Rain from the Sky) and Grey Stafford. You likely have seen Grey on the nighttime talk shows or with Jack Hanna. He is a marine animal trainer and Director of Conservation for the Wildlife World Zoo in Phoenix.

An entire day of the 5 day conference was devoted to PLAY and it's importance in the lives of our dogs. Through early play, puppies learn bite inhibition, emotional control, and social boundaries. Dog may engage in solitary play, wrestle play, chase play, object play or social play. One concept in social play is that of self-handicapping play. An example of self -handicapping play is when a younger, stronger pup plays tug-of-war or wrestles with an older dog. The younger dog clearly can outmatch the older dog, yet he gives the older dog a "leg up" by putting himself in a voluntary down or relents at times in order for the play to continue as meaningful for both. In general, play does not follow a 50/50 rule and research shows that play is increasingly asymmetrical over development.

If you watch your dogs play with their partner or in a doggie daycare setting, you'll will notice that dogs communicate with each other through tactile signals (using their body to invite or monitor play bx's), visual signals (position of tail, ears, commissure), and vocalizations (eliciting sounds, pleasure sounds, warning sounds, withdrawal sounds).

CBW was impressed at the number of people with PhD's focused on dog behavior! If you are interested in some of the resources we picked up at the conference, let us know and we will be happy to share what we learned. (www.apdt.com)

Meet Our Foster Dog Hershey

2008-10-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hershey is a friendly and handsome Lab Mix. His coat is a soft brown with golden highlights. He loves his human and canine friends at Camp Bow Wow.....come see what a a good dog he is! If you have room in your heart for Hershey, he promises to give you all of his!

Russ and Maggie

2008-10-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

Russ and Maggie are frequent campers at Camp Bow Wow

Dolly and Sydney

2008-10-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

Dolly and Sydney enjoy a mild fall evening with their friends at Camp Bow Wow

SMILING DOGS

2008-09-28T19:42:00.001-07:00

Steve and Sky must have heard

the same joke ...."Did ya hear

this one.... why did the cat

cross the road???"

Prince Gets a Bath

2008-09-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

Prince gets a bath and Lauren does too!

SMILEY wants to love YOU!

2008-09-20T14:55:00.001-07:00

We had the pleasure of spending time today with Smiley, a FANTASTIC lab from Lucky Lab Rescue. He is a playful, gentle, and happy soul. If you have room in your heart for Smiley, please contact luckylabs@luckylabrescue.com and give Smiley the loving home he deserves!

TOKA turns 4

2008-09-11T18:14:00.001-07:00

TOKA celebrates his 4th birthday on September 12th with a doggie cake from "For the Love of Dogs" bakery in Carmel.

Make some friends

2008-09-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

Myles likes the one-on-one TLC attention from Camp Counselor Tyler. However, on the other paw, Woody and Dixie Belle played and played and played all day!! Do you really think they are sticking their tongues out at each other??

Check out that Crest Smile

2008-09-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Brother Rooney takes it easy while Emily flashes her "pearly whites"

The Falcones

2008-09-01T18:20:00.001-07:00

We saw friends Rick, Katie, and Remy Falcone at the Monon Center. Remy got to take a splash in the pool for an end-0f-summer party. Your friends at Camp Bow Wow wanted to say "Hi Remy."

Beau & Bela

2008-08-28T16:14:00.001-07:00

Mr. Beau Jangles & Miss Bela Mae, regular day-campers here, are very excited for their first experience as overnight campers!

Hello From Dexter!

2008-08-22T13:18:00.001-07:00

Dexter is having a wonderful time here at Camp Bow Wow as usual! He is doing wonderful during his stay here and would like to say hello to his family!

Morry looks like a professional model

2008-08-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Morry certainly knows how to strike a pose for the camera! A job as a professional model may be in his future....IAMS, are you watching???

Welcome to the Pack!

2008-08-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

Camp Bow Wow Carmel welcomes new campers. Play the slideshow to see the new campers that joined the pack since August 1st. Welcome!

Vinnie's Going Home

2008-08-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

Vinnie, a big ol' crazy yellow lab, loves to ride in the Mini Cooper with his guardian Gavin with the top down. Vinnie, you are one lucky dog!

Pet First Aid

2008-08-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Camp Counselor Bryanna practices her CPR skills. Camp Bow Wow camp counselors receive training in Pet First Aid and CPR through the American Red Cross.

Sparky

2008-07-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

Sparky was one lucky dog this week! His vacationing family sent him a care package. The package contained treats for Sparky and his canine pals at camp, and for his new human buddies Camp Counselor Justin and the other camp counselors. Way to go Sparky's family!

Sorry for the blurry picture, but Sparky was so excited he would not hold still!

A Camper Gallery

2008-07-24T23:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos I took of our campers doing what they do best. I also published some of their extremely witty comments. Enjoy and feel free to comment.

Camp Counselor Justin Spectates Lively Campers

2008-07-23T00:27:00.001-07:00

Just Another Day at Camp Bow Wow Carmel

2008-07-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

2008-07-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

TOKA says "Don't be shy. Jump on into Camp Bow Wow for some summer fun." Photo courtesy of Larry W. Beals aka Poppa.

Carmelfest 2008

2008-07-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Camp Bow Wow Carmel was a big hit at Carmelfest 2008! Scout flew in from Boulder to entertain all the children at the event. Lauren, our foster dog, was also in attendance and had many interested passerby. The good news is- Lauren has found a home! We will be drawing one winner out of our camper can to win his or her choice of three days of daycare or two overnight stays! Thanks and welcome to all of our new Carmelfest customers!

Collars and Safety at Camp Bow Wow Carmel

2008-07-08T12:51:00.001-07:00

The health and safety of your camper is our number one priority here at Camp Bow Wow Carmel. For this reason, we would like to remind you to bring your camper dressed in a quick-release collar. This eliminates the potential risk of injury due to tangles if a fight were to break out. Counselors can easily snap open quick-release collars and prevent harmful situations if a dog's collar is caught. We would also like to remind you to make sure your dog has an identification tag on his or her collar. This enables us to act quickly if an emergency were ever to occur. We have ordered a selection of quick-release collars for available for purchase here at the camp, or you can find them at many pet stores. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Here are some pictures of today's happy campers!

Belle

2008-07-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

Little Belle gets dried off after having her "spa" treatment.

Finally We Have a New Sign on Gradle Drive!

2008-06-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

Finally we have a new sign on Gradle Drive! After six months, we have a sign on the street. This will make it a little easier for new customers to find us.

2008-06-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Sadie playing in a pub pool. Sadie was having a great time!

2008-06-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

Myles and his master Jenny posing for the camera before they leave Camp Bow Wow. Myles had a great time playing with the other campers!

2008-06-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

As soon as your camper sets paw in the front door he or she typically excitedly sniffs our lodge lobby and cannot wait to get back to one of our three indoor/outdoor play yards. Your camper is welcomed by our friendly certified camp counselors and placed with a group of fuzzy friends according to their size and temperament. Our camp counselors ensure the safety and comfort of your campers. Here is camp counselor Justin prepping the breakfasts for the morning as campers watch with great anticipation.

New Faces At Camp Bow Wow

2008-06-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday our Counselors and Campers had the pleasure of meeting four new bright faces in the play yards. Mac, Jessie, Lucy, and Minnie were unsure at first but as they mingled with their new friends they became more comfortable and were soon romping around and wagging their tails.

Today at CBW Carmel...

2008-06-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

Today we welcomed new campers Zoey, Boo Boo, Moose, and Maisie. Zoey and Boo Boo, two adorable Bichon Frises, enjoyed lounging in the shade with fellow Bichon, Snowball, a regular here at camp. Moose, a German shorthaired pointer, enjoyed playing with Sierra, Luna, and Oerlikon. Maisie, a yellow lab, was a very excited and friendly camper! She enjoyed spending the day playing with her two new pals, J.D. and Sam. All the campers had a ball today, and Sadie even arrived at camp wearing her Camp Bow Wow bandana!

Dog Day Afternoon Slide Show

2008-06-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Scout was a big hit at Dog Day Afternoon! Thanks Scout!

Charlie

2008-06-22T16:52:00.001-07:00

Charlie told his friend about Camp Bow Wow.... and then he tells his friends...and so on and so on.... and that's how the tail waggin' fun begins!

Dog Day Afternoon

2008-06-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

The day started off with a brief down pour of rain, but soon the skies cleared and made way for a doggone good day. Scout was a big hit with the kids, but some of the dogs weren't quite sure about him..they had never seen a dog so big and especially one that stood on two legs!

Foster Dogs at Dog Day Afternoon

2008-06-22T16:19:00.001-07:00

Stanley and Loren both had a great time at the festival today. There was interest in both of them and we are hopeful they will be going to their forever homes soon.

CBW Friends at Dog Day Afternoon

2008-06-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

We saw some of our Camp Bow Wow friends at the Carmel Dog Day Afternoon festival. It was fun to see Armani and her mom, Lacey and her mom, Sadie and her family, and Dexter and his family. We hardly recognized Dexter with his new summer "do." You are lookin' great Dex!

Scout Visits Camp Bow Wow Carmel!

2008-06-20T20:18:00.001-07:00

Today Scout flew all the way from Boulder, Colorado to visit our Camp and said hello to Sammy, Rascal, Ever, and Lexi.

2008-06-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today we welcomed two new campers, Sophie, a teacup chihuahua, and Frankie, an Italian Greyhound. Many of our regulars were here today, as well, including Keady and Addison, Calvin, Dexter, Ruby, Remy, Buddy and Clouseau, Sadie, Bailey and Kahlua, and Rascal. Fuzzy and Toby also came to spend the day at Camp Bow Wow Carmel. Toby had a ball playing in the water, and Fuzzy enjoyed playing with the camp counselors and relaxing under the shade tree. Lua, Remy, and Leo played in the third yard, where they could let off their energy, while Ruby, Dexter, Fuzzy, Lucky, Darius and Duncan, and our foster dog, Silas played in the middle yard. They all enjoyed playing in the pool and chasing Dexter, who was full of energy. In the first yard, Rascal enjoyed saying hello to his friends across the fence, while Sadie, Buddy, Sammy, Buddy and Clouseau, Keady, and Snowball relaxed in the shade. Calvin, J.D., Addison, and Sadie enjoyed spending the day wrestling around with each other. J.D. also loved playing in the pool!