Expert Tips: Choosing the Right Pet / Dog For Your Family - Camp Bow Wow CEO

Many families are looking to expand their brood turn to furry friends, which often become as much a member of the family as anyone else. So how do families decide if a pet is right for them, and if so, what type is best for your family?

 

Heidi Ganal, whose life, career, and passion revolves around pets, offers the below tips for selecting a canine companion or other pet for your family. As the CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow, Heidi has seen it all – and knows the ins and outs of choosing the perfect fit for you.

 

Outlined below are her tips.  Heidi is a mom-preneur, as a mother of two children, she created Camp Bow Wow after losing her husband in a tragic plane crash and has an amazing tragedy to triumph story, heading up a company that now has 200 franchises nationwide.

How Old Are the Members of My Family?

 

Ø  If the youngsters in your household are under seven years old, they are usually not developmentally suited for puppies 5 months old and under or toy-sized (under 15 pounds) dogs of any age. Puppies have ultra sharp "milk teeth" and toenails and often teethe on and scratch children, resulting in unintentional injury to the child. The puppy becomes something to be feared rather than loved.

Ø  Toy dogs are fine-boned, touch-sensitive creatures that do not weather rough or clumsy handling well. They break relatively easily and are quicker to bite than their larger boned, mellower relatives.

Ø  Unless your children are unusually sensitive, low-key, respectful individuals, a medium-to-large sized dog over 5 months old is usually the safer choice. Regardless of size, all interactions between small children and dogs should be monitored by a responsible adult. When there is no one to watch over them, they should be separated.

Ø  At the opposite end of the spectrum, are there frail elderly or physically challenged individuals in the household? If so, strong vigorous adolescent dogs are not a wise idea. No aging hips or wrists are safe from these yahoos. People who were one-breed fans throughout their lives may one day find that their favorite breed demands more than they can physically handle. The new dog must fit the current physical capabilities of his keepers with an eye toward what the next 10-15 years will bring.

Who Will Be the Dog's Primary Caretaker?

 

Ø  A decade or so back, this was an easy question to answer-- Mom. She stayed home and cooked, cleaned and raised the family dog. Most families these days do not have that option. All adults have to go to work and the kids head off to school. This leaves the family dog to be sandwiched in between lessons and sports and household chores and so on. One parent should be designated Primary Caretaker to make sure the dog does not get lost in the shuffle.

Ø  Some parents bow to the pressure their children put on them to get a dog. The kids promise with tears in their eyes that they will religiously take care of this soon-to-be best friend. The truth of the matter is, during the 10 - 15 year lifespan of the average dog, your children will be growing in and out of various life stages and the family dog's importance in their lives will wax and wain like the Moon. You cannot saddle a child with total responsibility for the family dog and threaten to get rid of it if the child is not providing that care. It is not fair to child or dog.

Ø  Choosing the family dog should include input from all family members with the cooler-headed, more experienced family members' opinions carrying a bit more weight. The family dog should not be a gift from one family member to all the others. The selection experience is one the entire family can share. Doing some research and polling each family member about what is important to them in a dog will help pin down what you will be looking for. Books like Daniel Tortora's THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU or The ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs can be tremendously helpful and can warn you away from unsuitable choices for your family's circumstances.

How Much Can I Spend?

 

Ø  The price to obtain a dog runs the gamut from free-to-a-good-home to several thousand dollars. It does not always hold true that you get what you pay for. The price you pay in a pet shop is usually 2 to 3 times higher than what you pay a reputable breeder for a puppy of similar (or usually better) quality.

Ø  Too many folks spend all their available cash on a pet shop purchase and then have no money left for initial veterinary care, a training crate or obedience classes--all necessary expenses. Remember, the purchase price of a dog is a very small part of what the dog will actually cost. Save money for food (especially if it is a large or giant breed), grooming (fancy coated breeds such as Poodles, Cockers, and Shih Tzus need to be clipped every 4 to 6 weeks), chew toys (the vigorous chewers like a Bull Terrier or Mastiff can work their way through a $8.00 rawhide bone in a single sitting), outerwear (short-coated breeds like Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, and Whippets must have sweaters and coats in the winter or in lavishly air conditioned interiors), and miscellaneous supplies (bowls, beds, brushes, shampoos, flea products, odor neutralizers for accidents, baby gates, leashes, collars, heartworm preventative etc.).

Ø  And then, there is the veterinary emergency! Very few dogs live their entire lives without at least one accident. Your puppy eats a battery or pair of pantihose, your fine-boned toy breaks a leg, your big boy has bad hips, your dog gets hit by a car or beaten/bitten by the neighborhood bully. These surprises can cost $500 or more. Unlike our children, most of our dogs are not covered by health insurance.

Ø  But "How much can I spend?" is not only a question of money. How much time and energy can you spend on a new dog? Various breeds and ages of dog make different demands on our precious spare time. In general, the Sporting, Hounds, Herding, and Terrier breeds will demand more time in training and daily exercise than will the Guardian or Companion breeds. A puppy or adolescent will need more exercise, training, and supervision than will an adult dog. And the first year with any new dog regardless of age or breed type will put more demands on the owner than any other time, for this is when you are setting up house rules and routines which will last for the lifetime of your dog.

Ø  America has become a nation of disposable pet owners. Doesn't your family dog deserve better? Choose wisely, for when the bond breaks, everybody concerned suffers. Make selecting your new family dog a life-affirming act.

-Courtesy of Heidi Ganal, Camp Bow Wow

Updo or Down--Fantastic Sams Special Occasion Hair Tips

With so many ways to glam it up, how do you choose which special occasion look is best for you? Or if you have a daughter going to prom this year, you know that the updo is second only to finding the perfect dress! After you’ve spent hours thumbing through your favorite magazine and looking at celebrity photos online, stop by your neighborhood Fantastic Sams Hair Salon, who can replicate your favorite look.  Fantastic Sams® Hair Salons has a breadth of offerings and in its 35-year history, has earned a reputation for providing star quality beauty offerings on the cutting edge of today’s style for the entire family, at a fraction of the cost.  Pam Kelly, National Director for Technical Services, offers insight on the latest hairdos for any prom/special occasion that can be done at any Fantastic Sams Salon. 

·         Updo and Down – If you have curly or wavy hair, try a loose, natural-looking updo with a "mohawk" shape, then pull some hair loose in the back. 

·         Sexy French Twist – For ladies with straight to wavy hair who have soft bangs or layers in the front, try a loose French twist with cascading tendrils by the face.  Add some shine to that twist with fantasticfinish(TM) spray shine. 

·         Chignon Chic – If you’re blessed with long locks, part your hair with a deep side part, brush it back into a big chignon and let some tendrils fall freely.   

·         Hollywood Glamour – Get that old Hollywood glam look by parting your hair on the side, adding some curls and anchoring them to one side of the head.  To make sure those curls stay tight, try fantasticfinish(TM) extra-firm finishing spray, which also adds shine to your look. 

·         Pretty Pony – Great for any hair type or length, brush your hair back into a high ponytail then curl it. Leave some tendrils hanging in front of your face.

Whatever look you desire for your upcoming special occasion, Fantastic Sams can create it. 

-Courtesy of Fantastic Sams

5 Tips for Spring Cleaning with the Kids

With the first day of spring right around the corner, parents’ minds are turning to gardening, backyard parties, and of course, the dreaded spring cleaning.

Once the gutters are cleaned and the windows scrubbed, why not freshen up the look of your space with a quick makeover and get the kids involved? With just a few modifications, your home can look as fresh and seasonal as the daffodils popping up in your front yard and burn some of your kids never ending energy.

Please find a few simple home makeover tips below from Sure Fit Home Solutions.

Refinish Refresh:

Instead of throwing out an old piece of furniture, let your kids paint it and keep it in their room. This doubles to let the kids express their creativity and as a piece of furniture.  Set up shop in the back yard to enjoy the warmer weather!

Quick Cover Up:

Freshen up your furniture and protect it from muddy feet and melted popsicles with a semi-custom slipcover. Leading slipcover provider Sure Fit has an extensive selection of fitted and tailored styles in an endless array of colors and materials for couches, chairs, recliners, futons, ottomans and more. They also provide “Tuck-Once” tools and grips that help to lock your slipcover in place for a natural, fuss free solution.

Make it a race and time the kids to see how fast they can get the slipcover on the furniture.

(www.surefit.com)

Rearrange Change:

Moving furniture may be the easiest way to change the look of your space. Try rearranging a room, or trading out furniture from one room to the next. That unused rocker could look great by the front window, it just needs to get brought up from the basement! 

Tell the kids that every item that they help move, earns them a point.  Five points equals an ice cream sundae at the end of the day.

Do it Yourself Details:  

Tell the kids that as a reward for cleaning up their room, they get to decorate it with their own personal style. Let them choose the colors to cover up throw pillows with sunnier colors and textures, and coordinate the colors with craft projects that will bring the room together. Think brightly painted picture frames, finger paint artwork, and colorful crafts.

(www.surefit.com)

Turn It Up:

Play your favorite music and turn it up to clean while you dance.  When the music stops everyone has to freeze.  Anyone caught moving has to put away one extra item.  This makes the time fly by and the kids won’t even realize they are helping you clean.

-Courtesy of Sure Fit Home Solutions 

Hair Tips to Keep Dad Looking Sharp

When it comes to keeping families up to date on haircuts and grooming, sometimes Dad gets lost in the mix. If Dad needs an updated look this holiday season (or a good New Year’s resolution!), Fantastic Sams® Hair Salons has some great tips for men who want to start 2010 with a well groomed head on their shoulders.

Pam Kelly, National Director of Technical Services for Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, has some great tips for dads on how to get a “just from the salon” style at home and lists some of the most frequently forgotten questions for men to ask at a salon. She also discusses some of the hottest cuts and styles for men right now.

Longer Hair is Better

According to Pam, the most notable trend in men’s hairstyles is longer hair. The key to wearing longer hair for men is to keep the shape slim, not wide and bushy. All male designs should create a tall and lean look on men. One look that is popular for men is having longer layers cut on top and shorter layers on the sides and back.

Diversify for Success

To achieve the best styles, men should change up their styling products. Most men (you know who you are!) just grab the gel, but gel doesn't work for every hair type or style. Longer lengths may require pomade or molding mud to add texture with a slight hold.

Need to Know: Frequently Forgotten Questions

Men need to let their stylist know their daily routines. Be sure to tell your stylist what you do for a living, if you work out a lot, and how often you shampoo and condition. This helps the stylist to determine how much time the guest has to spend on his hair and what products to recommend.  In addition, most men have scalp issues for several reasons: products tend to build up on the scalp as men have shorter hair and men with thinner hair or short clipper cuts have more scalp exposure. These guests should ask about the best hair care regime to keep their scalp healthy. A healthy scalp equals healthy hair.

New fantastic™ for men tea tree shampoo Experience

Participating Fantastic Sams Hair Salons are now offering the new fantastic™ for men tea tree shampoo experience where men receive a three-minute massage during the shampoo service in addition to a hot towel treatment on the neck. It’s a relaxing service that helps to gently cleanse and soothe irritated scalps and incorporates Fantastic Sams Hair Salons’ newest men’s products, the fantastic™ for men tea tree shampoo and conditioner.

Also, please feel free to follow us on Facebook and share the link with your readers: www.facebook.com/fantasticsamshairsalons.

-Courtesy of Fantastic Sams

Holiday Glam Tips/Gift Idea from Fantastic Sams Hair Salons

"In addition to turkey, dressing, mistletoe and champagne, the holidays mean style! I wanted to pass along some glitz-centric tips and a great gift idea from Fantastic Sams® Hair Salons.

Pam Kelly, National Director of Technical Salon Services for Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, has provided some observations for popular hairstyles in the 2009 holiday season:

Smooth and Svelte How-To:

·         To get a sleek, sexy, straight look for the holidays, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to leave hair feeling soft and full of body.

·         When hair is wet, use an ionic blow dryer to close the cuticle and lock in moisture. fantasticfinish® Shine Serum and fantasticfinish® Spray Shine styling products add luster and shine to dull and dry hair and are great to use when blow-drying.

·         Release natural oils by using a boar bristle brush nightly.

·         Once a week, use a deep moisturizing serum to re-hydrate hair.

·         Enjoy a great smooth and lustrous look for the holidays!

Pam’s trend predications for the holiday season include:

·         The use of braids woven into the hair will be very popular at holiday parties as well as jeweled headbands and barrettes.

·         Celebrity styles, as always, will be requested during the busy holiday season.

·         Up do and special occasion hair will be either sleek and pulled back with the focus on the back/nape area, or soft and tousled, rather than a structured look.

·         Deep sweeping side part bangs and full front fringes will be popular on most haircuts.

·         Haircuts will include soft layering.

·         Soft waves will play a big part.

Give the Gift of Glam

If you need a great gift for any family member or friend—look no further than a Fantastic Sams Hair Salons gift certificate! Available for purchase at most Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, a gift certificate is a gift of glam for a loved one. Who doesn’t like to be pampered?

Be sure to check out our Facebook page for more tips, quizzes and photos!"

-Courtesy of Fantastic Sam's

Fantastic Sams Fall Hair Tips and Facebook Offer

If “dry” and “stale” come to mind when you think of your hair during the fall and winter months, Fantastic Sams® Hair Salons has a great service to amplify fullness and thickness without a long-term commitment.

Without using chemicals, fantastictexture™ texture wave temporary service adds a soft curl to enhance any style, creating waves that last up to twenty shampoos. It’s a great low-cost way to keep hair looking voluminous and vibrant.

According to Pamela Kelly, National Director of Technical Salon Services for Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, texture services can achieve the following:

·         Create movement in your hair

·         Redirect your hair, give it body

·         Create fullness in thin hair

·         Support the style

If your problem isn’t one of volume, but of frizz, the following are some general tips from Fantastic Sams Hair Salons for controlling frizz during the fall and winter seasons:

• Use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner that contains protein and humectants, such as FantasticCleanse™ shampoo and FantasticCondition™ conditioner.
• Spray in a leave-in thermal protectant, such as FantasticCondition™ leave-in conditioner.
• Let hair air dry as long as possible.
• Blow dry hair in sections.
• Use a boar bristle brush – this brings natural oils from your scalp down through your hair, making it shiny and smooth.
• Use an anti-frizz styling aid, such as FantasticStyle™ smoothing gel, which leaves hair more manageable, flexible and fights frizz.
• Visit your Fantastic Sams Hair Salon to get a FantasticIntensive™ Hydrate Moisturizing Treatment, which restores shine and replenishes protein in the hair.
• Shampoo only every other day.

Additionally, I wanted to let you know Fantastic Sams recently launched a Facebook page! They’ll be posting deals and tips and interacting with polls and discussions. Currently, they have a launch coupon for $2 off an adult cut available for new fans through Nov. 2. I hope you’ll become a fan!

Find your nearest Fantastic Sams Hair Salon at www.fantasticsams.com.

Photo Credit: Fantastic Sams Hair Salons.

Tip sheet: How to make Columbus Day fun for kids

Columbus Day: How to Make History Fun for Your Children

If you ask your elementary school child what his or her favorite subject in school is, you may hear about science, reading, math, or even lunch or recess! A less likely answer is history. So many kids find the study of the past boring or of little use. Fortunately there are many ways you can use your child’s natural abilities and interests to make history fun. What better place to begin the adventure of American history than with Christopher Columbus this Columbus Day in October?

For the reading enthusiast:
If your child is particularly excited by reading and the language arts, you may want to begin by checking out some books about Columbus from the school or local library or visiting a bookstore. Children who enjoy reading are often open to suggestions about what to read. Your valuable input is still a wonderful motivator, even in the upper grades. The simple act of a parent showing interest and asking questions about what a child is reading will make it much more enjoyable than if it were a solitary endeavor.

For the budding writer:
Don’t let the fun end with reading. Expand on what has been read by writing. Let your budding writer keep a journal or write letters home about what it must have been like to be aboard the Santa Maria with Columbus. Have him or her write to Queen Isabella as Columbus trying to convince the queen to fund his voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Encourage him or her to take a different viewpoint, such as that of a native encountering Columbus and his crew for the first time.

For the scientist:
Have a little scientist on your hands? Try investigating the theories of the scientific world during the late 15th century. Most educated people had already turned away from the “flat earth” theory by the time of Columbus. What made them change their minds? Direct kids who are drawn to the life sciences to discover along with the great explorer Columbus the plant and animal life of the New World.

For the math whiz:
Children who appreciate the logic and order of math may like calculating the distance from Spain across the Atlantic Ocean to the Bahamas. How many days did it take Columbus and his crew to reach their destination, and at how many miles per day? How does this compare to modern transportation?

For the artist:
A young artist may enjoy creating models the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria out of clay or paper mache. Let your child draw or paint scenes from all the locations explored by Columbus. Encourage creativity and utilize a variety of materials such as colored pencils, markers, and water colors.

For the musically inclined:
Musically inclined children may enjoy learning all the words to the song that begins “In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue….” Incorporate musical instruments along with the verse, or even create new words or a different tune to the familiar song.

For the spatial learner:
Many children learn best when they have a physical connection to what they are learning. A fun activity for these kids would be measuring out the dimensions of the ships of Columbus in an open area, perhaps outdoors. All three ships were less than 30 feet wide, and the smaller two were about 70-80 feet long. How would it feel to be inside such a vessel with many other people for two months? Add to the fun by packing a “sailor’s lunch” of biscuits, beans, and salty fish such as that actually eaten by Columbus and his crew.

For the creative kid:
If your child is the creative type, he or she may enjoy pretending to be a modern day Columbus. Imagine there is a distant land just waiting to be explored. Design a plan as to how you will get there. Who and what will you take on your journey? What kids of treasures will you discover when you arrive? Children who work best as a group may want to make a game out of recreating the fateful journey of Columbus and his men in 1492. Besides Captain Columbus of the Santa Maria, be sure to have two other children play the roles of the Pinzon brothers who headed up the Nina and Pinta.

For the kidpreneur:
Even kids who have their sights set on the business word someday can find some fun with the Columbus story. The great explorer traded bells, glass beads, and red caps to the natives for balls of cotton and parrots. Young entrepreneurs can set up a “swap shop” with other children in the neighborhood or class with items they agree are of equal value and are willing to trade.

History need not be boring. As parents it is our job to find ways to use our children’s natural abilities and inclinations to make learning every subject fun. American history can be an adventure for all children, those who love reading, math, science, the arts, and yes, even lunch and recess!

Credit: Lori Jordan-Rice is the author of "Miss Trimble’s Trapdoor" and "Miss Trimble’s Trapdoor: The Perseverance of Christopher Columbus," a new educational children's book series. Kids can visit www.MissTrimblesTrapdoor.com to write to main characters Tyler and Barney, as well as for helpful educational links, crosswords and word searches.

Cheap Pre-Paid Halloween Safety Tip

With Halloween being one of the most dangerous days of the year for children-- children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than the rest of the year according to Safe Kids Worldwide -- it’s important for parents to prepare their children to stay safe while trick-or-treating. One of the cheapest ways to make sure kids are safe this Halloween is for parents to stick a prepaid/no contract wireless phone in their trick-or-treat bag this year along with all the candy. Parents can always stay connected to their child with a Boost Mobile pre-paid phone in case he or she are separated from a group, or the worst happens, and they suffer an injury while going house to house.

Boost Mobile nationwide no contract phones start as low as $59.99 (a one-time cost) and have flexible plans by the minute, the day, or the month, which lets Mom and Dad be in control of the bill. There are no credit checks, no contracts, and can be purchased in thousands of locations across the U.S. Equipping a child with a Boost Mobile phone puts the concerned parent at ease not only during Halloween, but ANYTIME their loved one is out by themselves and they want to be able to communicate with their kids by the touch of a button.

While the strongest superheroes knock down doors this Halloween, parents will be able to stay connected in case there is any type of an emergency.

www.boostmobile.com

Halloween Photography Tips

Halloween is right around the corner! This year, be sure to capture your little ghost or goblin’s memories in a unique way. An expert in children’s photography, Linda Russell of Russell Photography (www.russellphoto.com), offers 5 tips for parents to take perfect Halloween pictures.

Utilize available light: Turn off your flash and use a tripod or even the back of a chair to stabilize your camera and use a slow shutter speed to photograph your child by jack- o- lantern or candle light.

Light your child from below: For a really "haunting" photo, have them hold a flashlight below their face pointed up. Under-lighting is sinister and very scary.

Tell a story with your camera: Start with a "still life" that says "Halloween" (a costume box, a jack-o-lantern, an empty trick or treat bag, etc) Next photograph your child before the transition from suburban student to blood dripping vampire. Capture the make up, the costume, the process.

Create a portrait of them in costume as if it were real: A princess on her throne, a cowgirl in front of a barn, or a ghoul in the cemetery. Engage your child in the fantasy.

Photograph the haul! Every child remembers the special Halloween when the mountain of candy was beyond belief. Photograph them close up using a wide angle setting. Fill the frame with candy as well as their joyful expression.

Tips to Make the Most of Student Smiles

SCHOOLPICTURES.COM OFFERS HELPFUL TIPS TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR ANNUAL PICTURE DAY

 

SchoolPictures.com (www.SchoolPictures.com), a provider of stress-free school picture days that generate thousands of dollars for schools, has offered the following “Tips To Make the Most of Student Smiles,” a helpful guide for students, parents and teachers for their annual portraits. Reporters and editors are welcome to reprint these tips in full or to use them as a basis for a seasonal article or broadcast segment. Press are encouraged to invite readers and viewers to post on the outlet’s Web site their own tips, or alternatively their humorous “school picture day horror stories,” to create an interactive component to the feature.

 

1.    Mark your calendar! You do not want to forget the date of your student’s pictures.

2.    A well-groomed child is the best start for a perfect photo.

3.    Do not try out any new haircuts, styles or colors within two weeks before photos.

4.    Avoid wearing stripes or loud prints on clothing. Solid colors are a sure bet.

5.    Avoid clothes with printed slogans. They often get cropped out of the photo.

6.    A good night’s sleep keeps under-eye circles at bay.

7.    Select small accessories that don’t detract from the focus on your student.

8.    A spot of eye drop solution can help reduce redness of facial blemishes.

9.    Avoid excessive sun exposure for a few days prior to picture day.

10.  Good posture will ensure kids look alert and at their best.

11.  Tell students to relax and let their own smile and personality come through!

 

As background, SchoolPictures.com has skyrocketed from a roster of 12,000 students to 112,000 students in its four years of existence. During that time, the company has donated more than $2 million to Michigan schools using its unique portrait services. Schools have used the money for a variety of projects and programs, including purchasing text books, lighting for theaters, microscopes and playground equipment and paying salary of a part-time media specialist, providing scholarships to subsidize student participation in tutoring programs and funding after-school activities.

 

About SchoolPictures.com

SchoolPictures.com provides stress-free school picture days that generate thousands of dollars for schools. Its mission is to generate high-quality, easy-to-order photos while supplementing funding for education and improving the academic environment for children. Designed with the direct input of a group of four retired school principals, SchoolPictures.com’s unique business model enables the company to accept a fixed fee for each photo package purchased and to donate the remainder of the cost of the package directly to the school. Since its founding in 2005, SchoolPictures.com has presented schools with more than $2 million in total contributions. In addition to student portraits, the company offers school IDs and customized photo yearbooks. A privately held company, SchoolPictures.com is based near Ann Arbor, Michigan. More information is available at www.SchoolPictures.com.