DogBoy's Dog Blog

"All lives are stories," said Matt Smith in his last episode as The Doctor on Doctor Who, "just make sure yours is a good one." Over the last 8 and a half years, it has been my honor and privilege to have DogBoy’s as a part of my story, and it has been very good. But all stories have chapters, and all chapters must end. So it is with sadness mixed with anticipation that I announce my departure from DogBoy’s at the end of May to take on an exciting new position at Apple Computer. Today, May 22nd was officially my last day at DogBoy's Dog Ranch.

"I don't know that there was anyone more exited about the opening of Dogboy's Dog Park than I was! I've always had large dogs, and even though I would take them walking and jogging each day, I knew they needed more. I've previously taken advantage of public off leash areas, but was concerned with the hidden dangers (old barbwire, concrete with protruding rebar, etc.) that resulted in more than one injury to my dogs while they bounded in and out of the woods. I've visited several public dog parks with initial success, but later became disappointed with the number of irresponsible owners who spent more time socializing with friends or using their cell phones than watching, picking up after, or interacting with their dogs. Irresponsible behaviors led to numerous altercations between dogs and consequently the owners, and took the joy out of the visit.

[caption id="attachment_370" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Buddy needs a present too!"][/caption]

Christmas is coming, Kwanzaa starts December 26, and it’s probably not too late for a belated Hannukah gift. But the holidays always bring the dreaded question: what should I get for the special people or dogs on my list? In the spirit of the holidays, we here at DogBoy’s want to help with some gift suggestions for the dog-lovers and dogs in your life—no matter what their age or breed!

About a year ago this time I put together a list of book selections for dog lovers and it’s a great place to start for book ideas. Since then, my son has become enamored of the adventures of Clifford. The Big Red Dog has a series of animated stories, as well as a fun Christmas book. And we shouldn’t forget the series of books by Norman Bridwell that launched them all. Another great kid’s book that my three year-old son loves is Doggone Dogs, by Karen Beaumont and David Catrow. It tells the story of ten misbehaving dogs who lead their owner through a wild chase through the park, leaving chaos in their wake. If the plot of Doggone Dogs hits uncomfortably close to home, Rebecca Andrews has two suggestions: The Other End of the Leash, by Patricia McConnell; and Dr. Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book, by Ian Dunbar.  These are geared more toward the adult dog-lover in your life.

Need movies? The DogBoy’s blog has you covered. Any movie or t.v. show starring these canine idols would make a great gift. I’m especially partial to the classics Bringing Up Baby and The Thin Man, both starring Skippy the wirehaired fox terrier—one of the biggest dog stars of the 1930s. For those who like their dogs huge and animated, there’s Clifford’s Really Big Movie—an especially good film for younger kids.

The dogs in your life need their stockings stuffed too, and DogBoy's has just the ticket. If you think your pooch should be on Santa’s “naughty” list because of a lack of leash-walking skills, there’s always the Easy-Walk Harness. We even have Premier’s new line of Easy-Walks made from recycled plastic, in eco-friendly packaging.

If your dog has made the “nice” list—or if you just can’t bring yourself to give him or her a lump of coal—we have a number of fun toys, from PetLou’s stuffed squeaky sheep and armadillos to the flat “Road Kill” toys from GoDog. The latter are flat plush toys with squeakers, and that crinkle when your dog plays with them. Our barn cat, Pancake, loves them so if you have a cat at home, you might want to get an extra one. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog busy by stuffing them with treats or even with their dinner. My dogs are especially fond of the Busy Buddy line. We also have a range of healthy treats and dog food.

Finally, you can always give the gift of DogBoy’s. We sell gift certificates in any amount, and they are good for a year for any service or retail item we offer. So if you have a friend who needs us for a play day, boarding stay, class or private lesson—or even just dog food—we will be happy to help you out. We’ll even mail it to them for you! Best of all, we’ll be open from 7 am to 6:30 pm on Christmas Eve for any last-minute shopping you might need.

And to all of the wonderful people, dogs, and friends that make working at DogBoy’s such a joy all year around—Happy Holidays!

[caption id="attachment_201" align="alignleft" width="236" caption="Support Local Businesses and Save!"][/caption]

Back in the day I worked for a national book chain that will remain nameless (despite having gone to Retail Heaven a few years ago) and we had to sell the chain’s discount card. It was an okay deal, but only if you spent enough at that particular chain over a year to make it worthwhile.

So when it comes to discount cards, I tend to be skeptical, especially when you have to pay for them. At DogBoy’s the card will get you 10% off any of our retail products or services, so the $10 purchase price pays for itself with a four-day boarding stay, or just 5 daycare visits. And that’s if you just have one dog. In the words of one DogBoy’s customer, it might as well start printing money. And unlike the cards I used to have to sell at the national bookstore chain, you can use the Go Local card at dozens of local businesses, from BookPeople to ToyJoy. Even better, other cities with their own Go Local cards (such as Boulder, CO or Portland, OR) will honor the Go Local Austin card.

You can find a full listing of Austin metro area businesses who honor Go Local at their website. You can purchase a card the next time you come in to see us and start getting the DogBoy’s discount right away!

contributed by Jay Robison