Bark Buckle UP Paw Reporter Reviews the Toyota RAV4

As Pawed by Daisy Mae (with a little help from Jim Hamel) one of the PAW investigative automotive writers for Bark Buckle UP® the Toyota RAV4 review. Daisy is an 8 year old Boxer who, until recently, called Boxer Rescue Los Angeles her only home. As a senior citizen among many adorable Boxer pups, her chances of being adopted seemed pretty dim. But James Hamel, a freelance auto journalist who works from home, adopted little Miss Daisy Mae and has put her to work helping him write reviews. She now travels with him in every vehicle that he tests and offers up her unique take on what makes a vehicle or product truly “Pet Safe.” Now, you have to realize that I am a very opinionated little girl. I may be a dog but I know what I like and I let the world know when I am displeased. How do I communicate? Well, I talk verbally like any person. But to humans I guess it sounds like whimpering.

Now, Toyota delivered a RAV4 for me to test (actually my daddy had to pick it up but that’s just as good!) and it arrived in quite a disconcerting hue. The 2011 Toyota RAV4 was not only bright gold on the outside but it was beige on the inside. Doesn’t Toyota know that if you have a dog your beige interior is going to look about as clean as Lindsey Lohan’s arrest record after a few months?

What? Are you wondering about the Lindsey Lohan reference? I know all about her because all dogs read People Magazine. It’s how we keep tabs on you. Now, back to the 2011 Toyota RAV4 if only my daddy and I could remember where we parked it. There are so many of these compact SUVs everywhere and the RAV4 doesn’t break much from the visual formula.

Now, while I usually feel that beige is too light an interior color for dog owners to keep clean, the RAV4 had this ultra-durable upholstery and plastic trim that defied the worst I threw its way during our test week. Now what is the worst thing Daisy Mae can throw at the interior of a car?
When my daddy and I went for a long walk along one of my favorite trails, I decided to jump in the creek that runs beside it. It was lots of fun even though the water smelled. My daddy didn’t have any towels and he had to bring me home in the back of the RAV4. I whimpered all the way home. I didn’t like the way I smelled so I had to get a bath.

All in all I have to say I wound up being impressed by the RAV4 for its durable interior, spacious rear seat with easy to access car seat buckle rings and the suitably low ride height. The only thing it could use is a bit more style and a USB port so my daddy can listen to his iPod. He gets so touchy about not having one in a test vehicle that I think it ruins his entire week! Humans.
Now, even if I did mess up the RAV4’s interior I am still a lady who does prefer to be clean. Sometimes, however, creeks are meant to be jumped in and the RAV4 can certainly handle this kind of ever day dog life. Sorry to the people at Toyota if it smells like wet dog in there now.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP® received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe® -take the pledge Buckle UP the whole family.


Manufacture Vehicle Specifications:
Vehicle Tested: 2010 Toyota RAV4
Base Price: $21,500
Price as Tested: $23,754 (including destination)
Options on Tester: Backup Camera integrated into Rear View Mirror--$475, Cargo Cover--$90, Floormats/Cargo Mat--$199, Extra Value Package--$690 : (includes 17-inch alloy wheels and full size spare tire, daytime running lamps, black roof rack, tinted rear windows.)
Engine: 2.5 liter 4 cylinder
Power: 179 horsepower/172 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
0-60: 10 seconds (estimated)
Drive: Front Wheel Drive
Tow Capacity: 1,500 pounds
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 city/28 highway
Fuel Economy during Test: 22.6 miles per gallon
Fuel Tank: 15.9 gallons
Vehicle runs on: Regular Unleaded
Cargo Volume (behind second row): 37.2 cubic feet
(Second row folded): 73 cubic feet
Safety Ratings (NHTSA): Driver side front—5 stars
Passenger side front—4 stars
Side Impact: front and rear seat—5 stars
Rollover Protection: 4 stars
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 mile bumper to bumper
5 years/60,000 mile powertrain
2 years/25,000 mile free maintenance plan
Vehicle Provided by: Toyota Motor Corporation

Pet Safety Thanksgiving Holiday Tips

"Holidays can create special dangers for pets" stated Pet Safety Lady. Each year during the various holiday seasons, thousands of pets are seriously injured and/or become ill.

We all know it is a busy time, a time of much planning, shopping, cooking and baking, rushing to and from parties and get-togethers with relatives and friends. So oftentimes we forget about our little four-legged members of the family during the rush and festivities.
They are curious and anxious as we, their caretakers are and there are many hazards waiting for their curiosity.

As Pet Safety Lady holidays are great for the whole family including pets and there are some easy ways for us to put safety first for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas.
Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe:

• Poultry bones can easily splinter and can lacerate your pet's mouth or throat or obstruct your pets' insides.
• Onions and onion powder, widely found in stuffing, can damage your dog's or cat's red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
• Chocolate has the potential to be fatal to your dog or cat; so place those sweets well out of reach.
• Aluminum foil, wax paper and other food wrappings, if ingested, can cause intestinal obstruction. Make sure to place these items securely in the garbage.
• Provide your pet with a quiet retreat should the holiday festivities become too much for him. Watch his behavior to make sure he is not stressed. Keep outside doors closed and remind guests there is a pet in the house.
• Fatty, rich, or new types of foods can give your pet pancreatitis or gastroenteritis, two medical conditions that can be very painful and even life threatening.
• Keep garbage cans securely closed. If your pet gets into it, he may think he's hit the jackpot, but all he'll be winning are health problems that can range from gastric disturbance, vomiting and diarrhea to the worst-case scenario - death.
• Plants poisonous to pets (holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies, Christmas rose)
• Pine needles can create problems if ingested and the ingestion of inappropriate foods, tinsel, ribbons or garlands can cause sickness or obstruction.
• Unsecured Christmas trees pose hazards to climbing critters as they can topple or be knocked over.
• Don't forget to prevent the ingestion of Christmas tree water since stagnant water or preservatives can be toxic.
• Other holiday hazards include menorahs, candles and liquid potpourri pots.
• Fire and burns are not the only threats to pets and the household. Scented items can also be harmful--especially to birds.
• Breakable items such as glass and other ornaments pose a threat and electrical cords, heated decorative bulbs, hooks, and a wide variety of other adornment items create temptations. Use topical pet deterrents and barriers for protection.
• Nicotine poses a threat. Keep it out of reach.
• Chewing aluminum foil is a risk for pets plus may have e-coili.
• Store food in secure containers out of reach to prevent ingestion or poisoning.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Is your pooch ready for the Doggie Park?

Is your pooch ready for the Doggie Park or Doggie Day care, here's how to be ready for the holidays. As pawed by Ursa and Sunny with a little help from Camille Adams founder of Mission: P.E.T.S.

Dog parks are opening everywhere at a rapid pace. Once kept quiet, their presence is making headlines nationwide. As a result, more and more dog owners are considering taking their pooch to the dog park. After all, the weather is beautiful and your pooch needs a place to run! But...before you go running to the dog park with Fido, make sure he or she is ready.

Here's a checklist of items that need to be fulfilled before you take the plunge to the park:

Your dog must be spayed or neutered! And most dog parks will ask for proof from your veterinarian before allowing you entry. Female dogs in heat can cause a fight between the unaltered males. And, there is already an over-population of puppies and dogs nationwide! Do your part - make sure your dog is spayed or neutered before bringing him or her around other dogs.

The same is true for vaccinations. Most dog parks will ask for proof of a Rabies vaccination from your veterinarian. In addition to vaccinations, consider your dog's overall health before taking him or her to the dog park. Have you noticed any fleas, mites or any other illness that your dog may spread to the other pooches at the park? You can't guarantee the other dogs at the park are in great health, but you can make sure that your dog is to avoid putting other pets in harm's way.

Has Fido been to obedience training classes? You should really evaluate the overall behavior of your dog before you determine whether or not he or she is ready to go to the dog park. Your pet's recall should be on-point. Recall is when your dog responds consistently to a “come” command. This will help in any event where you may need to get your dog back to your side...whether you're leaving the park, or trying to avoid a dog fight by calling your dog away from another.

What's more, be completely confident that your dog is not aggressive with other dogs. If your dog has exhibited any aggressive behavior, consult a trainer before taking Fido to the dog park. After all, you can only vouch for your own dog's behavior. And knowing how he or she will react to dogs with all different temperaments will help you in determining if the park is the right place for you and your best friend.

Another good idea is to visit your local dog park at all different hours. Check out the general schedule of the other park-dwellers, so you can introduce your dog at an off-time when there are only a couple of dogs around. Occasionally, dogs in a pack can be overwhelming for a newcomer. If you sense your dog is responding aggressively, leave the park.

If Fido doesn't fit the bill for the doggie park, there are plenty of other ways to give your dog some play time. Take a ride to a secluded beach or field and run your dog on a long rope (pet stores sell 25 to 50 foot ropes). This will give your dog the feeling of freedom, but ensure his or her safety!

If Fido has passed all the requirements on the checklist with flying colors, the dog park may be the perfect place for you two to enjoy the day! Make sure to bring along some water, a towel and a brush (your dog may end up very dirty from rolling around with his new-found friends). Also, don't forget those poop bags to clean up after your pooch. And...most of all, remember to have fun! The dog park is not only a great place for your dog to play, but for you to catch some downtime hanging out with other dog owners like yourself.

About; Mission: P.E.T.S. (Passion, Education, Togetherness, Salvation) is a FREE online magazine for dedicated animal lovers. Created by Camille L. Adams, to fulfill a childhood dream, Mission: P.E.T.S. is dedicated and solely interested in enriching and saving the lives of animals, together, with YOU. Through passion and education, Mission: P.E.T.S. is sure that we can make a difference. Our mission is to provide knowledge, awareness and fun for our viewers and our readers. We are completely dedicated to the world of animals, bettering the lives of both animals and the people who love them. In our quarterly e-zine, you can get how-to tips from the experts on proper care, safety & training techniques. Learn how to deepen the bond with your companion animals, read about volunteer organizations & rescue efforts, (and find out how you can help). Open your eyes to unique & alternative wellness techniques and so much more! Best of all, this wealth of knowledge is absolutely, 100% FREE! We invite you to share your ideas, stories and photos with us! And check out our online shop. A % of all profits go to animal rescue and other worthy non-profits. For your FREE subscription, please go to: www.missionpets.com/enroll.html and to read our current issue, go to www.missionpets.com/magazine.html.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Bark Buckle UP Paw Reporter Daisy Mae Acura RDX Review

Bark Buckle UPs Paw Reporter Daisy Mae has Pawed another great review (with a little help from Jim Hamel. Who is Daisy Mae, she is the new PAW investigative automotive writer for Bark Buckle UP. She is an 8 year old Boxer who, until recently, called Boxer Rescue Los Angeles her only home. As a senior citizen among many adorable Boxer pups, her chances of being adopted seemed pretty dim. But Examiner James Hamel, a freelance auto journalist who works from home, adopted little Miss Daisy Mae and has put her to work helping him write reviews. She now travels with him in every vehicle that he tests and offers up her unique take on what makes a vehicle or product truly “Pet Safe.”

They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But in my many years (I just turned 9) of life experience I have learned that a canine girl’s best friend is a leather lined luxury SUV. Nothing coddles my spoiled posterior like the supple yet durable feeling leather back seat of an SUV like the 2011 Acura RDX. Now this is how a lady likes to be treated. Take note gentlemen.
Sure, I may have come from a humble background at Boxer Rescue Los Angeles where I was forced to sleep outside in a metal crate. But thankfully my owner James came to save me. And now every day that I am with him I save him too with my unconditional love and unrelenting cuteness. As such, I deserve a little pampering now and again.
The RDX is not too high off the ground so it was never a big strain for me to get into the back seat when I was testing the vehicle for the week. The car seat buckles were easy to access for my owner to attach my restraint harness and I enjoyed the regal view from the back windows. A lady always likes an elevated viewpoint from which to look upon her lesser subjects. You know, like Chihuahuas in Miatas.
But keep in mind that I am just one large breed diva who will not ride in a crate when she is in the car with her owner. If you are the kind of dog that needs a crate, the fact that the second row of seats don’t fold completely flat may cause your owner problems.
So be sure to go with your owner to the Acura dealer to make sure this SUV fits your needs. If not then maybe you should check out the excellent MDX which I will be testing in a few weeks. That 7-passenger SUV has a completely flat cargo area. The RDX is the smaller five passenger sibling of the MDX.
But if you are a bit of a princess like I am and like your SUVs leather lined, solidly built and with a premium badge then you should check out the 2011 Acura RDX. The price isn’t too bad either. That’s important because you always want to make sure there is still money left over in your budget for diamond studded dog collars.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

SPECS:
Vehicle Tested: 2011 Acura RDX with Tech Package
Price as Tested: $35,720
Options on Tester: (Tech Package—Acura/ELS Audio System, Back-Up Camera, In Dash Navigation System with Voice Activation, XM Traffic and Weather)
Engine: 2.4 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Power: 240 horsepower/260 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
0-60: 6.0 seconds (estimated)
EPA Fuel Economy: 19 city/24 highway
Economy as Tested: 21.4 miles per gallon
Gas Tank Size: 18 gallons
Runs on: Premium Unleaded
Cargo Space (behind second row): 27.8 cubic feet
(Second Row Folded): 60.6 cubic feet
Crash Test Ratings (IIHS) 2010: “Top Safety Pick”
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 mile bumper to bumper
6 years/70,000 mile powertrain
Vehicle Provided by: Acura
Assembled in Marysville, Ohio
North American Parts Content: 70%

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.