Category Archives: Pet Fashion

Guest Writers, Pet Fashion

Don’t Be Cliche on Valentine’s Day!

Written by Guest Blogger: Amanda Burrill, Travel Channel host, chef, athlete and freelance writer and copyeditor.

Five near-NYC weekend ideas, and a pet care solution that will change your life.

Flowers, chocolate and a dinner reservation on Valentine’s Day? Yawn. You’re better than that! This year Cupid’s bow strikes on a Saturday; the perfect opportunity to indulge in an entire weekend of kissy-face with your significant other. Before you start making excuses, I’ve dug up five great options that still have vacancy.

1. Rustic Getaway

Just 75 miles from NYC, the Malibu Dude Ranch in the Pocono Mountains has been a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner three years running; a perfect getaway from the city grind with scenic horse-riding trails over 800 acres. There are dozens of (complimentary) activities to keep you busy and cozy options like board games, stargazing and nuzzling by the fireplace.

The main lodge features western decor and houses the dining hall, indoor heated swimming pool, game room, gift shop and saloon with entertainment each weekend. Guess rooms are on the second floor, or opt for a private cabin among the trees or boat house on the lake.

The Valentine’s Day Romantic Escape package is Friday, February 13th through Sunday, February 15th and costs $325 per person. Another perk: kids stay free! Malibu Dude Ranch has a no-pet policy (with the exception of service pets) but no worries, because below, as promised, I discuss your pet care savior.
http://www.malibududeranch.com/winter-specials.html, reservations: (570) 296-7281

2. Sporty Getaway

Nestled in the northern Catskills is Windham Mountain Resort, which just underwent $11million in capital improvements. Just two hours away from NYC you’ll find the resort’s 1600 vertical feet of skiing, served by twelve lifts, including two high speed detachable quads. The central base lodge offers nourishing fare between slope runs. A spa and three restaurants will keep you busy when you’ve hung up your skis for the day.

You can book a room at the Winwood Inn and ski/ride Friday – Sunday starting at $120 per night, per person. The same deal at the Winwood Condos starts at $148 per night, per person and includes lift ticket, lodging, complimentary breakfast and free shuttles to and from the mountain. http://www.windhammountain.com/destination-guide/ski-stay-packages/

3. Romantic Getaway

Gideon Putnam Resort, just over three hours north of Manhattan, offers a secluded getaway in the foothills of the Adirondacks. The resort, situated on 2,200 acres among the pines and oaks of Saratoga Spa State Park, boasts historic charm and elegant features.

Book services at the legendary Roosevelt Baths, cross-country ski or snowshoe the trails (snowshoes are complimentary) or check out the local cuisine and micro-brews of Saratoga Springs.

Ask for the Romantic Weekend Package or Valentine’s Day Getaway Package.
http://www.gideonputnam.com/Valentines.aspx, reservations: (866) 890-1171

4. NYC Luxury Stay-cation

Both Manhattan Gansevoort locations are synonymous with urban oasis. A place to see and be seen that caters to your every luxurious need.

The Park Avenue property is home to Ristorante Asellina, a 10,000-sq-ft traditional-meets-modern Italian trattoria. The trendy Gansevoort Park Rooftop offers six venues with unparalleled views of the Empire State Building.

The Meatpacking location offers downtown bustle but the feel of uptown luxury. A great launching pad for club hopping, this hotel is the hub of the NYC nightlife scene. Catch a beautiful Hudson River sunset from your room, grab a bite at inspired American eatery The Chester, and then hit the dance floor.

Both NYC Gansevoort locations offer the “Get Intimate” package which includes, champagne, roses, and much more. http://www.gansevoorthotelgroup.com/offers/get-intimate

5. NYC Budget Stay-cation

The Pod Hotel, with two budget-friendly Manhattan locations, offers minimalist comfort starting at $89 per night. The rooms are bright, modern and completely connected. Shack up, stream some movies and then explore the neighborhood, all without breaking the bank. http://www.thepodhotel.com/

So what do I do with my dog?

Pets; we love them, but they can really get in the way of romance. Pet care logistics and costs are one of the primary reasons couples forego weekend getaways. I have the perfect solution for Fido.

New app DoggyBnB  allows you to utilize your social network, i.e. people you actually know, to find reliable pet care. Build a network by adding and organizing the people you would turn to naturally, your friends. Send pet care requests to your entire network in a matter of seconds and contacts can choose to “fetch” your request. No more leaving your best friend with someone you don’t know or even worse, in a kennel. This is the future of pet care! http://doggybnb.com/

With five varied choices and a doggie plan you now have zero excuses. Have a private, worry-free weekend with your special someone.

Keep up with Amanda’s culinary and fitness adventures at http://apronsandsneakers.com/ and follow her on twitter: https://twitter.com/Amanda_Burrill

Fashion Friday, Pet Fashion

NY NY Lapdogs of luxury via @CrainsNewYork

John Larson of Water4Dogs helps French bulldog Connie with her recovery from spinal-cord damage. Photo: Buck Ennis

NY NY
Lapdogs of luxury via @CrainsNewYork.

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Between our Professional Development Certificate Programs in Pet Product Design and Marketing and Creative Enterprise Ownership, FIT can help you get into the Pet Business- a great field with growth potential!

Guest Writers, Pet Fashion, Special Events

Wags 4 Hope

Written By:
Annie Blumenfeld, the Founder and President of Wags 4 Hope

April is National Heartworm Disease Awareness, month and I would love to share about how I got started with my non-profit organization called Wags 4 hope. My family began searching for three years through countless pet stores, rescue shelters, Newspapers, and private dog breeders, for a loving and loyal friend. A year and a half ago, our search happily ended when I was searching the Internet and found a two-year-old shaggy dog that had been rescued at a high kill shelter in Houston, Texas.

At his Veterinarian check up it soon was discovered that Teddy tested positive for heartworm disease through an antigen test. This blood test detects specific proteins, called antigens, which are released by adult female heartworms into the dog’s bloodstream. Teddy had to be given two injections of arsenic and remain in a crate. He had to be inactive and carefully monitored for a couple of months. The treatment for heartworm disease is very expensive and difficult for dogs to recover from. It can also be potentially toxic to the dog’s body and can cause serious complications, such as life-threatening blood clots to the lungs. Treatment is very expensive because it requires multiple visits to the Veterinarian, with the process of blood work, and X-rays. It broke my heart to learn that my dog had endured great pain.

Having learned devastating effects of heartworm disease from my loving companion, I seek to educate pet owners across the country about heartworm disease. I founded Wags 4 Hope in an effort to raise awareness and help support shelter animals’ medical needs. I combine my love of painting with my passion for animals. All of the proceeds raised through my paintings are given animal shelters and rescues.

For more information please visit wags4hope.org

Annie WAGS 4 HOPE pictured with Barbara Naugle, the Director of the Connecticut Humane Society
Annie pictured with Barbara Naugle, the Director of the Connecticut Humane Society