Preparing for a Labor Day Weekend Trip

Are you heading out for the holiday weekend? Taking your furry friends? Leaving them home with a neighbor or professional petsitter?

A bit of preparation will make the weekend safe and fun for all.

Make sure you pack your pet's medications, usual food, a familiar blanket/towel, and toys. It's a good idea to take along a picture of your pet just in case he/she gets lost. How about one of those do-it-yourself machine engraved tags with your cellphone number to attach to the pet's collar?

If you leave your dog at home, be sure to give the temporary caregiver as much information as possible. What time do you usually feed your pet? Do you pick up leftover food or leave it down for snacking? Treats or no treats? Is there a special routine at bed time? Is it normal for your pet to not eat when you're gone? Is your pet spooked by storms? Does your pet have a favorite hiding place?

Contact your vet/emergency animal center to see if they require you to sign some form of authorization to treat your pet while you're out of town.

California Bans Driving with Dogs on Laps

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - First they came for your cell phone. Now, the dog.

The California state Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that would make it illegal for drivers to keep pets on their laps.

Visalia, Calif., Assembly Member Bill Maze has taken plenty of grief from his fellow Republicans for pushing the bill, including conservative radio star Rush Limbaugh. But Maze did not back off, calling it a safety issue. "If you have an animal that gets in your face or gets tangled up in your steering wheel while you're driving, you can't properly control (the car)," he told the Sacramento Bee earlier this year.

AB 2233 passed the Senate on a 21-17 vote, with only one Republican vote, Sen. Tom Harmon, R-Huntington Beach. The Assembly has already passed the bill but must agree to minor changes before the legislation heads to Gov. Schwarzenegger's desk. The governor has not taken a position.

The bill is the latest attempt by lawmakers to eliminate driving distractions. Legislation that took effect this summer bans the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

Maze's bill would start July 1 and prohibit drivers from "holding a live animal in his or her arm or arms, or upon his or her lap." Fines would start at $35. Animals are the ninth-ranked cause of driver distraction, according to the bill's analysis.

Ready for Happy Hour?

It's been a long week for you and probably your furry best friend. So, why not take them along when you go to your next happy hour and you can both indulge in a little social and relaxation time. 

More and more cafes, wine bars and dog bakeries are hosting dog-friendly happy hours so you can treat your best friend and spend time with them while you have a cocktail. 

Here are some fun venues in the Phoenix area. Google "yappy hours" to locate them in your area. 

Three Dog Bakery's Yappy Hour: 

Located in the Biltmore Fashion Park, Yappy Hour is held each Thursday from 6-8pm and features yummy treats from their bakery. They have a lovely outdoor area good for mingling and allowing dogs to play on the grass. On occasion, customers are treated to wine, cheese and crackers so you can relax and unwind with your dog. 2142 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix 602-522-2333

Posh Puppy Party 

15060 N Northsight Drive, Scottsdale 480-991-9827 

Held once the temperatures have cooled off a little, this barkery features a variety of baked treats for your dog and also holds pet adoptions. They also offer Posh Puppy Day Camp. 

Duck and Decanter's Lappy Hour

1651 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix 602-274-5429

Held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, you are welcome to bring along your dog for some yummy treats from 5-7 pm. Also available are dog and cat adoption and the opportunity to sign up to become pet foster parents. Enjoy a glass of wine and relax with your dog. 

Classy Jazzy in Old Town Scottsdale hosts Dog's Night Out

7111 E Fifth Ave, Scottsdale 480-970-1894

Come and enjoy pizza, wine and live music each Thursday from 7-9pm. Your pup will be able to enjoy some treats while you are listening to music. A weekly raffle is held to benefit Sun Valley Animal Shelter. 

Create a Shampoo for your Dog

If you've ever wanted to create a shampoo especially for your dog, try this recipe and tailor it using essential oils.

1 part mild dish soap

1 part apple cider vinegar

3/4 part water

1/4 part glycerin

Add a drop or two of essential oil. Mix it well and store in a capped bottle.

Revitalizing: lemon, rosemary, grapefruit, orange, peppermint

For Anexiety: lavendar, bergamot, rose

Relaxing: chamomile, jasmine, patchouli, ylang ylang

Favored by Men: allspice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, orange

For eczemas or itching: tea tree

Fleas: citronella, eucalyptus, cedarwood

Swanky Pet: Indi

Meet Indi –

This adorable little pup is named Indi and lives in Torquay, Victoria-Austrailia. Where, she apparently gets to strut her stuff on this picturesque beach! According to Indi’s mom, Rebecca: ‘We are very happy with her collar and it is withstanding the weather elements especially of sea water so thank-you’.

In this photo, Indi is modeling her new Swanky Plaid collar, which looks fantastic on her lovely brown coat. Thank you, Rebecca and Indi! We hope you continue to enjoy all of your new ‘swanky’ fashions!