Big Time Book Signin' Dog

Yup, I introduced my brand new book, Travelin' Jack's Story....From Shelter to Star this weekend at 3..yes, you read that right THREE book signings and paw-digraph parties! Friday night we hit the Hastings in Rio Rancho and I had a grand time there...schmoozin' with the customers. Why they ALL realized they JUST had to have my book! Thanks for the great dog-spitality Hastings! THEN Saturday morning we went on the air with the BEST radio host anywhere...paws down truth there!.....with Miss Terrie Q. Sayre on KKOB Radio and her fav sidekick, Dan the Man. They even made me work, can you believe it?

Next off to Alamosa Books for the 2nd book signings. Why they had it ALL there...reading area for storytelling, yummy donut treats for the visitors, color sheets from my book for the kids...and OF COURSE some newfound fans of this dog, Travelin' Jack! Think I got this fine gent convinced of my dog-portance! Sold MORE books...and raised some money for Animal Humane of New Mexico! Then off for the afternoon signing.....

Check out this photo op with Treasure House Books store owner John Hoffsis...and my good buddy Linda B too! They took great care of me....why they even had water for this dog-author...you know all that talkin' makes ya thirsty!

Got checked in on by the local law....not gonna do anything wrong, I promise Officer Jordan....I DOG-promise! Just Puleeze buy my book for the poor little fur kids lookin' for a home! You do know I am DONATIN proceeds from EACH and EVERY book to New Mexico's animal shelters, don't you? It's true, I do declare!

And where would we be without fab customers and adoring fans, too! This couple came in JUST to meet me and buy my book......MWAAAHHHH...there's a Jack smackaroo just for you Van Deusens. LUV YA!

Yup, this was one grand day! Sold lots of books, visited with great folks from all over..and raised some money for the four footed furr kids still lookin' for their forever family!

If YOU wanna help out, you can pick up a copy of my book at any of these great bookstores...or you can log on to my website store and get your own copy too! Either way...you'll help out the kids..and I'll luv ya for forever and a dog-day!

Westminster Dog Show 2011 YAH!

Oh boy..oh boy...oh boy! My FAV dog show of all time!

Let's get comfy in front of the ol' telly......(you know Brit for TV...I am an Olde English Bulldogge after all!). Here they come...and my favorite group..the NON-sporting Group!

YABBA DABBA DOO......Here's my cousin going for the win...He is definitely stylin'. Isn't he just the grandest dog of 'em all? He's got my vote....hear that JUDGE??????

WHAAAAAT? You didn't pick the Bulldog? Now that's JUST NOT RIGHT! You've been robbed my little bully cousin!

Why I'm so Dog-pressed that I'm just goin' to bed. Can't believe it...the Bulldog didn't win! What were they thinkin'?

Night-Night.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day? Did someone say VALENTINE'S DAY! The famous and fab day where you get to wear your heart on your sleeve...around your neck...or wherever you so dog-desire! Well, THIS special day's not passin' this doggaroo by without some action!

First things first...get all dog-dolled up! You know for that special photo...just in case you find some sweet little gal bulldog needin' a special valentine dog-date or somethin'!

Hey, who's this cute little bully gal? Will you be my Valentine Sweetie?



You Will? Yabba-Dabba-Doo! Let's go party my little valentine! I'm not lettin' you slip away! You just made my Valentine's Day....




Here's Hopin' YOU Have a Doggone FAB Valentine's Day too!

SPECIAL Doggie Hugs and Slurpy Kisses this Valentine's Day!

Trip Advisor Report-“Travel-Writer Dog....Travelin' Jack RANKS Bishop's Lodge...5 PAWS”

This is our 2nd trip back to the Bishop's Lodge Resort in Santa Fe..... ya know it's important to make sure that our first trip where it received MY "5 Paws" ranking was NOT a fluke. So back we went again for a little winter wonderland getaway. And YAH those VIP treats were awaitin' again...chocolate dipped gi-gorgeous strawberries for Jill (seems they even dip em in Godiva chocolate)....she wouldn't let me have even a single one...somethin' about chocolate's not good for dogs....but YAH there were those dog-scrumptious gourmet doggie biscuits awaitin' for me!
Had to check out the pool area.....for a bit o' loungin'....did you know that they actually ALLOW dogs in the pool area.....on a leash and so's long as they are good....which OF COURSE, Travelin' Jack fits that category paws down!
Took a nice little hike up to check out the historic Lamy Chapel. You can too! And you can explore all 350 acres of the Lodge property as you have energy for...but not me...not today...think I'll get back to my room for some R&R.
Now how's this for one comfy room...and big too! Wow, we hit the jackpot on sleepin' accommodations here.
why even a cozy fire for a pooch to roast his paws by! Now THIS is the life, if I do say so myself...doggone it! Yep, they STILL get my "5 PAWS" rating! I highly Dog-Recommend it for YOU and YOUR POOCH....Did you know that they even have a very reasonable pet stay fee...only $20? Now that is dog-generous in my books!

And at the end of our stay, I even filled out a TripAdvisor review....here's what this travelin' pooch had to say about Bishop's Lodge........

Bishop's Lodge Resort & Spa

Travelin' Jack is New Mexico's pre-eminent Pet Travel specialist, touring around the state, checking out pet-friendly destinations fit for a Pooch...and their persons!

This is Travelin' Jack's 2nd stay at Bishop's Lodge...and once again...it receives Travelin' Jack's prestigious 5 PAWS rating! (the best in Jack's view).

Why?

1)Comfy rooms with lots of room for dogs to stretch...and a patio door right out the back door...talk about convenience!
2) Warm welcome by the Front Desk Staff....and ALL the staff! Why they even call him by name!
3) Lots of FAB hiking trails over the 350 acres of grounds and forest. Talk about a dog's dream come true!
4) Great food from the restaurant. How does he know that? Well, his people partner brought him a tasty tidbit of buffalo! YUM!
5) Reasonable Pet Fees. This is important when you are traveling alot with your pet. Some fees can add up quickly. Bishop's Lodge is VERY reasonable.

So...all these reasons add up to a 5 PAWS rating. But don't take Travelin' Jack's words for gospel...check it out yourself...WITH or WITHOUT your pet....it's a winner and a New Mexico showcase.

• My ratings for this hotel
  • Value 5 Paws
    
  • Rooms 5 Paws
    
  • Location 5 Paws
    
  • Cleanliness 5 Paws
    
  • Service 5 1/2 Paws
    
  • Sleep Quality 5 Paws
    

• Date of stay January 2011
• Visit was for Business
• Traveled with Jill OF COURSE!
  

Thanks for the VOTEs of Confidence.....LUCKY DOG LOTTERY PHOTO CONTEST!

The Voting for Lucky Dog Lottery Photo Contest has ended as of 12noon today.

Thanks for ALL the votes and support for li'l ol me, Travelin' Jack. We will know the Top 25 dogs on Monday, Feb. 7th. Stay tuned......

Here's what NM Lottery has to say about the contest:

Voting Ended Friday, Feb. 4, at Noon MT

Response to our contest was tremendous! Dog owners entered more than 4,700 photos. More than 100,000 votes were cast.

And the contest was a big hit in the new frontier of social media. Several dog owners and their friends used Facebook and YouTube to get out the vote.

The 25 finalist photos will be posted here on Monday, Feb. 7, by 4:30 p.m. MT.

Then the New Mexico Lottery will begin reviewing finalist photos to pick six furry faces to feature on the “Lucky Dog” Scratcher’s six tickets. Our choices will be based on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to, photo quality (sharp focus, good lighting, composition), diversity of dog breed and statewide representation.

The six dogs will be announced when the Scratcher launches in May.

Thank you for your support of the New Mexico Lottery. Since 1996, the lottery has raised $466 million for education and 68,000 college students have received Legislative Lottery Scholarships.

Winter Blizzard Warning: Don't Eat The Yellow Snow!

YEP...there's a doggone winter blizzard here in New Mexico....and while I'm havin' this ol' snow-day, thought I'd share this great article with you by none other than......

Dr. Donna Spector

Some great tips here for your pet info library...read on to see what Dog-Dr. Donna Spector has to say:

Winter is right around the corner! Does your dog love the winter wonderland or would he rather cuddle up on the couch under a cozy blanket? Either way, you must be prepared to protect him when he ventures out into the elements.

• Don't overfeed your dog during the winter. Although dogs are in need of an extra layer during the winter season…make sure it comes from a coat, and not a fat layer. Unless your dog lives outdoors during the winter, he or she often needs no additional calories during the winter chill. Cold temperatures often bring on lazy behaviors and actually the need for LESS calories. Be attentive to your dog's activity level and adjust his calories accordingly. Always feed your dog a high quality natural dog food to insure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.
• Keep your dog hydrated. Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in the winter as summer. Although many dogs eat snow, it is not an adequate substitute for fresh water. If your dog has a water bowl outdoors, check it often and break ice that may form on top.
• Let's talk temperature! If it is too cold for you to stand at the door without your coat, it is probably too cold for your dog to be out without a coat. Some dog breeds have dense undercoats that help protect them against very cold temperatures…but most dogs should have a coat to help them deal with Jack Frost. If getting your dog a coat makes you think about poodles in pink fur, don't distress! Coats are not just about fashion; there are many functional, non-couture coats available! Coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet or tail…so don't keep your dog out too long in freezing temperatures.
• Take precaution when playing. Although your dog is likely to be having a great time outdoors, take frequent indoor breaks for water and warming up and don't ever stay out too long. If you are walking or playing in unfamiliar areas, keep your dog close. It is easy for them to venture onto unsafe ground….for example, some ponds and lakes are small and can be hidden by snow and ice and pose hazards to unsuspecting frolicking dogs.
• Provide extra bedding and warmth for your dog. In addition to limiting your dog's time outdoors on cold days, you must also provide warm indoor shelter. Place your dog's bed in a warm spot; away from drafts, cold tile or uncarpeted floors.
• Protect your dog from burns. Dogs will often seek heat during the cold winter weather by snuggling too close to heating sources. Avoid space heaters and lamps and place baseboard radiator covers to avoid unnecessary burns. Fireplaces also pose a major threat and a pet-proof system should be used to keep your heat-seeking pal out of harms way! \Groom your dog. Your dog needs a clean, well-groomed coat to keep him properly insulated. This is especially important if your dog lives outdoors. It is important to choose natural, detergent-free grooming products that will not strip your dog's skin and coat of essential oils that help protect them against the winter elements. After bathing, dry your dog adequately, especially before allowing him outdoors.
• Protect your dog's feet. Dogs walk through snow, slush, salt and chemicals and are very likely to sustain an injury to their foot pads unless protected. Although doggie booties may sound a little corny, they can prevent painful injuries. If you don't want to invest in booties, place thick socks on each paw and connect the top of each sock with a mitten keeper over the dogs shoulder and hips. If booties absolutely don't work for your dog, clean your dog's feet every time he comes into the house. Use warm water and clean between the toes to remove all debris and salt. Apply a small amount of a natural moisturizer or salve every day to keep the pads from cracking. Avoid using any chemical ice-melting compounds or rock salt on your sidewalks or driveways that your dog may contact.
• Shovel and clear the snow! Snow can be a lot of fun but also dangerous for your dog. Snow piled near fences pose escape hazards that even well trained dogs often can't resist. Keep snow cleared away from fences to prevent your dog from climbing over. Snow and ice often accumulate on rooftops and if the sun is out or as temperatures rise, this accumulation can fall and injure your dog. If you are unable to clear the snow from the roof, keep your dog away from the roof overhang to prevent injury.
• Avoid toxin exposure. With winter comes antifreeze from automobiles. Antifreeze is sweet in taste and dogs will readily lick or drink it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic and just a small amount can be fatal for dogs. Keep your dog out of the garage and off the driveway where they may encounter antifreeze or other harmful chemicals.
• Dogs should NEVER be left in cars unattended, no matter what the season. Freezing cold temperatures are the main concern during the winter. If the car is left running during the winter (especially in the garage), carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat.
• Special medical needs. Cold weather will often aggravate existing medical conditions in dogs, particularly arthritis. It is very important to maintain an exercise regimen with your arthritic dog, but be mindful of slippery surfaces and make sure your dog has a warm soft resting area to recuperate after activity. Try the addition of a natural glucosamine supplement to lubricate the joints and ease the discomfort of arthritis. Just like people, dogs are more susceptible to other illnesses during the winter weather. Contact your veterinarian if you detect any unusual symptoms in your dog. Remember, never use over the counter medication without the advice of your veterinarian.

Paying special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter season will insure that you both enjoy the Winter Wonderland to its fullest.

::

Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM, is a renowned, board-certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, an active AVMA and AVHMA member, and leading speaker and writer on pet health and nutrition. She is widely recognized for her role as consulting veterinarian to HALO, Purely for Pets and her TV appearances with Halo co-owner Ellen DeGeneres. Dr. Donna performs medical, nutrition and weight loss consultations for dogs and cats through her web-based veterinary consulting service, www.SpectorDVM.com.

OH....AND HERE IS ONE VERY IMPORTANT TIP FROM TRAVELIN' JACK............"DON'T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW!!!!!!!!

Doggie hugs and Slurpy Kisses.

Woo-Hoo! I am the BIONIC BullDogge!

Well, whether it is dog-ficial...or just my dog-pinion, I am THE Bionic BullDogge of New Mexico!

And how did I come up with that dog-nalysis, you ask? Well...it's all because of my favorite surgeon, Dr. Peter Schwarz.

I just went back to the Doc to get my 2 week post-op checkup from my recent CCL surgery on my back leg! And he gave me a good report....WHEW!!!!! Don't want any more of this surgery stuff, ya know!

Now I just have to rest, recuperate and be good for the next 6-8 weeks...that means NO jumping, NO climbing, NO running......doggone it...those are all the FUN things for a pupparoo to do...besides EAT of course. And wouldn't ya know it....they even put me on a dog-diet! WoW.....now this is a tuff role for a 'meaty' dog...but I DO know that Dr. Schwarz of the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Services of New Mexico is THE man...and he is taking grand care of me...so guess I'll just mind the doc for now.

But.....bein' the goofy kinda dog I am.....I'm takin' this new title all the way to the BANK! (well I can dream anyway, can't I?) And here we go...let's add this to my already fat resume......

Travelin' Jack....New Mexico's Bionic BullDogge extraordinaire! Ready to hit the road with all my great hardware keepin' my knees runnin' down the highway, reporting to you....on New Mexico pet adventures!

So...if you see a Big B after my name...and a T-shirt with a Big B on it....and maybe a big blobby blur of a dog with a Big D on his chest flying high up in the sky.....

...YOU'LL know that it is I---- "Travelin' Jack---BIONIC BullDogge-Man"----ready to take on my SUPERDOG role!

Watch Out! Here I come.....