The Ruff Ruff Review

Candid Carrie's Cat Corner, Introduction

2008-05-27T08:00:00.005-04:00

Hello! First, I would like to thank the canines from this blog for that lukewarm reception. Second, hugs and kisses to Pauline for letting me participate as a guest blogger.

Here is a little bit of my background. I am a real human and have my very own blog, Candid Carrie. I have six human children, one out on his own, one at college, and four at home. I also have seven felines, all rescued.

I am not, however, all about cats! In the past, I bred and showed Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terrorists (yes, I meant to spell it that way) for about ten years. Gave up the small dogs for big dogs and had four Great Danes, all of them adopted through a variety of reputable rescue organization. I've also helped a friend by fostering retired Greyhounds until they found their forever home.

At this point in my life, cats are the better route for our family. So here I am, saving the world one cat at a time.

My intentions are to pop in periodically, blog about a product I've used, and chat about the experience.

If anyone would like to ask cat related questions, you can reach me at carriestuckmann@gmail.com and I will feature your question (along with a link to your blog) in an upcoming post.

P.S. I know those are the footprints of a dog featured below, but it is just better to let sleeping dogs lie, you know what I mean?

ruff ruff...and meow

2008-05-26T22:30:00.002-04:00

Finnigan says: Greetings peasants and pooches. It is I, Finnigan the Great Master and Commander of the Entire Universe and Beyond.
It has been many moons since my last post (that sounded pretty sweet, didn't it?) and I have a majorly barkin' announcement to make.
Dog Mom is a traitor.
Yes, I said it. If I didn't rely on her for food, shelter, and belly rubs, I'd turn her in to the puppy council right now for treason.
Her crime? She has broken our cardinal rule barring felines from Ruff Ruff Ruff! Can you believe it?
Apparently, we will now be having a guest blogger coming in with some Candid Carrie's Cat Corner, or some ruff like that.
As a dog, I am totally against it. But Dog Mom says she won't transcribe for me anymore unless I agree to it. So here I am, announcing to the world (because I have no thumbs)that cats are now welcome on Ruff Ruff.
There goes the blogosphere...

Kisses and a T-shirt

2008-05-17T20:00:00.003-04:00

Finnigan says: Greetings doglings and loyal human subjects. It has been a few weeks since our last post, and to celebrate our triumphant return and our kickin' redesign, we are hosting a new contest for a free T-shirt from the pawesomely exclusive Boodie Kiss online boutique.
Cat says: Hi puppies and doggies! Aren't you excited? Just bark us a comment to the post, or blog about it at your own blog and leave us the link here so we know to give you an entry.
Oh-and how is this for extra credit? Do both and get two entries! Hurry up, dogs! Get your people to enter the contest by May 24 at midnight.
Good luck and ruff ruff!

Scratch my butt! (or who wants a chance at a free massage???)

2008-05-02T00:33:00.002-04:00

Dog Mom says: Remember our good friend Jen from Gentle Paws Pet Massage?
Cat and Finnigan recently got reacquainted with her at Pet Ritz Lakeshore in Roseville, where Jen recently began seeing clients.
To celebrate her new partnership with Pet Ritz, Jen is offering one lucky Ruff Ruff reader a chance at a free dog massage. To enter, just leave Cat and Finnigan a comment to this blog telling us why your pooch deserves some serious pampering! Or if you blog, write a post about our contest and leave us a comment with the link. And if you just can't wait, make sure to mention Ruff Ruff sent ya, and you'll be treated to a $5 discount on your first massage (for new customers only.)
Contest ends May 10 at midnight.
Remember the rules! Leave us a way to get in touch you or your entry does not count!
Good luck and happy massages!

Famouser and famouser

2008-04-21T02:54:00.002-04:00

Finnigan says: Greetings my loyal readers! Dog Mom just told me and Cat that our blog has been listed on the Dogs with Blogs site. We are listed here under "Other Blogs!"
Totally pawesome!
Who wants a paw-tograph? Maybe I should practice my signature.
I may also have to hire a body guard...wait. Never mind. My little sister is a rottweiler.
She wouldn't hurt a fly, but not everyone knows that!

Tag! You're it! (and a contest, too!)

2008-04-19T22:22:00.007-04:00

Finnigan says: Greetings, doglings and loyal humans. I, King Finnigan and Master and Commander of the Universe, am hereby decreeing that all humans must get their dog a very cool hand-stamped I.D. tag from Alli's Originals.
I know, I know. It is so much easier just to go to the local pet store and have one pumped out by that soulless machine, right?
Maybe, but where's the fun in that when you can rather tell inquisitive minds that the oh-so-cool I.D. tag your pooch is wearing is an Alli Original? I might not usually care about who made what when it comes to humans, but I really like my grey, hand-stamped tag.

Cat says: Mine is pink! That is so grrrrly and I LOVE it! And all the puppies I know are soooo totally drooling over my I.D. tag. It's like, everybody gets theirs at the pet store, so mine is like, a designer, or something! Talk about cool points for me at the dog park.

Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: Four out of four paws. It's simple, elegant, and compliments my royal persona quite well.

Cat's Ruff Ruff Review: Duh! It's pink and grrrly! Like I wasn't going to give it four out of four paws????

Dog Mom says: Alli of Alli's Originals has graciously offered a Dog I.D. tag in your choice of pink or grey to one lucky dog! You the know rules: Visit Alli's site and then leave us a comment telling us what your favorite dog or people item is and why you'd like an I.D. tag! But remember, your entry will not be considered valid unless you leave us a way to contact you! So be sure to include your email.
Contest ends April 27 at midnight. Good luck!!

Barkin' it up at the Ritz

2008-04-19T02:45:00.011-04:00

Dog Mom says: Finnigan has been dropping some major hints that he needed a serious haircut and the good folks at Pet Ritz Lakeshore Resort offered a grooming session and tour just the other day.
The facility is beyond clean with a rigorous sanitation regimen and a new batch of fresh air piped in every 20 minutes, thanks to a fresh air exchange. Indoor and outdoor play areas are available for the pups running and playing pleasure, and the staff is incredibly friendly. I've been in other dog boarding and daycare facilities that just left me feeling like my dogs were up next for a scientific experiment, but Pet Ritz feels warm and inviting, kinda like my dog's dream yard.
Maybe it's the constant human interaction or the fact that the facility is staffed round the clock, or it could be the 24-hour web access that lets you peek in to see how your pooch is doing. Whatever it is, I loved it.
Keep reading for Finn and Cat's dog-servations about their day! (And if you're local to the Metro Detroit area, you have the chance at a free weekend boarding opportunity!)

Finnigan says: This is Denise, the groomer. Note my wild-man look. Can you say "Baby comes first?" I find it highly coincidental that I have not had a proper grooming since she was born.

Check it out! TV's for the guests! And in case it is too blurry, it's "Madagascar." Cool flick. I've seen it once or twice with the family.

Wait, what's this? Prison? Dog Mom said they are "suites" but I'm not thinking anything sweet at all right now...Wait! Where is she going??? Well, at least it's roomy and I have a cellmate I am comfortable with.

Cat says: Kudos to the artist for their beauteous rendition of the owner's rotties. Maybe there is a chance of immortalizing me? I'm a natural model.

Dog Mom and Buttercup made a friend named Jersey. She is a cute puppy and I want to play with her, but then again, I want to play with every puppy all the time.

Wow-my bathtub at home is nowhere near this big!

Check out Finnigan getting a haircut! Boy, am I glad I don't have to get those.

Guess who we are looking clean and spiffy with? That's right, it's Jen from Gentle Paws Pet Massage! She's at Pet Ritz now and that's just pawsome. I may have to guilt-trip Mom into going to visit again.

Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: All in all, I think Groomer-lady Denise did a pawesome job on my coat. I am now back to the height of all things dapper and am sure to make the girls go wild when I am out on walks or playing at the dog park. I can't bark about the overnight stays or the playgroups, but from what Dog Mom is raving about, I'm gonna have to give Pet Ritz a four paw rating.

Cat says: Can we go back? It was fun. Everybody loved me (which is nice, because a lot of times people are afraid of me even before they get to know me). I loved my bath and Groomer-lady Denise is very nice. I'm with Finnigan on this one: Four paws!

Dog Mom says: I'm back to give you the inside bark on a very cool and generous contest. Interested in a free weekend boarding opportunity for your pooch? If you live in the Metro Detroit Area, the people at Pet Ritz are waiting for me to announce a contest winner! So check out their site and then leave us a comment telling us what you liked about what you saw. Remember that while Finnigan may be King of all Dogdom, none of us is psychic, so leave your email address in your comment if you want your entry to count.
To give everyone a chance at entering, the contest will end at midnight on May 8. We'll even post reminders! Good luck!

What's up? (Besides that thermometer?)

2008-04-16T22:55:00.010-04:00

Finnigan says: Greetings, my human and canine friends! You know the drill already: I say I am King, you all bow down and worship my furfullness, and then la-ti-da-ti-da and all that.
And now that we are past all the formalities, I'd like to tell you all about our very busy day.

It's tough being famous and Royal, and a dog needs to stay on top of his health. So we let Dog Mom take us to the Vet of Doom, othewise known as North Gratiot Veterinarian(where they do sometimes unspeakable things! Seriously! Thermometers go into people's mouths, right? Why's it gotta be this way for us?)
I keep telling Dog Mom that we need to try a new place, maybe one that frowns on the thermometer-up-the-butt-thing...but she always pets me (how condecending...) and tells me that this is the best vet there is.
*Sigh*

Uncle Pepper didn't know it yet, but he's the only lucky one out of the bunch of me, Cat, and Francis.

You really have no idea how many times Dog Mom had to press that button to finally get this picture. I really am not sure what "film" is or why it would roll, but she kept muttering how she would have wasted all of it for this one picture.
(Don't tell her that except for Tia Sonya, we aren't even facing the cameral. It might just break her heart.)

This is one of those unpseakable things I was talking about. Dog
Mom and the doctor had to combine their strength to hold me down for the blood draw. Yes.
I am that strong.
Dog Mom swears they do this to her at the people doctor, but after the peanut butter and the pill incident, I am hesitant to take her at her word. You understand.

Finally, we were all done and I had my manly band-aid holding my guts in from my war wound. (And no, I don't want a biology lesson right now. I am perfectly happy with my story.)
So how was your day?

You say Bone-Bone, I say Bon-Bon

2008-04-05T02:11:00.006-04:00

Finnigan says: It is I, the Great and Powerful Finnigans! Dog Mom went to Great Lakes Crossing with The Furless One and our Tia (that's Spanish for "aunt". Never met a tri-lingual dog before, huh?)and brought back a treat (guilt-induced, I am sure for leaving us at home), from a store called Moochie & Co.
She calls them Bone-Bones, and although a bit frilly, I do have to admit they were pretty tasty.
But Dog Dad had to break it up for me before I would even get near it. I don't know why I don't have a royal taster, as I have heard is common for human royalty, but a dog King never can be too careful about what might be hidden inside what humans want you to think is a treat!
(I'm on to Dog Mom...and she has officially ruined peanut butter for me.)
Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: Three out of four paws. Tasty with definite substance, but a little on the frilly side.

Cat says: I love it when Dog Mom goes out and brings us back stuff! Well, okay, I actually HATE it when she leaves the house, but I love it when she comes back and has stuff-especially the kind that we can eat!!!
This time, she brought us these Bon-Bon thingies from Moochie & Co, and she saved the pretty colored ones for me with all the rainbow swirls on top. Yum. Yum. Yum.
My favorite part was that it was a nice big gourmet treat and I actually got to chew it!
Cat's Ruff Ruff Review: Four out of Four paws. How can a Bon Bon made especially for me NOT get four paws??? Exactly!

Finnigan says: Wait, wait a second here...Bon Bon's? You must be mistaken, Cat. Dog Mom said they are called Bone-Bones...

Cat says: Yep-but that was only so you'd eat it. Worked, huh??? hee hee!

Finnigan says: Oh My DOG! You mean I ate a Grrrrl treat? No fair!

We love dog blogs and Casper rocks!

2008-03-30T23:43:00.002-04:00

Finnigan says: Hello and welcome, my followers. We are checking in tonight to share one of our coolest dog blog finds in the past few days. (And mental note to make Dog Mom post more pics of us...seriously, you'd think The Furless One aka Buttercup was the most imprtant thing in Dog Mom's life right now....
As if!

Cat says: Um, ya, Finn. But do you really want any pics posted right now? I mean, you haven't had a hair cut in like, forever! (talk about Grizzly Adams!)
Anyway, check out our new friend Casper's blog. It's fun!

Calling all Dogs!!!!

2008-03-29T01:29:00.005-04:00

Finnigan says: Good day, my lowly and loyal readers. Dog Mom has informed me that there are a lot of you out there. But we don't know who you are!

Cat says: Who wants to be my friend! Come on! We want to know who's there and checking our blog. So please, please, paw-ty please leave us a comment with your name, breed, and your human's first name.

Dog Mom says: Fellow dog bloggers are also welcome to leave a comment with a link to their dog blog.

March for Babies (of the human variety)

2008-03-27T10:33:00.004-04:00

Dog Mom says:
I am excited! I just signed up for the March for Babies walkathon for the March of Dimes. Please check out my personal page and consider supporting my fundraising goal.
Finnigan and Cat told me to ask!

Cat says: It's true!

Finnigan says: Yup. Major barks out to Dog Mom. I'm just trying to figure out how Buttercup is going to walk six miles...she's not very coordinated yet.

We have our winners!

2008-03-25T00:54:00.003-04:00

Finnigan says: Good evening, my loyal minions of Puppydom. It is I, the Great and Fearless Finnigan here to bestow upon three very lucky humans and there even luckier furbabies the opportunity to eat like a King (That would be me, of course).
And here to assist me in announcing this evening's winners is the very talented and lovely Catherine the Great. Cat?

Cat says: (Wow, I have always wanted to be a lovely and talented assistant! This is pawsome!Wait until I tell all of the puppies I know!)
Thank you, Finnigan. We had lots of entries from some hungry pups and their people, but only three get the chance to try the Birkdale Pet Mix!
Our winners were randomly selected by Dog Mom and Buttercup (it just took us a while to post because the pieces of paper she picked out had to have time to dry...she likes to eat paper, you know.)
Our winners are:
CookieQ!
Cocoa and her human!
And Madison the Boxer!
Many wags of the tail to all of our contestants!

Dog Mom says: A big thank you to Birkdale Medicinals for allowing Ruff Ruff the opportunity to share their tasty and healthy product with our readers.

Dogster updates on alleged dog murderer trial

2008-03-24T20:37:00.004-04:00

Dog Mom Says: Joy from the Dogster For the Love of Dog blog has emailed Finnigan, Cat, and me, requesting a cross-post about a gruesome alleged dog murder trial. The details are shocking, but boil down to a young pregnant woman living with her husband and a roommate. The pregnant woman, now a mother, decided to attempt poisoning her roommate with visine, and eventually provoked the roommate's two dogs into a dog fight. One dog died and the other was euthanized for killing the first.
The suspect's name is Kristine Anzalone, 24. Animal lovers are asked to show their support for the harshest possible punishment by either attending the court appearance date or contacting the judge, clerk, and ADA handling the case.
Info:
Suspect: Kristine Anzalone
Court Date: March 31, 2008
Location: Naussau County. New York Courthouse
Judge: Edward Maron (talk with his clerk, Denise)
516-507-4080, 516-571-2483
ADA: 516-572-3000 Please help bring attention to this case by cross-posting and emailing to your friends and fellow dog loving bloggers!!!

High Paws to DeD

2008-03-21T02:24:00.006-04:00

Finnigan: Major Barks and Four High Paws to Brian Anderson of Dog eat Doug comic strip fame. He is obviously a Human Follower of King Finnigans, Ruler of the Universe, (smart guy!) and has kindly dedicated a post to our Birkdale Pet Mix contest on his blog.
As a show of gratitude, human readers of Ruff Ruff are now ordered to begin reading the DeD blog on a regular basis (like every day, and sometimes twice since we dogs can't tell time), to their furry canine pals. It would do us good to get some culture, and Dog Mom keeps going back to the DeD blog, so I am assuming it is more than worth your time.

Cat: Don't forget about the DeD book store where humans can pre-order the book!

Dog Mom says: You obviously have at least one dog if you are a Ruff Ruff reader, but if you have kids, too, then the DeD comic and blog will have you chuckling all day.

Dog Mom says...

2008-03-17T17:27:00.002-04:00

Dog Mom: I am thrilled to see so many entries for the Birkdale Pet Mix contest, but wanted to give a friendly reminder to all who have entered (and those who are planning to enter) to leave your email address.
Remember-I'm not psychic (although I do play one on TV...) so I need an email address to contact our lucky winners!

Who wants free food?

2008-03-15T01:36:00.003-04:00

Finnigan: Remember our Four Paw review of Birkdale Pet Mix? (I know I do.) Well, my lucky and loyal followers, Dog Mom has a totally barkin' announcement to make. I'll give you one hint: contest...

Cat: Jeez- Finn! Let Dog Mom tell them! She makes the rules, anyway.

Dog Mom says: Three lucky Ruff Ruff readers will win one bag each of the recently reviewed Birkdale Pet Mix. All you have to do is bark Finnigan and Cat a comment to this post telling them why you'd like to try the new food by March 21. Include your email address or your post will not be considered a contest entry.
Those who log on to the Birkdale Medicinals site and request a free sample will receive a bonus entry in our contest. Enter for the free year of dog food on the Birkdale site and receive two more bonus entries.
I'm not psychic, so email us at ruffruffreview@gmail.com if you went for the extra credit.
Three winners will be chosen and announced by March 24.
Here's the kicker---if I announce you as a winner and you don't reply within a week, I will have to select an alternate, so be on the lookout! Your dog(s) will thank you for paying attention!
Good luck!
And Ruff Ruff!

Fit for a King (and Cat)

2008-03-14T00:59:00.006-04:00

Finnigan: Greetings, my loyal minions. I know you all have been just panting in anticipation for my next message from the Royal Land of Dogdom, and appreciate your patience as both Cat and I waited for Dog Mom to finally figure out how to balance her time between us, our blog, and the time-consuming hair-less puppy she calls "The Baby."
In either case, I am pleased to tell you about really good food called Birkdale Pet Mix.

And no, I am not talking about that dry kibble crap Dog Mom usually feeds us. This is some seriously paw-lickin' stuff! (Dog Dad couldn't even get our attention for a photo while we were eating, that is how good it was...)

It took a long time for Dog Mom to make for us, but it was worth it. All I now is that it is about time someone came up with something worthy of my consumption. After all, I AM King Finnigans, Master and Commander of all the World.
Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: Four out of Four paws. And as Dog King, I hereby decree this food to be fit for royalty.

Cat: So back to reality. Geesh, Finnigan.
Anyway, he is right about this food. It is DROOL-icious! Dog Mom went to the store and bought real hamburger to cook for us (she does love us!)and mixed it with the Pet Mix, and Oh My Dog!
It is SO GOOD!

Dog Mom says it is healthy, too, with real veggies and fruits and no bad things like chemicals or preservatives. This stuff is pawsome and you gotta try it. I'm already drooling just thinking about dinner tomorrow.

Oh-and ask your human to request a free sample or even better, enter for a chance at a free year of Birkdale Pet Mix on their site.
Good luck!
Cat's Ruff Ruff Review: Four out of four paws. I may never be able to eat kibble again. Unless that is all that Dog Mom puts into my food bowl.

A quick bark...

2008-01-24T22:49:00.001-05:00

Finnigan says: Greetings, loyal followers. I have only a few moments to post tonight so I will merely direct you to my Dogster page.
You now have my permission to wait with baited (doggy)breath for my next post.
Farwell for now.

Cat says: Me too! Me too! I have a Dogster page, too! Check it out and tell me what you think! Maybe we can be pup pals?

Note from Dog Mom

2008-01-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

Dog Mom says: Hello to my pupsters' adoring public. I'd like to apologize for the long delay since I last sat down and used my opposable thumbs for the benefit of blessing you all with The Finnigans presence and Cat's friendly nature.
My father passed away on November 27 and it has been a very difficult time. Blogging was not high on the priority list, but it is time to get back on the (chuck) wagon for the sake of my dogs.
Seriously, Finnigan is ranting about how dogs everywhere are lost without his guidance and Cat just sits and stares at the computer longingly. She misses her friends.

Soon, my little fur babies....very soon.

Oh-and for anyone with a dog-related business (or book or product or out there....send me something to review! As my fur babes would say: Throw us a bone, already!

2007-11-26T19:27:00.001-05:00

Finnigan: No, no, there is no need to bow in my presence. Seriously, you may rise. Now, wall know that you all wish to be just like me, for I am Finnigan the Great and One and Only.
And while that's sweet, there's not really anything I can do to help you with that one.
After all, I am the One and Only. I didn't go to school, but I know that One plus One equals more than Only.
So, with that said, you are hereby ordered to be satisfied with continued hero worship of His Royal Pawsomness and yours truly, Finnigan.
Oh, and Cat has some news about a contest or something.
Cat: Seriously Finn, have you ever considered getting counseling for that self-esteem problem you seem to have? Geesh!
But for those of you who are buying into Finnigan's shinnanigans, (that's a fun word!), here is your chance to "be" like Finnigan with a chance to own a very cool Boodie Kiss Doggie T-shirt! Remember my pretty pink one? It totally brought out the gleam in my coat! So if you want to try to win one, bark at us with a comment and valid email address. One winner will be selected on Mon., Dec. 3, at 10 p.m. E.S.T.
Good luck and Bark on!

We have a winner!

2007-11-24T17:38:00.000-05:00

Finnigan: Greetings, underdogs. I, The Great Finnigans, have returned to grace thee with my presence. What's that? You'd like to kiss my paw? Of course, my loyal subjects. Of course...(It is so taxing being royalty. You'd never guess that..)
Cat: Ummm. yeah. (Blech!) We are supposed to be announcing our winner of Haint, Finnigan. Not waxing poetic about the royal life of you. Geesh. Talk about a royal Pain in the hiney.
Anyway, Bobbe and Sara have been selected as our winner of an autographed copy of Haint, by author and Dogster's For The Love of Dog Blog editor Joy Ward. Thanks to all who entered. I like making new friends.
Speaking of friends, anyone want to send us anything new to review? Throw us a bone? Please? You know you want to. *wink, wink*

Note from Dog Mom: My apologies for not posting as much. My father is in the hospital right now.

'Haint' it cool?? Win a book!

2007-11-14T12:53:00.000-05:00

Finnigan: Good day, my furry minions and human adorers. I realize it has been quite some time since Cat and I have graced you with your puppy wisdom and charm, but we have been quite busy. (Well, Dog Mom has been busy, so that translates into us being too busy to blog.)

But we are back now with a new contest and reason to convince you that we are the dog blog to follow. (Free stuff always works for luring humans, right? I know dog treats work for me.)

Cat: Remember when Dog Mom read Haint by Joy Ward and we got to review it on Ruff Ruff? Well Joy has contacted Dog Mom and offered an autographed copy of Haint for one lucky Ruff Ruff reader! How totally pawsome is that?

All you have to do is leave a comment with a valid email address (cuz if we can't contact you, your entry won't count!) telling us what your favorite dog-inspired reading is. Is it a book? A magazine? A certain blog, perhaps? *wink, wink*

Dog Mom says: Contest deadline is Friday, Nov. 23 at 10 p.m. EST. Winner will be notified by email no later than Nov. 24.

Congratulations to our winners

2007-11-01T22:33:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: May the paws be with you, my loyal puppy minions. We have chosen our winners for our first ever contests on Ruff Ruff and wanted to thank everyone for signing up.

Cat: Wkberry is the winner of the pet massage from Gentle Paws Pet Massage and JB from Bellevue, Ohio is the winner of the crate quilt from Boodie Kiss Pet Couture. Pretty cool, huh?
Keep reading Ruff Ruff for cool reviews and chances to win some pretty pawsome prizes!

There's still time

2007-11-01T11:16:00.000-04:00

Dog Mom says: The contest for the crate quilt will end tonight at 10 p.m. EST. A winner will be chosen and contacted at that time!
So sign up for your chance to win!

Contest deadlines are almost here!

2007-10-30T23:49:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: Underlings, please do not forget to enter the contests for a free crate quilt from Boodie Kiss Pet Couture or a free pet massage from Gentle Paws Pet Massage.

Cat: Trust us on this...these are prizes we WANT to keep, so that means they are worth entering the contest for!
The crate quilt contest ends on Nov. 1 and the contest for the pet massage goes until after Mom is done trick-or-treating with our little sister tomorrow night! That is when we help her pick a winner and let them know how lucky they are! I can't wait!
So enter! You know you want to!

My new ride

2007-10-26T13:50:00.001-04:00

Finnigan: Dog Mom has been so busy lately not making any money as a freelance writer that she has kept forgetting to download the pictures from our trip to the Renessaince Festival last month.

And really, what good is the Finnigan Ruff Ruff Review of a cewl product if I don't have my visual aide?

I mean, seriously.

So now, my loyal pawllowers, I can finally review my new ride, which Dog Mom says is called "The Bob Revolution."

It's a very comfortable carriage and truly fit for a King, such as myself. Nothing like those measley little "pet" strollers I see other dogs pushed in. Those are for peasants.

I have graciously allowed for Dog Mom to place our human sibling in my carriage when I am not using it. I need to keep all paws on the ground as often as possible in order to keep these rock hard puppy abs in tip-top shape, anyway.

Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: Four out of Four Paws. This is one ride that will get a puppy noticed!

Boppies are a dog's best friend

2007-10-24T22:53:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: Greeting, loyal underlings.

Do any of your dog parents have furless puppies? You know...those needy little two-legged pups that have to be carried everywhere and held to be fed?

Our Dog Mom has one and up until today, I didn't really find any use for the riff raff Dog Mom has collected to help care for Buttercup; until I snuggled into the Boppy, that is.

Dog Mom has explained that this is some type of feeding device for furless, two-legged pups. I think it should also be marketed as a puppy pillow. It is quite comfortable.

Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: Three out of four paws. It is pink, after all.

Mom did laundry

2007-10-24T22:42:00.001-04:00

We love laundry day

Puppy needs a home

2007-10-16T17:33:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: How can we resist a request from the magic hands lady for a post about a puppy who needs a home? We can't. She massaged out our sore muscles and now we are at her mercy.
Besides, the little girl is cute.

Cat: Please look at the Midwest Schipperke Rescue page for more info on Ninya. She is a Schipperke mix and tiny and CUTE! I'd bring her home, but Mom is busy with my new little sister.
*sigh*

Ninya's stats: Tiny, fine-boned, hears half-cocked, snuggly, calm, quiet and gentle. She was born on 6/28 and will be available for adoption once she is spayed. Applications are being accepted for her adoption. Tell them you heard about Ninya at Ruff Ruff!
Oh-and an added plus from the magic hands lady: If you adopt Ninya (did I mention she's CUTE!) and you live in the Metro Detroit area, you may have a shot at some free pet sitting...)

The Dog Wizard, Vladae Roytapel

2007-10-16T16:18:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: Good afternoon, my loyal subjects. I am here to speak on world-renowned dog training expert, Vladae Roytapel, and his new DVD's (Secrets from the Russian Dog Wizard and More Secrets from the Russian Dog Wizard)for people to learn how to train their dogs. Dog Mom watched both of his DVD's on the magic picture box with me and Cat, and I can tell you for sure that these are good buys.

Don't freak out, pupsters. I mean "for humans."

Now, I am not in need of Vladae's Alternative Canine Training Techniques*tm (I am the Finnigans, after all) but these DVD's really help bring home the point that we (meaning dogs) can't be expected to read your minds. You (meaning humans) need to tell us what you want, when you want us to do it, and then tell us we did a good job so we know to do it again. And if you want us to think you are the boss, you have to act like it.

Vladae and his partner, Bonnie, are scary good. Their dogs can walk off-leash, carry their bags, and are the rulers of the sit-stay world.

I give them a nod of the head and a wag of the tail.

Now let me just enjoy my time here sleeping on Dog Mom's clothes.

Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: Two out of four paws. Why only two? Because I am perfectly content to watch The Dog Wizard show other dogs who the real alpha is in their homes...

Let's just say he is that good....and I'd just rather rule my own little kingdom.

Cat: Finnigan, for once, is right. his guy is gooooooooood. I saw him take a rescued dog who was totally all happy and jumping and "which way do we go?" and in five minutes had the dog walking perfectly at heel.

Un-freakin-believable.

Now, we are trained and Mom and Dad tell us who is boss, that is for sure. But Vladae and Bonnie are like boot-camp for puppies. Dogs, if you are reading this....don't let your parents read the blog for a few days until this post has been buried! (Quick! If you have a heart and own a dog business, SEND US SOMETHING ELSE TO REVIEW!) Humans, if you already found your way to this post, get ready to be amazed. If you follow the directions and stuff in these DVD's, then get ready for a promotion to alpha.

Sorry pooches.

Cat's Ruff Ruff Review: Two out of four paws. I agree with Finnigan. While this might qualify as a four-star product for humans, we puppies aren't too thrilled about it.

Dog Mom steps in: Okay, so your pooch might rule the roost right now, but learn from Vladae and stop asking your dog to sit. Tell him and tell him in such a way that he understands what you want of him. Practice the techniques demonstrated in the DVD's, and you'll be amazed at the transformation.

Come on, now. He's trained KGB dogs! How can you top that? Learn Vladae's ACT methods and you might just save your dog's life. But hurry-the normally $170 price for both DVD's is being offered for only $64 for a limited time.

Dog Mom's guest Ruff Ruff Review: Two thumbs up! (Human equivalent to four out of four paws.)

Don'tcha wanna win????

2007-10-15T17:14:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: I am reminding my loyal readers to enter the contest for the free pet massage from Gentle Paws Pet Massage.
No, scratch that.
I am King. Therefore, I am ordering you.

Cat: Ignore him. Listen to me. You will LOVE this lady because she has magic hands and loves puppies and knows how to make us putty in her hands! So ask you Dog Moms and Dad to sign you up!

Ruff Ruff gets a "kiss" from Boodie

2007-10-14T23:18:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: Hello to all, this fine evening.

I am gracing you all with my presence to remind you to enter the contest for the Finnigan-approved crate quilt from Boodie Kiss. If no one enters, I get to keep it and you all get to wish you were me. (I know you do that, anyway, but still...)

Cat: Remember my pink T-shirt? I still love it. Mom and Dad made me take it off, though.
Wanna win one? Check back next month. I think Mom and Boodie's mom want to make another puppy super happy with their own dog-tee.
Check back next month to find out. Don't you just love the suspense?
Oh, and check out the press page at Boodie Kiss. Not sure why, but Mom seems really happy about it.
And Finnigan just got a bigger ego...it is even possible?

Win a crate Quilt

2007-10-14T01:18:00.001-04:00

Finnigan: Greetings, my loyal minions.
Dog Mom and I have been up for a while trying to figure out how to best review and describe one of the most unique luxury pet items we have ever seen: the crate quilt from Boodie Kiss Pet Couture. (Cat's sitting out on this one due to the size constraint issue for the product received.)
Now, Dog Mom has never crated me, but since the new furniture arrived, I have been forced to stay on the couch throw, or risk getting thrown off myself (someone alert the media!). So what is a dog of my stature and presence supposed to do when Dog Mom has decided that she must wash said (and ONLY) couch throw? I'll tell you.
Usually, I am forced onto the *eewwww* dog bed with Cat, which is soooo beneath me.
But after today's package came in the mail, Dog Mom decided to wash the fur-bunnies off of the regular throw, and put the Boodie Kiss Crate Quilt in its place.
It comes in different sizes, but at 30 X 22, it's too small for Cat so too bad for her. I told her to get off my king pad and get back onto her dog bed.
I'll tell you one thing, if Dog Mom ever had crated me, I would have demanded one of these luxuriously hand-made quilts to spice up the place, while providing me with some comfort.
And I am pleased that humans are now taking into consideration the canine sense of style and function and designing luxery items specifically with us in mind.
Good human. Now sit and email all of your friends about the crate quilt. Check back often for your treat for being such a good human...it's going to be much better than that stale dog biscuit crap you try to pawn off on us as "yummy."
But I'm not bitter, of course. Just tired of stale dog biscuits.
Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: Four out of Four paws. It's luxury. It's fit for a King. It is perfect for me because I just so happen to be King. Enough said.

Dog Mom says: Enter to win the crate quilt that Finnigan tried out on my couch. Measurements are 30 X 22 so please keep this in mind! To enter for a chance at the quilt, which retails for $115 Canadian, and was Finnigan-tested and approved!) you can write a BLOG post about the contest as well as link to Boodie Kiss. Post your link in a comment to this blog entry.
If you don't blog, just leave a comment to the post and ask three friends to check out our site. Get a bonus entry for every friend that you referred who leaves us a comment.

We do not sell or give away any information whatsoever.
Contest ends Nov. 1. Winner will be notified by email that day.

Go Ruff Ruff, Go Ruff Ruff!

2007-10-13T11:40:00.000-04:00

Cat: Mom decided to google the term "Ruff Ruff" this morning. If it was out of pure curiosity or total boredom, I don't know.
But she found out that we are #35 in the dogosphere! Pretty pawsome, huh?
Now, if I could jut get her back in bed with me to cuddle.
*sigh*

Today you may call me...

2007-10-12T15:33:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: I'm bored, Dog mom is busy taking care of our crying human sibling and since I have some time on my hands, I thought I'd add some more titles of respect by which you all can refer to me by.

How to address the Finnigans, con'td....

His Royal Prince of Pawsomness

Lord and Master of Barkdom

His Majesty, the Furrsome Finnigans

Superpuppy

His Royal Dogliness

That is all for now.

Cat: Are any of you reading this actually buying into Finnigan's la-la-land list of ways to kiss his furry bottom? *rolls eyes*

I'm sorry? What was that, Finnigan? Oh yes, My Lord...If it is time to go outside, I will accompany you and protect you from harm.

*sigh*

Sorry, peoples and puppies. I must go. My duty as Royal Bodyguard is being requested. It is really tiring work.

Gentle Paws Pet Massage is Tail-wagstic!

2007-10-10T21:42:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: Being a puppy is hard work. All the tail-wagging, tongue-hanging, jumping up and down because we are happy to see you stuff just gets us all dog-tired and stuff.

And when you are King of all Pupdom? Forget about it.

So when Dog Mom contacted Jennifer Trombley, owner of Gentle Paws Pet Massage, I wasn't about to say no to a pampering session.

And wow, 30 minutes later and I'm a brand new dog. Sure, Mom and Dad pet us and hug us every day, but this was waaayyy different. Even Mom told Dad that she was wrong about pet massage because she used to think it was...how did she put it? Oh yeah-"Glorified petting that she would have to pay for." She told Dad that our muscles got relaxed and our blood is flowing better and our flexibility is improved and a bunch of other stuff that sounded like boring human-speak (but it seemed to impress Dad.)

All I know is that I would actually consider leaving Mom and Dad to move in with this lady. I'm ready to take on the world (Well, I do that, anyway) and rule with an iron paw!

Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: Four out of four paws. This lady has magic hands.

Cat: So today was so cool because this lady came over and was so nice and she smelled like a million other dogs, (but they all smelled nice) and she set up a table and mom picked me up and put me on it and then the lady rubbed me all over and made me feel like I was melting and I kissed her on the face!

I love her. I hope I get to see her again. I think I will kiss her on the face if I do.

Cat's Ruff Ruff Review: Four out of four paws. She made me melt. I miss her.

Dog mom says: Enter to win a free 30-minute massage session from Gentle Paws Pet Massage by leaving a comment to this post with a valid email address. You must include your city of residence to be considered. Please do not enter if you are not within a reasonable distance of Madison Heights, MI. One winner will be selected and notified by Oct. 31.

New customers can take advantage of a $10 discount off of their first visit only if you tell Jennifer that Finnigan and Cat from Ruff Ruff sent you.

Where are our friends?

2007-10-09T19:27:00.000-04:00

Cat: Mommy said that all of the dogs on the magic box she writes on all the time have friends all over the world. So I have been patiently waiting to meet mine.

Are you there? I'd like a friend, please. Just leave us a comment so we know that you are there!

I am starting to get very lonely.

That's Mr. Finnigan to you, human!

2007-10-09T19:19:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: As His Supreme Dogness of all of Blogdom, I must be addressed with titles of respect. I have decided to compile a list for my loyal readers that will help them address me properly.

How to address The Finnigans
Dr. Finnigan, M.D.
Finnigan the Super Puppy
The Great Overlord
Master and Commander
Supreme Ruler of All and Then Some
Your Royal Highness

The Dog King

His Royal Furness

Emperor of all Dogkind

That is all for now. This is a working list, of course, and will be updated as new titles are bestowed upon me by well....me. But since I am His Royal Dogliness, I guess that makes sense.

*Yawn.*

I am tired and must rest now. You are dismissed.

Calling all Dawgs

2007-10-08T23:25:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: What in Dog's name am I going to do with a cell phone?

According to the good people at Petsmo (tm), the PetsCell is the doggy doo-dad to get in 2008.

The GPS-enabled, waterproof device apparently has a remote geo-fence feature that will tell Mom if I stepped out of my designated virtual prison.

But is it really fair that Mom can call us at any time just to tell us to get off the bed when she isn't home?

Ummmm....NO! It's not like I can talk back or even call back for that matter.

The basics on the PetsCell are this: You hook it up to your dog. You leave the house. You miss dog. You call dog. Dog has no choice but to be woken up from a perfectly happy nap on your silk sheets and listen to you babble endlessly about how Sparky is "such a good boy!" You hang up. Dog wonders how much trouble he is going to get into for trapping Mom and Dad into the magic box on his collar. And oh Boy! Who's going to feed him now?

Finnigan's predicted Ruff Ruff Review: Two out of four paws. I don't like talking to invisible people.

Cat: Finn, the point is that lost dogs can find their peoples again! Imagine a scared and lonely dog walking around and people hear a voice coming from the collar as Mom explains how her dog is lost and please help her!

Yes, people might think the dog is possessed at first, but this might actually save a few lives.

I'd like to see if Petsmo would be willing to send us two to try out?

I just want to make the other dogs at the park jealous with my own phone. The girls can be such, well....you know.

Cat's Predicted Ruff Ruff Review: Three out of four paws. The potential for saving lives is a real plus.

8 paws up for Haint

2007-10-08T21:18:00.000-04:00

Dog Mom synopsis of the book: In Haint, author Joy Ward takes the reader on an extraterrestrial journey into the future where human survival depends on the love shared between man and the highly evolved spirit of the dog. Ward's tale is as enlightening as it is cautionary: If we as a species do not stop trying to destroy ourselves and instead strive to be the kind of people our dogs think we already are, then even the love of our furry angels will not be able to save us from ourselves.
But there is hope. There is Haint.

Finnigan: Greetings, minions of my domain. It is I, the Great Finnigans, Ruler of all that is dog. I realize it has been quite some time since we last spoke, but it took us longer than expected to read Haint by author and Dogster's For the Love of Dog blog editor, Joy Ward. (The lack of opposable thumbs makes the simple human act of flipping pages in books quite cumbersome.)
I will be honest in saying that I, Finnigan, Emperor of Barkdom, am not easily impressed by many humans. You stress too easily when a good sleep on a pile of freshly folded clothes could make you feel so much better. You rarely take the time to just sit down and enjoy a nice chew on some delectable rawhide because things like To Do lists and bosses are making you watch every tick of the clock. And a lot of the time, you don't see how we try to help you sit down, relax, and enjoy a moment of peace.
Did you honestly think that our endless jumping up and down to get your attention is for our benefit?
Okay, well, sometimes it is. But most of the time, we are trying to help you.
That is our job.
Now, most humans do not impress me, but the insight Joy Ward shows in Haint only proves that there are humans out there who see us for what we really are: furry little beings who are here to show you how to be better people.
This is an incredibly pawsome read for anyone who loves dogs. And if you are reading Ruff Ruff, I guess I don't have to tell you to buy this book, cuddle up with your dog, and enjoy a nice, long read.
Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: Three out of four paws. (But only because the main character is a Weimaraner and not a handsome little 17-pound terrier mix named Finnigan.)

Cat: Finnigan, that was deep, man.
What is there left for me to say but thank you to Joy for giving humans a chance to see life through our eyes. Every dog owner should be required to read this book.
Cat's Ruff Review: Five out of four paws. (I'm making up for Finnigan being an idiot by counting one of my paws twice.)

Right behind the ear, please Jeeves!

2007-09-30T22:54:00.000-04:00

Finnigan: Greetings, my loyal subjects! I trust you have had a relaxing weekend with your people. Yes? Good. No? Give me your master's name and I will report them to the Puppy Council. There, that's settled...
Now, time to make any dog outside of the Metro Detroit area drool with envy as we review our complimentary massages at The Pet Ritz Lakeshore Resort's grand opening Tail-Gate party.
One word: heavan. The massage therapist was incredible. In fact, I have already ordered Mom to take me to see him. She mumbled something about the cost of the massage and I just gave her my magic "puppy eyes."
She told me to get a job.
Anyway, not only does the new doggy heavan--I mean daycare resort--offer spa treatments like massages and acupuncture, the facility is chock-full of Finnigan-approved dog people. The Russian Dog God himself, Vladae Roypaetel was there. He was quite honored to meet me, as I am King of the dogs he trains, and I actually knighted him. If you ask him, Vladae might look at you funny, but that is because we have an agreeement. He is only pretending not to know.
Did I mention the massages? Ask for Danny. Tell him Finnigan sent you.
Finnigan's Ruff Ruff Review: The massage gets four out of four paws! I will review the facility itself after I check it out a bit more closely.

Cat: Hi peoples! Hello puppies!
We had such a good time at the Tail-gating party. Sure, we got massages, but my favorite part was my ice-cream cone. That's right! A real, people ice-cream cone! It was TOTALLY PAWSOME!
The massage guy gave it to me...He's my friend.
So if you live close enough, you need to come visit. Pet Ritz Lakeshore is great and I can't wait to go and visit again. I get an ice-cream cone at every vist, right?
Cat's Ruff Ruff Review: The massage gets four out of four paws and the party is three out of four paws. I'm with Finnigan on waiting on rating the actual Resort until we have seen it all!

Thank you, For the Love of Dog!

2007-09-19T01:06:00.001-04:00

Finnigan: Greetings, loyal subjects. Cat's alseep (she mumbled something about needing her beauty sleep...Whatever---I'm always this good looking!) so I am here posting on my own tonight.
We have no reviews this fine evening. But we do have a Big Ruff Ruff Thank You to Dogster's For the Love of Dog blog editor Joy Ward for adding a link to our humble Ruff Ruff Review on her pawesome site.
Check it out. Ruff Ruff still rules...but the Dogster blog is cool enough to chill with me and my dawgs.
That is all.
You are dismissed.

Drools galore at this online bakery!

2007-09-15T13:56:00.001-04:00

Finnigan: I am honored to share my first review with all of you. The great doggy baker behind The Dog House Bakery shared some of her delicious homemade goodies with me, the Great Finnigan, for my honest opinion...
And dog-gone-it! I am still lickin' my chops.
The Barker for the Bakers makes one mean puppy birthday cake, as I was lucky enough to taste for my very own (the big Oh-5), which was yesterday.
Yes, yes, you should feel bad for forgetting. And no, it doesn't matter that you just found out.
I will accept apologies via comments and emails.
But I digress...
Back to the review. The Baker uses all natural and fresh, human-grade ingredients for her tasty treats like the Pup-a-rogi's, the Cinna Mutt Rolls and the ever-yum Lolli Pups. Prices are reasonable, so your people have no excuses for not ordering you some of the best tasting treats ever.
Tell the folks at Doghouse Bakery that Finnigan sent you.
Finn's Ruff Ruff Review: Four out of Four paws.

Cat: YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM! This stuff is sooooooooooooooooooo good! I like all food, really, but there is just something about the Doghouse Bakery's Canine Canolli and the crunchy goodness of the Mutt fins.
This is really some pawesome stuff. And Finnigan is not exxagerating about the peanut buttery goodness of his birthday cake. I was seriously impressed (and totally jealous!). In fact, I already have an order in for my own birthday cake.
How far away is May again?

Cat's Ruff Ruff Review: Four out of Four Paws.