There could be hope for dogs with cancer after all

Vical partner gets approval to market dog cancer vaccine, which is for melanoma in dogs, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported this morning. The company said its vaccine Oncept, given after disease onset, significantly extends survival time after tumor removal.


What exactly is melanonma, you ask? Melanoma is a common form of skin cancer, which show up as either dark or unpigmented tumors. Most tumors found on the skin are benign, but the risk that they are malignant is greater when found on the mouth, toes or under the eyes. 


Unlike people, dogs don't get cancer from sun exposure. Instead, experts believe that they could be caused by excessive scratching or licking, which causes skin cells to divide and multiply frequently. Older dogs (9+ years) and males tend to be at higher risk. 


Certain breeds tend to be more susceptible to developing this type of cancer, although any breed can be affected. You can read more about Melanoma in dogs by visiting the Natural Dog Health Remedies website.

Dogs love snow!

Please stop smoking Mommy

At the beginning of every new year, you get to wipe the slate clean and start over. There's no better time than NOW to do something that's good for you,  your loved ones and the environment.

This month marks my 2 year anniversary of being a non-smoker. Yes, I decided to quit when I landed in the hospital. But making myself healthier was not something I did for myself. I mean I really, REALLY enjoyed smoking. I had already stopped smoking at the workplace, had cut it down to an average of 5 a day and there was no smoking allowed in the house. And even though I have a "smell phobia" – I don't want to be the smelly guy and don't like people who are – the stink factor also didn't curb my urge.

Even though I try to eat good, exercise and love my family; the main reason I quit smoking... my dogs. If I die tomorrow, who would take care of my fur-babies? Yes, I have a husband who would probably do just fine. But I just couldn't stand the thought of them being left without me.

Here are some tips to help you put those butts out for good – Dogster's - for the love of the dog blog


Tip 1 - Do it for your dog
Tip 2 - Inhale the facts
Tip 3 - Make your dog your exercise partner
Tip 4 - Take advantage of your dog's job title
Tip 5 - Make your dog an anti-smoking billboard
TIp 6 - Train your dog as a smoke alarm
Tip 7 - Share your financial windfall with Fido
Tip 8 - Get hypnotized by a dog


For a more in depth look at their tips, visit their website at dogblog.dogster.com

Doggie Christmas 2009

This is what makes Christmas so fun!

Sasha Waits For Santa

Sasha Waits For Santa

It's Christmas Eve and I'm not sure that you can ever say "not a creature was stirring" at my house. With 3 cats and 3 dogs, there is never a dull moment... much less a silent one!

Wishing everyone Happy Howl-i-days – May you and yours have safe travels, good times with family and/or friends, good health, plenty of food to eat and a warm place to rest your head for the night.

2009 has been a roller coaster ride for many of us, but let's be thankful that we made it! 2010 is just around the corner and will hopefully be a more prosperous year for all.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours,
Renee and the Fur-Babies

Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season

Photo of Nigel by Renee Tellez (That's me!)

Brought to you by Deb Kern of the Humane Society of Huron Valley: Every year thousands of pets are rushed to animal emergency rooms because they were accidentally poisoned by household items. According to the ASPCA, they handled 140,000 cases of pet poisonings in 2008.

Here are three very important tips:

1. Don't feed sweets, especially chocolate, to your pets. It is highly toxic.

2. Be cautious when decorating. Many holiday plants are toxic and decorations, such as tinsel and ribbon, can cause serious illness or even death.

3. You wouldn't sleep outside in the cold and neither should your pet.

Read the entire entry from AnnArbor.com contributor Deb Kern at AnnArbor.com/pets

Bubbles n' Beads free sample

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Bubbles 'n Beads features:

- Time-saving 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner
- Micro-beads deliver vitamins and conditioners to the skin
- Blend of 14 Amino Acids:

To sign up to get a free sample, go to their website, http://www.happytailsspa.com.