Can pets make you happier?

Pets can be a lot of work, they also provide something important: happiness. The folks at How Stuff Works have provided us with a great article about the benefits of pet ownership. Preview the article below or read full story here.

Can pets make you happy?

BY: Jennifer Horton

Pets are a big responsibility. Not only do they demand regular meals and a steady supply of fresh water, but they have to be cleaned up after constantly, too. Depending on the species, they may also require frequent walks, a steady supply of mice or a daily changing of the newspaper at the bottom of their cages. Caring for a pet is like raising a child but without the eagerly awaited emancipation stage.


Yet despite the tedium, an astonishing number of furry, scaly or creepy crawly critters have managed to work their way into our homes. In the United States, 63 percent of households harbor at least one pet. That works out to approximately 71.1 million homes and an astonishing 382.2 million animals [source: American Pet Products Association]. They're not cheap, either: According to the American Pet Products Association, pet owners will spend upward of $45.4 billion on pet charges in 2009.

So what's the justification for this madness? With all the attention and money lavished on them, what do pets offer in return? Well, plenty, actually. Pets are a pretty wise investment. It appears that what pet owners sacrifice in terms of time and money, they get back in better health and increased happiness. Sure, you pet owners out there have known your pets make you happy all along. But now a growing body of research is here to back you up.

The pet Rx appears to work in a number of ways. For one thing, pet ownership tends to prompt people to adopt a multitude of healthy behaviors. Take a pet's need to be fed and taken outside every few hours, for instance. That responsibility gives pet owners purpose and makes them feel needed, improving their senses of self worth. It also forces them to get off the couch and go for a walk every now and then, boosting both health and happiness.

Read full article here.

Keep Pets Safe in the Extreme Cold

Don't take your dog out into the elements without being educated! Read these 6 tips for the extreme cold and how to keep your friends safe as we move towards the end of winter. Read full article here or begin below.

"6 Pet Safety Tips for the Extreme Cold"

By: Joanna Prisco

As much of the country continue to endure snow, sleet and ice, it's important to remember that four-legged friends require special care when the temperature drops.

Dr. George Melillo, Northeast regional medical director for Banfield Pet Hospital, which operates 800 locations throughout the U.S., shared with ABC News his tips for taking care of pets in extreme cold.

Keep a Cap on Playtime Even if Fido loves running through the fluffy piles of snow, extended exposure to the cold can be damaging to a pet's health. "It is recommended not to leave pets outside when the temperature drops below freezing," said Melillo. "Pets that are left outside for too long can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite."

Not only that, but extremities, such as ear tips, paws and the end of the tail are particularly susceptible to cold injuries, he said. For this reason, limit the time your pet spends in the cold. To determine how long is too long, keep a close eye on your dog to make sure they look comfortable. "Some dogs can stay outside longer than others," said Melillo. "For example, breeds such as Malamutes fare much better in cold weather than Chihuahuas."

Don't Go Shaving "Dogs with longer coats will be warmer in winter, so it is advised not to shave a dog's coat down to the skin," Melillo told ABC News. So no matter now cute Buffy looks when freshly shorn, it's best to wait until spring.

Read full article here. 

Good Health in Cold Weather

It is vital to keep your pet active, but more importantly we need to take into consideration the steps to properly keep them in good health when the temperatures drop. This article from NPR provides some great tips as to how to do so. Read full article here or preview below. 

"Cold Weather Tips To Keep Your Pets In Good Health"

by SCOTT HENSLEY


Here I sit shivering, wishing I were a dog or cat to get through this cold snap.

A built-in fur coat, no commute and maybe some quality time by the fireplace. What could go wrong?

Quite a few things, it turns out.

The friendly animal lovers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's Ryan Hospital report seeing a few wintery problems for pets in the ER over the last few days. Some you might not have expected.

"One thing that we saw this weekend was rabbits who were in a basement during the cold weather," Dr. Deborah C. Mandell tells Shots. The rabbits were sick with a life-threatening condition called gastrointestinal stasis. Their intestines stopped working. Exposure to cold can trigger the problem, says Mandell, an emergency and critical care vet. The rabbits did fine after they were gently warmed.

Read full article here. 

"Winter weather tips for pet owners"

This article focuses on winter weather tips from K-9 Resorts to pet parents and how to make sure they stay warm, safe and healthy during the cold months. Preview below or read full article here.

"Winter weather tips for pet owners"

By: Alternative Press

With the cold weather and holiday season upon us, it’s important for all pet parents to know the best advice to take care of their furry family members. K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel would like to share some winter weather tips for you and your pets. For more information about K-9 Resorts in Fanwood, more tips for your pets or to find a location near you go to www.k9resorts.com, fanwood@k9resorts.com or call at (908) 490-0808. 

1. When you bring your pet in from outside, make sure to wipe its paws and underside to remove any ice balls that could cause frostbite. Check ears, tail, and paws for any signs of frostbite as well.


2. Make sure you check your house for plants that could potentially harm your pets. Poinsettias are extremely poisonous to dogs and are most commonly found during the holidays around the home.

Read full article here. 

Remove the Mess

We all love dogs, but don't want remnants of their mess left behind. Thanks to the folks at Dogster we have a few homemade remedies that will not break the bank while keeping those nasty odors and stains away. Read here for full article or begin below.

"Six Homemade Remedies for Dog Stains and Odors"

BY: DOGSTER

If you're strapped for cash and can't pick up your favorite professional cleaning products, fret not. There are a multitude of stain and odor remedies you can make at home with ingredients you may already have.

There are many pluses to using homemade pet cleaning remedies. It is cost effective for one, simple to put together, and as environmentally and pet-friendly as one could want. For some jobs that require extra strength, you may want to use ingredients that are best kept away from your pets. But you'll also find many non-toxic homemade pet cleaning remedies.

There are a few downsides to using homemade pet cleaning remedies but they can be worked with. Homemade supplies do not usually pack the punch that those we find in stores do, whether toxic or non-toxic. This is because you would need a laboratory to mimic some of their ingredients. But what a homemade pet cleaning remedy lacks in strength, you can make up for with elbow grease. Another downside is that homemade remedies do not retain their cleaning power as long as commercial ones. This just means mixing more often and, if you keep the ingredients on hand, this is easy to do.

Read the rest of the article here.

Prepping Those Pups For The Colder Months

The cold air and snow brings on many concerns for us this winter, but what does it mean for your dog? It is important to take the necessary precautions in order to properly prepare your pup for the winter months. Thanks to our friends at the American Kennel Club you can learn about the necessary measures that need to be taken in order to protect your furry friend. Read full article here or begin below.

"WINTER CARE FOR CANINES"

By: American Kennel club

Winter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind:

•Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.

•Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.

•Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.

•Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat. Long-haired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning. If you do the trimming, take care not to cut the pads or other delicate area of the foot.

Read full article here.

A Doggy Dog Halloween

Lions, tigers, bears, oh my! Looking for a cute Halloween costume for your dog this year? Check out these 15 easy DIY ideas from the folks at Spoonful. Give it your own personal touch or follow the step by step tutorials.

Click here for some great ideas!

21 Reasons A Dog Is the Best Investment You Will Ever Make

Did you have a long week? You've made it to Friday and you're almost to that final commute home for the week. When you get home, you'll walk in the house, look in the fridge, decide that you'd rather order takeout than put anything in a pan before you sit down on the sofa and turn off your brain until you climb the stairs to bed. Week after week this has been your routine.

Maybe it's time to shake things up. Maybe it's time to invest.

The Huffington Post has 21 reasons why that investment should be a dog, and we couldn't agree more.

Click HERE to learn why. 

Separation Anxiety

It's sad to think the pets that bring us so much happiness could ever feel blue. 

However, Veterinarian clinics report that approximately 14% of dogs seen are suspected to suffer from separation anxiety. Since canines are naturally social animals, it's no surprise that many develop increased attachment behavior to their human family members.The onset of these problems often coincide when there is a dramatic change in the amount of time the owner spends with a pet. Symptoms of separation anxiety can include increased activities like restlessness, pacing, and whining when the owner is not present. Depression and physiological changes such as panting or even vomiting can occur. But short of never leaving your pet's side, how can you avoid increased anxieties in your furry friend?

Professionals report that medications should only be used in extreme cases, and there are many things owners can do to avoid serious situations. Ignoring attention seeking behaviors such as whining and nudging during training is important. Certain departure cues such as picking up keys and purses, or putting on coats and shoes should also be kept as low key as possible or even done in a different room until a pet is desensitized to these cues. Creating a big to-do when leaving a dog at home is common in humans, but this can increase the likeliness of anxieties in pets. 

Upon returning, you of course want to play with your dog immediately, but it can be very helpful to wait until your pet has calmed down a bit to begin playtime. 

K9 Resorts' Doggie Daycare is a “cage-free” environment, designed for dogs that are social with other dogs. Daycare provides an outlet to expend excess energy, socialize, exercise and remain active. Dogs are social animals that need exercise and stimulation, and Doggie Daycare is the best way to provide both! While it is just great fun, this exercise helps curb behavior problems like separation anxiety. Consider bringing your dog to our Doggie Daycare and see if it helps with those canine blues!

Pets a Threat to Gadgets?

TIME recently reported that pets may be a threat to the safety and longevity of your gadgets. Is anyone surprised? Most of you probably have a story of at least a close-call between your dog and an iPad or cell phone.

Eight million electronic devices are harmed by pets each year according to a study sponsored by SquareTrade Inc, a San Francisco company that sells extended warranty plans for consumer electronics. Since you've probably been through several in the past year regardless of your pet's involvement, you won't be surprised to hear that mobiles make up one-third of all devices vandalized by furry friends.

SquareTrade made a few more interesting finds:

• Incidents happened 66% of the time when pets were left alone with the devices in question.
• 17% of the incidents happened when owners believed their pets were "angry" with them.
• Males pets were 50% more likely to damage a device than female pets. 
• Overprotective pets were twice as likely to damage a device. 

Of course, SquareTrade wants you to buy an extended warranty, so their stats include even a lick from your pet, but the study does remind pet owners to be a little more careful with their electronic devices. 

An Unlikely Group

At K9 Resorts, we pride ourselves in being able to accommodate any sized dog with equal love and care, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas. We thought we had seen it all until we came across this video on YouTube of one of the most diverse groups of pets we've ever seen. Sure, a large breed and small breed are not so uncommon in a house. Five dogs? Sure, a little more uncommon, but still not an unheard of mix. Even adding an aloof cat to the group is understandable. Throw in a duck who responds to his name just as alertly as the canines, and suddenly, we're speechless.

Check out this video from Erica Griffith who writes about her pets:

Macho - 8 Year old Toy Xolo

Rex - 11 Year old terrier something

Maya - 7-10 Year old Intermediate Xolo

Dave - 3 Year old standard size Xolo

Bella - 1.5 Year old Harlequin Great Dane

George - 1 Year old female Moscovy Duck

Twiggy - 5 year old Cat

If you are thinking about adding a pet (or another pet) to your family, please look into adoption from either a shelter or a reputable rescue group. You can find lots of animals and rescue groups that will fit exactly what you're looking for at petfinder.com That's what I did :)

Franchisee Spotlight: Bill Ippolito

Bill Ippolito is a New Jersey native with a background in medicine. Having been a physician assistant for the past 10 years, Bill has now transitioned into the corporate world, where he has decided to open a K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Bill is lifelong dog owner and new a dad.  

How did you learn about the brand?

My girlfriend’s (Larisa Citsay- who will be helping me run the business) brother is friends with Jason and Steven Parker, the co-founders of K-9 Resorts.  Their entrepreneurial accomplishments at such a young age really inspired me to invest in opening my own K-9 Resorts.

What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

I am currently a physician assistant, so the business world is somewhat new to me. I knew as a franchisee owner, I would get great help with the process and have instant support on day one and well into the future. 

What makes your business different?

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel is a very well organized and clean facility. Cleanliness is very important for pet owners. K-9 Resorts doesn’t have a distinct pet odor, is incredibly clean and runs efficiently. It is the perfect option for people who need a safe, comfortable place to leave their pets. K-9 Resorts is also a very young franchise, and I am very confident that it will be successful. I thought it would be best to get in early and help them grow.

I have also been a physician assistant for the past 10 years and decided to do something I was truly passionate about.  The career change is an exciting adventure.

What are your expansion or development plans?

Once we open this location, I would love to be able to open a second location in the near future. I am confident in success of this business.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I love dogs. I grew up with a yellow lab and now I have a 5 year old Rottweiler. I am also a new dad! I have a 9 month old son, who consumes a lot of my time. I also enjoy exercising, sports and cars.  

Customer Satisfaction

K9 Resorts is off to a great start on the business side of 2013, but we're also thrilled with how our customers have been responding to their experiences. 

Here is just a sample of all the great things we've been hearing on our Facebook page:

Kathy Burkhour: "I never left my dogs in a kennel before. But last December I broke down and left my pup at K9 Resorts. She loved it! Last week she spend 4 nights there and the experience was A+"

Ana Carolina: "This is my first time leaving my dogs in a day care center, and chose k9 Resorts. The experience is starting good, both receptionists are cordial, nice, respectful. It gives me a lot of confidence!!!"

Dr. Anant V. Joshi, DVM: Hello all at the K9 Resorts! I visited your place a few days ago and found it to be immaculate, friendly and a perfect place for the dogs to socialize during your day care activities.

We're looking forward to continuing exceeding customer expectations! 

K-9 Resorts Featured on NBC12 News!

K-9 Resorts was recently featured on NBC12 News in an article titled, "K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotel On Path for Groundbreaking 2013".

The article speaks about the busy year K-9 Resorts had with 8 new openings in 2012 and they're planned growth for the coming year. Founders Steven and Jason Parker report that there are 3 planned openings in New Jersey alone, with 6 total openings by year end. The article also speaks of the huge wave of interested franchisees K-9 Resorts has received due to recent appearances on CNN Money and Fox News.

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel On Path for Groundbreaking 2013

After a whirlwind year in 2012, K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel (K-9 Resorts) signed eight franchises on the east coast. The one-of-a-kind daycare and overnight boarding facility for dogs expects to have two of its first franchise locations open by May 2013.

“We’ve already broken ground (on our franchise location) in Middletown, New Jersey and in Fairfield, New Jersey,” said Steven Parker, Co-founder of K-9 Resorts. Steven, along with co-founder and brother Jason, presented Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger of Middletown with a $500 donation during the groundbreaking ceremony for the shores’ first K-9 Resort. The donation will be used towards the Hurricane Sandy relief fund, for the aid in repairing the millions of dollars in damage the area sustained in October during Hurricane Sandy.

Pet Trends Turn to Acupuncture

The past decades have indeed seen a huge increase in the amount of care and money that is spent on pets in the United States. But going beyond the boarding, diets, and designer threads, the newest trend for pets seems to be in human medicine. In fact, beyond traditional approaches to therapy, owners have begun exploring alternative therapies. Namely, acupuncture. ABC's Nightline recently ran a feature on the new trend.

Sessions ring in around $100 per visit three times per week, but doctors say that's a small price to pay for something you care about most. Owners report that even though their pets, of course, may not be able to speak for their results, they do see a difference in pet behavior. One owner even reported that pet acupuncture saved his dachshund's life. 

Still, all agree that the best medicine for any pet is free: TLC. 

To read Nightline's full article and view the video feature, click HERE or view the video feature below:

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Watch More News Videos at ABC | Technology News | Celebrity News

Westminster Dog Show Will Go On

The Westminster Kennel Club is hoping that the impending winter storm indeed moves beyond the New York area by mid-Saturday as predicted. WKC released this statement on their website:

"Westminster is fully informed about the impending storm but all reports indicate that the storm will move out by Saturday afternoon. So, in the tradition of all good dog shows, the show will go on."

The world famous show is in its 137th edition, and this year, will take place at two locations in Manhattan. The Best in Show will be crowned, as tradition has it, at the World's Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden. However, new in 2013, the breed judging will be moved to Piers 92/94 on the West side of Manhattan.

The DAILY NEWS ran a story of the preview that happened this past Thursday at the New Yorker hotel, which held touching moments as survivors of Hurricane Sandy strutted their stuff proudly down the runway. Owners shared many inspiring stories, having to lead their pets down countless flights of stairs in complete darkness, some still not having been able to return to their homes since. To read the full story, click HERE.

Canines featured at the show this Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 11-12) have surely shared in an abundance of weather related setbacks. We wish them all the best and safest travels as they come to compete for the crown.

K9 Resorts featured on Fox Business News!

The segment was titled "Give Your Pets a Luxury Vacation" and aired live on January 28^th.  The Parker brothers, K-9 Resorts founders, were live in-studio. The six minute segment featured the history of K-9 Resorts, the services they offer and the plans for future development. Steven and Jason did a great job explaining their passion for the industry and the growth the franchise along the east coast. 

Check out the segment HERE.

The segment also gained a feature in an article within the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch. Begin reading the article below or click HERE for the full article.

Owners of K-9 Resorts In Fanwood Featured on Fox Business News

Residents of Scotch Plains, Jason and Steven Parker who own K-9 Resorts in Fanwood were featured on Fox Business News on Jan. 29.

By: Nicole Bitette 

Earlier today, Jason and Steven Parker of Scotch Plains were featured on Fox Business News to discuss their business, K-9 Resort Daycare and Luxury Hotel located in Fanwood.

The brothers, who Patch previously reported were in the process of franchising out locations, told Fox Business News that they are closing the ninth franchising deal this Friday and the 10^th deal next month.

K9 Resorts to hold Ground Breaking Ceremony for Middletown, NJ Location

Dan and Lisa Cody, owners of the K9 Resorts in Middletown, NJ, along with K9 Resort founders Jason and Steven Parker, are pleased to announce they will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the soon-to-open location on February 2, 2013, at 12:15pm. The ceremony will take place at 889 Route 35, Middletown, NJ.

Also attending will be the Mayor of Middletown. The Codys, along with the Parkers, will be presenting the Mayor with a $500 donation to the town, which will be put towards the Hurricane Sandy relief fund.

We are all very much looking forward to the groundbreaking event and the future success of New Jersey’s second K9 Resorts location!

2013 Pet-Sitting Industry Forecast

Pet Sitters International released their 2013 Pet-Sitting industry forecast which has the market looking up for pet-loving entrepreneurs. It's no secret that America has a growing love-affair with its pets and owners are increasingly seeking out even in-home pet care options. K9 Resorts is ecstatic about the forecast.

Begin reading the article below or click HERE.

Pet Sitters International Releases 2013 Pet-Sitting Industry Forecast
By: PRWeb

A new e-book released by Pet Sitters International (PSI) this month highlights the growth of the in-home pet-care industry and shares encouraging industry data for pet-loving entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on the nation’s ever-growing love affair with pets.

PSI’s "2013 Pet-Sitting Industry Forecast"—a follow-up to the association’s 2012 report—is a compilation of data from its State of the Industry Survey, current market research, its collective intellectual capital and knowledge from its 18-year history and more than 7,100 member businesses. Analyzing the current climate, culture, increased competition and continuing opportunities within the professional pet-sitting industry, PSI predicts another stellar year for this growing profession.

Best Pet Gifts

Are you still searching for that perfect gift for your pet or the pet lover in your life? Well luckily we've found some morning inspiration for you. We came across a list of fantastic doggy gifts for your furry little friends. So take a peak, and shower those beautiful pups with love, because we all know they deserve it. Click here to view the entire list.

Dog Gift Guide: Top Gifts for Dogs

By Jenna Stregowski

 

1. Dog Tornado by Nina Ottosson

Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber

Innovative and unique, the Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado is an interactive dog toy and game that is both fun and mentally stimulating for any food-motivated dog. Plus, it's durable and easy to clean, meaning you dog can enjoy it for a long time.

2. Star Mark Everlasting Treat Ball

Image courtesy of PriceGrabber

Dogs love treats. Dog love toys. Therefore, dogs are sure to love this treat-toy combination. The Star Mark Everlasting Treat Ball is a versatile gift that will appeal to most dogs. It can be thrown for a game of fetch, be stuffed with treats, or used with Everlasting or Everlocking Treats to stimulate your dog's mind and appetite.

3. A New Dog Bed

Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber

Want to get a gift your dog will use frequently and love for a long time? Try a new dog bed! With so many types of beds available, you should have no problem finding one that perfectly meets your dog's needs and keep him comfy and cozy

4. Slobber-Wick Squeak Buddy

Image courtesy Planet Dog

If your dog loves plush squeaky toys, Planet Dog's fast-drying, easy-to-clean Slobber-Wick Buddy is a great option. The toy has a double squeaker and a gusset for extra-fun "chewability". Plus, the fast-drying feature means the toy will be a little less "icky" when your dog brings it to you! The Slobber-Wick Buddy comes in three sizes and two different color themes.

Click here to view the full list.