Binksy and Bobo - Interview

I came across this wonderful business on Twitter and thought it deserved a shout out. Here's what Katrina Poole of Binksy and Bobo, (owner/operator/mom/entrepreneur) had to say;

Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am a mother to a 21/2 year old sweetie (a boy) and wife to a crazy-fun husband. I live in Toronto. I love the energy of the city, photography, food (cooking & eating it), the quirky little things my son does that make me laugh (like just the other day, when he decided to lick my arms like a dog)....
I have always been creative, having studied Fine Arts in University and then having worked in an Ad Agency as a Graphic Designer, so deciding to start designing and sewing clothes was just the next thing.

Tell us about Binkys & Bobo:
While pregnant and huge with my son, I spent my days in front of my old sewing machine, making every item for my son’s soon-to-be-nursery. I sewed his curtains, bedding, bumper pads etc.
After the birth of my son, with all the fun I had designing his nursery, I decided to start sewing his clothing and thus Binksy & Bobo was born.

Any significance behind that adorable name?
Binksy is cute and whimsical (like my clothing). Bobo was the name of my little brother’s much beloved stuffed toy, Mr. Bobo, who, unfortunately ended up being shoved down the toilet.....so the name pays homage to Mr. Bobo.

What products do you carry? Tell us what makes them unique:
I carry a line of reversible clothing and stylish accessories for babies and children. Everything is handmade in Toronto, Canada. The nice part about having a reversible piece is, if there ever is a stain spilled down the front (which almost always happens), one can simply turn the item inside out for a fresh clean look.
I also carry accessories such as baby’s blankets and shopping cart covers that can be personalized with a monogram or fun graphic appliqué.

How long have you been in business?
I started the business in August of 2008.

Are you purely web based?
Right now I am an on-line store. I also partake in the Children’s Trunk Show held in Toronto in November and am now starting to branch out into retail stores.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced with Binkys & Bobo?
Building my brand, making people across Canada and the United States aware of Binksy & Bobo. The second challenge would have to be, not always being able to find the fabric I need for a particular item I’m making. I’m working on establishing relationships with more suppliers.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I have a blog; http://www.lipstickandlullabies.com/
where I like to talk about my double life as a mom and business owner. My blog features recipes and day to day ramblings and contests.

*Right now, I’m holding a laugh out loud contest. I’m giving away a personalized t-shirt and reversible short set ($60 value) to the contestant who writes me (in my comments section) of the funniest/most embarrassing moment in their child’s/baby’s life. For Contest entry and info, please click the following link: http://www.lipstickandlullabies.com/2010/04/contest-most-embarrassingfunny-thing.html

I am on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BinksyAndBobo
Fans receive from time to time coupons and special promotions

I am on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/BinksyAndBobo

Check out this fabulous line of products.

Whole Milk Is Not Appropriate For Kids: So Why are Schools Still Serving It?

By Joanna Dolgoff MD
(www.drweigh.com/blog)

Recently, America’s school lunch menus have been under fire and parents are becoming increasingly concerned about the state of their children’s health and well-being. Federal law, under the School Lunch Act, provides nutritional guidelines and criteria to which schools must adhere. These guidelines include the amount and type of foods the cafeteria must offer, in addition to placing limits on nutrients like saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Specifically, school lunches must provide 1/3 of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and 1/3 of the Recommended Energy Intake (REI) for calories. In addition, the cafeteria must offer 5 components as part of a school lunch, of which three of the five must make their way onto the child’s lunch tray. These include a starch, meat (or meat substitute), fruit, vegetable and milk. There are similar guidelines for schools that serve breakfast as well. These guidelines are especially important because many children eat the majority of their meals at school.

Milk contributes a good portion of nutrients to school lunches. It is a valuable, nutrient-dense source of protein, calcium and vitamin D, all of which are important for achieving adequate nutrition and optimal growth in school-age children. However, whole milk can significantly contribute to the saturated fat and cholesterol content of a meal.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) whole milk and other full-fat dairy products are only appropriate for children under the age of 1-2 years old. Children under two, who are in a stage of rapid growth and brain development, have high energy and dietary fat requirements. They need the extra fat that whole milk contains.

Everybody else, however, should choosing low fat dairy products, including skim milk. In fact, the AAP states that no child over the age of two should be drinking whole milk. Skim milk is identical to whole milk in terms of nutritional value, but is markedly lower in saturated fat, cholesterol and calories. Diets high in saturated fat are associated with increased risk for obesity, heart disease and certain cancers. Saturated fat intake causes harmful buildup in the arteries and blood vessels of healthy individuals, starting in young children. It is important to begin healthy eating habits as a child and to continue making healthy choices throughout life.

A good portion of a child’s learning happens through modeling. That is, by watching their parents or other caregivers’ actions, they learn how to be an adult. This is especially important when it comes to eating: your food preferences as an adult are closely related to the foods you saw your parents eating. But what happens when your child is eating 2 out of 3 meals a day at school, plus a snack? Because they are eating so many meals outside the home or the care of their parents, kids are increasingly reliant on teachers, caregivers and cafeteria staff to guide them to make healthy choices and model healthy eating behaviors.

The fact is, the people who are responsible for serving food to or eating with your children usually receive no formal nutrition education. In most cases, a position as a preschool classroom aide or a kitchen worker requires a high school level education. Regardless, whatever their educational background, it is a common misconception for people to think that whole milk has a nutritional advantage over skim milk. It is also very common that parents encounter teachers or caregivers who have different beliefs than their own when it comes to feeding their child. Especially when you’re talking about the welfare of a child’s health, when a parent feels one way but their caregiver feels another way, this can create some tension. A well-meaning day care worker just may not be aware of or understand the reasons why full-fat milk can be dangerous, even for young children. Parents often have a difficult time getting this message across but should continue to be an advocate for their child’s health.

In situations like this, as a parent you have the right to decide what your child does and does not eat. You can stress this issue to the teacher in a polite way while still standing firm. If needed, refer them to an appropriate resource, such as http://www.mypyramid.gov/, the American Academy of Pediatrics, your pediatrician, or even a local dietitian for further advice on this matter. Your child’s health comes first!

Joanna Dolgoff, M.D. is a pediatrician and child obesity specialist. She and her child weight loss program (http://www.drweigh.com/) has been featured on The Today Show, GMA Health, Good Day, NY, WABC News, WNBC News, Fox 5 Morning Show, My9 News, and WPIX News.
She is also a contributing blogger to the Huffington Post and her book, Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right, (Rodale, 2010) is available wherever books are sold. Children from 45 different states are losing weight with her online weight loss program. Check it out at; http://www.drdolgoff.com/.

Chewelry - A Must Have

Check out my interview with 35 year old mother of three and principal owner of Kid Companions, Pierrette d'Entremont. This kid-friendly "Chewelry" has an unique use.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I attended The University of Ottawa in the Health Sciences, Human Kinetics program. Also I am a jewellery designer and Accredited Jewelry Professional.

For the past ten years I had run my own company, Bijoux Pierrette d’Entremont Jewelry Designs. With the birth of my children, another concept started to take shape. Babies like to tug and chew on anything they can touch. In a world full of hazards (keys, metal jewellery, glasses, watches etc.), I wanted something to amuse my baby or distract her, mostly while in Public. I didn't want her to be covered under a nursing cover all the time either.

I needed it to be many things, including safe, effective and socially responsible. The hunt was on. With the support of my husband, my babysitting mom (a retired elementary school teacher) and a few key interested individuals, we developed a two-part pendant and a custom breakaway clasp. This process took a while. We called it the HeartString Companion.

How did you come up with the “chewelry” idea?
One day I noticed how my 3yr old with Tourette’s Syndrome appreciated a clay heart pendant I had made for her teething sister. As I watched, it struck me that my 3 year old could chew and fidget discreetly while my nursing infant could tug and teeth to her hearts’ content. After a few comments from parents, phone calls to child healthcare professionals and fruitless product searches, I realized that other parents were looking for such accessories, especially for their special needs children.

Explain the Chewelry and the benefits of it and why Autistic children need it.

Our journey to design and get Kid Companions on the market began in 2006. It meant creating something that was chewable and tuggable while still being “cool” enough to blend in. Finally, we had a solution….a durable, colorful, non-toxic pendant that was safe to chew on…something that could help any child be him/herself, anytime, anywhere. We called it the HeartString Kid Companion.

Occupational Therapist recommend Kid Companions to Special Need children, often those with ASD, as an oral- motor tool. As a chewable accessory, the tool addresses the issues of inappropiate biting and chewing and helps those with Sensory Processing Disorder.

Children with ADHD are unable to inhibit the impulse to move around; it is not because they do not want to it is because they cannot. Therefore, Kid Companions allows discreet fidgeting to help these hyperactive children to focus better. Also the strong jaw muscles are a great way to use pent-up energy by chewing to stay on task.

Are Kid Companions fashionable?
With time, needing to belong to a peer group becomes more and more important. That meant creating something that was chewable and tuggable while still being “cool” enough to blend in. The heart and circle shapes and lanyards in their choices of colors worn as a necklace or clipped to clothing is discreet but yet fashionable.

What ages do you make Kid Companions Chewelry for?
These chewy fidgets are appropriate for all ages, especially now that we have three color choices of our circled shaped Kid Companions that appeal to tweens and teens.

What are they made of?
The Kid’s Companions give parents peace of mind. Since our products are developed for infant use, we wanted FDA approved, North American sourced/made and socially responsible materials. THAT was a tall order, but we did it! We have followed ASTM standards and have passed the new (and future) CPSIA 3rd party testing. We have our 3rd Party Certificate documenting the safety standards met. We even keep a record of all MSDS certificates from our suppliers. These are the unique features of Kid Companions and its’ safety features:

A custom breakaway clasp will release and can be re-attached with ease - a feature that guards against strangulation, even at play.
18” or 20″ necklaces (lanyards) are made with washable rayon/cotton that is dyed with safe non-toxic dyes. Soon we will offer a more durable non-dyed organic cotton lanyard.
Pendants all pass small parts test and are actually around 2” to eliminate any possibility of choking
Pendant and clasp materials are medical grade, BPA/phthalates free, Lead free, Latex free and Cadmium free.
Everything can be washed!! (Pendants are even dishwasher safe).
How has the response been so far?

We are focusing our efforts on selling online from www.chewelry.ca Five days a week we ship Kid Companions to many parts of the world via the postal system. Also Kid Companions are sold in Special Needs stores and web sites in Canada, the US and Australia. For example they are sold at Got-Autism, Pediatric Safety and Special Needs Toys Australia.

Anything else you would like to add?
Let’s chew and fidget safely and fashionably!

You can find us and read about by following these links:

http://www.chewelry.ca/

blog: http://kidcompanions.blogspot.com/

pierrette@chewelry.ca

lorna@chewelry.ca

twitter: Chewelry4SN

twitter: PAdEntremont

twitter: lornadEnt

Facebookpage: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Kid-Companions-Chewelry/282403565744?ref=ts

The Coffee Klatch: A virtual cup of coffee with parents of special needs children. Monday - Friday 9-11am EST Wednesday 9 pm EST Marianne ~ Elise ~ Pierrette ~ Jane

Bumples New Issue is Ready!

Check out a brand new issue of Bumples Magazine. It's packed full of fun-tastic things for your kids to do and learn about, like, "Zoo Facts, Jack Rabbits and Inch Worms."

Bumples also a super story entitled; "Kimu and the Kelp Forest." What's that all about? Plus, there's games, puzzles and so much more.

Bumples has extended their super sale for my readers until April 30th - That's a full year’s subscription for only $15.00 - ONLY .62 cents an issue!

Use reader code b15 to get this special rate.

Check out Frittabello

Looking for a unique gift with a special meaning? Visit 'Frittabello.' The name may be unusual but the gifts are extraordinary. Here's what Jennifer Covello, owner/operator of Frittabello had to say:

You've probably been asked this a million times but...what is the significance behind "Frittabello"?

The name "frittabello" was inspired by son, Christopher. Christopher was learning how to say his first and last name together - Christopher Covello. At age 2, he could not fully pronounce it yet, so he called himself "fritta bello". To this day (to his dismay), I still sometimes call him "Fritta".

How did you start out doing baby products?

Initially, I was inspired to create the My Life baby journal. I had kept journals for both of my children since birth and loved re-reading my entries both to myself and to them. I wanted to bring this special "story" time to other parents. So I started writing the content for the journal. Not long after I started the business, I began to think of complementary products to the journal and so the "From the Heart" product line was launched in 2009. This line includes 100% organic baby layette apparel (bibs, hats, onesies), stationery and gift sets.

How long as Frittabello been established?

Frittabello was formed in January 2008.

What types of products do you carry?

My From the Heart Line, launched in 2009 includes 100% organic baby layette apparel (onesies, bibs and hats) that are custom embroidered with the Fritabello signature triple entwined hearts. There is also custom coordinated notecards, 100% recycled cotton mini totebag gift sets that includes a color coordinated onesie set and notecards, and a From the Heart memory box gift set that includes the entire line of From the Heart gifts and the My Life baby journal. All products are lovingly packaged and ready to give.

Are your products eco-friendly?

Yes. The From the Heart clothing is 100% organic, the mini totebag is made from 100% recycled cotton. All products are made in the USA.

Are you sold through retailers as well as online?

Yes. A number of retailers in Fairfield County, CT sell the My Life baby journal in their stores.

What is your biggest seller?

The My Life baby journal is the biggest seller. Customers who have purchased this see it as a unique gift and something the expectant parent will always treasure and be able to one day share with their child. The fact that aspects of the design and the content were inspired by angelic messages and visions I received while developing it make it all the more unique. It also won a Bronze publishing award from Living Now in 2009.

Do you have a mailing list?

I do. People can go to my website and join my mailing list to receive my newsletter, information about upcoming events, and my blog.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Frittabello was created and inspired by my angels - both here on earth and in heaven. Each product has a story behind it and a special meaning. Our products are designed to bring angels into people's lives and to inspire.

Check out Frittabello at; http://www.frittabello.com/

Pictures by: Nicole Taylor Photography

Pets for Patriots - Interview

In honour of Animal Cruelity Awareness Month we have an interview with an awesome organization that enables military folks to adopt adult pets at a reduced cost. Check it out below;

Tell us about Pets for Patriots...how would you describe it to someone whose never heard of you before?
Pets for Patriots is a 501(c)(3) charity that supports the permanent adoption of adult shelter pets by U.S. service members and veterans. Service men and women are eligible at any stage of their military careers - active, reserve, retired, veteran - and from all branches of military service. Once we're fully operational, we'll provide access to reduced cost care for the life of the adopted pet, which will include veterinary care, as well as special discounts on essential pet care products, food and supplies.

What started the whole concept?
I have an irrepressible love for animals and even started a dog walking service when I was 12 - long before it was a fashionable thing to do. My family always adopted shelter pets and it broke my heart - and still does - to see how many viable pets will never know the joys of a loving home. At the same time I was raised with a strong sense of patriotism and respect for those who safeguard our freedoms. I had the idea that our not-for-profit could make a positive impact for both of these populations.

Where are you located?
We are located in Long Beach, New York, but plan to operate nationally.

How can people help?
Right now the greatest help is donations. People can make secure, tax deductible contributions by credit card through our website or, if they prefer, fill out our mail-in donation form and send us a check. We're trying to raise funds in support of our inaugural adoption event, which will be announced once we have funding in order. And in the interim we're working hard to facilitate a few local adoptions, for which we need funds as well.

What kind of animals do you deal with? Are they only adult animals?
Our focus is on adult animals. Eligible adoptions include large dogs, those over 40 pounds, and special needs dogs or cats. These populations are typically the hardest for shelters to rehome, yet make wonderful pets and have years of love and life to give.

What is the criteria for someone wanting to adopt through your organization?
Becoming a member Patriot is very simple and folks can apply online. We do require proof of military service via either a military ID card or DD214, proof of discharge.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to point out that we are one of the only organizations nationally to focus on both adult shelter pets and military personnel. There are many wonderful charities that pair service animals with wounded veterans and we applaud their work. We exist for the ordinary homeless dog or cat that would make an extraordinary friend for a military member or family.

Visit their web site at;

http://www.petsforpatriots.org/

Rescue Ink - Review

More than 1700 pounds of muscle and over 80 tattoos, equals a group of formable guys all working for the same cause – to rescue helpless, abandoned and abused animals. They’re Rescue Ink and you better not mess with them.

“Abusers are Losers” is their motto. From herding chickens, to finding stolen pets to bringing awareness to the ugliest of animal abuse, these guys are a rag-tagged team of machismo and huge hearts.

Rescue Ink’s approach is a simple one – they act on tips from concerned neighbours and strangers, often times helping when no other organization would bother. They’re rescued pit bulls from fighting rings, helped a woman vaccinate and relocate over 180 cats she had living in her house and saved horses from slaughter.

Read about these unsung heroes in Rescue Ink (the book), where you’ll learn more of the back grounds on; Joe, Johnny, O, Batso, Big Ant, G, Angel, Eric, Des, Bruce, and Robert. Their stories may surprise you, but their love, gentleness and caring for all creatures will make you fall in love with them. I know I did.

Check out Rescue Ink at; http://www.rescueink.org/

Myths and Truths of Microchipping

FACT: Between six and eight million pets enter shelters every year. Of those, three to four million are euthanized (http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/overpopulation_estimates.html).
FACT: Nearly three out of four pets that are microchipped are reunited with their owners (http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/shelterchip.htm ).

MYTHS/TRUTHS ABOUT PET MICROCHIPS

• MYTH: Microchips work like global positioning devices telling me my pet’s location
o TRUTH: Pet microchips are not tracking devices; rather, they provide permanent identification. Unlike a collar with tags, microchips cannot fall off, be removed, or become impossible to read. Microchips are radio-frequency identification (RFID). Each chip carries a unique number than can be read by a microchip scanner. The unique microchip number must be registered in a database along with the contact information of the pet owner. Registration is critical: if the pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or veterinarian where it is scanned for a microchip, the unique microchip ID number will be used to retrieve the contact information of the pet’s owner.

Because they use RFID technology, microchips do not require a power source like a GPS. When the microchip scanner is passed over the pet, the microchip gets enough power from the scanner to transmit the chip's ID number. Since there's no battery and no moving parts, there's nothing to keep charged, wear out, or replace. The microchip will last your pet's lifetime.

• MYTH: My pet wears a collar and tag so there isn’t a need for a microchip.
o TRUTH: All pets should wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their owner or veterinarian. Tags, though, may become worn and impossible to read, or they may slip off or be removed. A microchip is the only form of pet identification that is permanent, with a unique number that cannot be altered or removed. (http://public.homeagain.com/faq.html)

• MYTH: Having a microchip implanted will hurt my pet.
o TRUTH: Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice. Your veterinarian will implant the microchip in your pet. The procedure is simple and similar to administering a vaccine or a routine shot. The microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination. No anesthetic is required. (http://public.homeagain.com/faq.html)

• MYTH: Microchips are expensive.
o TRUTH: Prices vary among veterinary clinics, but the average cost to have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian is around $45, which is a one-time fee and often includes registration in a pet recovery database. If your pet was adopted from a shelter or purchased from a breeder, your pet may already have a microchip. Consult your pet adoption paperwork, or have your pet scanned for a microchip at your next vet visit to reveal the unique microchip ID number and register it. (http://public.homeagain.com/download/HomeAgain-FactSheet.pdf )

• MYTH: Only dogs need to be microchipped; my cat doesn’t need one.
o TRUTH: Cats often do not wear collars. Their owners would be surprised to hear how often microchip companies recover “indoor only cats.” There are many ways a cat can escape to the outdoors: a delivery man could accidentally leave a door open, or storms could scare your cat to run away through a loose window screen. A recent study showed that less than 2% of cats without microchips were returned home. However, if a cat is microchipped, the return to owner rate is 20 times higher than if the cat was not microchipped. (http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/shelterchip.htm)

• MYTH: My contact information is contained in the chip and I’m worried about privacy issues.
o TRUTH: Microchips carry only a unique identification number. The pet owner’s information is not contained in the chip. However, owners need to register their contact information with the microchip ID number in a pet recovery database, which can easily be done online. If your pet gets lost, a veterinarian or shelter will scan the chip, contact the pet recovery company to look up the unique number in the database, and contact you. It is vital to register your contact information and keep it updated or the clinic/shelter will not be able to get in touch with you. (http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/shelterchip.htm & http://public.homeagain.com/faq.html)

• MYTH: I need to microchip my pet more than once.
o TRUTH: A microchip does not contain a battery so it will not wear out; the microchip will normally last the lifetime of your pet. Chips are composed of biocompatible materials that will not degenerate over the pet’s lifetime. Some microchips are equipped with anti-migration features that bond to the skin, ensuring the chip will not move once implanted. Owners can also check to make sure their pet’s chip is working by having a vet scan it during a regular checkup (http://public.homeagain.com/faq.html)

• MYTH: Having a microchip implanted gives my pet the best protection in the event he gets lost.
o TRUTH: If your pet is microchipped but the chip is not registered, your pet is not protected. Register your pet’s microchip in a national pet recovery database such as HomeAgain with your contact information so that you can be contacted when your lost pet is found. Only 58% of microchipped pets are ever registered in a database, leaving many other microchipped pets whose owners cannot be identified (http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/shelterchip.htm). Make sure your pet’s microchip is registered with a national pet recovery service like HomeAgain, and keep your contact information up-to-date to give your pet the best chance of coming home if he gets lost.

The Fabulous Sugar Doll Blogger Award

Wow! I'm thrilled that I was thought of my Elizabeth Varadan to receive the "Fabulous Sugar Doll Blogger Award" Check out Elizabeth's Blog at;
http://elizabethvaradansfourthwish.blogspot.com/. It's a great site with much to offer.

Now as per the rules of receiver, I must pass this on to 5 other Bloggers and also tell 10 things about myself. So first my five top picks (and this was tough, believe me) are;

Crystal's Bookmark- http://crystalroget.blogspot.com/ she's an aspiring children's writer and I've been/still am there.

Juliana at A Blonde Walks into a Blog; http://blondeinablog.blogspot.com/ - Love her sense of humour and style.

Miss Mouse at; http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/tiny-furballs just a unique and fun Blog.

Omar at Random Nothingness; http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/random-nothingness - Cool guy

Holly Reisem Hanna at; http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/ - Excellent Blog Content

Now 10 little know things about me; hmmmm...

1) I consider myself a 'Professional Blogger' perhaps because there really is no such thing (at least I think not)

2) I love making people laugh

3) I make cards for all occassions

4) I'd rather shop at the dollar store then Maceys

5) So I guess I'm cheap (see number 4)

6) I love a challenge and will embrace the effort

7) I'm critter-crazy -all animals all the time

8) The guys from Rescue Ink are my heroes (see number 7)

9) I LOVE Blogging and wish I could make a living at it

10) I spend way too much time on the computer (see number 9)

So that's it. Thanks Elizabeth and to all my 'Pay-it-forwards" enjoy :)

PetStuff Resale - Interview

With the economy the way it is, families may have to do some down-sizing and cutting back; this includes our beloved and loyal pets as well. However, there’s a web site dedicated to gentled used pet items at considerably lower costs.

Janet Huey owner/operator of Pet Stuff Resale (http://petstuffresale.com) has dedicated her time and life to finding good quality pet items, that may just end up sitting in someone’s garage or storage unit, and selling them a considerably lower prices.

Here’s what Janet had to say;

Tell us about your business, what it entails. How long have you been doing this?
Pet Stuff Resale was started in 1997 after I floundered a bit post corporate down sizing, then came up with this idea while working at a pet store. I became so grateful for that downsizing.
I absolutely love my job - buying, selling and trading new and used pet supplies. I try to offer above expectations service by delivering to peoples jobs to save them time when possible, offer solutions to unusual requests and not sell an item just to make a sale.
One extra service offered at Pet Stuff Resale is if someone sends me a picture of their pet in what they purchased, it will get posted on my blog, where there are only happy rescue stories and a little soft selling.

Where do you get you products? Are they all used?
Thanks to rescue contacts made since 1986, much of both my business as well as inventory come by way of referral from vets, groomers, rescue groups, repeat customers and dog adopters. One of my sources is a former greyhound adopter who shops in the resale world and finds "goodies" for me. She has gotten quite adept at getting not only traditional items but also items whose initial use was not pet-related. She emails
me when something is in her garage and I leave money on her freezer!
In 2005, I found a supplier of new wire dog crates and in 2009 began selling custom cat furniture from a local artisan. I really like supporting another small business, particularly as he is very "recycle" conscious and finds end run new carpet for his trees, further lessening landfill impact. All of the used items at Pet Stuff Resale are sanitized.

You work with homeless animals - tell us about that? How did you start doing this?
1986 found me in love with retired racing greyhounds after reading a newspaper article and they remain my first love. I did that for 12 years and then branched off into a variety of pet needs, primarily small dogs. My areas of focus are now heartworms, orthopedics and hospice. If I had more time I would work with feral cat spay/neuter.
I also dabble a tad with parrots :)

My volunteer work is separate from my business financially but connected education wise. I actually spend quite a bit of time trying to talk people out of certain, usually impulse, adoption choices. I try to offer better choices for their lifestyle and the animal needs.
Fostering animals thru medical conditions, almost all due to human neglect or ignorance is extremely time consuming. Those of us connected to rescue feel it is important, not just saving lives but educating people with whom we interact, about our fosters and what it takes to keep a pet healthy. Many of my fosters end up on Facebook or Twitter!

Where do the animals stay while they are waiting for their "forever homes."
The dogs I foster stay with me until someone passes my adoption interrogation. They are posted on a website, my blog, FB or thru referral.

Are you ever tempted to keep one of your rescues?
I have never been attracted to a "normal" animal in foster. It has to be snappy, a geriatric or special needs somehow. I have a deaf dog, a 13 year old perfect Pekinese that was dumped at age 12 and a Green Wing macaw with a contagious avian virus.

Vet bills can be costly, how do you manage these bills?
Vets in Houston are incredibly generous to me and adopters sometimes tuck bags of dog food or cat food in the back of my truck or pet store gift cards into notes. I do spend quite a bit of personal income on small breed kibbles, flea meds and gas for vet visits as well as vet bills.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Cruelty to animals is not just the horrors we see on the news. When an owner doesn't alter their pet, or won't pay for heartworm prevention or turns in a 10 year old dog who has never had their teeth cleaned and it has to be euthanized, those are all examples of cruelty. If you don't have a fence, you don't get a dog and chain it just so your 4 year old can experience a pet. If you work 12 hour days and get a puppy, that is cruelty.
In the era of the Internet, ignorance is no excuse for your dog having heartworms. 'My vet didn't tell me" doesn't cut it with me either.

In addition, my latest commingling of business and rescue is an effort to receive a 5,000.00 grant from Pepsi to help heartworm positive dogs in Houston. They fund the top 10 projects in this national promotion by people voting, so all I need is for readers to agree to vote once a day for the month of March. Pepsi has added a widget to make it easy to contact other voters. We are currently in 7th place. Helping Pet Stuff Resale stay in contention would save many dogs in Houston. Here is the website: http://www.refresheverything.com/Houstonheartwormdogs

Please visit Pet Stuff Resale at; http://www.petstuffresale.com/

HUGE Sale Just for YOU!!

Code; b15
Extra Extra Read All About It!!

Bumples Interactive Magazine for Kids is having a HUGE deal!! Until April 15th, Bumples is offering a full year’s subscription for only $15.00 - That works out to only .62 cents an issue!

And unlike other magazines, Bumples offers two brand new issues every month – that means all new games, stories, and fun for your little ones. With the summer holidays right around the corner what could be better?

Bumples Interactive Magazine would also make a great gift for Easter, a Birthday or just to say, “I love you.” Remember, this deal ends April 15th so hurry.

Code for this promo is; b15

Check it out at: http://www.bumples.com/Subscribe.aspx