Otter Approved Gift Guide 2015

Pit Bull’s are notorious for their strong jaws and amazing ability to rip through toys in seconds flat. Otter is no exception, he LOVES getting new toys and destroying them in minutes - sometimes even seconds. We’ve bought countless toys with the high hopes that they would last more than a day. In the past five years, we’ve tried a lot of toys toys! I think we developed a pretty good idea of what toys are worth the money and some have been near fatal.

Pit Bull Tested and Approved: 

1. KONG Extreme Dog Toy, Black, Size: Large (Price: $14.48) This toy has lasted the entire five years we’ve had Otter. We use it on a daily basis and it is still in great condition. We put it in the dishwasher on a weekly basis to make sure it stays relatively clean. It’s worth mentioning that sometimes food residue can get caught in the ridges inside the toy and it can be really gross, especially during the summer months. We use this toy whenever we put Otter in his crate and we also like to play hide and seek with it. Otter really enjoys playing hide and seek in the winter months -  when he refuses to go outside in the snow. It’s great mental stimulation and keeps him from getting stir crazy.
2.  Cloudstar Buddy Biscuits Bacon and Cheese Flavor Soft & Chewy Dog Treat (Price: $8.55) We’ve reviewed this product before and it is a favorite of Otter’s. He goes crazy for these treats. While I am sure they are not the healthiest treats around, we use these for special occasions and when we really want him to be obedient.  
3. Chuckit! Small Ultra Ball 3.5 inch (XL) (Price: $7.32) Truth be told, we actually found this toy abandoned on the beach. Otter sniffed it out almost immediately said “finders keepers Mom.” Needless to say, he has been obsessed with it ever since. After the first chuckit stole Otter’s heart, we of course, had to buy some backups god forbid we lost the original (I know, we have issues with spoiling our dog with unnecessary amounts of gifts.)  
4. Jolly Pet Teaser Ball Dog Toy (Price: $21.99) We try to play fetch with Otter every day. He loves to play keep away and just romp around the baseball field we bring him to. This toy has been indestructible. It’s so funny to watch Otter try to play soccer with it. 

Do you have a Pit Bull or other large breed? We would love to hear your favorite toys!

Product Review: Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude Dog Toy from Pet Safe Sizes Medium and Large

Otter’s note: I love these toys so much I have them in two sizes. We even have names for these little guys - Nuts and Berries! They keep me busy for SO long and I really have to work for my treat! Sometimes I get so frustrated that I start to cry (I am such a baby).

Product description:

The Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude features high durability and a funky bounce to keep dogs playing longer. The patented Treat Meter® holds a variety of treat options, including dry kibble, treats, cheese, and peanut butter. Price: Medium toy: $9.99 and Large: $14.99

Editors note: Product description and product picture taken from here

Pros:

• Dishwasher safe
• The Treat Meter makes it challenging for Otter to get the treat
• Very durable, Otter has had them for over a year and his strong jaws have not compromised them at all

Cons

• The Treat Meter works so well that sometimes Otter gives up and I have to get the treat out. Let me tell you, it’s even hard for me to get the treats out. This is definitely a breeding ground for mold and bacteria so I wash ours after every use.

Overall

We absolutely love this toy line and have bought some for Otter’s English Bull Terrier cousin Olive – who adores this toy.  Bully breeds have a warranted reputation for their strong jaws and the fact that this toy has held up for so long is impressive. 

xoxo Otter and Mom 

Otter's Favorite Links

Otter's Note: I wanted to share some of my favorite links from around the web. This week, I am featuring a great article on how to keep dogs cool during these hot summer months. 

I also wanted to share my weekly pick for "rescue of the week". I know, I would not have the life I have today, if it weren't for caring volunteers that took care of me during my stay. They put lots of time and energy into finding me a forever home. I will always be grateful.  #adoptdontshop 

Weekly Article:

The month of August can be one of the hottest times of the year. Dr. Barbara E. Royal, D.V.M. outlines some crucial information on how to keep your beloved pets cool, in even the hottest days of summer.  Some important points from the article include: Breed specific & canine anatomy facts that contribute to why and how your dog overheats. Warning signs and symptoms that your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion or fatigue.  Along with ways to battle and protect your canine in even the hottest summer days.

Hot Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Dog Days of Summer

Rescue of the Week:

Cody: 

Is a 3 year old, 65lbs American Pit Bull Terrier. 

* Picture was taken from here

I remember how terrified I was during my five months in the shelter and if it weren't for the caring and kind shelter volunteers, I know I would not have been given my second chance at life. Sending out prayers for all the animals looking for forever homes. Let's hope Cody, at the Pittie Love Rescue, finds his forever parents soon!

• Meet Cody
• About Pittie Love Rescue
• Learn more about the adoption process here

Please feel free to share his story! 

xoxo Otter

Toy Review: Merrick Dog Treat General Panton Natural Beef Bone, 7 to 9-Inch

Otter’s note: Oh em gee, these are so good. I absolutely love chewing on them because they are real beef bones! Yum, they taste so good!

Product description:

Merrick General Panton Natural Beef Bone Dog Treat is an indoor and outside safe all natural bone. With sizable dimensions, your medium to large sized dog will enjoy this one for days on end. Merrick General Panton Natural Beef Bone Dog Treat is a natural beef bone that your dog will love.

Note: Product picture was taken from here, product description was taken from here 

Pros

• Made in USA
• All natural
• Otter loves these! He loses interest in many of the bones we have tried, but not this one. He keeps going back to it again and again. We have gone through countless. Also, Otter’s cousins Olive (English Bull Terrier) and Milly (Boxer) LOVE them as well
• Each bone typically lasts a couple weeks – which is a LONG time for a toy to last in our household
• Cleans his teeth
• SO inexpensive!!!

Cons

• They can splinter after a lot of use, but we never let him chew it unsupervised
• They are real bone i.e. they are HARD and if dropped can cause some dents in hardwood floors
• When the bone is in the packaging, it can get oily. This is kind of gross when you are unwrapping it.

Overall

We LOVE these bones and definitely recommend them. Otter, Olive and Milly can’t get enough of them. We love how inexpensive they are and how they can keep our furry friends occupied for several play sessions (which for Bull breeds is really sayin’ something). We love giving them as gifts and always have them around the house.

Xoxo Otter + Mom 

Blueberry, Banana, Peanut Butter Treats

Otter's Note: Woof! What’s better than peanut butter? Peanut butter with banana and blueberries, that’s what. These are amazing and Mom says they are HEALTHY - they have protein, fruits, oats and the good-for-you fats. 

Blueberry, Banana, Peanut Butter Treats

Adapted from A Cozy Kitchen and Dog Treat Kitchen 

Makes 28 tablespoon sized treats 

Ingredients:

1 medium banana, mashed


3 tablespoons creamy (natural) peanut butter


1 tablespoon of coconut oil

1 large egg


½ cup blueberries (mine were frozen)

1 3/4 cup Garbanzo bean flour

1/4 cup rolled oats (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

In a blender, add banana, peanut butter, coconut oil, egg and blueberries, mix until completely combined. Into a medium bowl, add the wet batter to garbanzo bean flour and rolled oats; mix until dough is well incorporated.

Transfer the dough to a piece of heavily floured parchment paper. This dough is very sticky, so flouring the paper is really important. Roll the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

After the dough is chilled, roll the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut out the cookies using a cookie cutter of choice (remember to flour the rolling pin and cookie cutter). Re-roll the scraps and cut out more cookies. (I along with A Cozy Kitchen) used a small heart shaped cookie cutter and ended up with 28 cookies.) Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. These cookies won’t spread much so placing them close together is okay.

Bake the cookies for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the cookies to come to room temperature on a cooling rack. Cookies will be good for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

*If you would like to make these treats grain-free omit the oatmeal.  

Xoxo Otter + Mom 

Product Review: Isle of Dogs Deep Cleaning Sulfate Free Shampoo, 16 Fluid Ounce

Otter’s note: I don’t like baths at all, but I love attention. Since no one really wants to pet a stinky pup, I oblige my mom and tolerate my baths. This shampoo makes me smell so good that I usually get to sleep in my parents bed. 

Product Description:

A gentle, yet thorough, cleansing shampoo that removes dirt, grime and odor, and extends time between baths. Green Tea Extract, Aloe Leaf Juice and Witch Hazel Extract combine to deodorize and freshen the coat.

Note: The product picture was taken from here  and this product description was taken from here

Pros:

• Great smell, that’s long lasting
• Sulfate free
• Paraben free
• Gentile enough for Otter’s sensitive skin
• Great Lather
• Made in the USA 

     Cons:

•      It is relatively expensive
•      Haven’t been able to find it in many places. We buy ours from Whole Foods

Overall:

Overall we love this product. It is definitely worth the price and we will continue to purchase. We have gotten several compliments on how clean Otter is and how great he always smells – even week or so after a bath.  Plus we absolutely love that its Sulfate and Paraben free. 

We are also interested in trying some of their other products as well, specifically the Isle of Dogs Coature No. 10 Evening Primrose Oil Dog Shampoo for Dry and Sensitive Skin. The reviews look great, but it is much more expensive. Have any of you tried this product? If so, is it worth it?

Xoxo Otter + Mom 

Otter's Adventures

I LOVE the beach.

Things I love about the beach:

• I usually get to play fetch (if it’s not crowded)
• Playing in the waves and rolling in the sand 
• Eating things I am not supposed to
• Getting to play with other dogs
• CLAM DIGGING

Yes, you read that last one correctly. Check out this video of me doing what I love to do most. DIG CLAMS. My mom and dad think it’s pretty cool that I bring home dinner for them. Can you say clam chowder? Yum.  

xoxo Otter + Mom