Ladies And Gentlemen..Start Your Engines

July 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

So I assume that if I had to guess most of you coming to this blog are here for the pet talk and not anything related to Nascar. As you get to know me more you will understand that Nascar and motorsports are a big part of my life…Actually it helps me pay for my life. I work at the Daytona International Speedway and if you know even a little bit about the sport you will know that this past weekend the Nascar Sprint Cup Series  was once again at the World Center of Racing. (Can you tell I am used to writing about the track?)

Daytona International Speedway

Getting ready for the Driver Intros

Anyway.. For those of you not remotely interested in Nascar I am going to merge the two this post.  NASCAR is a family sport and if you have seen it on tv you can see the whole family will pack up the camper/RV and head into our famous infield to camp and have a racing vacation. We love them for it.

What I personally love is that we allow the pets to come with, after all they are just as much a family member right?

Enjoying the action from the Air Conditioning

I’ve seen all kinds of pets over the years. Dogs are the norm but a few cats get in on the action. I’ve seen  parrots, ferrets, and even a snake.. although I was a little freaked out by that one. Eek!

Even the drivers can’t seem to leave the pets behind. Look at these cutie patooties. These lovelies belong to Kyle Busch driver of the Number 18 M&M’s car.

Kyle Busch's Pups Waiting out the Rain at Daytona

And of course since I am a little biased on the Chihuahua front.. here is a cute pic of Lola…Guarding daddy(Kevin Harvick) before the race. LOVE HER!

Kevin Harvick and Lola

Here’s one more for you… Driver A. J. Allmendinger has a budding superstar pup. His pup was one of the pups in Marley and Me(which by the way I saw once and cannot watch again). How cool is that to have your dog on the silver screen?

A.J. Allmendinger and Marley and Me Star Misty

Of course the drivers have pets and love them like family..but 2 drivers took it one step further. Both Ryan Newman and Greg Biffle have started foundations just for animals.

 

The Ryan Newman Foundation and The Greg Biffle Foundation were both founded in 2005 and along with their wives have donated so much to helping save animals and education. I love them for it.

The Greg Biffle Foundation

Some people like myself would take their dog anywhere if you could. My friend and I actually got kicked out of a movie theater once because we snuck her dog in and they saw it on a security camera. Whoops!

I’d love to hear where your dog goes with you! I sometimes bring  Javier  to the hair salon with me. He just sits on my lap and sleeps and I figure if he sheds hair it will just blend in with the other hair right? No big deal!

I also wanted to take the time again to let you know I am taking letters to see who will get to be the foundation or chariety of the month for August. My adsense revenue and percent of sales at myuberpet.com will get a check to help out with expenses. So spread the word and let me know if you would like to be selected. You don’t need to send me anything special…I will look them over and pick one each month.

Let’s do some good people.

Until next time….

Which way to the track?

 

 

Filed Under: Dogs, Events Tagged With: , , ,

Happy 4th Everyone!!!

July 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Happy Birthday America!

Filed Under: Dogs, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Living Up To Your Name

June 30, 2011 By 5 Comments

So you just got a new puppy or kitty and you are so excited to start your new adventure. But the most important thing besides caring for your new best friend is to name him or her right?. When we got our new puppy my husband and I went back and forth over naming rights. It really can get tense.Alot is on the line. We both had opnions  but we both felt strongly that puppy needed to have the best name possible.

What happened in our house was we both felt that our little Chihuahua boy needed a name that fits where he came from. Mexico.(We overlooked the fact that he was born and raised in Minnesota.) He’s more of a tequila/taco guy over a potluck hotdish  dude.We were both in agreement that we would not name him after Mexican food or drink. My Husband wanted him to have a macho name and I wanted it to be cute and sweet.

We just could not agree on things at all. We made list after list. Scratched them off and put them back on. I even sunk so low as to look up a newspaper in Mexico and read the birth announcements.  Is that weird?

So after a day or two we had it down to two names. The Hubs wanted Papi after Beverly Hills Chihuahua..BTW..he will kill me if he knew I gave up the goods about him watching and liking that movie. I on the other hand found my perfect name in the worst way possible. I was watching the news one night and sadly a woman was robbed at gunpoint for her BRA believe it or not. HER BRA PEOPLE!!!!! But the guys name that got busted was named Javier. For whatever reason that name jumped at me and would not leave.

Papi or Javier? 

Javier won by a vote of 2-0 in our house after I told my hubby about the bra story. My husband  tends to like a good bra and it was an easy sell after that. So Javier Bachmeier was born….After a crazy bra thief.

So now 2 years later I have a major problem in my house. Mr. Bachmeier…Javier not Jeff has had this issue for a while. I tried to look the other way. I tried to make up excuses. I was in denial. My confession to you all today is this…My sweet lovely little boy is totally living up to his name. He Is OBSESSED with bras. OMG!!! You really have no idea what a crazy thing this is. He will hunt them down all over the place. Dirty clothes hamper..clean drawers..suitcases when we travel. He will even be as sneaky and get them out of the bathroom when im in the shower so he knows I can’t get out to grab him. CRAZY!

Here he is with all of his conquests while I was in the bathroom. Sneaky little thing.

Jeff my husband thinks it’s cute but ladies…we ALL know how expensive bras can be..am I right? Cesar Milan needs to come and hang out for a day or so.. for real.

So that’s the story about my cute baby Javier? Does your pet have a great naming story? Can you top my little bra thief? I would love to hear them.

Coming up next time…

It’s race weekend in Daytona Beach. Most of you know my full time job is working for the Daytona International Speedway. I think it would be a great fit to talk about the animals of Nascar and the drivers who love them.

Filed Under: Dogs, Uncategorized

Who’s That Girl?

June 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

So as I stated in the super short post below I am back baby and this blog will be a bit more lively from now on. I’m excited for what the future holds and beyond thrilled about the possibilities of meeting some great animal lovers along the way.

First things first.. Let me formally introduce myself.

I’m Amy.

Whew! That was easy right? Hahaha. How do you ever really begin to explain who you are and what you’re all about without boring the crap out of people. I’m sure you will get to know plenty about me along the way. Just a few short things. I am super passionate about animals. Would do anything for them. I have a great life and family that knows how crazy I can be about my furry family. I am a diehard sports fan. If there is some sort of ball involved and you need a clear cut winner I am all for it. My day job is working in motorsports (Nascar). I have all of my teeth and no tattoos with car numbers. I am crappy at writing perfectly and you will notice that from time to time. I guess that’s a part of my charm..or will annoy the crap out of you.  Either way just know I am glad you are here and you are helping animals along the way.

How you ask? You will notice that I do have ads running on my blog. If I could make them look better or not as annoying I would but you will understand in a second.

My main goal with this blog is to entertain those crazy pet folks that ooh and ahhh when a cute pup goes by. Melt when you see a cutie pie kitty. Laugh your ass off when you see a dog that is wearing an outfit that costs more than yours. I LIVE for that stuff. With all the fun I will also try and bring attention to a few sad and scary issues that our furry little ones face. Trust me.. nothing that will make you cry or cringe..Just things that are important to me and maybe you too. I promise to not show you pictures of any animal with the song Angel playing behind it. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? That commercial gets me every freaking time.

 Ok back to the ads on the site. Starting in August once I get my blogging feet wet, I will be picking an animal charity each month. That will be my “pet” project to help raise money for them.  Clicking on the ads, writing about them to let you know what they are up too, and even a few www.myuberpet.com fundraiser sales will go to said charity.  I hate ads just as much as the next girly but damn if I can’t do something good with them right?

With that being said…if you have a pet foundation or charity or rescue and you want to be featured for a month.. please send me an email and I will for sure review everyone of them. It does not have to be local. Money all spends the same right? At the end of each month I will update everyone on the amount raised and show you a photo of the happy charity with the check. Warm fuzzys for everyone.

Ok guys.. Quick and painless post right? Next time I will introduce you to my crazy Chihuahua Javier. Make sure your bra’s are secure ladies…I’ll explain why next time.

Til then…Go and hug it out with your pets. They will very happy you did.

Filed Under: Events

It’s going to be amazing!!

June 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ok…So over the past year you have read many great blog posts and I assume you have learned something along the way. I know I have. Jessica has been great. I will forever be greatful for her insight and passion that she has showed.

I personally have been away from this blog but I’m back baby. I will be taking this blog to new heights and we will be talking about everything. Think 1 part Animal Planet with another part Entertainment Tonight. ( you will see in a few weeks)

As they say in the biz… Stay Tuned.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Health Aspect of Keeping Pet Iguanas

May 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Following up on a suggestion I got, I decided to do a bit of research on the health issues involved keeping pet iguanas. By health I mean for both the iguana and the owner.  I am going to devote a few blogs to exotic pets of this type since it seems to be a growing niche among pet owners.

My research reveals that there are many common mistakes made by new exotic pet owners. One of these is the failure to understand the importance of trying to recreate as much as possible the animal’s natural habitat. The same is true for pet iguanas as well.

Keeping Pet Iguanas Healthy

Fully grown iguanas look so powerful it is difficult to imagine them getting sick easily. Like all pets however they respond to proper care, and are prone to illness if not treated well. Things you must do to keep a pet iguana healthy include:

  • Before getting one, find a veterinarian experienced in dealing with reptiles. Trying to find one when it becomes ill might be too late.
  • Learn as much you can about iguanas, especially the breed you plan to get. The iguana diet is of course one of the most important considerations. A good one should have a mix of vegetables and fruits, and also water.
  • Remember that they like warmth. In the wild they are always seen basking in the sunshine. You can add a basking lamp to its cage, and make sure it is not exposed to air conditioning. The cage should also be big enough for it to move around in.

Are Iguanas Safe?

Many people have kept iguanas for years without incident. It should be noted however that like other reptiles they do carry bacteria, especially in its mouth. Iguanas can deliver a painful bite. They can pass on bacteria to humans if the skin is broken. They can also lash out defensively with their tails pretty hard. Children should be discouraged from playing with them, after all, just watching them is fascinating enough, isn’t it?

You certainly should never allow your iguana to be near a baby, even if there is little chance of contact. From what I’ve read it seems that older iguanas tend to be a bit more aggressive. Talk to iguana owners if you can. They can offer great care tips as well as help you learn whether this is the right pet for you.

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Why Cats Make Us Laugh

May 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Cats are arguably the most entertaining pets you could ever hope to have. Ask any cat owner and they will probably have at least one funny cat story to share. This has a lot to do with their intensely curious nature, but their lithe bodies certainly help quite a bit. They love lots of affection, but they have their moments where they stamp their individuality.

Pining for Attention

My friend Mitsi calls her American Bobtail Mr Frodo. She says that when he doesn’t feel like he’s getting enough attention he puts on a show. No matter where she goes he positions himself in front of her, lying on his back with his feet in the air. He squirms and twists until she rubs his tummy for a while. When he is satisfied that he has gotten his fair share he gets up and trots off to do other cat things.

What’s on TV?

Frank tells me that his cat is an avid TV watcher especially of Nascar races. Part of the fun for this Shorthair is to try to catch the cars as they zoom out of the frame. I’ve actually seen other cats doing this. Now that Franks has gotten a new Hi-Def TV, I doubt he will risk getting scratches on it. His tabby might have to find something else to amuse himself.

Doing the Laundry

Jennifer’s mixed feline sure seems to enjoy laundry day. For some reason it seems to get a kick out of watching clothes spin in the washer. In fact once she picks up the clothes and starts heading in that direction the cat will jump up and follow her.

Who’s that in the mirror?

Andrea’s Persian must think there is another cat vying for his owner’s affections. According to her, he will tiptoe to the edge of the mirror and slowly peep around the side. Not surprisingly he always sees that other cat looking back at him. She always laughs when he jumps back and hisses. For his sake she usually leaves her closet door open so he can’t see the full length mirror. Maybe, overtime he will become more accommodating.

Of course, with so many cats out there, you bet there are probably millions of similar pet stories out there. If you have any to share we would love to hear them.

Filed Under: Cats Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Go Green with Pet Fashion and Pet Products

May 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many of us, while not directly involved in environmental causes, do our best to make our personal contributions. This might be in the form of recycling, or making organic mulch for our home gardens. Let’s face it, there are many ways to protect the world around us. And you can also use your love for your pets to demonstrate your commitment to environmental awareness as well.

There are many examples of what are known as green pet products. Some of these are directly related to pet care, while others have to do with things like pet fashion. Don’t for one second think that this means going way above your typical pet budget. Like many other products, there will be a variety of options and prices available.

Green Pet Products

It’s not surprising that pet companies are getting into the swing of the going green movement. Making eco-friendly pet products is simply good business sense. Examples of green products available to pet owners include:

  • Green cat litter: The production of cat litter in itself is thought to be harmful to the environment due to the use of clay. Disposal methods often raise concerns as well. Now earth-friendly brands like World’s Best Cat litter and Feline Pine are being sought by many cat owners.
  • Pet toys: Pet toys made from recycled materials are a good option for the eco conscious pet owner. Naturally, quality will vary, so be sure to get as much information as possible before making any purchases.
  • Pet fashions: Some people opt for making their own pet clothes from extra fabric or clothes that were heading for the dumpster. You can also buy hemp dog collars and clothes made from natural fibers like cotton and bamboo.
  • Pet shampoos: Some pet care products contain products that are considered environmentally harmful. They are also thought to be potentially harmful to the pets over time since they come in direct contact with the skin. Thankfully, there is now a choice and pet owners can have their pick of green alternatives.

Some people suggest that certain actions will help foster a sense of environmental consciousness as well. This includes spaying or neutering pets to control the pet population. The number of stray animals running around seems to support this idea. Regular veterinarian visits to help keep them healthy could also be part of your overall green pet care program.

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Bladder Stones in Dogs and Cats

May 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Just as we humans can get bladder stones, our pets can be affected by them as well. These are hard buildups of minerals that are deposited in the bladder. They occur when waste is not broken down properly, but instead solidify over time. They can also be caused by foreign matter that ends up in the bladder. Based on the name, these can easily be distinguished from kidney stones or gall stones.

Effects of Bladder Stones in Pets

Any breed of dog or cat can be affected by this condition. It has been found to be relatively common in dogs. Many dog owners are not even aware that a problem exists until the animal becomes seriously affected. Effects of the condition include:

  • Blood in the urine: This is also referred to as Hematuria, this happens when the stones damage the inside of the bladder or the urinary tract.
  • Pain: The pet may show signs of pain or discomfort while urinating or if the stomach area is touched.

Difficulty urinating: If the stones end up in the urinary tract the resulting blockage will cause problems. This condition is referred to in technical circles as Dysuria. Alert cat or dog owners may be quick to pick up on this particular sign. Untreated, bladder stones can lead to bladder infections.

Treatment Options

The right diet can help in preventing bladder stones in cats and dogs. When they do occur, the veterinarian may make some dietary recommendations. This alone however, does not always provide relief. Plus, some animals may not eat as they do not adapt to the new food. A special diet will only work with certain types of bladder stones, so focusing on prevention is the best bet.

Surgical intervention is usually the best course of action. This treatment option ensures that all the stones are removed.

Bladder stones don’t always show up on x-rays, especially if they are small. Pets that are prone to urinary tract infections do seem to have a higher incidence of the condition. You should also note that other types of pets have been known to develop the condition.

Filed Under: Cats, Dogs Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Common Mistakes by New Cat Owners

May 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Being a new cat owner can present a few challenges. The sad truth is not everyone is ready for a new pet even when they think they are. Cat care is not as simple as setting up a litter box and buying cat food. For the first time cat owner especially there are a number of finer points to consider. Some of these are directly related to the health of the cat in addition to basic care of the animal. Common mistakes made by new cat owners are:

  • Not being ready: If you’re getting a cat you have to make sure that the home environment has been prepared. Check and cover up if necessary if small spaces that the animal could become trapped in. Cover your aquarium if you have one, and make sure that there is no hanging material that will allow the cat to drag items onto the floor or onto itself.
  • Being able to afford a new pet: There is expense involved in caring for cats as for many other types of pets. If your budget is tight, it may not be the right time to bring a pet into your life.
  • Making the wrong choice: Sometimes one type of pet can be the wrong fit for a home or family. For this reason, many suggest adopting very young cats so they can adjust as they grow. Don’t be too quick to adopt the first cat you see just because you like the way it looks.
  • Not getting enough information: Cat care information is essential to have a healthy and happy cat. Some new owners simply don’t know enough to address all of their pet’s needs. This includes ensuing that your feline companion gets the necessary vaccinations and scheduled visits to the veterinarian.
  • Declawing: Some new at owners are too quick to have this done. The fact that they have claws does not mean that you will get scratched or that your furniture is in danger. With love and affection, the claws stay in, and a scratching post can keep chair legs free of unsightly marks.

There are so many other things the new cat owner must keep in mind if they want to keep their new companions healthy. Bargain cat food brands are not all bad, but make sure to check the nutritionally labels. It makes sense to ask your vet about the nutritional needs of your new pet before buying cat food. If you are getting a cat for the first time, remember that it is your companion, not your property. These animals appreciate a certain amount of freedom as well as lots of attention.

Filed Under: Cats Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
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