Our Angel Tree is Flourishing!

'Tis the season again and here at Best Friends in Carmel we have kept up with our annual holiday traditions.  Our Angel Tree program is in full swing and this year it seems that everyone is in the holiday spirit!  Best Friends started our Angel Tree program a number of years ago in an effort to supply shelter animals with much needed gifts of toys and treats during the holiday seasons.  We have accepted tons of donations for all of our furry friends that are patiently awaiting adoption at local shelters.  The community has been generously donating toys and money to those pets that otherwise would not receive a gift this holiday season.  Many thanks to all of our friends that have been so giving this holiday season.

 

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

With the Christmas and New Years' holidays fast approaching, we wanted to remind everyone of some very important tips to keep your four-legged friends safe and healthy: (from Robin Tierney, Partnership for Animal Welfare )

• Many holiday plants can lead to health problems in dogs and cats. Among the plants to keep out of reach are holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lillies.
• Snow globes often contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets.
• Pine needles, when ingested, can puncture holes in a pet's intestines, so be sure and keep areas free of pine needles.
• The extra cords of holiday lights can look like chew toys to pets. Tape down or cover cords to help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries.
• Anchor Christmas trees to the ceiling with a string to keep them from falling on pets.
• Do not let pets drink the holiday tree water. Some may contain fertilizers, and stagnant tree water may contain bacteria.
• Do not put aspirin in the tree water (some folks do it thinking it will keep the tree more vigorous)..if a pet ingests the aspirin-laced water, their health or even life may be at risk.
• Pets, particularly cats, may be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines. Hang tinsel high to keep out of reach of pets.
• Keep ornaments out of reach of pets. Ingestion of any ornament, which might look like toys to pets, can result in life-threatening emergencies. Put away toys after children open their gifts. Small plastic pieces and rubber balls are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in dogs.
• Keep candles on high shelves. Use fireplace screens to avoid burns.
• Holiday guests and other activity can be very stressful and even frightening to pets. Make sure pets have a safe retreat in the home, and are wearing current ID tags in case the escape out a dog when guests come and go.
• Do not let guests feed your pets human food. There are many holiday foods, including fatty meats, gravies, poultry skin, bones, chocolate and alcohol, that can cause illnesses ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to highly serious pancreatitis and other toxic reactions. In addition, candy wrappers, aluminum foil pieces and ribbons can choke pets.
• If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-3-ANI-HELP.
• Now is also a good time to check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other safety devices around the home.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Fetch the Fruitcake Event

On Saturday, December 5th Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation will be hosting the Fetch the Fruitcake dog event in Central Park! The event, which begins at 12:00 p.m., will allow dogs to sniff out fruitcakes and dog treats, and some of these will be prize cakes! Bring your best friend and join in the fun, and be sure and check your goody bags for valuable coupons from Best Friends Pet Care in Carmel!

Thanksgiving Dinner!

Bring your best friend to Best Friends Pet Care in Carmel, located at 376 Gradle Drive, for the Thanksgiving Holiday, and treat them to a special holiday meal for Turkey Day! While you are enjoying your Thanksgiving feast, your furry friend can also feast on turkey with all the trimmings for just an additional $5.00! Beginning on Wednesday, November 25th we will be roasting a turkey right here in the center......yum!

We have just a few spots left, so call (317) 848-7387 to make your reservations now! Don't forget to make your Christmas reservations too!

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, so we wanted to share a few special senior friends who are desperately in need of homes:

Please contact the Hamilton County Humane Society

for more information or to adopt these special pets! And remember, Best Friends Pet Care in Carmel has started our Angel Tree Program, partnering with the Humane Society to collect toys, treats and other gifts for homeless pets this holiday season. Stop in and see us at 376 Gradle Drive in Carmel to make a donation today!

The Dolphin In Water Adventure- in Indiana!

Have you dreamed of swimming with the dolphins but didn't think it was possible in the midwest? Well believe it or not, the Indianapolis Zoo offers a Dolphin In Water Adventure program that takes you in the pool with the dolphins!! I haven't tried this, but it seems like a great opportunity and it is very reasonably priced. If anyone has done this I would love to hear your comments. For more information on this program visit the Indianapolis Zoo Website.

Angel Tree Program Aids Homeless Animals

Although it might seem early, Best Friends in Carmel will be putting up our annual Angel Tree this week! Pets are the latest victim of the economic downturn, and more and more pets are being surrendered to local shelters as families struggle to make ends meet. This has put a strain on shelter resources.

The Angel Tree Program was created in 2000 to help local shelters and rescue groups provide for the homeless pets in their care, and encourages pet lovers to donate food, treats, toys and other supplies needed by local shelters. From the week of Thanksgiving through the entire Christmas season, we will partner with the Humane Society of Hamilton County and other local rescue groups to find homes for adoptable pets and collect donations for the shelters.

Animal lovers are invited to stop by Best Friends at 376 Gradle Drive and select a dog or cat stocking from the Angel Tree in our lobby. Listed on each stocking is information about a pet in need of a new home, as well as details about supplies needed by the shelter. Donors are asked to purchase only the specific supplies requested by the shelter and only new items will be accepted.

For more information, please feel free to call (317) 848-7387. Please remember animals in need the holiday season!

New Pet Stylist at Best Friends Carmel!

Best Friends Carmel proudly welcomes pet stylist Meagan Llerena to our staff! Meagan joins veteran stylist Olga Kudinova and is already settling in and making pooches beautiful!

Meagan has four years of experience in the grooming industry and is skilled in working with virtually every breed. Whether your best friend is in need of a simple bath, or a more customized haircut and style, Meagan is taking new clients and is available for consultations and appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Regular grooming is essential to your pets' health and happiness, and helps make them look and feel their huggable best!

For more information, please feel free to call us at (317) 848-7387. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Pets and the H1N1 Virus

(Photo courtesy of about.com/Janet Tobiassen Crosby)

We have all heard of the H1N1 Virus or the dreaded "swine flu," and many of us have either been affected by it, or know someone who has. But how does it affect our pets? Can we give it to them?

It seems the risk is very small, unless you are the owner of a pot-bellied pig or a ferret, but check out http://vetmedicine.about.com/b/2009/09/18/can-my-dog-or-cat-get-swine-flu.htm for the latest information on our dog and cat friends.

Stay Well!

As October comes to a close....

We have been busy this past week with a nearly full house for Fall Break, but even as things settle down, there are so many things coming up to plan for and talk about! We wanted to remind everyone as Halloween approaches that Best Friends Carmel is offering a special Halloween Activity Package for those lucky dogs boarding over the spooky holiday!

For only $14 additional dollars, your pooch can have a Trick or Treat Walk and Explore, a Pumpkin Patch playtime and a yummy take-home Goody Bag! Don't forget to pamper them a little if you're going to be away! For those of you booking reservations online at http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/ watch for coupons offering 50% off of boarding on 10/31 on a 2 or more night stay for dogs boarding between 10/28 and 10/31, plus a goody bag...what a deal!

Also, please be sure and check out important safety tips for your pets this Halloween to keep everyone safe and healthy!

Once Halloween is behind us, it will be time to start preparing for the Great Indy Pet Expo coming in November. Don't miss out on one of the biggest pet events in the city! Follow our blog for more details....

Until then, Happy Haunting...

Best Friends Carmel

APPA Pet Poetry Contest!

Your 3rd, 4th or 5th graders chance to win a bunch of pet products!!! The APPA Pet Poetry Contest. Read the article below from Pet Business Magazine for more details.

APPA Pet Poetry Contest

"October 19, 2009
GREENWICH, Ct.—The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is now accepting poems for the 2nd Annual APPA National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest through its public awareness campaign, Pets Add Life (PAL).

Third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students are invited to write a unique poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it online at www.petsaddlife.org or mail their final poem and submission form to: Pets Add Life, 45 Winter Street, Reno, NV 89503. Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2010 at 5:00pm EST.

Two students from each grade level (six total) nationwide will win a generous amount of pet products and a “byline” in a nationally circulated publication. In addition, the six winning students’ classrooms will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet-related education.

“Our goal with the Pets Add Life campaign is to help engage our nation’s youth in the joys and benefits of pet ownership,” Bob Vetere, president of APPA. “Last year we received a great response to the contest from students, parents, teachers, and principals alike, and we’re looking forward to another great year of creative pet poems by inspired children across the country.”

For more information, visit www.petsaddlife.org."

Tongues-A-Waggin' at Best Friends Carmel...

Thought we'd share a few of our furry friends who love letting it all hang out.....

Best Friends Jack-O-Lantern!

Happy Halloween from Best Friends!! Check out this awesome pumpkin carving created by our Houston location!

Paws in the Park

We at Best Friends Carmel are excited to be participating in the 2nd Annual Paws in the Park http://www.pawsindy.com event on Saturday, October 10th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.!

The event, supporting local abused, abandoned or sheltered pets, will be held in Broad Ripple Park at 1550 Broad Ripple Avenue. Bring your pets for a day of family fun, including live blues music, contests, face-painting, interactive shows and pet care demonstrations.

Be sure to stop by our table for a chance to win valuable gift certificates and to talk to one of our associates about our outstanding boarding, grooming and training programs...we hope to see everyone there!

Halloween Activity Package!!

We wanted to remind everyone that Halloween weekend is fast approaching.........do you have your pets' costume picked out yet? :-) Here at Best Friends Carmel, we will be offering a special Halloween activity package for all the pets boarding with us over the spooky holiday, which will consist of a Trick or Treat Excursion (walk and explore), a Pumpkin Patch playtime and a special Halloween Goody Bag! Normally $17 worth of activities, your pet can have this special package for only $14 per day in addition to our normal boarding rates!

If you are boarding over Halloween, be sure and dress your pet in his or her very best costume....we will have a contest and the pooch with the best costume will win a prize!

As always we welcome tours anytime during regular business hours (Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat. 8-5 and Sunday 3-6 p.m.)...or you can check out our website at www.bestfriendspetcare.com

Last Chance to Save on Retail!!

Our "Bark"tacular Sale ends at close of business today so we can begin the process of inventory! Don't miss out on your last chance to save 50% on everything in the store (excluding Frontline)...come and and see our toys, treats, collars/leashes, grooming supplies, pet beds and more--give your precious pet something new and fun to bark about!

Hurry.....with these prices things are going fast!

When you are finished shopping, ask one of our friendly associates for a tour of our spacious, climate-controlled boarding facility, for all your holiday travel needs! We are currently accepting reservations for Fall Break, Thanksgiving and Christmas but don't delay--book your reservations now!

And remember, all new pets get their first night free at Best Friends!

Special Discount for Our Police and Firefighter Friends!

As our way of saying thank you to all the dedicated police and firefighters who

work hard to protect our community each and every day, Best

Friends Pet Care in Carmel offers a 10% discount to all those who

work in this noble profession! Let us take care of your best friends

while you take care of us!

Don't forget that all new pets get their first night free, and through

the end of September, 2009 all retail (excluding Frontline) is 50%

off!! Don't miss out on all the special savings Best Friends has to

offer!

Please call (317) 848-7387 for additional information, or visit us on our website http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/ . We hope to see you soon!

In-Home Pet Care Now Available!

Best Friends Carmel is proud to announce that we now offer in-home petsitting and mid-day dog walking services! For those owners who are stuck at the office all day, we can come to your home and give your best friend a 15-20 minute walk during the day! For those of you on extended trips we offer multiple visits per day, 30-45 minutes each time. Our staff of dedicated sitters are experienced in the care of dogs, cats, birds, fish and small cage animals. We are bonded, insured, and are members of Pet Sitters International! www.petsit.com

For more information concerning rates/services, please visit our home care website at www.bestfriendshomepetcare.com and click on Carmel. You may also contact us at (317) 848-7387. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

New Pets Get First Night Free!

Please call (317) 848-7387 to arrange a tour or for more information!

Labor Day Fun!!

Labor Day weekend was busy, busy, busy but we got to spend time with lots of old friends, and many new ones! (Puggle even got to see his girlfriend Sam!). Seems like a lot of people are taking advantage of our new policy that new pets get their first night free!

We are now looking forward to our upcoming events this weekend at the Zionsville Fall Festival and Dog Day Afternoon in Carmel! Hope to see everyone and their furry friends there!

"Bark"-tacular Special!

Between September 1st and September 30th, 2009 Best Friends Carmel is offering 50% off all retail merchandise! Now is your chance to take advantage of reduced prices on lots of fun products for your best friend, including collars, leashes, toys, treats, grooming supplies and bedding! Hurry, because supplies won't last at these prices! (excludes Frontline).

Don't forget, we are still accepting reservations for Labor Day weekend, so call soon to reserve your spot!

New Pets Get One Night Free!!

We are so excited to announce that effective September 1, 2009 all new pets will always receive their first night free when they stay at Best Friends Pet Care! Even if you are not a new customer but you get new pet, your new best friend stays for free their first night! This cannot be combined with any other offers or coupons, so save those free night coupons for another stay!

We have recently updated our Kitty City and our lobby with fresh paint and some much-needed upgrades, and are planning on doing even more in the near future. We hope everyone likes the changes we are making to make Best Friends Carmel the best it can be! We encourage anyone to stop in for a tour to see our progress!

We are also still taking reservations for the upcoming Labor Day holiday, but we are filling up fast, so book your reservations now! We hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled Labor Day weekend!

Upcoming Events

Best Friends Pet Care in Carmel is looking forward to partcipating in two fun-filled events that are coming up in September! The Zionsville Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, September 12th from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, September 13th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, September 13th we will also be attending Dog Day Afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Carmel Arts and Design District. It will be an afternoon of dog-friendly events, including paw-painting, micro-chipping, pet photography, dog agility and more, all benefiting the Humane Society of Hamilton County. Visit http://www.hamiltonhumane.com for more information...we encourage all the doggies and their owners to attend and help support these wonderful causes!

The 500 Festival of Pugs

The 500 Festival of Pugs was held at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon on Saturday, August 8th and was a huge success! Best Friends was represented by both the Carmel and Indianapolis centers and a great time was had by all. There were tons of adorable pugs, puggles and a few other breeds on hand to participate in fun events such as the popsicle-eating contest, the costume contest and Best Shedder...lots of lucky bidders went home with some great prizes in the raffles, and hopefully some of the pugs up for adoption found good homes!

We especially hope Bosley, the special needs puggle, found someone special to take care of him. Although he has a neurological disorder and needs special help, he is such a happy little guy and we wish the best for him. We were grateful that we were able to support Kentuckiana Pug Rescue and look forward to attending the event for many years to come!

Hello all!

It's another busy Monday here at the center for me and my posse! This morning, while out on a nature walk, we discovered some baby kittens and their mama who are living in our woods! I wanted to play, but Mom said no :-( Speaking of kitties, we just finished a great event called Welcome to the Jungle at the Humane Society this weekend, where over 50 kitties found new homes! I wasn't allowed to go because Mom thought I'd be disruptive, but I was proud that my center participated in such a great event! I'm looking forward to the 500 Festival of Pugs this weekend too!

I also have a new friend named Josie who just might give my girlfriend Sam some competition (just teasing, Sam...my heart belongs to you)! Josie is Jennifer's new puppy and so far she is wearing Kingston out--I think he really likes her! Anyway, we had a group playtime together and thought you might all like to see the pictures....enjoy!

Paws and Licks,
Puggle

http://www.kentuckianapugs.com/events/09500/pe_09500.htm
With the 500 Festival of Pugs approaching, Puggle gets more and more excited! He is looking forward to meeting some new friends and enlarging his posse! He couldn't post today because he is busy with some of the many activities in the center, but he'll be back online soon...

He wanted everyone to know that things were going just great with his gorgeous new girlfriend Sam--right up until she left the center and went home :-( Puggle is waiting for his sweetheart to come and visit him again soon!

Meanwhile at the center, Puggle is meeting tons of new friends thanks to our Summer New Customer special! But because Puggle just can't get enough of new friends, he really wishes more people would come in for a tour and visit him! New doggies get one free night, so come on in soon!


Paws and Licks,
Puggle

Meet Puggle's Girlfriend!!

Meet Sam my new girlfriend! I met her over the 4th of July holiday, and sparks flew; there were fireworks not only in the sky that night, but also in the kennel when I laid my puppy eyes on Sam!

It was her walk that I first fell in love with-she must really like me a lot too, because she's still here! I hope she stays for a long, long time. Even my Mom loves her! If we can just convince Mom's roommate to let me bring her home I'd be in heaven!

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Introducing Puggle and his Posse!

Hi, my name is Puggle and I'm the new blogger here. Unfortunately, the girls have to help me since I do not know how to type. I am a 5-year old tan puggle who enjoys making messes and snuggling. I am looking for a girlfriend who interested in the same things as me.

Lately I have been staying home because I take up a suite that can be used for another puppy, but when I'm here I DO love my biscuits and playing in the field!.

I really hope if I am here when you visit that you will stop by and say hi. I have a couple of my 4 legged friends, Kingston and Cooper, who will be posting as well. We are all part of Puggle's Posse.

Please come and see me soon!

Paws and licks,

Puggle

P.S. The picture above is of some of my new friends I met this weekend, the Christie pug pack!

Dog fest 2009!!

Don't Forget the dog fest on Saturday from 11-3 at the Carmel center. Bring your friend or come find a friend.


The list of events follows as well as a short list of vendors.

Events:


11:30- Musical Woolies


12:00- Best Doggie Trick


1:00- Ice Cream Eating Contest


2:00- Best Canine Kisser


2:30- Dog-Owner look-a-like





Some of the vendors that will be here will be:


Dick Wolfsie (book signing), Humane Society Of Hamilton County, Circle city Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, Pet Angel Memorial Center, Indianapolis Animal Care and Control...and more.

We will have wading pools and bowls scattered around for a quick drink and/or swim.


Hope to see everyone Saturday. I'll be the one with the ears and the tail!!

Hello Race fans!!

I want to welcome all race fans to indy this weekend. Also want to make sure everyone knows we still have spots available for this weekend if you need them. It's going to be an all out party here this weekend. The biscuits will be flying.
I hope veryone enjoys this weekend no matter what you're doing!

Double Boarding Points!!

Just to let the humans now from May 15- June 15 we'll be doing a double points for each night your pet stays with us. So 5 nights boarding will earn you 10 points.
It's an awesome deal...especially if your pets are to be staying with us over Memorial day.
Just to let the humans know we still have Boarding space available for Memorial Day Weekend!
Well hope to see everyone soon.
Woof!

Does your dog and/or cat have Fleas??

Just a friendly reminder it's getting into flea and tick season. We do carry Frontline for dogs from 8 weeks to 132 lbs. and cats for 8 wks. on up.
Stock up today so you won't get caught paying for a flea bath later on, but just in case we do have flea baths available.
Just let us know any way we can help.

Suuny days!

I don't know about anyone else, but i am sure looking forward to this nice weather. I'm looking forward to walks in the sunshine and the possibility of the pool during playgroup. I hope there are lots of puppies who sign up for playgroup that would be great.

We still do have spots available for Memorial Day. So if you to make reservation please give us a call.

Hope to see a few of you at he Mutt Strut. I'll be the one with the fur, pink tongue, and the tail.

Happy Easter!!

I hope everyone have a pawsomely good easter. Of course we were busy here at the center, but we all enjoyed it. Now we can rest and get geared up for memeorial day or as i call it the start of summer.
I want to wish a happy birthday to Sunshine Rosich! Hope it was a fun on since you spent it here with us. We all love you Sunshine.
We do still have spots for memorial day so let us know if you need any reservations for your puppies and/or kitties.

Thanks!

I just wanted to thanks the girls of Troop #1489 for the awesome thank you letter to us and our trainer, barb.

Barb and her dogs, josh and driver, enjoyed spending time with the girls and answering questions they had about pet ownership and training.

So two paws up to troop #1489, josh, driver, and Barb.

Hope to see you all soon.

Paws and kisses!

First Post !

Woof to everyone!

Come watch the changes that appear on the blog. Currently we are getting geared up for Spring Break and Easter. If anyone needs any spring break reservations give us a call, but a word to the wise we are filling up quickly.