This Full House Reviews

Pedigree Feeding Project: How You Can Help Choose Where to Feed Shelter Dogs, This Year!

I have grown up with dogs and cats all my life (oh, be quiet, it hasn't been THAT long) and I have a REAL special place in my heart for animal shelters and rescues.

So, when the good folks at Pedigree asked that I partner with them in helping to spread the word about their awesome project to help feed shelter dogs (and cats) how could I say no, right?!?

First, let me tell you a little about our Doofus-Dawg.

Doofus-Dawg, sometimes thinks he's a cat.

We adopted Doofus-Dawg from a local shelter here in Jersey:  he was found tied to a dumpster, suffering from malnutrition and some awful skin disease, at the time.  The shelter folks guessed him to be no older than a year and, judging by his inability to walk on a leash, without jumping straight up into the air, probably tied up or kept in a cage the entire time. 

Doofus-Dawg's grayed a lot over the years (me too, dagnabit!)

Doofus-Dawg (a.k.a. Pinhead) came home on November 28, 2005, which we have since celebrated as his "new" birthday, and although he still can't walk a straight line to save his life, Doofus-Dawg has found a safe, warm and snuggle-worthy place right here with us...in his forever home.

Which is the very reason why I am EXTREMELY excited to announce my partnership with the good folks at Pedigree as a Feeding Project Ambassador and had the privilege of being invited to the Humane Association in Nashville, TN for the filming of Miranda Lambert's awesome PSA, launched today:

 

Today, I am very excited to tell you that our friends at Pedigree will be expanding the Feeding Project in 2013 and they need our help doing it:  by nominating the community where you think the Pedigree Feeding Project can make the most difference in the lives of shelter dogs!  Here's how:

• Visit Facebook.com/Pedigree and click on the “Choose the Next Community” tab.
• Nominate your community. Submit stories of special dogs in your life, share photos and videos; Pedigree wants to know what sets your community apart.
• Share Miranda’s video with your friends and encourage them to nominate their community, too.

In March, Miranda and Pedigree will announce the names of the five communities that have been selected as finalists in the search.  America will then vote to determine the next communities to participate in the Pedigree Feeding Project. The winning communities will be announced mid-2013.

In the meantime, I will be sharing more information about my behind-the-scenes look at the PEDIGREE Feeding Project in the next couple of weeks and, hopefully, help give a little more insight into how you (yes YOU!) and I can help shelter dogs (and cats) find their new forever home!

P.S. Doofus says, "WOOF!"

© 2003 - 2013 This Full House

Disclosure:    I am honored to partner with Pedigree in helping to feed shelter dogs (like mine) and, hopefully, help them to also find their forever home.  I am being compensated for my services for the length of the program.

PBS Kids Martha Speaks: Shelter Dog Adoption Episodes

I triple-dog-dare-you to say, "No!" to this face.  Go ahead, I'll wait!

This is our dog.  He's a rescue.  He was found tied to a dumpster, emaciated and suffering from a skin disease which the shelter believed was caused by his being crated his entire life.

It was estimated that he was a little over a year old.

We adopted Doofus-dawg on November 28, 2004 which is also the day we celebrate his birthday and -- although, he is the reason why we continue to use child locks on the cabinet that stores the trash bin -- he is an absolute sweetheart of a dog and considers himself an important member of our family.

Us, too.

This fall, PBS KIDS' Martha Speaks is partnering with The Humane Society of the United States to celebrate the great work done by animal shelters around the country with:

• A week of shelter dog episodes, including the brand new "Carolina Picks a Lily" airing Monday October 3, 2011 on PBS KIDS (check local listings).

• A special "Helping Animals" section on the Martha Speaks website where families can find resources and information about supporting animal shelters, understanding and caring for pets, and responsible pet adoption. Visit the page at http://www.pbs.org/parents/martha/helpinganimals/index.html.

• Opportunities for families that have adopted a shelter animal to share their story on the Martha Speaks Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pbsmarthaspeaks.

We love our Doofus-Dawg and, if you are making that GIANT leap in deciding your family is ready, willing and able to look past the mess (see picture/story above) I really do hope you consider adopting a shelter animal, too.

Oh, and Doofus-Dawg says, "Can I Haz Some?!?"

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment was received for this blog post.  Although, I am a PBS Kids THIRTEEN Parent, every pet we've ever adopted, growing up and raising my own family, has been a shelter animal and I took it upon myself to share information about this program.

Know Any Cat Lovers? Here's a Cool Opportunity from Purina Cat Chow!

Basketful of Buckbeak

I write about our Doofus-Dawg often -- as his antics seem to provide and endless amount of blog fodder -- but, did you know we have a cat, too?

That's Buckbeak -- named after Hagrid's pet hippogriff in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban -- Bucky, for short.

We adopted him, about 6 years ago, from our local shelter aaaaaand he FINALLY just caught his first mouse (as reported on my personal Facebook page) this morning!

So, we decided to keep him :)  Know anyone who likes cats?

Purina is in the middle of a nationwide search for the first-ever Purina Cat Chow Correspondent:

The Purina Cat Chow Correspondent is a one-year position and will offer a $50,000 salary.  This person will travel the country on behalf of Purina Cat Chow connecting with fellow cat owners.

EFFECTIVE:  May 15, 2011 - May 15, 2012

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 28, 2011

DETAILS:  http://catchow.com

Anyone can apply, so, why not?  Interested?  Go ahead, just do it, I'll wait, oh and GOOD LUCK!!!

Thank you for visiting my shopping blog.  Be sure to visit and/or subscribe to my home blog, ThisFullHouse.com (when you have time, of course!) for more great stories from a New Jersey Mom, schooled in the art of keeping 6 people in a 7 room house & 2 danged much laundry!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment was received for this blog post.  Just passing along information on some of the cool stuff I hear about and, well, maybe you guys would like a chance to check it out, too!

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Contest and Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be able to share this with you, pridelandmama (comment #80) please check your email for further instructions!!!

I'm not very happy with Doofus-Dawg, at the moment.  He knows it, too.  Suffice it to say, besides his sneaking on the couch, everytime I turn my back (I got him back, on my other blog, though) I cannot leave any food out and have resorted to child-locking the garbage, too!

I know, I know, the dog can't help it, it's in his nature...etc...still, he won't be getting any treats, for a while.

How about yours?

The pet-friendly folks representing Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul brand of cat and dog food products have an awesome contest featured on their facebook page and a very special Valentine's Day treat for our pet-loving online friends, right here, too.

FACEBOOK CONTEST:

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul is inviting friends to their Facebook page and post a photo with you and your pet illustrating the theme of "LOVE".

On Feb. 18 an entry will be selected to win:

• A copy of the Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul book
• Three month supply of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul
• A Cannon PowerShot SX210IS (http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx210_is)

TIME FOR US TO SHARE:

The pet-friendly folks representing Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Brand Dog and Cat Food have offered to share some pet-friendly treats with one (1) of our online friends, including:

ARM & HAMMER: Odor Eliminating Vacuum Filters - Eureka AirSpeed Bagless Vacuum Giveaway!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: I am SO HAPPY for the chance to share with Diane Baum (comment #327) please check your email for further instructions!

I am a loyal ARM & HAMMER customer and a HUGE consumer of their line of laundry products.

[see picture above]

In fact, I am considering a new tagline:  This FULL House - where EVERY DAY is Laundry Day!!! 

What do you think?

[sound of crickets chirping]

Aaaanyway, when the good folks representing the brand reached out to me about the HEPA vacuum filters also by ARM & HAMMER (they must have read Doofus-Dawg's review) of course, it seemed like a REAL good fit at the time.

Unfortunately, turns out they do not have a filter that fits my beloved Dyson :( but, offered to send me the Eureka AirSpeed Upright Bagless Vacuum along with additional ARM & HAMMER accessories.

I really love and have had great luck with ARM & HAMMER products!

[see picture above]

However, I do NOT need another vacuum and would really rather share it with someone who, you know, could use an extra helping hand, or twenty.

Doofus-Dawg Reviews: Taste of the Wild Pet Food Now For Cats, Too (DARNIT!)

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So HAPPY to be able to share with Mari (comment #20) please see your email for further instructions!!!

Yes, I know Doofus is only a dog (pictured above) but, he really DID seem to enjoy the  new grain-free canned dog food from Taste of the Wild we received for review, last spring.

Of course, the dog eats garbage (socks, candy wrappers, dirt etc...) opting in on the chance to sample some new pet food, however, was a much healthier choice, for sure.

Personaly, I know that there are pet owners, who would appreciate more organic and/or natural options when feeding their four-legged family members, as well.

[waves to SIL, Pam]

Once again, I'm very excited to be able to partner with the good folks representing Taste of the Wild Pet Food in sharing two new formulas launched for both dogs AND cats, too.

Doofus-Dawg, not so much!

Doofus-Dawg Reviews: A New Grain-free Canned Food from Taste of the Wild

[CONGRATULATIONS:  IDAHO JILL -- COMMENT #39 -- PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

This is Doofus-Dawg (also, see blog header) and, no matter what Cesar Milan says, I don't think he realizes, or cares, you know, that he's a dog. 

"Get-awf the couch, Doofus!"

Aaaaand, now that his human counterparts are getting older, I just enjoy writing about his antics, more than my kids like to admit, really.

"Do you mind if I blog about this, Doofus-Dawg?"

[wags tail]

Yes, Doofus-Dawg is an important part of this family, too.  Still.  My first thought, when receiving the very kind email from the pet-friendly folks at Taste of the Wild, addressed to Doofus-Dawg, was how does one review a pet food, objectively and does anyone speak dog?

Webkinz Jr. Review & Giveaway

[WE ARE HAPPILY SHARING WITH BIRDIE S. (#53) CONGRATULATIONS - PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

My youngest daughter (she's 8) and her friends love Webkinz.  I have it on good authority that Santa is bringing her the Webkinz Penguin for Christmas (shhhh, don't tell her) and, well, I still remember the excitement of receiving my first (and only) pet rock.

Sea monkeys, that looked nothing like monkeys, not so much.

I was recently introduced to Webkinz Jr. - a new educational website for kids 3 to 6 and, like their...um...big sisters (and brothers) Webkinz Jr. pets are cute and hug-worthy plush animals that each come with a unique Pet Code. 

Great, but what else can they do and is it more fun than, like, a fish tank full of Sea Monkeys?

Holiday Survival Guide 2009: Day 2 - Love, Hugs, Peace and all things Jonas with Build-A-Bear

[COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: CONGRATULATIONS DEB K (COMMENT #42) CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS -- HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE GIVEAWAYS ARE STILL GOING ON !!!]

Welcome to Day 2 of our Holiday Survival Guide 2009 sponsored by some of the most awesomely generous brands we know and have reviewed throughout the year, who have graciously agreed to provide some really cool stuff for Her, Him, the Grandparents...okay, isn't it time we ALL put the WIN back into the winter holidays and made re-gifting a rule?!?

Seriously, I've got some really great stuff to share with you.

Raising 4 kids (did I mention, we've got two teenagers in the house, this year?) my husband, Garth [not his real name] and I are trying (really hard) to remember to take back the holidays and keep it as stress free as...well...you know,.

We've got a little something for everyone and giving away some pretty cool stuff, too:

DAY 1:  HOLIDAY BAKING - Pumpkin Lattice Tart Food Channel Recipe and Holiday Gift Pack from Pampered Chef

DAY 2:  WARM HOLIDAY FUZZIES - Love, Hugs, Peace and All Things Jonas Brothers with Build-A-Bear

DAY 3:  CHILDREN'S BOOKS - Going Digital with Disney

DAY 4:  HOLIDAYS LONG DISTANCE - Keep in Touch with Skype and Buddy Cam

DAY 5:  QUIET HOLIDAY TIME - Grandpa Read's Quiet Time Tales

DAY 6:  FAMILY GAME NIGHT - Playing the "I'm Bored" Games with HABA

DAY 7:  MORE FUN TIME - Xbox 360 for When You're Home for the Holidays

Just so you know -- my picks, product features and blog posts (as always) are advertorial free. No one is paying me, to talk about their product. It's just some really nice stuff that I thought you guys would like, too.

Let's get started, okay -- have you heard of the Jonas Brothers?

Iams Home 4 The Holidays: WIN FREE FOOD FOR YOUR FAVORITE SHELTER

Since it began in 1999, Iams Home 4 the Holidays has helped place more than 3 million pets into happy homes.

Today there are 3,500 animal organizations in 17 countries around the world helping orphaned animals find loving homes.

We adopted Doofus-Dog from the Monmouth County Animal Shelter on November 28, 2004 and, other than dealing with rooting through the garbage issue, eating socks, or major anger issues with squirrels (seriously, he HATES them...me, too) he is still a member of our family -- it breaks my heart to think how Doofus was tied to a dumpster and left for dead.

Last year, the program’s goal of helping 1 million pets get adopted within three months was outdone when 1,202,701 pets were placed in homes.

Including Rumi, adopted by two-time Academy Award winner and this year’s IH4TH ambassador Hilary Swank.

According to IH4TH there are nearly 8 million homeless animals in the U.S. today, and almost half scheduled to be euthanized this year alone, our help is needed now more than ever. 

Not ready for a pet, yet?  Not a problem.

With the “Feed Pets in Need” program, you can help bring much needed food to your favorite IH4TH shelter by simply casting a vote at IH4TH.COM.

Each month, for the next 13 months, the shelter with the most votes gets a month’s supply of free food!

But why stop there?

Enter the Iams Life's Better Sweepstakes too and enter to win a FREE YEAR of food!

To learn more about how to make a difference in the life of a homeless pet — such as adopting, volunteering or donating — please visit IH4TH.COM and join us on Facebook and Twitter.

Doofus-dog thanks you!

Me, too!!!

© 2009 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENT, PRODUCT OR CONSIDERATION, BESIDES A CHANCE TO HELP FAMILIES (LIKE MINE) DO SOMETHING NICE, FOR SOMEONE ELSE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST, COURTESY OF AMERICAN POP AND IAMS.COM.