Deborah Howard’s Blog

Mother’s Day is coming up (May 9th, folks! Mark your calendars!) and we’ve got some purrfect ideas for the animal loving mom. Don’t fret over expensive gifts that don’t always hit the spot (yeah, we know about the unwanted insert tacky item gathering dust in the closet!). Avoid the long lines at the mall, the frantic brainstorming, and the inevitable, empty pockets. The following gifts will not only make the queen of the house happy, but they’ll help organizations such as CAPS and ABC Basset Hound Rescue continue their much needed work with companion animals. (more…)

It’s official; we’ve got the stomach butterflies. After undergoing some serious soul-searching, CAPS found its purrfect Valentine. Amidst thoughts of red roses, decadent chocolates, huggable plushies, and tacky romance movies, cupid struck home and the team went gaga for McMuttigan’s, an organization that helps once forgotten dogs receive a second change in life with the help of individuals who have also been pushed aside by society: inmates.

(more…)

CAPS can’t get enough of the recipes posted in It’s A Vegan Dog’s Life. Truth be told, ’tis the season for delicious food and heart-warming baking. Since the previous post was all about pet holiday hazards (make sure you read it!), we have a solution for when your pup makes a threat with those big, sad eyes (you know the look, don’t you?). Don’t give in by letting Fido lick the batter bowl (or “accidentally” throwing some scraps under the table - BIG NO NO), but make a healthy treat instead!  This way, after a long day full of preparations and celebrations, everyone goes to bed with a happy, full tummy and a calm, guilt-free mind.

(more…)

As many pet owners know by now, there are countless holiday hazards that will keep you awake at night. The friendly people at CAPS don’t want the endless, disastrous scenarios to dampen your Christmas spirit. Take these necessary precautions and you’ll have one less thing to worry about during the upcoming, winter festivities.

*Magic words: hazard, keep away from, keep an eye on, make sure, may cause
(more…)

The winter coats are hanging, the leaves are turning, and the oven is begging for some Autumn love. While sweet-toothed, amateur bakers scroll their cookbooks for the perfect apple pie, pumpkin pie, and apple crisp recipes, we’re on a mission to get your bouncing pooches what they’ve been begging for all along: a taste of that scrumptious November treat.

(more…)

On Wednesday  October 28, Boston’s Pawsh Dog Boutique held a Halloween Bash to die for. It was no surprise when characters like Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Batdog, Princess Thatcher, and Bea the Chef strutted in wagging their tails. According to the boutique’s website , the yapping party raised more than $300 for the Animal Rescue League of Boston . The best part, according to our four-legged secret source, was the costume contest. The judges had some tough choices to make amongst all the adorable contestants, but the votes were cast and the winners were fairly chosen. (more…)

We all love Halloween: silly costumes, loud parties, yummy candy, creepy jack-o’-lanterns, and spooky stories included (seriously, what’s not to love?!). Just because we humans enjoy the thrills and chills that come with the Autumn season doesn’t mean Fido feels the same way. The 31st can be downright stressful for our four-legged companions. To make sure everyone enjoys the spooky festivities, read the following precautions offered by yours truly:

(more…)