Amazon Shoppers - Here's a Tip to Save More on Your Purchases

As the number 1 shopping site Amazon has some great deals. It's becoming the place people go for their online shopping.

Here's a tip for Amazon shoppers, including Prime membership holders.

If you are an Amazon shopper, make sure you have a Shop.com free account. Download Shop Buddy and have it running on the browser you use to shop on Amazon.

You'll get an alert from this free widget if Shop.com has a better price.

You can still decide to purchase from Amazon, but with the cash back, free shipping, hot deals and favorite stores partnering with Shop.com you may choose otherwise.

Here's a Roku Streaming Stick. Saving $1 with Cash Back from Shop.com thanks to Shop Buddy.










Another example is these Samsung Gear headphones. A $4 savings with Shop Buddy.








Now instead of being a ROTE consumer (someone who buys with habit as your priority) you can be a CONSCIOUS consumer (someone who makes the best choice for their family even when it differs from their habit).

Shop with Bella for great savings on Pet Products, Household Products, Beauty Products, Baby Products, Health and Wellness Products, Anti-Aging Products, Personal Care Products, and more.

Here's more from the Market America Blog:

"SHOP Buddy brings the deals to you, for free!! Never miss a deal or coupon offer with over 20,000 partner stores on SHOP.COM! Now, invite friends to get SHOP Buddy directly from SHOP Buddy and receive IBV off every purchase they make! SHOP Buddy is taking consumerism to a whole new level with a prompt that detects the best price. Marc showed examples of SHOP Buddy saving the day while shopping on Amazon and other competitors sites. Now with a share function, you can share the deals on any partner store site with SHOP Buddy deals- even if you go to the partner store first! Do yourself a favor, download SHOP Buddy on your desktop and mobile today."

Bella's Trip to Staples - Is Staples a Dog Friendly Store ?

By Trista Polo

Shopping with your dog is definitely a growing trend. Some stores are quicker to get on board than others. Home Depot has been known to be dog friendly for quite some time. We frequent Marshall's too but those trips are shorter because the customers seem to find it odd that there's a dog walking around near by.

I think the growing dog shopping phenomenon is due to the increased awareness of the dangers of leaving your dog in the car. The Humane Society says that a dog left in a car could be dealing with temperatures of over 100 degrees inside the car, even with the temperature outside is cool. They also report that open windows appear to have little affect on the inside temperature of the car. You can read their whole article here.

Recently I needed to make a trip to Staples to print out color certificates for an upcoming training I was leading in Fishkill, NY. I thought this was the perfect shopping trip for Bella. I wouldn't be there long and the print center at Staples is open and spacious. If you Google, "Is Staples Dog Friendly" today, you get mixed reviews. In 2008, an LA Times article noted Staples as being open to service dogs only but it seems they Staples is loosening their grip on that rule, depending on the store...and likely it is at management discretion.

I have learned my lesson at Barnes & Nobel and called first. I made sure to speak to a manager - a lesson I learned at Kohl's - and asked the following question:

"I need to come in and get some stuff printed but I have my dog with me. I don't want to leave her in the car because you know how people are these days..they'll probably call the police. So I'd like to bring her in with me...would that be ok?"

I worded it this way to assist him in giving me the answer I was looking for, which turned out to be quite effective. I could tell he was hesitant...resistant...leaning toward saying no.

He asked her size...if she would be leashed...if she was well behaved. I said yes. I also threw in that I would clean up after any mess she made. That was when he said (quite relieved) that it would be fine.

When I went to the store with Bella, I was a bit nervous about going in. I almost didn't do it. But then how could I write about the experience? ;-)

We went in and made a bee-line to the print center. I had her leashed and had treats with me to keep her occupied. Generally she was great. She got a bit bored and barked once...and on our way out she really wanted to sniff and say hello to a customer at another copier. But we made it out without incident or comment.

As the dog friendly store rules continue to unfold, my advice is to call and speak with a Manager to request permission. That way, you won't catch anyone by surprise and if an employee gives you a hard time you have a manager's name to refer to. Keep your dog leashed and happy (treats work best for Bella) and don't do anything to wear out your welcome. Most of all, clean up after your dog! A mess left in a store is the quickest way for a store to remove themselves from the dog friendly store list!

Where do you shop with your dog? What tips do you have to keep your dog on the "Welcome" list?

Treat Puzzle Review - IQ Treat Ball Dog Toy (small, large)

This is a review of the IQ Treat Ball Dog Toy. I would recommend this toy and am offering you a way to purchase it through an affiliate link. This will provide a small income to me and Bella to help us further our cause for happy active dogs everywhere. You are not required to purchase it from us. If you decide to do so, know that we very much appreciate it. 🐶

Bella's Review:

This is the coolest because the treats roll around and make lots of noise when I play so I am always excited to see what pops out. Since the holey part is small, I have to work to get the treats out. It uses my smarts and I like that. My hu-mom keeps it on the hard setting because I have lots of smarts. Don't be jealous. You're probably smart too. It is exciting too cause I can smell what's in there but I can't get too it till I earn it. Bring it on!

Just the Facts: 

The IQ Treat Ball Dog Toy comes in 2 sizes - large and small. It has 3 parts ... the top and bottom that screw together and an internal barrier that keeps the treats from coming out on their own. The top has a hole that the treats can come out of when the ball is manipulated. The bottom is solid so you can't see what's in there. The internal barrier is also opaque and has an adjustable opening so you can change the difficulty and size of treats used. This is a durable toy that keeps your dog's interest as long as treats are in it. The hard plastic is not puncturable as long as you get the proper size (I don't recommend the small one for larger dogs for this reason).

Trista's Two Cents: 

Not much more to add except - get it, try it out and your dog will most likely love it. I recommend not letting your dog play without treats because a determined and frustrated dog could destroy it while trying to get non-existent treats out of it.

Enjoy! Get it here with cash back - http://bit.ly/bellaiqball
It's about $5-$10 at the writing of this post depending on if you are choosing small or large size.

For treats that work best in this treat puzzle, try some of these - small training treats

A Pet Medium's Journey - Ponce the Cat

This was my most challenging and interesting case to date. The cat and her family are so private, they have all requested that their names be changed. So they have been. I introduce you to Ponce the cat and her hu-mom Maria and future hu-dad Jose. Here's Ponce's story:

Ponce is a very fearful and private cat. She is known for being invisible when company comes over. She has been with Maria her whole life since she was a kitten and it's known that she was taken from her cat mother too early and never really recovered. She has shown herself 3 times to Jose since he has been coming around Maria's house for the last year. This is a HUGE step and has never happened even once with any other visitor. Maria said Ponce and Jose definitely have a strong fondness for each other and Jose has a goal to be able to pet Ponce some day.

As Maria and Jose have gotten more serious, a relocation to Jose's home is in Ponce's near future.

Maria is worried about how Ponce will take the move and has been making mental preparations for weeks. She has picked out where and how Ponce will be relocated to ensure she has as much comfort in her new surroundings as possible.

This is where I come in. Maria asked that I check in with Ponce about the move. My process when communicating with animals is as close to a conversation as you can imagine but without any words. I start the conversation always the same way.
Me: "Hello Ponce"
Po: "Hello"
Me: "I love you"
(usually they say I love you back)
Po: "OK"

Maria laughed when I shared this part. She said "That's just like her."

This was my first experience where I could sense her in my mind. She was on the right of my inner vision in a corner, crouched but neither laying nor standing. She was against the wall. The corner and the way she pressed against the wall made it look like her back was arched but she was not in an attack position - more like defensive, afraid, worried.

So the interview started. I'll share it here to the best of my recollection.

Me: "Ponce, what do you know?"
Po: "Pain...fear"

Me: "What do you like?"
Po: "Grass. Bugs. Dark places. Blankets."

Me: "Do you feel Maria loves you?"
Po: "It's hard."

Me: "Do you know Maria loves you?"
Po: "Yes."

Me: "Do you know Jose loves you?"
Po: "Yes."  - a warmth that I felt in my chest at the mention of his name

At the point we discussed the move, I could feel her fear in my chest.

I asked Maria to describe the house to me. I began to be an interpreter for Ponce and Maria - allowing Ponce to really hear Maria describe the new home and all of its rooms. Allowing Maria to hear Ponce's reactions through me. First Maria shared about the room where Ponce will move into for the first few days...a room she is calling her "Spirit Room." Ponce was elated to be in that room... a sacred space for Maria. When she heard it was in the cellar, that turned her sour. Maria offered a different room out of the cellar. A small room with a desk, but no hiding places. Ponce would rather be in the Spirit room even if it means being in the cellar. Her response to the smaller room was, "no no no no no no no no no."

Maria described a guest room with a king sized bed and really comfy blankets. Ponce immediately responded, "That's my room!" When she spoke of the room they would share as a family, with a king sized bed that would have plenty of room for both humans and cats, Ponce imagined herself stretching between them against each of their legs, cuddled in the blankets and thought, "that's my spot."

At the news of 3 levels of rooms and exploration, Ponce was intrigued. She knew she would be hiding on the upper floor when guests came to visit. She saw lots of possibility by the end of Maria's description of the future home.

In fact, Ponce was no longer in the corner crouched and fearful. She was away from the wall, peeking out, curious and wondering.

Maria wanted me to make sure Ponce knew this was Jose's house they were moving into. I began my connection again with Ponce.

Me: "Hello Ponce."
Po: "Hello."

Me: "I love you."
Po: "That's fine."

I would call that progress.

A Pet Medium's Journey - Kupa the Cat

Kupa is a Maine Coon Cat who lives in the Hudson Valley. He is a love and enjoys people, the outdoors and being pet. His Hu-mom, Yvette, was concerned about his health so we did a little check in session with him.

Here's what happened:

Me: "Hello Kupa"
Ku: SILENCE

Me:            "Hello Kupa's body" (trying something else)
Ku's body: "Hello" (a very purry hello indeed)
Me:            "I love you."
Ku:             "I love you too."

Ok so Kupa wasn't talking. He didn't want to be part of this inquiry. But his body was willing so I decided we would go there instead.

Kupa is having some pain. I asked his body where and heard, "Liver and onions." I asked for his body to show me where and a dull ache started in my right lower abdomen and side. Yvette and I wondered if he was having issues with his liver. After our session, she researched issues with the liver for cats and found his symptoms consistent with liver issues.

I asked Kupa's body about food. Bottom line - he loves junk food but his body does not. He loves cheese (swiss, cheddar and brie but NOT Boursin or American) but his body definitely does not.

Raw chicken was a yes. Cooked chicken was a no.

This was my first time communicating with an animal, so frankly, I was surprised I got anything at all. Yvette shared that my communication with him felt right. And she went to slice him up some chicken.

Feel better Kupa!

Treat Puzzle Review - Dog Treat Maze by Nina Ottosson

This is a review of the Dog Treat Maze by Nina Ottosson. I would recommend this toy and am offering you a way to purchase it through an affiliate link. This will provide a small income to me and Bella to help us further our cause for happy active dogs everywhere. You are not required to purchase it from us. If you decide to do so, know that we very much appreciate it. 🐶

Bella's Review:

If you love to eat - and who doesn't...SRSLY. - then you wanna try a meal in this baby. It is round and has colors and it spins. Most of all it has food and treats in it. So you wanna spend some time with it because when you first get it you are gonna think you just have to bite it to get to the yummy smells inside. And then you will learn techniques like SPIN, BOUNCE, SLAM, PIROUETTE, THROW and maybe even make up some of your own. Make sure they put food and treats and not just food because that makes it better. And better is always better. Get this one. You won't regret it. Unless it's empty. And with emptiness comes regret. I read that somewhere once. I don't remember where. Seems to fit here though, no? I hear this one is size large. If it came in an extra large I would want that because I bet you could fit more treats in it.

Just the Facts: 

The Dog Treat Maze by Nina Ottosson is a spherical maze that is shaped like a dome on both the top and bottom. This gives it a wobble that is fun to watch. It also allows your dog to get their paw or nose under it to wobble it, tumble it and turn it end over end. It spins nicely on hardwood floors. They can use the openings to grab it with their teeth for throwing and dropping. The maze inside on the top and bottom are 90 degrees off center of each other so the top and bottom mazes don't react the same way. This makes filling easier and play longer and more engaging. There is no way to take it apart for cleaning, so only dry treats/food are recommended. There is no way to increase or decrease difficulty of this treat puzzle. Treat/food filling can be done on the top and bottom of the maze and each section is separate so treats do not co-mingle between sides.

Trista's 2 Cents:

We have had this treat puzzle since the beginning - so over a year. It was the first toy of its kind that we got Bella and our first experience with a treat puzzle. It was under the tree for Bella's first Christmas. We pre-filled with some training treats and wrapped it with paper and bows. I remember she opened the package - wrapping paper and all! - and then proceeded to try to open the puzzle. Oops. Didn't think that one through! This puzzle definitely took some training for her to get the hang of it. So worth it!

My first piece of advice is be prepared to train your dog to use this treat puzzle. It's a maze so they have to move the puzzle around to get the treats out. I highly recommend using a positive reinforcement tool to do this. We used the clicker to enforce the actions that would get the treats - pawing, pushing, spinning, tumbling end over end. And we discouraged her when she began to bite it in frustration. The time you spend training should go quickly if your dog is fairly smart. We did get some damage at first (I blame my lack of preparation with training needed) but the treat puzzle has held up..and all that damage (see right) is from the early days. This is one of the pricier treat puzzles we have purchased - at around $15 to $20 - so we have stuck with the original since it still works perfectly fine. 

This treat maze has also stood up to Bella's tendency to get bored with her toys. There is no figuring out a trick to empty the contents .. and repetition of the same movement over and over will not get the results she is looking for. Varied movement is required and therefore this is a long-term treat puzzle that your dog will enjoy for years to come. Our experience is that it will stand up to the abuse it gets while treat-seeking, as long as your dog is not left to gnaw on it. For that reason, I recommend supervised play. By that I mean - not alone. This is definitely in my arsenal of things for Bella to do when I need to get work done.

Here's a funny thing that happened last night - We were sitting on the couch for some late-night wind-down TV. Bella jumped onto the couch arm so she could reach her treat box that lives on the top of her crate. She took almost a minute picking something out. And then - voila! The toy she chose was the Nina Ottosson Dog Treat Maze! It was empty but she kept picking it up with her teeth and dropping it until we filled it up. I like that she chooses it when she wants to find something to do by herself. It's so much better than a fairly new habit she has started - Finding and then destroying boxes of tissues...not just the boxes but also the tissues! :-/

We are happy with this toy and would recommend it, and purchase it again.

Here are some additional helpful details:

• It comes in 2 sizes - small and large
• Use small training treats and small food pellets that do not crumble easily. The food will need to fit into a fairly small opening and will get knocked around quite a bit before escaping from one of the openings
• For longer play, fill both the top and bottom mazes with treats
• When filling the holes, here's what I do for maximum treat capacity (and maximum play time) - first fill one side, then on that same side tip the maze toward a NON opening side, flip the maze and repeat
• Mix treats and food so there is a lower calorie/fat content and still the interesting smell of treats
• As you get used to how long your dog will want to play, you may end up with treats and food leftovers on the floor - Bella empties it but doesn't always finish the contents at the initial sitting
• This is a great way to feed your dog if you have a fast eater

Treat Puzzle Review - Outward Hound Kyjen Star Spinner Dog Toy Puzzle

This is a review of the Outward Hound Kyjen Star Spinner Dog Toy Puzzle
I would recommend this toy for beginners and dogs that are not overly astute at solving puzzles (no judgement!). I'm offering you a way to purchase it through an affiliate link. This will provide a small income to me and Bella to help us further our cause for happy active dogs every where. You are not required to purchase it from us. If you decide to do so, know that we very much appreciate it. 🐶

Bella's Review:
I like this puzzle because I was able to get to the treats easily. Sometimes you have a tough day waiting for your humans to come home and watching the cat run around and you just need to unwind and not think too much. This is the perfect thing for me. I think of it as the Paw-tini. Dirty.

Trista's 2 Cents:
A great use for this is to slow your dog down in how quickly they eat. It hold about 1c of dry dog food between all the sections.

The way it works is the dog moves the top and middle sections with their paw or nose to get to the treats or food. Once spun, the toy opens up and all the sections of the level(s) are exposed. If they already know how to use their body parts as tools they will be able to solve this quickly. Once learned, it no longer poses a challenge.

We were not so much looking to slow down eating (we already had a great option for that at a higher difficulty level). So for us this was not a good choice. The 3 pieces are supposed to tighten to create more resistance and increase the difficulty. My experience was that it was never tight enough to pose a challenge for Bella.

Some Good Information:

• Don't over fill 
• Evenly distribute the treats among all openings
• For dogs not great at puzzles, start with the top tier only and then gradate to the lower tier
• Use the resistance screw on the bottom to slightly increase the difficulty level
• Avoid OVER tightening as this can cause the unit to break apart and then you may need to call my husband to fix it (I did...)
• Call me if you want mine - it's basically new 

Here are some additional details:

• It comes in different colors - you can sometimes find blue instead of green
• It ranges in price from $10 to $15 at the writing of this review
• You can get it here with cash back