Monday, June 4, 2018

Legal Beagle Brief #1: Stinky old dog toy v. human

Toys can be sources of comfort and security for dogs. Scents are important, even stinky ones, for dogs who like the familiarity.

"Official looking legal beagle in official looking law office."
"Official looking legal beagle in official looking law office."
In this Legal Beagle Brief, we explore the case of the stinky old dog toy v. the human who keeps trying to get rid of it.


Wednesday, April 18, 2018

No "thicc" beagles! 5 reasons obese dogs are not cute

When did thick lose it's "K" and become "thicc?"

Social media dog communities like Dogspotting seemed to have gained their own language when it comes to pups. Some of it is fun (I LIKE saying doggo!), and some of it is worrisome.

Because when I see someone posting about an adorbs "thicc" pup, especially a beagle, it's meant as a term of endearment. There are whole Facebook groups where people post pics of "Thicc" pups.

I'm here to tell you that, for the most part, a "thicc" beagle is not a cute beagle. It's a beagle with a serious health problem, and we should treat it as such.

Thicc beagles are not cute. They need help.


Tuesday, April 3, 2018

We disavow any knowledge of this dog toy: Puppy picture of the week


Jasmine rarely lets me see her play. I'll often catch her running with a toy in her mouth, and then when she sees me she puts it down and looks away, like it never happened.

Which is preferable to the other thing she will do with her toys, which is guard them at random moments. And woe to the person who gets close to them.

So this means I almost never see Jasmine play. But I know she does, because I find her toys all over my room when I come home from work. And they are definitely hers.

Today, this is where I found her Albert Einstein -- face down on my pillow.

And when I called Jazzy over to take the picture, she acted like she'd never seen it in her life!

TELL US BELOW: What do you think Jasmine and Einstein were up to while I was gone? What strange places do you find your dogs' toys?



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Sunday, April 1, 2018

Don't put the Easter eggs away! A nosework hunt for dogs

Hope you had a great Easter holiday! Did you do an Easter Egg Hunt? Well don't put those eggs away yet! We have a great activity that will help you get Easter going all year long, sponsored by Einstein Pets.



DISCLOSURE: Life With Beagle did not receive compensation for this post, and all thoughts are my own.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Best vacuum cleaner for pet hair? Gotta be a Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: REVIEW

How do you get the dog hair off your furniture?

I've got this red, microfiber couch, that Lulu and especially Jasmine love to sit on -- especially on the top of the couch.

Jasmine loves her red couch -- especially the top of it.
Jasmine on the couch, like a furry vulture.
But that means a lot of pet hair... on the cushions, between the cushions, under the cushions.

Normally I use a lint roller to get the fur off -- but I end up needing a dozen lint sheets to do the couch justice.

But this new Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lift-Off vacuum is a powerful time -- and couch -- saver.

Review of the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lift-off Vacuum.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free vacuum from Bissell to do the review. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are my own.

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Make your dogs pork chops and applesauce jerky treats

Lulu and Jasmine love jerky treats! Especially from Spot Farms and Full Moon! We reviewed their new Duck Training Treats back in December. We have another review coming up soon!

But, good jerky treats can be pricey. And you always have to watch out for less than reputable companies too.

So this weekend I attempted to make my first ever batch of treats. The dogs seem to like them -- maybe your dogs will too!

So here are my Porkchops and Applesauce Jerky Treats, using a modified recipe from Kol's Notes. 


Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Pillow stealing

"Uhhh... Lulu? Can I have my pillow please?"

Lulu steals my pillows. She did just last night. Jasmine steals my blankets. I have a king-sized blanket on my bed just for her now, I'll probably never be able to get it back.

I'm lucky I have a bed, I guess.



Do you share your bed with your pets? How do you make it work. Tell us in the comments below.

And hey! Have you joined our new Facebook groups yet? Be sure to join up so we can talk about our dogs together!


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Tuesday, February 20, 2018

How to keep your dog's teeth clean -- Merrick Fresh Kisses review

Nothing like doggy breath, huh? Hot and sometimes -- especially depending on what you feed them -- quite stinky.

But just like humans, stinky dog breath could be a sign of tooth decay. And just like humans, tooth decay in a dog can lead to all sorts of health problems.

That's why we've got to keep those teeth clean, right? And to do that, we'll show you how to brush a dog's teeth in a few easy steps, plus -- use a good dental treat. We recommend Merrick's new Fresh Kisses™ dental treats.

Use Merrick Fresh Kisses Dental Treats to keep your dog's teeth pearly!

DISCLOSURE: This post and giveaway is sponsored by Merrick Pet Care. The opinions and ideas in this post are my own and are uninfluenced by any other person or business.

Hunting season's over: Help discarded beagles

For many states hunting season is over. It's a time of year many shelters and rescues dread.

See some hunters, not all, but enough, have this tradition. If the dogs won't hunt, or they are too old to hunt, or they are too old to breed hunters, they turn them loose, or turn them over to shelters.

And the shelters are full.

According to many rescues and shelters, hundreds of hounds and other hunting dogs are taken in. And it's not just in the south (though southern shelters are overrun with hounds), it happens all over.



Sunday, February 11, 2018

How to tell a discarded hound from a hunting hound

It's beagle season, and that's not a good thing.

This is the time of year when rescues and shelters say hounds and other hunting dogs start pouring into their facilities across the country, and especially in southern states.

But if you say this to a hunter, they may tell you it's not true.

Hunters for Hounds is a pro-hunting Facebook page that seeks to bridge the gap between hunters and houndsmen, and animal rescuers. At times that's led to intense arguments, where some will accuse rescuers of actually stealing hunting dogs.

Hunting dogs travel long distances. So how do you know a hunting dog is not lost, on the job -- or abandoned?
Hunting dogs travel long distances. So how do you know a hunting dog is not lost, on the job -- or abandoned?
Meanwhile, well-meaning animal lovers may find a hunting dog and think it's been abandoned and or is a stray, when it's just out on the job.

"The problem is hunting dogs can travel long distances, so finding the owner may be tough," the owner of the Hunters for Hounds page told me.

What does a person who finds a possible hunting dog to do? We have some tips.


Monday, January 8, 2018

GoDog toys are for tough chewers GIVEAWAY: Countdown to Christmas 2018

Happy New Year!

In December, I hosted a giveaway called Lulu's Countdown to Christmas.

I had promised giveaways from big companies.

I didn't deliver all those giveaways, and for that, I am sorry.

December 2017 ended up being the last month of my cat, Galadriel's life, and I became pre-occupied with her care. I tried to keep up with these posts but did a poor job of it. Serves me right for biting off more than I can chew!

But I owe you (and the companies I worked with) a couple more of these giveaways! So lets just start the countdown to Christmas in 2018, shall we?

Our first giveaway is a great product from one of our longtime supporters. We'll know you'll love it because Lulu and Jasmine do!

DISCLOSURE: All prizes and review samples in Lulu's Countdown to Christmas Giveaway were provided for free, but no other compensation was provided. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

The great clothes debate: Does your dog need a coat?

It's the question every pet person has heard -- to clothe, or not to clothe your dog?

I admit, before I owned a dog, I came down firmly on the no clothes side. I even wondered if it was some form of abuse. If you haven't noticed, my opinion has softened somewhat.

But I know the question still remains among pet owners -- is dressing up your dog too much?

Now's as good a time as any to have this discussion -- because baby, it's cold outside!

Yes, even here in Florida.

Lows have been in the 40s and 50s every night. They may even get down to the 30s this week. Yeah, I know boohoo, right?

Well, I'm fine, thanks. It's the dogs you might want to be worried about.

They're willing to snuggle, it's so cold!
You see my dogs are southern dogs, and Lulu is a Florida dog. When Lulu and Jasmine are outside it's clear they are not used to the cold. Poor Jasmine especially shivers and whines outside.




Keeping warm and dry in jackets by Jelly Wellies (Lulu) and Buster (Jasmine).
If you have a dog who has short hair, a lean body type, is small or has a health issue, you should really consider getting a coat or a sweater.

What should you look for:
  • If you live in a snowy area, you may want to consider a water-resistant coat. 
  • You want something that covers the chest. The chest and abdominal area is your dog's core, just like it is on you. If you keep that area warm the heart can better pump blood to other areas of the body and help regulate temperature.  There area also has the least amount of fur.
    (Often in stores you see a coat that covers the back with a piece of fabric that goes across the middle. That's not as helpful when it comes to the cold)
  • Something that fits snug around the chest and waist, but not too tight. It should also give a little cover to the neck and down to the tail.
  •  Be roomy around the arm pits so the dog has plenty of movement.
If you've ever been to Pets Weekly.com, last year Stacy Mantle did a good write-up on coats for winter. It includes some of my favorite companies, like KumfyTailz and Thunderworks

You can find the Jelly Wellies and Kruuse BUSTER raincoats that Lulu and Jasmine are wearing above on Amazon.

So tell us below -- do you think dogs need coats when it gets cold?

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