Fitness gives a new leash on life...for pets and their humans

Photo Credit Charmaine Hammond Team Toby June 2015

It's me Toby... a dog with a blog!

How active are you?  How about your pet?

Mom and I walk about 6000-12,000 steps together a day, that doesn't include all the running through the house as I chase my toys. I get lots of exercise and I make sure mom and dad do too.  

When I am in St Albert, I love to visit my friend Kaytie's K9 Awareness Centre and go on the doggy tread mil.

Mom interviewed Tricia Montgomery on her PAWsitive Radio show.  Tricia is the  CEO & Founder, K9 Fit Club® who is the  Nation’s leading expert and pioneer in human/canine fitness. Her diverse experience in veterinary medicine, public relations, animal rescue, personal training, and her own weight loss journey gave her the perfect combination of skills to create a nationwide community of certified trainers – dedicated to the health, fitness, and wellness of dogs and their people.

Several years ago, after a visit to the veterinarian with her dog Louie, Ms. Montgomery realized the need for a fitness program, not just for Louie, but for herself as well. She ended up losing 130 pounds and Louie was able to shed four pounds. After her personal journey, she wanted to help all people and their dogs be happy and stay healthy and fit together. Her passion and love for both people and dogs led to the creation of K9 Fit Club. Montgomery introduced the nation’s first online education platform for teaching the standards of excellence in human and canine fitness. Today, K9 Fit Club is now turning those certified trainers into franchisees around the globe, as they roll out K9 Fit Club franchises Summer 2015.   K9 Fit Club, giving both humans and canines a New Leash on Life™

You can listen to the show here:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2015/06/22/what-dogs-can-teach-humans-about-health-and-wellness

How can you improve your fitness with your pet?

What 3 things can you do to improve your health and your pet's health?

What you can do to ensure you move with purpose, every day?

 To find out about our upcoming Million Acts of Kindness Tour or to order a copy of Toby’s books check out our Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalTeamToby    For people who love to travel, please check out canadiantraveller.com for awesome destinations, travel tips, bucket-list adventures and so much more.

Spinners Raise Funds and Awareness for St John Ambulance Therapy Dogs

Photo Credit Charmaine Hammond team Toby

Toby the dog here.

You guessed it.

I 'm a dog with a blog!

Do you travel?

Do you travel with your pets?

Do you travel for good....with your pets?

That's what our family is doing September 2015... our Million Acts of Kindness tour...we're on a mission to make the world a better place through kindness. 

Thanks to one of our amazing PAWtners, Carolyn Ellis of Brilliance Mastery created this amazing image of what our tour is all about...

 While mom was in St Catharine's Ontario, she had the chance to participate in an exciting event SPIN 4 THE PAWS with an incredible line up of pawtners..

and

Thanks to the amazing partners, volunteers, sponsors, attendees, exhibitors, and those who cycled to raise funds and awareness.... THANK YOU!!  Together we made a difference.

The Power of Pets, Liva Health and Niagara Region St. Johns' Ambulance Therapy Dog Program... it was great to collaborate with you on this event!

Check out the conversation that mom and Denis had about the event on her PAWsitive Radio show.  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2015/05/09/spin-for-the-paws-cycling-to-raise-funds-for-therapy-dogs

To find out about our upcoming Million Acts of Kindness Tour or to order a copy of Toby’s books check out our Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalTeamToby    

What's on your dream or bucket list for travel in 2015 and 2016?  For people who love to travel, please check out canadiantraveller.com for awesome destinations, travel tips, bucket-list adventures and so much more.

Natural products for your Dog

Toby the dog here...
A dog with blog

You might remember when I was on my tour last fall that mom had done posts about the ear spray that she used to get sticky pine needle sap off the inside of my ear.

My ear  was a mess!

I smelled like a Christmas tree.

Then mom used a product from a lady she knows from WIPIN (Women in the Pet Industry Network).
 

 It was the Natural Paws Ear Wash

It cleaned up my ears and mom also used it after play dates in the dog park and swimming in the lake. 


Elyse from Natural Paws says she's "always been crazy about dogs".

Sweet Pea, her dog, inspired her to find products that would help with Sweet Pea's paw pads as they were really getting worn. When she couldn't find a product to solve the problem guess what she did?

She created one herself. 


 I love it. Another dog inspired product.


Until next week,
Let's be kind to one another.
Toby

Dog Enjoys Yapple Pie.... a healthy dog treat from Your Pet Chef recipes

Photo Credit Team Toby

It's me

A dog with a blog...

Toby!

Last week mom finally made my YAPPLE PIE!

Here's me watching mom make and bake my Yapple Pie (recipe from Your Pet Chef).

Your Pet Chef Recipe includes apple and pure pumpkin (mom didn't have fresh pumpkin)

Then stuff the apple with pumpkin.  She put lots because I luv it and the Vet said I can have extra pumpkin!

Waiting for it to cook

Yummmmmmmm Mom cooled it for a long time

Tails of Help... making life better for animals in need

Toby the dog here!


I'm a dog on a kindness mission and I LUV to blog!


I LUV blogging about kindness, PAWsitive stories and
making the world a better place!

Mum’s friend, Beth Castle, (who is a big dog lover and also a professional speaker and author), approached mom a while back to collaborate to support the Tails of Help foundation in Alberta through my books!  

Beth has been a big champion for me and my books, and has selling our book On Toby’s Terms and donating the proceeds of the booksales to the Tails of Help.

What is the Tails of Help?  Tails of Help is a volunteer-driven registered charity and they are committed to helping Albertan pets in need. They are approved by the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association,  and help fund essential veterinary care for ill or injured pets when their humans are unable to cover the costs due to financial hardship. This organization's goal is all about keeping family pets healthy and with their loving humans!  This organization is doing fantastic work and we wanted to recognize them and especially acknowledge  Beth for all she does to help pets and humans be healthy!  You are PAWSome Beth!!

Here's some adorable pics of Beth's fur babies

Photo Credit: Beth Castle

The batman picture is PAWSome!!

Photo Credit Beth Castle

Here's a big slobbery kiss from me to you!

Fuel the Love!

A dog with a blog....that's me!

I think Zuke's motto Fuel the Love is pawsome!

Chris Meiering, from Zukes, is mom's guest on PAWsitive Radio on February 25.

Zuke's makes tasty and healthy treats for pets, can't wait for mom to buy some for me.

Love how Zuke's is helping dogs and cats... Chris is also the founder of The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund, a non-profit dedicated to helping families afford cancer treatment for their pets. www.dccfund.org

To order a copy of Toby’s books, or find out more about Charmaine and Team Toby, visit his website at: www.TheOriginalTeamtoby.com 

Please Follow us on social media and LIKE our page:

https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalTeamToby


Share your favorite story about how animals taught you a life lesson.We want to hear how your pets inspired you!

And hope you will listen to the interview with Zuke's and share it around.   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2014/02/26/zukes-fuel-the-love-keeping-staff-volunteers-engaged-at-work

Will my pet insurance cover my pet if THIS happens?

This is a question that Laura Bennett and her team at Embrace Pet Insurance respond to every day.

Laura stated that understanding your policy, what it cover (AND what it doesn't) is important in ensuring the best for your pet.  Many families who adopted a pet with an unknown health history worry they won't be able to access health insurance for their pet. Laura suggested that families carefully check out the plans available to them. Embrace insurance does cover these situations, and use the recent health examine to help determine the pet's health history. 

Laura Bennett is the CEO and Co-Founder of Embrace Pet Insurance Laura developed the actuarial models behind the leading edge customizable pet insurance product, allowing the pet parent to choose her own product features to suit her own budget.

Laura Bennett- Embrace Pet Insurance (photo credit)

Pet insurance has saved lives. There are many cases of pets that have faced severe health issues and in many cases without the insurance, the family would not have been able to afford the necessary treatment.
Pet insurance can provide pets with the care they need, and peace of mind for the pet family.

Listen to more of Laura's great tips here:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2014/01/22/embrace-pet-insurance-and-new-year-success-principles



To order a copy of Toby’s books, or find out more about Charmaine and Team Toby, visit his website at: www.TheOriginalTeamtoby.com 

Come and find us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalTeamToby
Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/teamtoby1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeamToby2

Share your favorite story about how an animal taught you a life lesson...We want to hear how your pets have inspired you

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2014/01/22/embrace-pet-insurance-and-new-year-success-principles

Pet Insurance- solutions for your pet's wellness

PAWsitive Radio is hosted by Team Toby. Join Host Charmaine Hammond, professional speaker, best selling author and president of Team Toby.  You can listen to great guests every week, like Laura Bennett who talked about pet insurance:



Laura Bennett is the CEO and Co-Founder of Embrace Pet Insurance

Laura Bennett- Embrace Pet Insurance (photo credit)

Laura developed the actuarial models behind the leading edge customizable pet insurance product, allowing the pet parent to choose her own product features to suit her own budget.

Pet insurance can help cover the cost of vet bills and vet visits. Laura explained that it is important that pet families research different plans and find the plan best suited to their situation and the pet. Laura cautioned that  many plans do not cover hereditary or breed specific health issues, however, Embrace's plans are different, they cover this. As well, Embrace pet insurance has placed high priority on the overall wellness of their clients pet family members and provide a wellness benefit to cover some of the routine health and wellness costs, and, they give clients a reduction  in the deductible if the insurance hasn't been used. The www.petinsurancereview.com website features many reviews of happy clients who have accessed this plan.

Laura provided some great tips for families researching pet insurance:
- explore if the policy covers chronic conditions
- check if the plan and policy covers breed specific health issues
- ask how the benefit is paid (the benefit schedule)

To hear more from Laura and her helpful tips for pet families,  you can listen to the podcast at:

 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2014/01/22/embrace-pet-insurance-and-new-year-success-principles

To order a copy of Toby’s books, or find out more about Charmaine and Team Toby, visit his website at: www.TheOriginalTeamtoby.com 

Come and find us on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalTeamToby
Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/teamtoby1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeamToby2

Share your favorite story about how an animal taught you a life lesson...We want to hear how your pets have inspired you.

Natural and Holistic Healthcare for you pet...

What is holistic health for animals?

What does natural health mean?

Why would you explore this route of care for you pet?

How do you find natural health and holistic doctors for our pet family members?

 

Dr Shawn (photo credit: Dr Shawn Messonnier)

These were all questions that our guest, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM, answered on PAWsitive Radio Show.  Mom interviewed Dr Shawn who was a 1987 graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, opened Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in 1991. His special interests include exotic pets, dermatology, cancer, and internal medicine. In addition to serving clients, he has written for numerous veterinary and pet publications including Animal Wellness, Body + Soul, Veterinary Forum, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, Dog World, Fido Friendly, Whole Dog Journal, Whole Cat Journal, Whole Living, Total Health and Wellness. 

He is the author of several books, including The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, The Arthritis Solution for Dogs & Cats, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets.

http://store.petcarenaturally.com/

 

...by the way, the dog and cat at the top of his web page are Dr. Shawn’s dog Rita, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and his Ragdoll cat, Dysa!

 Here’s what I learned from Dr. Shawn:

1)      Animals who are under the care of a holistic Veterinarian may have a longer life span, Dr. Shawn mentioned that there is a reduced dependency on drugs, and reduced cost for the pet family, and that pets could live 1-2 times longer. WOW! This is PAWSome!

2)      Dr. Shawn reminded pet families to read labels, do their research, don’t believe broad statement outrageous  claims, and, to have a meet and greet with your Veterinarian and animal health care provider to make sure they and their approach are a good fit. 

3)      Dr. Shawn has created his own line of products for us, for pets!  From shampoos to health products, Dr. Shawn has clinically tested the products. 

4)      And… remember to take good care of your pet’s health just as you do your own.

Dr Shawn’s thank you for listening to our show go to Dr Shawn's website enter code "drshawn" at my natural products web store, www.drshawnsnaturals.com, to save 10% on all your future purchases!

Listen to more of Dr. Shawn's great information and tips here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby

    


Check out Dr. Shawn's books here:

        

Check out my books here... PS  Toby the Pet Therapy Dog series received the Mom's Choice Award Seal of approval, and were named among the best in books and products for children....


        
Another book to read:     

Is your cat drinking enough water?

Do you know if your cat is getting enough water?  This cat is, but just how much water does a cat need, and what are some ways to ensure your cat gets enough water?

Dr. Shelby Neely, known as the Cat Doctor was a guest on  PAWsitive Radio    talking about the importance of ensuring your cat has enough water, especially now that winter is upon us. Not drinking enough water can result in a variety of health issues including urinary blocks, and dehydration.  Doctor Neely talked about pet fountains and how cats seem to enjoy drinking from the fountain, and drink more water. 

You can also put ice cubes in their water dish.

What do you do to ensure your cat drinks enough water?  We look forward to your comments.

You can listen to the incredible tips from The Cat Doctor here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond/2013/05/15/guest-dr-shelby-neely

Walk this Way... treadmills for dogs!

Toby on the Treadmill at K9 Awareness Centre 

Kaytie Stack was our guest on PAWsitive Radio

Treadmills for dogs are a great way to:

a) reduce anxiety
b) increase focus
c)  help with socialization
d) shed a few extra unwanted pounds
e) help prepare dogs for agility or other competitions

and... they are fun!

K9 Awareness Centre Treadmills. www.k9awareness.ca

Kaytie has been training dogs since she was a teenager under the tutelage of her mother, an experienced dog trainer and show judge.  Kaytie opened K9 Awareness Centre in 2009.  She has helped hundreds of dogs in her dog daycare and training centre. Her dog treadmills are a popular activity for dogs, so much that she has now designed Spot On K9 Treadmills.

You can listen to Kaytie's great tips and explanation of the dog treadmills here:   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond/2013/06/05/guest-kaytie-stack