Bark Buckle UP

National Safe Boating Council and Bark Buckle UP Team UP for Safe Boating with Pets

2011-07-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

As we enter the long holiday weekend, the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) and Bark Buckle UP are partnering to remind boaters about the importance that all members of the family – even the furry ones – need to wear a life jacket. This July 4 weekend and all summer long, make sure to take precautions while boating, including taking a boating course, having a proper lookout, and having everyone onboard “Wear It!”

To continue promoting this important message, the NSBC and Bark Buckle UP are joining Fox and Friends LIVE Sunday, July 10, 2011 to deliver important boating safety information. The news segment will air Sunday morning and will center around the importance of life jacket wear at all times while boating for everyone onboard, including the family pet, as well as other important boating safety tips.

Bark Buckle UP founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal article for pet travel safety as she has buckled up more then 10,000 pets in cars, making her the legitimate go-to pet travel expert. “As the only pet expert that has secured more then 3,000 pets in life jackets before barely escaping Hurricane Gustav, I believe partnering with the National Safe Boating Council is best way to educate the public to Buckle UP pets on boats; ‘Wear It!’ goes for pets too!”
“The National Safe Boating Council is excited to deliver its ‘Wear It!’ campaign message to an entirely new audience: the family pet!” remarks Virgil Chambers, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council. “During busy boating weekends, such as the July 4 weekend, and throughout the summer, wearing your life jacket is important to keep everyone onboard safe, no exceptions.”

Life jacket wear by every boater is the leading goal of the North American Safe Boating Campaign, which kicks off officially with National Safe Boating Week, May 21 – 27, 2011. The North American Safe Boating Campaign unites the efforts of a wide variety of boating safety advocates, including NASBLA, the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the many members of the National Safe Boating Council. The campaign is produced under a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

About the National Safe Boating Council
The National Safe Boating Council represents over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations committed to reducing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience. Visit Safe Boating Campaign for campaign materials and additional safe boating resources. The North American Safe Boating Campaign unites the efforts of a wide variety of boating safety advocates, including the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the many members of the National Safe Boating Council. The campaign is produced under a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

About Bark Buckle UP
Bark Buckle UP is the recognized go-to expert and leading research team on pet travel safety. While promoting pet safety, Bark Buckle UP founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” has safely buckled more than 10,000 pets into vehicles, has been featured on thousands of national and local newscasts, spoke on the senate floor, international press conferences and automobile trade shows. Christina has also delivered over 4,000 pet oxygen masks through the Bark 10-4 program and secured over 3,000 pets in life jackets. By using cutting-edge technology, she has taught more than 60,000 families in her pet safety classes around the country.
Bark Buckle UP is an independent consultant and safety adviser, providing unbiased product reviews. Bark Buckle UP does not make or sell products or provide any advertising opportunities.

WSJ Features Bark Buckle UP

2011-06-29T07:50:00.001-07:00

Bark Buckle UP was featured in the Wall Street Journal article written by Gwendolyn Bounds an amazing writer, the article was also featured in print COVER of Personal Section on June 29th, 2011 get your copy today.

Quoted in the article was our founder Christina Selter Pet Safety Lady, two of Bark Buckle UP members Ms Hance with Cocoa buckled up and Ms. Eshoo her new dog Delilah, Dan Johnston from Volvo Cars North America and Sheriff Patrick Perez from Kane County IL.

About 89% of pets traveling in cars last year weren't secured properly, says Christina Selter, founder of advocacy group Bark Buckle Up who collects national data from police and fire agencies. Still, it's an improvement from 2008, when 98% were unsecured. Currently, there are no federal or state laws requiring pets be secured inside vehicles, Ms. Selter says.

Fido, buckle up. More drivers are putting their dogs in seatbelts and other restraints as awareness increases that loose dogs in the car can be distracting and dangerous. Wendy Bounds explains.

Please see the full article here: Read More

Summer Time Top Dog Photo Contest

2011-06-28T08:16:00.001-07:00

Top Dog Photo Contest invites you to upload a picture of your pet having active fun this summer. So show us your camping dogs, hiking dogs, surf dogs, kayaking dogs, dogs on boats, dogs RVing, dogs on planes, dogs on summer vacation, dogs in outdoor gear, dogs traveling or even laying in the sun soaking up some rays in their shades.

Top Ten and TOP Dog will be announced at the end of summer winning photos may appear on National TV with Pet Safety Lady. Visit the website Top Dog Photo Contest today.

It's simple to enter, just upload a photo of your pet doing something fun for a chance to win some awesome prizes from: Natura Pet Food from P&G, EVO Pet Food, Pet Buckle Brand, PetMate Pet Products, Bamboo Pet Products and Mountainsmith.

Prizes each week to win: Crates, Pet Carriers, Pet Food, Pet Travel Gear, Pet Travel Harness, Travel Bowls, Dog Toys, Pet Booster Seat, Pet Soft Crates, Poop Bags, Pet Back Pack, Pet First Aid Kits and more.

Hiking and Camping with your Dog Tips from Pet Safety Lady

2011-06-27T07:43:00.001-07:00

Pet Safety Lady founder of Bark Buckle UP LIVE on Fox & Friends with tips for camping, hiking even RVing with your dog and some great pet products to take along.

Its Summer Vacation time so get out doors with your pets take em along exercise get healthy and be safe this summer!

Camping, hiking active outdoor pet tips from Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady" Top Five Tips from PSL:
Check first to make sure your campsite allows pets
Pack gear (boots, backpack, sunscreen, food, fresh water)
Beware of insect bites (fleas, ticks, bees, wasps, mosquitos)
Fresh food Hydration
Extremely hot days and refrain from physical activity also leave your dog unattended in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle

LIVE from NY, Pet Safety Lady Founder of Bark Buckle UP on Fox and Friends

LIVE from NY, Pet Safety Lady Founder of Bark Buckle UP on Fox and Friends After the Show Show

Pack up the Pups for some Summer Fun in the Sun

2011-06-22T11:14:00.001-07:00

Watch Pet Safety Lady on Fox News June 26th LIVE with dogs camping and hiking tips and best products.

If you could ask your pet if he or she wanted to go on vacation with you or stay in a loud kennel with strange animals and caretakers, how do you think they would answer? We’re thinking “take me with you!” is the likely answer. And the good news is that keeping your pet safe and happy during your vacation is easy with just a little planning.

It doesn’t matter what your destination; the soft, sandy beaches of Florida, or the mountainous terrain of Alaska. Your pet is going to need current and accurate information on his or her ID tags. If your pet gets lost, this is what will help reunite you and them quicker. Also, you will need to have a collar or harness and a leash. For your and your pet’s protection, as well as the safety of others, most states require you to keep your pet on a 6-foot leash. The leash allows plenty of room for you and your pet to walk while also being short enough for you to gain better and quicker control if he or she decides they don’t like what’s coming near them.

And don’t forget the food! We can always stop for a cheeseburger, but feeding that to your pet isn’t the healthiest option for them (or us, really). Packing food & bottled water along with travel bowls will keep your pet full, hydrated and happy. If your trip involves hiking or camping, a backpack for your dog is a great way for them to carry their own snacks and water. We do it, so they won’t mind either.

Read the full article here on BarkBuckleUP.com

Bark Buckle UP Tips with Pet Safety Lady to GoRVing with Pets

2011-06-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

Just like in a car with a sudden stop or accident, a loose pet can become a projectile and can be hurt or even killed. A pet can also hurt others should they be thrown through from or escape the RV (recreational vehicle). So always secure the whole family, pets included, and practice riding on short trips before you venture out on a long trip. While on the road make sure to stop every few hours for potty breaks and exercise.

According to statistics about 41% of all dog owners who set out on the road in their RVs take the family pet with them, so Buckle UP and GoRVing.

Your dog can become a safe RV companion, camper or hiker if you put SAFETY first and be prepared. Attend Bark Buckle UP's FREE Pet Safety Class at BassPro Shops Nationwide and in Canada.
Featured on Fox & Friends with Pet Safety Lady founder Bark Buckle UP shared pet travel tips and these amazing products:

Pet Friendly RV ACE Motor Home 29 RV

Natura Healthy Pet Food for Dogs, Cats and Ferrets

Mountain Smith K9 Cube and K9 Bed

Drs Foster and Smith Pet Crate, Car Seat Cover

Drs Foster and Smith Travel Bird Cage and Pirch

Sherpa ToGo Products Pet Travel Harness and Booster Seat

RedHead Reflective Collar and Leash from BassPro

TravelStix and Canine Calming Travel Spray

Or watch video HERE
Things to pack for taking your pet in your RV:

Federal law requires a 6' leash and collar/harness
ID tag (microchip is good too)
Travel bowls (fresh water & regular food)
Bedding
Crate, carrier or travel harness to buckle up
Toy (chew toy or bone)
Pet medicines and pre-trip Vet visit (flea pet meds)
Travel pet pens

Visit Bark Buckle UP to sign up for your FREE Pet Safety Kit which includes the first responder decal for your RV window, just in case there is an emergency keep your printed kit in your glove-box.

These days, more pets than ever are traveling in vehicles; unfortunately, though, most drivers aren't taking the steps necessary to ensure this travel is safe for both, them and their pets. Most pets travel unrestrained, increasing the risk of pet injury or fatality during an accident.

"As a responsible pet owner it is critical the owner seek out, investigate, and purchase the safest gear available," says the Pet Safety Lady, Christina Selter, founder of Bark Buckle UP. "From pet carriers, trailers, side cars, goggles, and helmets there are multiple ways to safe guard your pet while still being able to enjoy the freedom of GoRVing with your whole family."

BArk Buckle UP tests the 2011 Acura ZDX

2011-06-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

Acura takes the idea a step further, adding coupe lines to a sedan that is also as tall as some crossovers. This means that the vehicle is not only more attractive than the standard sedan, but it’s roomier as well. When transporting human cargo, the front seating area is massive, while the back thrones feature a generous 35.7 inches of leg room. Your furry friend can also get in on the action, as there is ample head room for any pet owner to safely buckle your pet into his or her seat. Read full review, video and photos here.

If you’re looking to secure your little buddy in a kennel, you have no challenge ahead of you. Smaller pets should have no problem gaining access, though, as the quirky little sedan/crossover has 55.8 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded flat.

Bark Buckle UP tests the 2011 Honda FIT

2011-06-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Fit is Honda’s subcompact offering, with a base price of $15,100. The little hatchback is designed to maximize fuel economy while at the same time offering interior utility that is typically reserved for much larger vehicles. And when it comes to the pet owner on a budget, those are two very important attributes. Read full review, video and photos here.

The Fit is a cute little hatch with an amazing 57.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. That’s more space than some crossovers, and Honda’s design team made sure that space was usable by making the second row seats foldable, or they can be hoisted up so the cabin can swallow up taller items like a kennel. When the rear seats aren’t folded or stowed rear legroom is a bit tight, though, which can make seating for five all but impossible. We’re pretty sure Fido won’t mind the back seat accommodations, but only with a seat belt harness.

Pet Travel Safety Memorial Day Weekend Bark Buckle UP

2011-05-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

With summer right around the corner Bark Buckle UP wants to remind people to be safe driving buckle up the whole family pets included this Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Ray LaHood, DOT announced the 2011 Click It or Ticket mobilization with a reminder to motorists about the severe risks of driving unbelted, day or night. NHTSA statistics show 306 people died on U.S. roads during the 2009 Memorial Day period, 55% were unbelted.

Memorial Day weekend in a car, truck, SUV, crossover, RV and even boating, remember safety-first buckle up the whole family. It’s easy to do pet travel harness, tethers, crates and for boating wear it your PFD pets too”, stated Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady, founder Bark Buckle UP.

“Despite all the warnings against leaving pets and children in cars, yet we still hear all too often the horror stories of dogs that suffered or even died after being left in vehicles as temperatures inside soared. Studies have shown that a healthy dog, whose normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees, can withstand a body temperature of 107 to 108 degrees for only a short time before suffering brain damage or death, at even 85-degree weather, temperatures inside a car can reach 120 degrees in less then 30 minutes, even if a window is cracked.” Christina Selter.

FACTS:
• Wearing a seatbelt costs you nothing but NOT wearing on can cost a life
• Bark Buckle UP’s StatTracker 2009 98% of pets were not secured properly
• A 60-pound pet can become 3000-pound projectile, at just 35mph
• Pet travel has increased 300% since 2005
• Unrestrained pets delay emergency workers' access to human occupants
• Pets escaping post-accident pose many dangers, including catching the loose pet
• Injured pets may bite first responders and rescue workers
• Pets may escape through a window or open door and cause a second accident
• Driver distraction is common when unrestrained pets are rambunctious

ABOUT: Bark Buckle UP’s founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” is the official go-to expert and heads the leading research team on pet travel safety for Government Agencies, Police, Fire and other first responder agencies including NHTSA, DOT, TSA Homeland Security, Automotive, Marine, Recreational industry leaders to improve pet travel safety and awareness.

Bark Buckle UP DIGS in at the all Female Automotive Event 2011 Heels and Wheels (#heelsNwheels)

2011-05-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

This was the most amazing event of the year, Heels and Wheels. Produced by Overstreet Events, it brought together female automotive journalists, female automotive experts, female vehicle manufacture representatives and female bloggers – yes, this was an all female event!

Christina Selter (me) founder of Bark Buckle UP began the tour driving the Volvo c70 topless from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. With just one quick stop to change into my AskPatty hat, it was a smooth ride and though we did hit a bit of rain, it took only thirty seconds to put the top up. We checked in at the Viceroy Palm Springs, a row of tan bodies lining the pool.

First to arrive was Bark Buckle UP and AskPatty, Sue Mead from Houston Chronicle, BJ Killeen from Drivers Talk Radio, next to the finish line was AutoTrader – Joni Gray and Holly Reich, Automotive News – Leslie Allen, NewsWeek – Tara Weingarten, Carspondent – Nina Russin, Edmunds – Carroll Lachnit, Automotive Rhythms – Shonda Hurt, MotorWeek – Marlene Rodman and Yolanda Vazquez, TrueCar – Brandy Schaffels, Cnet – Liane Yvkoff, MotherProof and Cars.com – Kristen Varela, Decisive Auto Latino– Valerie Menard, the twitter fanatics from Kelley Blue Book - Leigh Anne & Rebekah and the top female bloggers of the universe; here’s where the conversation begins tips included.

Watch out you old school men folk; auto guys, you better run you better hide. The ladies are burning rubber, towing trailers, doing oil changes, buying Cooper Tires and coming off the line at full speed - so it’s time to get out of our way!

Day two began as our fleet of vehicles varoomed off for test drives, up and down Highway 111 with the all female driving crews buckled up, child cars seats, groceries and pets (dog played by our friend Fake Jake) secured snugly. The sun was shining and the day was just beginning.

On hand were a plethora of vehicles to analyze, photograph and film. The best part of the test drive’s were the female manufacture representatives that rode along with us, sharing detailed information and answering every question.

Vehicle Favorite Feature
GM Acadia Denali Windshield hologram
Volvo c70 Suntan included (go topless in only 30 seconds)
Honda Civic Hybrid Technology for fuel use
Chrysler Town & Country Third row seating fold outward
Chevrolet Cruze Spacious rear seat, interior design elements
Mazda5 Sliding doors easy access
Kia Optima Hybrid Front cooled and heated front seats
Dodge Journey Built in booster/car seat for pets or children
Hyundai Tucson Price starts at just over $18,000
Mitsubishi Outlander Fold-down rear seats a full 72.6 cubic feet
Saab 9-5 Sedan DriveSense twist of a knob adjust agility & performance

We ended the day with the GMC Denali. The motor has such a bark (pun intended), and the towing capacity is right up my alley, but the technology is what revs my motor. The windshield hologram was number one feature, plus the perfect amount of chrome the honeycomb grille dressed this bad boy up for the ladies.

Guys, here’s your exit the ladies are taking over the road.

TOP THREE AUTMOTIVE TIPS

TIP #1
The most important thing an automotive dealer could do to gain more female buyers is STOP INSULTING WOMEN. Listen, guys. We know cars, we have money and we are the ones buying, driving cars and not just minivans.

TIP #2
Hire more women and train your staff to communicate to women.

TIP #3
Learn about us - statistics don’t lie. How much of your marketing dollars, PR or advertising is geared towards women.

Average age of the female automotive shopper is 43
Female automotive shoppers currently own 2 vehicles
31% of female automotive shoppers do not have children

Thank you to KBB, Rebekah King for female automotive shopper survey results.

Bark Buckle UP Top Dog Photo Contest WINNERS

2011-04-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Bark Buckle UP®, creator of the annual TOP DOG awards, is excited to announce this year's TOP DOG photo contest winners, sponsored by the New York International Auto Show. More then ONE Million votes were tallied in the first 72 hours.

The public was invited upload a picture of their pet with their car for a chance to win great prizes from QPG Sherpa, the leader in pet safety and travel products and accessories. Judges from the New York Auto Show, Bark Buckle UP's founder Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady", Rescue Ink, car experts from AutoTrader.com, and the entertaining host Brian Balthazar selected the three finalists and the TOP DOG.

The winners were announced at the New York International Auto Show on April 26th @ 6pm from in Rescue Ink booth. With no purchase necessary to win, winners received essential pet travel and safety gear from QPG Sherpa including: Sherpa's Pet Trading®, Fox & Hounds™, Cloak & Dawggie®, GoDog™, Luna Brite™, Dog Mountain™, Pez® for Pets and Woof Wear Organics®.

Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” will showcased the pet gear from QPG Sherpa, TravelStix and Travel Calm spray during the dog demo media day LIVE from the AutoTrader booth. "These products are functional and designed to make car travel safer, more comfortable and convenient for pets and their owners", said Christina Selter.

Dahn Dahn Dahn Daaaa and the winners are:

Peanut Wins Small TOP DOGPeanut is a tiny Chihuahua from Islip NY and loves her Nissan Sentra and rides safe in his doggie booster seat buckled up every time. "We thank-you! and paws up to my fellow winners! it's true that I have been putting peanut,my chihuahua, in a seat belt and harness for all of his 4 years of life. He now sits safely in a booster seat and is able to see out the window! To me this is so important that I keep another seat hooked up for my grand doggie too. Nothing is cuter then looking in the mirror and seeing their little heads and knowing I am keeping them from harm. thank-you again!" said Peanuts owner Nancy Buckler.

Jenny Wins Medium TOP DOG and Grand PrizeJenny is a Rescue from North Shore Special she is a great Terrier mix lives with her forever family in Garden City NY and rides safe in her Doggie Carrier in her Ford Mustang! "Jenny is just thrilled to have been chosen! Congratulations to all of the other contestants. She loves her blue box and plays with it even while not in the car" said Jenny's owner JoAnn Wolf.

Mowgli Wins Large TOP DOG Mowgli is a 100 pound Golden-Ddoodle - mother Golden Retriever - dad - Standard Poodle from Woodmere NY. He loves his BMW 535 Sports Wagon with the seat extender he is more comfy. "Woohoo Thanks Guys" and Mowgli is a registered therapy dog - we volunteer twice weekly in schools as a READ dog and in assisted living facilities", said Madeline Polen Mowgli's owner.

About Top Dog Awards:
Creator of TOP DOG Awards, Bark Buckle UP® is recognized as the go-to expert and leading research team on pet travel safety. While promoting the pet safety, Bark Buckle UP founder Christina Selter has safely buckled more than 10,000 animals into vehicles, been featured 1,200 national and local newscasts, international press conferences and automobile trade show, delivered over 4,000 pet oxygen masks through her Bark 10-4 program and secured almost 3,000 animals in life vests. Using cutting-edge technology Christina taught more than 60,000 families in her pet safety classes around the country.

Pack up the Pups for some Summer Fun in the Sun

2011-04-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

If you could ask your pet if he or she wanted to go on vacation with you or stay in a loud kennel with strange animals and caretakers, how do you think they would answer? We’re thinking “take me with you!” is the likely answer. And the good news is that keeping your pet safe and happy during your vacation is easy with just a little planning.

It doesn’t matter what your destination; the soft, sandy beaches of Florida, or the mountainous terrain of Alaska. Your pet is going to need current and accurate information on his or her ID tags. If your pet gets lost, this is what will help reunite you and them quicker. Also, you will need to have a collar or harness and a leash. For your and your pet’s protection, as well as the safety of others, most states require you to keep your pet on a 6-foot leash. The leash allows plenty of room for you and your pet to walk while also being short enough for you to gain better and quicker control if he or she decides they don’t like what’s coming near them.

And don’t forget the food! We can always stop for a cheeseburger, but feeding that to your pet isn’t the healthiest option for them (or us, really). Packing food & bottled water along with travel bowls will keep your pet full, hydrated and happy. If your trip involves hiking or camping, a backpack for your dog is a great way for them to carry their own snacks and water. We do it, so they won’t mind either.

We don’t always think about safety, but what fun is vacation without it? We make sure we pack the proper gear for ourselves. If I’m hiking, I’m wearing a safety vest and hiking boots. On hot sand, I’m wearing shoes so my feet don’t get burned. The same goes for Fido! A Pet Reflective Safety vest will help your pet to be seen by other hikers, campers or rescue workers. And don’t forget their feet, because you don’t forget to wear shoes or sandals when you leave the house. Doggie Boots help protect the pads of their feet from becoming irritated by hot sand or sharp rocks. A dog with sore feet is a very, very unhappy (and sometimes unmovable) pet.

If an accident does happen, a First Aid kit is essential when vacationing with a furry family member. Every now and then someone will end up with a scraped leg or a bee sting and if that happens to you or your pet, you’ll want to be prepared.

Some of the best vacations will include a dip in the water. Whether it’s in a pool or in the ocean, keep in mind that not all animals are great swimmers, and a personal flotation device or a pet life vest may be needed to help keep them safe. It’s also important to rinse your pet after they get out of the water. Rinsing will keep them from getting hot spots or infections. This in turn will keep their skin and fur healthier.

And finally, after a day of hiking, swimming and playing, a good night’s rest is in order. After all, we want to do it all again the next day. Bringing along your pet’s bed is a great way to keep them, and you, happy.

"Our pets are a very important member of our family, and with them riding in the car, truck, SUV, RV, boating, hiking or camping our vacations will be the most fun possible with them by our side. Have a great time!" said Pet Safety Lady founder of Bark Buckle UP.

Reality Stars Go Woofing Crazy Over Bark Buckle UP "Be Smart Ride Safe"

2011-04-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Pet Safety Lady filmed Reality Stars going woofing crazy over Bark Buckle UP "Be Smart Ride Safe" PSA program.

We had Christa Hastie singing a rap and dancing, X-cop Christina Coria showing how to buckle up Chopper the Biker Dog, Tyana Alvarado showing how easy to put your pet in a Sherpa carrier to buckle up and Jordan Pious the Amazing Race WINNER get just absolutely CRAZY with Spike in tow.

Reality Rally Celebrities:
Liz Cain "The Mole"
Tyana Alvarado "The Apprentice"
Christa Hastie "Survivor"
Rita Verreos "Survivor"
Jordan Pious "Amazing Race - WINNER"
Christina Coria - Lopez "Survivor"
Nate Gonzales "Survivor"
Matt Hoffman "Big Brothers"

Special Thanks:
Acura MDX
Sherpa Pet Products
Spike Taylor
Chopper the Biker Dog

Bark Buckle UP's Car the "FUR"

2011-04-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

Paw Town, USA, April 1, 2011 – Bark Buckle UP has unleashed the new addition as the first NEW CAR manufacturer – to release the niche vehicle that will cater exclusively to a segment of the population begging for attention called the Bark Buckle UP FUR*.

FUR is Bark Buckle UP’s response to the dog call of the wild. Not dog owners, dogs. When the new C-car (for Canine) wagon debuts in 2013, it will have the distinction of being the first vehicle designed expressly for the wants and needs of four-legged creatures everywhere.

“Bark Buckle UP understands that dogs are drooling for more canine convenience features in vehicles today,” said Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady", Bark Buckle UP director of Canine Vehicle Design. “Dogs deserve to be comfortable and pampered as well. FUR will provide an inviting interior environment that addresses their every scratch and sniff. After all, dogs are our best friends.”

At first glance, the alliteratively named FUR looks like an ordinary station wagon. But any resemblance to a traditional vehicle stops there, and dogs are quickly picking up the scent of a product designed especially for them.

FUR, with its sheepskin-lined interior, is the first vehicle at the park with innovative My Paw Control, a kennel of convenience features that will have dogs perking their ears and pausing at dealerships to take a look.

FUR has special bacon-scented sensors in its quarter panels that cause the door to spring open when a dog leaps at them, eliminating the need for handles. A special Lift-Me-Up option package is also available for dogs with weight issues or back problems.

Innovative ingress is only the start of the smart My Paw Control that FUR will pioneer. The permanently folded back seat floor’s plush sheepskin covering contains memory foam, and is high enough so that dogs can enjoy a command view from any angle. Once ensconced in their favored position, dogs need only touch the side of the FUR with their nose or paw to open the automatic windows any time they feel the need to sniff sniff sniff. Special sensors in the interior, similar to the outside, allow for this.

Cushioned window frames make a comfortable ledge for your buddy to hang his head out all day long. The FUR even features No Drool Doors. These are special saliva containment devices on the doors so that tongues can happily hang out without drenching pooches to the rear. The seatbacks also offer Lap-N-Go dispensers that deliver ice-cold water into fixed porcelain water bowls at the tap of a paw.

Canine focus groups whined incessantly for leash and doggie bag holders, so FUR was built to those specifications with unique pockets to hold leashes securely and a bag dispenser that takes the hassle out of having to worry about cleanup.

Bark Buckle UP engineers have also come up with the innovative Sit-N-Stay parking feature for dogs that wander and can’t find their way back to the car. Sit-N-Stay sends an electronic signal within a 50-yard radius from the vehicle’s position. If a canine passenger wanders beyond the 50-yard limit, a bell rings, a friendly voice calls out “Treat!” and a morsel of food is dispensed at the rear of the vehicle. The effect is a happy – and un-lost – dog.

Under the hood, the FUR is powered by EcoPooch, a turbo-charged direct-injection engine that runs on a combination of organically treated dog waste and water. EcoPooch offers both improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, so dogs everywhere can sniff cleaner air.

With FUR, Bark Buckle UP is bringing personal mobility to the pawtips of a whole new segment of the population, and game-changing My Paw Control builds on the company’s commitment to a better world. So, sit. Stay. We are so not making this up.

About: Bark Buckle UP is recognized as the go-to expert and leading research team on pet travel safety. While promoting pet safety, Bark Buckle UP founder Christina Selter has safely buckled more than 10,000 animals into vehicles, been featured 1,200 national and local newscasts, international press conferences and automobile trade show, delivered over 4,000 pet oxygen masks through her Bark 10-4 program and secured almost 3,000 animals in life vests. Using cutting-edge technology Christina taught more than 60,000 families in her pet safety classes around the country.

As a resourceful and creative entrepreneur with a high-energy personality, Christina counts as her accomplishments:

Writer, Producer, Director of four short films

She wrote the 2002 business plan and distribution plan used by Ford Motor Co. to distribute their zero emissions which resulted in earning Ford the title as the only US car manufacturer to gain their ZEV credits prior to the January 2003

Only woman in the world to hold a NHTSA certification for VIN verification as a New US vehicle manufacturer

*Bark Buckle UP can't take credit for this amazing original article it was written for us, and was due to be released back in 2010. However it was halted by some executives and declined its airtime. We felt you deserved a good laugh. Enjoy and Happy April Fools!

Bark Buckle UP Reviews Hyundai Tucson

2011-03-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Bark Buckle UP reviews the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, Betty dug the backseat. Stay tuned to get the low down from Bark Buckle UP's team and custom photos and video of the test drive.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Hyundai Tucson GLS (Front Wheel Drive)
Base Price: $21,845
Price as Tested: $22,740 (including destination)
Options on Test Model: Floormats--$100
Engine: 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine
Power: 176 horsepower/168 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-60: 9.5 seconds
Fuel Economy: 22 city/31 highway
Average Test Economy: 26.7 miles per gallon
Fuel Tank Size: 14.5 gallons
Runs on: Regular Unleaded
Cargo Area (behind second row): 25.7 cubic feet
(all seats folded): 55.8 cubic feet
Warranty: 5 years/60,000 mile bumper to bumper
10 years/100,000 mile powertrain
Safety Ratings (IIHS): “Top Safety Pick”
Vehicle Assembled in: Ulsan, South Korea
Vehicle Provided by: Hyundai Motor America

Bark Buckle UP reviews McLaren MP4-C12

2011-03-15T09:06:00.001-07:00

Bark Buckle UP was FLIPPING over the new McLaren MP4-12C Supercar, which has an official recorded acceleration times are 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.9 seconds and 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 5.9 seconds.

Now the public normally doesn't get to see these cars up close until they are in full production, but a special invite from our friends over at Edmunds.com (you can read more about the car on this link from the Automotive Experts as Edmunds).

For now the McLaren MP4-12C Supercar is amazing the purr of the motor would make any cat jealous. Now you say this isn't a car for a family with pets but you are so so wrong. This sweet ride can fit you and your small pet, in a carrier buckled up in the passenger seat for a fast run to Starbucks, that will truly turn heads. By the way there were tons of dogs at the viewing of the car so keep your eyes open for the McLaren MP4-12C Supercar in your town.

Now for more details "Pet Safety Lady" Christina Selter founder of Bark Buckle UP got close up with the McLaren MP4-12C Supercar:

Read what Pet Safety Lady has to say after getting the full lowdown of the frame, motor, dash, control panels:

"McLaren MP4-12C Supercar, when can I drive it?"

"The sound of the motor will make everyone Purr."

"Carbon-fiber tub is the new McLaren MP4-12C technology."

"I'm not tall, but for those of you that are there is plenty of headroom even for you big guys."

"Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning controls both for driver and passenger."

"Brilliant NAV has split screen you can map on top and weather on the bottom."

What other Pet Expert can get access, test drive, review, film and photograph vehicles before they are even in production. Again Pet Safety Lady is TOP DOG!

Pet Radio Host Arden Moore has a Car Accident with her Dogs

2011-03-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

Bark Buckle UP's Be Smart Ride Safe program says "Chipper & Cleo Buckle UP from now on".

This story from Arden Moore rings in the heart of pet owners world wide. She now knows all to well first hand why we need to Buckle UP the entire family. Chipper and Cleo survived with little to no injury. However the best way is to secure your pets even with a barrier system in your vehicle. The most well behaved dog at an accident is frighten and even though they may be trained the sit - stay command it doesn't mean they will follow or if you are injured the stranger helping doesn't know your pet.

Your pet may be tossed through the vehicle sustaining injury, escape and be hit by another car, run off never to be found or even bite yes bite this is a tramatic situation and pets will be pets.

As the driver you may not be conscious, your pets may be scared and that's expected, just like a a human in an emergency they may not behave as usual so please Buckle UP every time, for your safety, your pets safety and for our first responders!

My dogs, Chipper and Cleo, love to ride in the back of my Saturn SUV for long road trips and even for short errands. I created a “canine condo” in the back that includes a floor-to-ceiling metal gate to keep them from accessing the middle seats or worse – trying to grab my steering wheel. It comes with a pet first-aid kit, extra leashes, battery-operated fans, comfortable bedding and more canine amenities.

With them in the back, I am free from doggy distractions and able to focus on driving. Earlier this week, we were the third and final vehicle in line waiting for the light to change from red to green. I looked into my rear view mirror and spotted a white Toyota Tundra 4-by-4 truck barreling our way. Bam! This giant white truck collided into the rear of my SUV, propelling it forward. Fortunately, there was enough of a gap that I did not hit the vehicle in front of me.

My first thought: my dogs. As I opened my door, I fell onto the pavement, picked myself up and hurried to the passenger side to open the door leading into the middle row of seats. “Chipper! Cleo! Are you okay?” I cried out.

As I opened the door, I saw my two dogs shaking violently, cowering and lip licking. I then went to the back hatch that was miraculously able to open despite the more than $3,500 in damage done to the vehicle.

Chipper and Cleo know the “stay” command – which they heeded as I quickly put their leashes on them and assessed them. They were clearly scared, but uninjured. Whew. The gate kept them from propelling forward in my car and possibly, through the windshield.
I was not so lucky. A three-hour trip at urgent care revealed I had whiplash, soft tissue damage to my neck and shoulders, a swollen left shin – not to mention a rattled state of mind.

The driver of the truck and I were able to limp our vehicles a block away into the Oceanside High School parking lot to exchange information. As fate would have it, a police squad car was there. Naturally, the officer was a K-9 officer with his trained German shepherd, Ranger, in his squad car. Call it pet karma.

The driver of the truck readily took full responsibility and the reporting of the accident was handled in a civil manner. Chipper and Cleo were able to walk on leashes with no signs of injury for which I am grateful. Each sport collars with their names and my phone number embroidered on them – as well as microchips. My cell phone identifies three people on my “in case of emergency” list and all three know my pets, my veterinarian’s information and access to my house.

Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. But, I share this as a reminder of the importance of keeping our dogs as safe as possible when they ride with us in our vehicles. It saddens – and frustrates – me when I see little dogs riding on the laps of drivers with their heads and sometimes, front legs dangling out the car window. Or big dogs untethered in the back of truck beds. Or dogs racing back and forth in the middle seats with no harnesses or restraints.

Seriously, folks – show how much you really love your dogs – and cats and other traveling pets – by keeping them safe when you drive. Last year, I happily agreed to post a short safety video for the “Be Smart, Ride Safe” campaign being conducted by Bark Buckle UP and “Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter.

Pet Safety Lady shares these facts:
A 60-pound pet becomes a 2,700 pound projectile, at just 35 miles per hour.
Pet travel has increased 300 percent since 2005.
Unrestrained pets delay emergency workers’ access to human occupants.
Pets escaping post-accident pose many dangers, including catching the loose pet.
Injured pets may bite first responders and rescue workers.
Pets may escape through a window or open door and cause a second accident.
Driver distraction is common when unrestrained pets are rambunctious.

Selter created the “Be Smart, Ride Safe” pledge, allowing pet-owners to commit to being safer with pets for the safety of the owner, the safety of pets and to protect first responders. I encourage you to get size-appropriate harnesses for pets who travel in the middle seats or inside pet carriers that can be held in place with seat belts and to never allow your pet to ride in the front passenger seat due to driver distraction and the airbag deployment injuries.

I hope you check out the Bark Buckle UP site for more helpful info, including how to obtain a pet safety kit you can keep in your vehicle’s glove box.

As I type this, I am wearing a neck brace and taking medication to relive the pain in my neck and back muscles. And, I am delivering prayers of gratitude that Chipper and Cleo escaped physical harm and are cuddled up next to me. Let’s be safe on the roads – for the sake of ourselves, others and our pets.

Learn more about Arden Moore on her website Four Legged Life.

To make and upload your Be Smart Ride Safe video visit us on our YouTube channel.

Bark Buckle UP Reviews 2011 Jeep Patriot

2011-02-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

2011 Jeep Patriot 4x4 was reviewed by Bark Buckle UP and put to the test with Betty & Princess (dogs) on city streets, highways and dirt roads.

Some minor styling changes for the front and rear, ground clearance increased, steering & suspension upgraded to help improve the handling.
Watch Video HERE:

You can double the cargo space by folding the 60/40 rears seats flat then you can fit more crates or carries, larger pets and even dogs in travel harness that tether to the d-rings.

There are 7 d-rings in the Patriot cargo area so you can secure your pets correctly to a d-ring with a tether system so pets won't become a projectile.

"Enjoy the ride Be Smart Ride Safe buckle up the whole family", said Pet Safety Lady.

ABOUT: Bark Buckle UP is recognized as the go-to expert and leading research team on pet travel safety. While promoting the pet safety, Bark Buckle UP founder Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady" has safely buckled more than 10,000 animals into vehicles, been featured 1,200 national and local newscasts, international press conferences and automobile trade show, delivered over 4,000 pet oxygen masks through her Bark 10-4 program and secured almost 3,000 animals in life vests. Using cutting-edge technology Christina taught more than 60,000 families in her pet safety and pet travel safety classes around the country.

Bark Buckle UP reviews 2011 Range Rover Sport HSE Pet Travel Safety

2011-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Bark Buckle UP video review of the 2011 Range Rover Sport HSE, here is one of the videos.

Watch the video here: Range Rover Sport HSE

Bark Buckle UP video review of the 2011 Range Rover Sport HSE and talks more about it's impressive occupant protection that helps to reduce strain on pets while riding in the vehicle Buckled UP like the rest of the family.  So with pets in the rear seat like Princess here using a travel harness with human safety belt, or she can even wear the same harness in the cargo area with a tether system.

Pet Safety Lady founder of Bark Buckle UP reviews hundreds of pet products and vehicles each year. Bark Buckle UP is recognized as the go-to expert and leading research team on pet travel safety. While promoting the pet safety, Bark Buckle UP founder Christina Selter has safely buckled more than 10,000 animals into vehicles, been featured 1,200 national and local newscasts, international press conferences and automobile trade show, delivered over 4,000 pet oxygen masks through her Bark 10-4 program and secured almost 3,000 animals in life vests. Using cutting-edge technology Christina taught more than 60,000 families in her pet safety classes around the country.

Peyton Manning Hamel PAWS Up 2011 Chevy Cruze

2011-02-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

Bark Buckle UP is an independent, U.S. based company that provides consumer products testing, inspection and reviews for automotive, marine, pet products and services there is NO endorsement implied. Bark Buckle UP does not in anyway endorse, manufacture or sale products. The content in this article may not be the opinion of Bark Buckle UP it may be the opinion of an independent writer. To read Bark Buckle UP reviews visit the Bark Buckle UP website and click on reviews, photos and videos.

Hello, my name is Peyton Manning and while my friend Daisy Mae usually does the car reviewing, I insisted that I had to write about the 2011 Chevy Cruze because I believe it saved my life. Well, I know for sure that I wasn’t hurt in this “almost accident” thanks in large part to the restraint harness I was wearing at the time. It was purchased thanks to the recommendations of BarkBuckleUP.com.

Even though I sometimes try to eat my safety harness, I know that it is there to help keep me from becoming a flying projectile in case of an emergency like one that took place during another ordinary car ride on an otherwise ordinary day. So what happened on this day that made me such a believer in this affordable compact family sedan?
It all started when I insisted that I had to go along in the car when we were headed out to eat as a family at a Mexican Restaurant. As we were driving to dinner a man in a very large SUV didn’t see our 2011 Chevy Cruze sedan in his blind-spot and he started to pull into our lane. This error in judgment forced us into oncoming traffic on the already treacherous Pacific Coast Highway here in Southern California!

As the SUV entered our lane the quick and precise handling of the 2011 Cruze ensured that we were able to perform emergency lane change maneuvers that would have caused lesser cars to spin in circles. The surprisingly strong 1.4 liter 138 horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder also had the power to get us past the SUV before having a head on collision with oncoming traffic.
Now, I realize that the 2011 Chevy Cruze has a class leading 10 airbags, is an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” and that On-Star automatically notifies emergency responders after an accident but from my view the best accident is the one that can be avoided. I am also glad that, like my family, I was wearing my safety belt harness.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Chevy Cruze 2LT
Base Price: $20,675
Price as Tested: $21,890 (including destination)
Options on Tester: 17-inch alloy wheels/4-wheel disc brakes ($395), Compact Spare Tire ($100)
Engine: 1.4 liter Turbocharged Ecotec 4-Cylinder
Power: 138 horsepower/148 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-60: 8.9 seconds
EPA Fuel Economy: 24 city/36 highway
Economy as Tested: 32.4 miles per gallon
Gas Tank Size: 15.6 gallons
Runs on: Regular Unleaded
Trunk Size: 15.4 cubic feet
Curb Weight: 3,109
Turning Radius: 35.7 feet
Crash Test Ratings (IIHS): 2011 “Top Safety Pick”
Airbag Count: 10 (Standard)
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty
5 years/100,000 mile powertrain warranty
Vehicle Assembled: Lordstown, Ohio
Vehicle Provided by: General Motors

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 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.”

Bark Buckle UP is recognized as the go-to expert and leading research team on pet travel safety. While promoting the pet safety, Bark Buckle UP founder Christina Selter has safely buckled more than 10,000 animals into vehicles, been featured 1,200 national and local newscasts, international press conferences and automobile trade show, delivered over 4,000 pet oxygen masks through her Bark 10-4 program and secured almost 3,000 animals in life vests. Using cutting-edge technology Christina taught more than 60,000 families in her pet safety classes around the country.

San Diego International Airport launches the National tour of Pet Travel Safety Tips

2011-02-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

SAN DIEGO – “Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter of Bark Buckle UP partnered with the San Diego International Airport and the Transportation Security Administration Thursday, in the first segment of a multi-city tour to highlight pet safety and travel tips.

“Our goal is to help passengers prepare for a stress-free travel experience with pets,” said Selter. “We have seen a 300% increase in pet travel since 2005 and a large number of those animals are traveling by air.”

San Diego International Airport boasts two dedicated Pet Relief Areas for passengers traveling with small animals and intends to add three additional relief areas in the coming years. The San Diego Airport Authority requires pets, with the exception of service animals, to be crated for air travel. San Diego’s newest pet relief features an ADA accessible fresh water dispenser; clean up bags and a trashcan.

“At the security checkpoint, TSA will need to screen your pet, but never put an animal through the X-ray machine,” explained Selter. “You’re animal could undergo a secondary screening, but carry the animal through the metal detector.”

Typically, only animals weighing 20 pounds or less (with the carrier) are permitted in the cabin, and must have a ticket to ride under the seat in front of you. “Each airline is different, so it’s always best to call your carrier,” she said. There are no fees for service animals traveling in the cabin with proper ID but the to carry on your pet in cabin, will vary depending on the airline.

When sending your pet as cargo, a reservation is required and traveling animals must be at least eight weeks old and healthy with current shots and Rabies vaccinations. “A health certificate from your pet’s veterinarian and dated within ten days of travel are often required check with your airline,” she said. “For fees, drop off locations and specific temperature limitations, it’s always best to call your airline, as rules change with each carrier.”

The key to stress-free travel with your pet, is practice, practice, practice,” Selter says. “Take your pet to the airport and get him familiar with the sounds and smells.”

For more information about the Bark Buckle UP Program or the “Pet Safety Lady” visit the website.

ABOUT: Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” founder of Bark Buckle UP® 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 receives millions of visitors to the website each year, Christina has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

ABOUT: San Diego International Airport is the gateway to the San Diego region and welcomed 16.9 million passengers in 2010. The airport is also an economic engine, contributing some $10 billion dollars each year to the local economy. New nonstop flights to London Heathrow begin June 1, 2011. For more information, please visit www.san.org.

ABOUT: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of 9/11 to movement for people and commerce. Within a year, TSA assumed responsibility for security at the nation’s airports strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of and deployed a Federal workforce to meet Congressional deadlines for screening all commercial airline passengers and baggage. In March 2003, TSA transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Homeland Security.

TSA employs a risk-based strategy to secure U.S. transportation systems, working closely with stakeholders in aviation, rail, transit, highway, and pipeline sectors, as well as the partners in the law enforcement and intelligence community. The agency will continuously set the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, technologies and use of intelligence to drive operations.

Keep Pets Calm Using Aromatherapy

2011-01-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

As pawed by Sunny from Mission Pets, aromatherapy for your dogs can help with cold weather or storms, travel, unfamiliar house guests, parties, over excitement and too many treats – all these can wreak havoc on your dog, and on you. Aromatherapy can be a simple and effective tool to help you and your dog stay healthy during this hectic time and beyond.

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic inhalation and topical application of pure essential oils to restore or enhance health, beauty and well-being. Essential oils can be used singly or in formulations for specific purposes such as restlessness, upset tummies, respiratory illness and immune support.

Essential oils are volatile oils that are produced within the seed, flower, leaf, bark, root or resin of aromatic plants. They can be extracted by steam distillation, cold-pressing, and carbon dioxide or solvent extraction. Essential oils are highly concentrated – 200 pounds of lavender tops are distilled to make one pound of lavender essential oil – and so it is accepted practice to dilute essential oils before use to avoid problems such as skin irritation or overwhelming the sense of smell. This is especially important with remedies for dogs, because they have a more acute sense of smell than humans.

Diluting essential oils can be as simple as using a car or room diffuser, or placing one drop on a favorite bandana or blanket. Ready-to-use products are also available for purchase, but check all labels to be sure these products use pure essential oils, and not fragrance oils. Synthetic fragrances, such as peach, apple or strawberry, are not therapeutic, and can actually cause problems, such as headaches, agitation or allergic reactions.

Because dogs respond well to scent and touch, calming sprays and massage or grooming products containing pure essential oils, can be physically applied to create a bonding experience and potential behavior modification. This provides comfort for dogs that are fretful during storms, fireworks, travel, competition, adoption, veterinary or kennel visits, bath time and holidays. It is helpful to introduce aromatherapy during a nonthreatening time to help associate the scent with comfort.

Essential oils such as lavender and orange can have a calming effect, while tangerine can help relieve malaise. Bergamot has been used for anxiety, and ginger for stomach upset. Plants historically used for respiratory and immune system health include frankincense, bay leaf, ravensara, lemon and thyme.

Because dogs love to smell things, aromatherapy is ideal for use with them. As with any home remedy, it is important to know the use and safety guidelines, and to recognize when it is time for professional help from your veterinarian. |

For more information, visit: Earth Heart Inc website

Vicki Rae Thorne, certified aromatherapist and master herbalist, founded Earth Heart™ in 1996 to help others learn how to use herbs and aromatherapy as an integral part of everyday health. Earth Heart™ Inc. has a long-standing reputation for providing quality products using pure essential oils and other plant-based ingredients. Products are designed with the same loving care you give your family …including your dog.

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 our website here.

Betty Smook from nose to tail she is the TOP Dog Paw Blogger with Bark Buckle UP (with a little help from Christina "Pet Safety Lady"). Betty the Editor for Bark Buckle UP®Paw Blogger group work with the founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” and first responders nationwide teaching pet safety. Betty has appeared on TV morning shows throughout California with Pet Safety Lady showing how easy it is to just Buckle UP every time. Pet Safety Lady 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 and impressions the first year, she has directed and produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle UP the whole family.

Pet Safety Lady Pet Blogger Challenge

2011-01-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

1. When did you begin your blog?

Formally began in 2005, however prior to 2005 was posting in different name .com from 2003.

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

To educate the public the reasons to Buckle UP the whole family pets included, for the drivers safety, passenger safety, pet and our first responders plus other drivers on the road.

3. Is your current purpose the same?

Yes 100% education!

If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?

Yes in 2008 we exceeded over 100 million in circulations and impressions. We exceed 97,000 pages views per month with our .com and we have m

ore then 100,000 people that have requested our FREE pet safety kit with ID card and decal. Education is the first step to safety.

4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you? Try to sometimes I get a bit tied up with other things. Weekly or daily is my preference. If the former, how often — and what techniques do you use to stick to it? Help with guest bloggers. As if you stall out you will get less traffic.

5. Are you generating income from your blog?

NO, however I personally as Pet Safety Lady do guest speak, educate groups/events and make special paid appearances, plus have filmed four PSA's and one TV commercial.

6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?

Education safes lives if you understand that a 60 pound pet (LAB) at only 35mph can cause a projectile of over 2,700 pounds then I have done my job. This test result was completed with Volvo Cars of No America and proved that even a small child/pet can be injured if not secured in a moving vehicle.

7. What do you like least?

There is nothing I don't like about it. My job is to safe lives with education

and work with pets in doing so --- I am happy and very content with my J-O-B.

8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2011?

We are in a re-design and re-launch of all our .coms to be contained under one umbrella and some fantastic partners coming on board. Plus we are hiring Pet Bloggers as guest writers and what more can you ask for 2011 we are HIRING woohooo!

Betty Smook from nose to tail she is the TOP Dog Paw Blogger with Bark Buckle UP (with a little help from Christina "Pet Safety Lady"). Betty the Editor for Bark Buckle UP®

Paw Blogger group work with the founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” and first responders nationwide teaching pet safety. Betty has appeared on TV morning shows throughout California with Pet Safety Lady showing how easy it is to just Buckle UP every time. Pet Safety Lady 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 and impressions the first year, she has directed and produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle UP the whole family.

Daisy Mae Paws at the Acura MDX

2011-01-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

2011 Acura MDX as Pawed by Daisy Mae Hamel from Bark Buckle UP with two of her Paw friends. I am usually not very good at sharing. I don’t like it when other dogs try to take my owner’s attention away from me where it belongs. I guess you could say that I suffer from Miss Piggy Syndrome when it comes to getting all of the attention. I want it all focused on me all of the time!

But what if you want a luxury SUV that can even haul 7 humans (I don’t know why you’d want to) in total comfort yet doesn’t constantly scream for attention? Well, you don’t have many options besides the elegant yet sensible 2011 Acura MDX.

As a canine car reviewer I found it to be comfortable, easy to jump up into the back seat and that my owner didn’t have to stoop over to attach my safety restraint harness. If I was Goldilocks’ I would have to say that in the premium SUV segment the 2011 Acura MDX is “just right.” So which SUV’s are just wrong?

Perhaps this is just a Southern California phenomenon but I find the larger and more obnoxious the SUV, the higher the likelihood that a small, yipping Chihuahua will be found hanging out the driver’s window. That is unsafe as even the most annoying dog should be securely buckled into a restraint or crate in the back.

Some SUV owners need to be reminded that the whole chrome dub phenomenon is so last decade and that chrome detailing should be used with restraint. Case in point—The Cadillac Escalade and its ridiculous vehicular bling. The Cadillac Escalade is so desperate for attention that even I want to bark, “tone it down buddy!”

I realize that I don’t want to become as desperate and vulgar as an Escalade so that is why I asked my ex-boyfriend Peyton Manning (he came from Boxer Rescue too) and my owner Jim Hamel to contribute to this review.

Do understand that this does show sharing growth on my part but realize that this is a one-time only event—I am talking to you Peyton! Grrrr! Let go of the keyboard!

(Note: The Following is an exchange of howls and growls translated into a two-dog canine review of the 2011 Acura MDX.)

Peyton: HA! I finally got this keyboard away from you! Now it’s time for me to have all the glory! Too bad I don’t know how to spell.

Daisy Mae: Or how to read or stop drooling or stop being a mama’s boy! And if you can’t spell the words use spell check you big dummy! Am I the only dog who knows how to use a mouse and keyboard?

Peyton: Well you just kept typing then you flat faced butt sniffer! But I deserve to be a part of this review because I got rides in the MDX too, you know! Not with you, though, because you get annoyed sharing the back seat with me! I don’t know why. This Acura had enough width for even the two of us to stay separated. Or I could have ridden in the cargo area/third row.

Daisy Mae: I don’t like riding with you because you drool like a teenage girl at a Justin Bieber concert. You get drool on the leather, on the windows and on me! Luckily when Jim came back from taking you for a ride in the MDX in your new harness everything proved easy to clean.

Peyton: I have a glandular problem and a deviated septum so I can’t help the drooling! Can I continue without your interrupting? This is why we broke up and, no, you can’t have half of my toys and bones. I don’t care what your lawyer says or that we live in a community property state.

Daisy Mae: Just try and stop me, Mr. Snort and Sniff.

Peyton: Well, here goes. I really liked sitting up high in the back seat of the 2011 Acura MDX. I usually ride around in a Mini Clubman and there is no back window. Sometimes I limp and have a hard time getting into and out of cars but I found it easy to leap into the back seat of the MDX. Let me think, is there anything else I noticed?

Daisy Mae: Drop the keyboard or I’ll have you fixed…again!

Peyton: See you around guys! I guess this is what they call “irreconcilable differences.”

What Daisy Mae’s Owner Jim Hamel Said About the 2011 Acura MDX: In testing the 2011 Acura MDX both my dog Daisy Mae and my parent’s dog Peyton Manning (so named after the famous quarterback) absolutely loved riding buckled in the back seat. The ride height is low enough that even Peyton found it easy to get in without straining his arthritic joints.

As it was absolutely pouring down rain during my week with the MDX it was amazing how easy it was to wipe muddy paw prints from the interior plastics and leather. The interior of the 2011 Acura MDX may not have the flashiness or a Cadillac’s interior or the overall squishy feeling of a Lexus but it is the one that feels best equipped to withstand canine abuse.

Last year when I tested a 2010 MDX with Todd M. Allen, his wife Ann and their 3 kids I learned that this Acura easily accommodated the six of us and a rather large baby stroller. The optional rear seat DVD entertainment system was also a big hit with the kids as its screen can be adjusted for angle so everyone in every seat can see the movie.

You see, big families don’t need to buy a minivan. Unless there are 8 of you in which case I recommend you look into a Honda Odyssey and the possibility of a vasectomy. Lord knows we don’t need any more TV shows like “Jon and Kate Plus Eight.”

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Acura MDX with Tech Package

Base Price: $42,580

Price as Tested: $46,255

Options on Test Vehicle: Tech Package—(Acura voice activated navigation with Real Time Weather, Traffic and Built in Zagat Restaurant Guide, Multi-View Back-up Camera, Sport seats with Premium Leather, USB/iPod interface, GPS-Linked Tri-Zone Climate Control, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for Song Storage, Acura/ELS 10-speaker Surround Sound Audio System)

Engine: 3.7 liter V6 with VTEC

Power: 300 horsepower/270 lb. feet of torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic with SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive)

0-60: 7.5 seconds (estimated)

EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/21 highway

Economy as Tested: 16.4 miles per gallon

Gas Tank Size: 21 gallons

Runs on: Premium Unleaded

Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row)—15 cubic feet

(Behind 2nd Row)—42.9 cubic feet

Behind 1st Row)—83.5 cubic feet

Turning Radius—37.6 Cubic Feet

Curb Weight—4,550 lbs.

Tow Capacity—5,000 lbs.

Warranty—4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper coverage

6 years/70,000 mile powertrain coverage

Crash Test Ratings—IIHS “Top Safety Pick”

Vehicle Built in—Alliston, Ontario (Canada)

North American Parts Content—65%

Vehicle Provided by: Acura North America

Adopt DON'T Shop for your next pet

2010-12-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

As Pawed by Ursa with a little help from Camille founder of Mission: P.E.T.S. Many of our families consider welcoming a new animal into our homes during this time of year. Before you think any further, please read about why ADOPTION is the BEST OPTION.

Adoption means SAVING A LIFE. As sad as it sounds, nearly 4 million animals are euthanized each year in shelters across the United States simply because there are not enough homes for them. Too many people give up their animals, don’t spay or neuter their family animals, or buy from pet stores - and too few people adopt from shelters or rescue groups. Shelters have a limited amount of space... and when they need more room, some of the animals who have been there a while and havent been adopted need to be euthanized to make room for new animals coming in (and there are so many more coming in daily). When you ADOPT an animal, you are actually saving TWO lives... you are saving the life of the animal you take home, and you are freeing up a spot for a new animal to be rescued.

’ll save MONEY. Many of us know that financially, times are tough these days. Buying an animal from a breeder or pet store can cost upwards of a thousand dollars. Adopting an animal is a significantly cheaper. Most adoption fees are less than three hundred dollars and most of the animals are vetted (vaccinated) and spayed/neutered prior to going home with you. The same amount of money you spend on adopting an animal, you’d be spending on veterinary bills for an animal you buy from a breeder or pet store in ADDITION to the purchase price. Plus, your adoption fee will include advice and guidance from a rescue worker / shelter staff.

Purebreds, galore! Despite misconceptions about shelter animals, as many as 1 in 4 animals in a shelter or rescue group are PUREBRED animals. How could this be?, you may ask. Well, sometimes when people buy purebreds, they are “impulse” buys - a family may consider a dog cute and take him home, not realizing the care and attention he needs. Or, the novelty has worn off and they no longer want that puppy now that he’s getting bigger. Sometimes, people lose their homes, end up in divorce, have babies or move into a complex that won’t take their animal, too. There are so many reasons that purebreds end up in shelters... most of them are a result of problems related to the people, not the animal. So, some one spends $1,500 on a purebred puppy... it ends up in the shelter... and you saved yourself THAT MUCH MONEY and end up with a pedigree pooch.

Variety and Customer Service. Animal shelters and rescue groups have a wide variety of animals to choose from. You can learn all about them, their temperament and even spend some time with them prior to adopting, with the help of an adoption counselor or rescue worker. This will help you make the decision about what animal is right for YOUR family and YOUR lifestyle.

PET STORE CAN = PUPPY MILL. By adopting an animal, you are saying “no” to puppy mills. Puppy mills are “factory” type breeding facilities that most times put profit above the welfare of the animals. Most dogs raised in these facilities are housed in very poor conditions with little to no medical care, human interaction, and are confined to very small cages their entire lives. They are bred over and over, again, and when they are no longer profitable they are discarded - killed, abandoned or sold at auctions. The product of these facilities - the puppies - are sold to families in pet stores, through the Internet or newspaper ads. They target whoever is willing to pay, and the families don't suspect a thing is wrong. The pups are said to have come from great “breeders” - yet buyers never get to see the facility where the pups come from. Many of the puppies that come from puppy mills have health problems that may not show for months. Puppy mills use their sales tactics to people who are not even aware of their existence. Buying puppies from these outlets is supporting this cruel industry. Adopting an animal ensures that you are not supporting puppy mills. The more people adopt, the less people buy from puppy mills... and in time, we hope that they will stop operating altogether. Your local shelter or rescue group has so many great animals... healthy, well-socialized animals needing you as much as you need them.

ADOPTION = HELPING PET OVERPOPULATION. As stated earlier, millions of animals are euthanized because of overpopulation. Too many animals, not enough loving homes. By adopting your new best friend, you are helping to reduce overpopulation. Your adoption fee goes towards saving other animals’ lives, humane education, and running the shelter.

RESCUE ANIMALS MAKE LOVING COMPANIONS. Some were abandoned, some were victims of family issues, some never had a home of their own. But all of them yearn for a fur-ever family to love them unconditionally. Many of these animals are already trained and possess house-manners. Adult animals make wonderful companions; they do not need to be trained, they sleep all night, and they already know the lay of the land.

HOLIDAY CHEER. After carefully researching the right fit for your home and lifestyle, and with some help from your local shelter or rescue group, bringing home a new fur-riend will brighten your holiday up ten-fold! Animals have been proven to not only offer us unconditional love, but to help us on a therapeutic level. Animals help us to smile, relax and enjoy each day.

They help us to feel fulfilled, as we care for them in return. They can uplift our spirits and alleviate loneliness. Animals also encourage us to exercise! The physical activity associated with caring for an animal has physical health benefits for us like lowering our blood pressure, strengthening our hearts and improving blood circulation. Animals are healthy! And they’re fun, too. They’ll add a little warmth, spunk and love to your home this Howliday season.

There are loving animals in all shapes and sizes available for adoption from your local shelter, rescue group or breed-specific rescue group. They all await a permanent home to call their own. Making wonderful animal companions is their job; yours is to find one of your own and bring him or her home, giving them a new chance at life. Adopt your new fur-riend, and save a life this howliday season.

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: Betty Smook from nose to tail she is the TOP Dog Paw Blogger with Bark Buckle UP (with a little help from Christina "Pet Safety Lady"). Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” founder of Bark Buckle UP® 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 media it over tens of thousands. Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations and impressions the first year and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s, created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family and currently launching the Pet Travel Airport tour to teach safe pet air travel to the public.

Bark Buckle UP Paw Blogger Ms Daisy Mae Barks UP Acura TSX

2010-12-17T12:35:00.000-08:00

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Pawed by Daisy Mae (with a little help from Jim Hamel) is a PAW investigative automotive blogger 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 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.”

I don’t like it when my owner Jim has to leave me in the car to go into the grocery store so imagine my horror when he left me for 3 whole days to go to San Francisco for the launch of the all-new 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon. Don’t they know who I am at Acura?
Now, I should be really mad and refuse to write this article for Jim but I was so impressed with what he told me about this new Acura wagon that I just had to report it. I am a canine journalist after all and I am devoted to my work.

Since I wasn’t present at the launch for the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon I wasn’t able to personally scribble down all of the important specifications, technical information and pricing so Jim will do that at the end of the article. I do know that sales of the Sport Wagon begin December 21st, 2010 and that the base price is just $30,950. That’s not much for a vehicle that makes most premium wagons and SUVs look kind of dumpy.

If you think a station wagon isn’t as useful as an SUV you couldn’t be more wrong. The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon has 60.5 cubic feet of cargo room when the rear seats are folded flat. There are also extenders on the side of the cargo hold for really wide items. Or really wide dogs.

What I want to say is that it’s about time a carmaker realized some dogs aren’t as young as they used to be (I am 8!) and that station wagons are the answer for those of us who have trouble leaping up into an SUV or pickup truck. My owner Jim was also especially impressed with the number of latches and hooks in the cargo area which would be perfect for securing safety harnesses or crates.

Although I have as of yet not ridden in the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon and my dear Boss Betty the TOP DOG Paw Blogger with Bark Buckle UP (we are hoping that can be rectified shortly!). I have ridden in the back of pretty much their entire lineup. So trust me when I say I know what I am talking about. (FYI—I have been in over 65 new cars, trucks and SUVs this year so far!)

Personally I think that the leather and plastic trim Acura uses in their interiors is the hardest wearing in the business. This is an important thing to consider if you are like many luxury car buyers and you bring your dog for car rides regularly. I am, of course, very easy on car interiors but I know some savage brutes who routinely leave claw marks and slobber stains wherever they go.

Jim tells me he is a big fan of station wagons like this 2011 TSX because they are just more fun to drive than most SUVs or crossovers. I can’t really vouch for that since I don’t have my driver’s license (yet) but I can say that I much prefer vehicles with low ride heights. I can’t tell you how embarrassing it is when you try to jump into a really tall vehicle and can’t quite make it up into the seat.

The saddest expression on my little face is the one I make when I have to turn to my owner to ask him to hoist me up into the back seat. I may just be a dog but I don’t like being dependent on my owner to get into the car. That just takes away from all of the fun and adventure of a car ride.
So the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is here to bring luxurious road trip adventure back into the lives of older dogs like me. And I say it’s about time.

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Pricing and Features:

The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon starts at $30,950 and comes with a 2.4 liter 201 horsepower 4-cylinder, five-speed automatic, paddle shifters, leather upholstery, dual zone climate control, power windows, power door locks and mirrors, keyless entry, XM, Bluetooth, USB/iPod integration, power moonroof, Acura 7-speaker premium 350-watt audio, roof rails, power memory driver’s seat, heated front seats and returns an EPA estimated of 22 city/30 highway.

The only upgrade is t the Tech Package which brings the price to $34,610 and adds Acura’s excellent navigation system with traffic rerouting, restaurant Zagat guide, real time traffic, real time weather, a back-up camera, the awe-inspiring Acura/ELS 415-watt Audio system with 10-speakers, 15GB hard drive of song storage, remote-linked power tailgate and GPS linked solar-sensing climate control.

About: Betty Smook from nose to tail she is the TOP Dog Paw Blogger with Bark Buckle UP (with a little help from Christina "Pet Safety Lady"). Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” founder of Bark Buckle UP® 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 media it over tens of thousands. Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations and impressions the first year and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s, created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family and currently launching the Pet Travel Airport tour to teach safe pet air travel to the public.

Pet Safety Lady Kicks off National Airport Tour from LAX

2010-12-15T14:32:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles Airport has gone to the DOGS this Holiday Season with a little help from Pet Safety Lady and her Pet Travel Tips

December 15, 2010 Los Angeles, CA - At the Holiday Season Air Travel Press Conference, representatives from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spoke about how to prepare for going through security screening. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) shared the holiday travel forecast, while the Airport Police conveyed travel safety and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) showed us hands-on what “not” to bring into the country when returning from an overseas trip. In closing, Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” founder of Bark Buckle UP, the trusted authority for pet travel safety, shared with us some tips for traveling safe with pets. Her Furry friends helped her demonstrate airline approved pet carriers, crates and a “BONE”afide pet pat down, TSA style.

Pet Safety Lady emBARKed her national airport tour live from LAX. The tour was formed to help educate pet owners on how to travel safer with their pets. “Safety starts on the way to the airport. To ensure ultimate safety, comfort and convenience for two and four-legged passengers, be sure to plan, pack and follow the rules”, said Pet Safety Lady. Her airport tour will take a giant BITE out of pet air travel commotion.

Guests were chomping at the bit to hear her Pet Air Travel Safety Tips (PATST):

Fees (average is 100.00)
Cabin or cargo: A pet under 20lb,s, which includes carrier can go in cabin. Larger pets travel as cargo. Lock your carrier and keep ID on carrier.
Check-in: A reservation for pets is required. Your pet will be your carry-on bag.
Security: Pet Pat Down TSA style may be required for some pets. Your carrier goes through the x-ray machine, but your pet is removed from its carrier and walks through with you.
Airports are required to have Pet Potty Parks (LAX has 5).*see below
Packing for pets: Be sure to bring medicines, food, toy or chew bone, ID tag, collar/harness & leash.
Size & health: Healthy to fly = current shots. All states require Rabies vaccinations and that the animal be at least eight weeks old.
Snub nose pets like a Pug cannot fly as cargo.
Airline transfers: Different carriers = you are required to pick up your pet at baggage and transfer to other carrier. When transferring with the same carrier, that airline will transfer your pet for you.
Service dogs with proper ID travel in cabin free of charge.
Weather safety restrictions apply: Above 85 degrees and below 20, degrees pets don’t fly.

*LAX has four "Pet Potty Park" where pets can take a potty break, stretch their legs while on a leash. All of the Pet Potty Parks have water-spouts with water bowls, doggie poop bag stand, trash receptacle and some have the doggie bone cement area and fire hydrant.
-One at the southeast end of the Central Terminal Area near Terminals 7-8 near
-One near TBIT (Tom Bradley International Terminal) between TBIT and Terminal 4.
-Twp fenced pet parks between Terminals 1 and 2 and across from Terminal 5 and 6 in a grass fenced in area.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation designed to help airplane passengers with service animals has gone info effect. As of 2009 all airlines must make sure there are pet relief areas, and escorts to those relief areas, for any passenger traveling with a service animal. Airlines and airports have been instructed to work together to make this happen. As a result, airports everywhere are creating, upgrading and expanding pet relief areas that are open to all.

###

Media Contact: Bark@BarkBuckleUP.com or 949-361-2275

For the full list of pet air travel tips, full release, video and quotes please visit http://www.PetSafetyLady.com and click on the airplane.
Included in the online press release are the LAX forecast, travel tips, CBP travel tips and TSA tips.

About: Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” founder of Bark Buckle UP® 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 and impressions in the first year, she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

About: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of 9/11 to movement for people and commerce. Within a year, TSA assumed responsibility for security at the nation’s airports strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of and deployed a Federal workforce to meet Congressional deadlines for screening all commercial airline passengers and baggage. In March 2003, TSA transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Homeland Security.

TSA employs a risk-based strategy to secure U.S. transportation systems, working closely with stakeholders in aviation, rail, transit, highway, and pipeline sectors, as well as the partners in the law enforcement and intelligence community. The agency will continuously set the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, technologies and use of intelligence to drive operations.

About: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s largest and most complex components, with a priority mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. It also has a responsibility for securing and facilitating trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws.

About: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the world’s busiest origin and destination (O & D) airport. O&D passengers are those beginning or ending their trips in Southern California rather than using the airport for connecting flights. In total traffic, LAX is the sixth busiest airport in the world for passengers and ranks 13th in the world in air cargo tonnage handled.

Holiday Pet Safety for Hanukkah and Christmas

2010-12-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

Learn Pet Safety Lady's recipe for a successful Pet Safe Holiday
  one part food
one part drinks
one part safety

“Deck the halls with boughs of holly…”

– Christmas trees, menorahs, mistletoe, candles, food, gifts, music, dreidels, more food, wrapping paper, ribbon, and good cheer – the Holidays are here again!

– Friends and relatives, young and old, will be tumbling through the front door as we all get together to celebrate. And our furry friends will be joining the festivities!

Potential dangers are lurking for our pets at this time of year, with thousands of pets becoming ill or seriously injured. But with a little forethought and a few minutes attention to some simple tasks you will ensure a safe and happy holiday season for your human and animal friends alike. Vet emergency rooms across the country will have a busier than usual time and these suggestions from Pet Safety Lady will ensure you and all your family and friends spend your holidays at home, happy and safe.
 We all know it is a busy time, a time of much planning, shopping, cooking and baking, rushing to and from parties and get-together 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 the holidays are great for the whole family including pets and there are some easy ways for us to put safety first for 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 and impressions in one year 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 Blogger Ms Daisy Mae Bark's About 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited

2010-12-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Bark Buckle UP's Paw Blogger Daisy Mae is digging into the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited with a little help from Jim Hamel her owner. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean that it is any good. If you go to any dog park anywhere in the country you will find at least a few dogs that are less interested in playing and more interested in sniffing their own excrement. I was brought up to be a lady so such endeavors are, to my eyes, nothing short of reprehensible.

I have a similar level of distaste for the admittedly hyper-successful 2011 Hyundai Sonata. It is so popular that it has rocketed past the Nissan Altima to become the 3rd best-selling family car in the United States. But is that to say it’s any good? Not if my previous notion about popularity is any guide.

I will admit that the Sonata marked the beginning of Hyundai’s new design language which I think looks terrific on the 2011 Tucson and upcoming 2011 Elantra. Here it just makes the Sonata look like a big banana. Perhaps the gross pearl white exterior color of my Limited tester did it no favors there. This car looks much better in dark metallic or black.

Speaking of bad color choices the interior of my test model featured the “wine” (also known by others with eyes as purple) leather trim. I was amazed at how much this leather felt like vinyl especially when I compared it to the terrific leather in the 2011 Kia Optima EX I tested a week later. Kia is owned by Hyundai and both of these family sedans are similarly priced so I don’t understand how the quality in evidence could be that much different.

I had an easy enough time hopping into the admittedly roomy back seat but my daddy always hit his head trying to latch me into the car seat buckle. I can only imagine it would be just as difficult for parents securing their children into the car seat.

One ace up the Sonata’s sleeve is trunk space—it has an overabundance of it with a class leading 16.4 cubic feet of room. Although our tester only managed a little over 22 miles per gallon over the week (well shy of the 22 city/35 highway EPA ratings), the gas tank is 18.5 gallons so there is a decent cruising range.
Lastly, my daddy really disliked the way the Sonata Limited we tested steered and handled. The steering was overly light, according to him, and one time when we went over a large bump the car bucked so hard that I flew off the back seat into the rear footwell. Thank goodness I was wearing my harness.
So I don’t really recommend the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. If you are looking for a terrific Korean family sedan with a 10 year warranty go check out the 2011 Kia Optima. You will be much happier. And safer too, I think.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited
Base Price: $25,295
Price as Tested: $28,415 (including destination)
Options on Test Vehicle: Navigation Package--$2,100 (includes touchscreen navigation, XM traffic/sports, 400-watt Infinity audio system, back-up camera), floormats--$100, pearl white paint--$200
Engine: 2.4 liter direct injected 4-cylinder
Power: 200 horsepower/186 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-60: 6.9 seconds (estimated)
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 city/35 highway
Economy as Tested: 22.6 miles per gallon
Runs on: Regular Unleaded
Fuel Tank Size: 18.5 gallons
Trunk Size: 16.4 cubic feet
Curb Weight: 3,300 lbs. (estimated)
Crash Test Ratings: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”
Warranty: 5 years/60,000 mile bumper to bumper
10 year/100,000 mile powertrain
Assembled in: Montgomery Alabama
North American Parts Content: 41%
Vehicle Provided by: Hyundai

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.

About: 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 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.”

Doggie NO More Jump

2010-12-10T08:21:00.000-08:00

As Pawed by Ursa one of Bark Buckle UP's Paw Bloggers and of course with a little help from Camille Adams founder of Mission: P.E.T.S. So you’ve got this adorable dog, and he is just wonderful! You love him with all your heart, but, he’s got this one problem... he jumps on you, and visitors, all the time!
If he’s a small dog, you may not be too concerned. On the other hand, maybe your dog is pushing 100 lbs. Jumping up to say hello and score a lick of your face may not be so cute anymore now that he’s all grown up. Don’t fret, your dog is normal... and you can break the habit.

Before you try to correct the behavior, it’s best to understand why he is jumping. Despite what some may think, dogs don’t just jump “out of nowhere” for “no reason.” Jumping up is normal behavior for a dog, as is mouthing. If you ever have the chance to watch a litter of puppies interacting, you’ll notice they jump all over each other and on their parents, as well. These are instinctual ways to play, and to learn how to assert dominance over one another. Another reason your dog may be jumping is because he may have been rewarded, at one time, for jumping up to say hello to someone. If your friend pet and loved Fido for jumping up to say hello, he thinks he did something good! And he wants more pets and love from everyone!

You can try to determine why your dog is jumping. Is he jumping up on guests because he is excited and wants to play? Is he jumping up to let them know he is the man of the house? Also, pay close attention to whether or not you are encouraging the behavior. Some people let their dogs jump up when “they feel like it.” You may like to get “hugs” from Fido when you come home, but when he jumps up on a child he can easily knock her over. Your dog doesn’t know how to distinguish when it’s acceptable or not. Consistency, as with most training techniques, will be key in correcting the behavior.

What NOT to do

When your dog jumps, yelling out phrases like “NO!” or “GET DOWN!” may not make sense to Fido, especially if “down” means to lay down (as in most training classes). Yelling and punishing your dog with anger and frustration can actually raise your dog’s excitement level even more. It’s not the words you use that will stop Fido from jumping, but it is your approach and demeanor.

And, most importantly, do not encourage him to jump by petting him when he does so. This will only confuse him, as you are telling him “jumping is acceptable.”

What TO DO

In many professional training classes, the first tool utilized is the “body block.” It’s like an introductory step to the rest of the techniques we will be discussing. When Fido jumps at you, block your body and twist away from him, sideways, so his paws have nothing to lean on, and he’ll end up back on all fours. Make sure to have all guests who enter your home follow the same routine as you are “in training” with Fido. Do not let him get his paws on you!

If he jumped too quickly, and you were unable to turn away from him, just turn and walk away. By pushing him away, or getting excitable/frustrated, he may think, “Yay! They’re playing with me!” Just ignore him, you need not say anything.
In both scenarios, once Fido has all fours on the ground, tell him to “sit.” When he sits, immediately reward him with lots of love and pets. You can squat down to his level, and let him lick your face there! Fido will soon learn that sitting means attention and affection. And by teaching him an alternative behavior, the one you want to encourage him to do, he will soon be encouraged not to jump.

In addition to teaching him to “sit” for affection, many trainers also suggest other alternatives to jumping. There are many ways to implement positive reinforcement to eliminate jumping up.

As mentioned earlier, always remain calm and confident. Training your dog will prove to be much more of a pleasant experience, and will be far more effective, quicker, if you refrain from frustration and anger.

When you come home from being out, do not go crazy over seeing Fido. Walk in calmly, and ignore him for a few moments. This will teach him that someone entering the home does not equal excitement (and jumping). When he is sitting, say hello and pet him. Again, encouraging the sitting behavior and letting him know that greetings are done at this level, they are not done by jumping up to reach the person’s level.

Another useful tool is the “off” command. This can be used for other behaviors aside from jumping, also. You can tell the dog “off” when he jumps up on the counter, the couch, and so forth. You can add this in while blocking your body and turning away from him. Just say it once, in a firm but calm manner. As soon as Fido gets “off” and sits, reward him with lots of praise or a treat. Again, make sure that everyone entering your house practices the same commands or techniques as you do to ensure consistency.

Other trainers promote “sitting” instead of jumping by offering rewards at the dog’s level when people enter the home (or in any situation where you know Fido loves to jump up). Ding Dong! The doorbell rings, and Fido comes a-running. He is excited, tail-wagging. Now imagine, as soon as the door opened, some one held out a treat at his eye level. Would Fido still jump? Doubtful. He’d probably be busy enjoying his yummy snack. If you would like to practice this training tool, keep a treat closed in your hand, with your hand at your side all the way down to Fido’s level. At first, let him take the treat right away. Once he gets the hang of it, and stops jumping up to greet people (because now, the good stuffs on his level!) you can begin closing your fist so he cannot get the treat. Eventually he will learn to sit down, or back away because he cannot get it out of your hand. Once he sits, reward him with the treat immediately and praise him. This is another way to encourage him to sit down instead of jumping up.

Whichever technique you choose, remember to be consistent and allow several weeks to decide if the behavior is improving. A jumping dog can be scary for children and even for people who may be fearful of dogs. You can be an advocate for dogs by showing everyone how well-trained and lovable they can be!

As with all training, each dog is an individual and may require more or less training, and the use of different techniques. If you are still experiencing jumping after several weeks of consistent training, seek out a professional trainer in your area. The hands-on training may be just what you need to curb Fido’s jumping.

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.

KUSI Pet Holiday Travel with Pet Safety Lady

2010-12-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's the holidays and you are probably planning trips or spending time driving to relatives for celebrations. We seem to always remember to buckle our seatbelts and to drive safely but what about keeping our pets safe while riding in the car?

Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Program is getting the word out about their doggy seatbelts and pet safety kits. Joining KUSI's David Davis and KUSI'a car expert Dave Stall was Christina, the Pet Safety Lady with Bark Buckle Up to show us how to travel safely with your pets.

WATCH THE FULL TV
MORNING NEWS SEGMENT
HERE: KUSI

2011 Subaru Tribeca "Madison and the Dogs Dig the Subaru"

Ruff Rider Roadie Dog Travel Harness
Green Doggie Bags (ECO friendly)
SleepyPod: Small pet carrier, bed and carseat all in one
BambooPet waste shovel & scooper
Sturdi Products:Pets Carriers: Car-GO, SturdiBage and the StrudiTote
PoopPAC: BAG IT - PAC IT - TRASH IT
PetBuckle: Tether to secure crates, carriers and travel harness

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 and impressions in one year plus Christina has directed, produced several pet safety PSAs and created Be Smart Ride Safe to spread the message, take the pledge Buckle UP the whole family.

Dave Stall is a 30-year car industry professional. He's an experienced service and parts director, supporting all import and domestic automobile manufacturers. Dave also taught an automotive consumer class at San Diego City College for 13 years.
His goal was to educate the public in dealing with the "ins and outs" of the automotive industry. Currently, he writes for the North County Times, the East Californian and also does a consumer and road test show on KUSI News. And if that's not enough, he hosts a car club show on wsradio.ws on the Internet! Dave presents the material in a straightforward approach, while sharing their listener's enthusiasm for cars and driving.

Bark Buckle UP Paw Blogger Ms Daisy Mae Bark's About 2011 Kia Optima EX

2010-12-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Bark Buckle UP's Paw Blogger Daisy Mae is digging into the Kia Optima EX (with a little help from Jim Hamel). I am used to getting a lot of attention wherever I go. Most of the time it is because I am so adorable but there are other times I cannot take credit for causing a stir. Since I road test new cars for a living sometimes people are attracted by the vehicles I am riding in.

Yes, my harness makes me look precious but this 2011 Kia Optima EX I recently tested had people asking my owner about it wherever he went. And why shouldn’t they? This is one terrific looking car that, like me, has beauty that runs far deeper than its good looks.

No car in either my daddy or my experience has gotten more attention than this. Well, the experimental Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen sedan got more attention but I was never allowed to ride in that because apparently two cast members from the TV show “Glee” rode to a White House dinner in the back. My daddy loves that show almost as much as he loves me and that’s a whole heck of a lot! That isn’t to say that I am not still bitter about never getting a ride.

I, along with most everyone who saw the 2011 Kia Optima, was hugely impressed with how it looked and the level of quality in evidence in the interior. The plastics, leather, wood and metal used were all of near-Audi levels of quality. I have been in an Audi or two and I know they are the best at interiors.
It’s amazing that Kia has been able to create an interior of this quality and charge so little for it. My tester may have had an MSRP of over $27,000 but it felt like a $35,000 car so that price is okay in my eyes. The trunk is also positively cave-like at 15.4 cubic feet. That means this is the perfect car for hauling 80 lb. bags of kibble!

How does it compare with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
Kia is owned by Hyundai and the 2011 Optima is based on the same platform as the 2011 Sonata. As it so happens I tested a Sonata back to back with the Optima and was floored at how different they were. My daddy and I felt the Optima outclassed the Sonata in both styling and quality of interior materials.

Not only did my daddy also think the Optima handled and steered with more precision and control but he also had an easier time latching me into the belt buckle in the backseat of the Optima. The Sonata’s rear roofline dips low and it was easy for him to hit his head.

The Optima is also less expensive than the Sonata Limited we tested but came with more features like rear seat heaters, a panoramic full length sunroof, a steering wheel heater and cooled front seats. Less expensive, more stuff, better built and better looking? It sounds like the 2011 Kia Optima EX is the obvious choice here.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Kia Optima EX
Base Price: $22,495
Price as Tested: $27,555 (including destination)
Options on Test Model: Premium Package--$2,250 (includes panoramic sunroof, power passenger seat, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, wood/metal trim), EX Technology Package--$2,000 (includes navigation with back-up camera, 8-speaker Infinity audio system), Floormats--$115
Engine: 2.4 liter direct injected 4-cylinder
Power: 200 horsepower/186 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-60: 6.9 seconds (estimated)
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 city/35 highway
Economy as Tested: 25.8 miles per gallon
Runs on: Regular Unleaded
Fuel Tank Size: 18.5 gallons
Trunk Size: 15.4 cubic feet
Curb Weight: 3,223 lbs.
Crash Test Ratings: Not yet tested at time of writing
Warranty: 5 years/60,000 mile bumper to bumper
10 years/100,000 mile powertrain
Vehicle Assembled in: Korea
Vehicle Provided by: Kia Motors America
Photos Provided by: Todd M. Allen of TacAir Photography

Link to TacAir Photography webpage— http://tacair.zenfolio.com/

About:
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 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.”

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.

How to Choose the Right Puppy Temperament WISE

2010-12-09T08:08:00.001-08:00

As Pawed by Ursa one of Bark Buckle UP's Paw Bloggers and of course with a little help from Camille Adams founder of Mission: P.E.T.S. The temperament of a puppy is vital to the overall peace of your household. Choosing the right puppy will ensure that everyone in the family is happy and healthy. And even though temperament testing can be tricky, there are simple things to look for that can help anyone to spot red flags. Remember, your puppy is shaped by three basic elements: genetic health, inherited temperament and environment.

It's in the Genes... Much of a pup's temperament and health is genetic. By taking a close look at mom and dad (if this is a possibility), you should be able to get an idea of what your pup will be like when he or she "grows up."

Your pup's health will affect his or her overall behavior. The more you know about your pup's lineage, the better to determine whether your dog will have good health. Of course, if you are adopting a pup, you may not have access to this type of information. A health check at your local veterinarian should provide you with answers about your pup's overall health.

In additional to medical inheritance, your puppy can carry on traits from his or her lineage. As you know, no two breeds of dog are identical. Each one has its own set of physical and temperamental traits. Most of the time, as a potential dog owner, you choose a breed based on its consistent behavioral qualities. Some breeds are more obedient than others, some breeds are more active than others. It's important to learn about your pup before you take him or her home...this way, you know if the behaviors of your pup's breed match your lifestyle and desires. If you are choosing to adopt a mixed breed, you can read up about the qualities in the breeds present in your puppy.

But, remember, each pup is different...even dogs from the same litter can have completely opposite personalities and temperament. Breed generalities are just that -- a general rule of thumb to go by when picking what breed is right for you. It's always important to make sure the individual pup fits your household, too.

Nature or Nurture
When choosing a puppy, there are several basic elements to look for in his or her behavior. One way to test your pup's personality is to restrain the puppy gently with his or her belly facing up. It is crucial to know what you want in a dog before you determine what to look for as his or her response. A puppy who struggles to get up may be a good working dog, where as a puppy who stays still and lets you rub his or her belly may be the more relaxed pup that would fit perfect in your quiet home. Keep in mind, a still puppy can also mean he or she is nervous. Another test is to lift the pup up into the air and notice the level of resistance you receive. Does your pup like to be held close to you and snuggle up, or is he or she shaking, fearful? Or maybe the pup is squirming and uncomfortable being held up in the air?

Walk around and notice the pup's level of interest in you. Kneel and call the puppy over. Does he or she respond? This test will show you how interested your puppy is in humans. Do you want a more independent pooch or a cuddle partner? As always, it's essential to know this ahead of time before testing your pup for the behaviors that suit your needs.

Make some noise, walk around, act as you normally would...and notice how the pup reacts to you. Is he or she frightened by the commotion or comfortable with your activity?

These tests should be performed several times in order to ensure accuracy. However, the way your puppy is today when you choose which one is right for you may not be the way your puppy acts months after being in your home. Experiences your pup encounters early in life will shape his temperament just as much as any genetic inheritance, if not more so.

It's important your pup has been well socialized, and that you continue to socialize him or her after welcoming him or her home. This is vital to creating a well-balanced dog; make sure to socialize your pup with people of all ages, as well as with other animals. Take your pup places to make sure he or she can adapt to changes in the environment. This will have a strong effect on the behavior and temperament of your pup later on in life.

The Right Pup for the Right Home
These are just general rules of thumb to utilize when choosing your best friend. Remember, any puppy can be trained and conditioned to behave properly. Environmental factors will influence your pooch's life more so than any other. By providing guidance, consistency, training and unconditional love, your pup -- and your home -- will be well balanced! Enjoy the puppy days...however hectic they may be!

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's Paw Reporter Daisy Mae Digs Cadillac CTS

2010-12-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

As Pawed by Daisy Mae (with a little help from Jim Hamel). A girl could get used to living like this. The Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon I am testing right now is the top of the line Premium Edition which means it has a panoramic sunroof over my head, premium audio (I am a dog but I do love listening to music!), navigation (my owner gets lost without one) and the most buttery leather I have ever rested my backside on.

There is enough room in the back seat for one large breed dog like me but if you have two they had better get along as the CTS Sport Wagon is not all that wide. And don’t try loading them in through the cargo area because the 25 cubic feet of space is accessed through a very narrow load aperture. Yes, I am a dog who knows how to use the word aperture in a sentence. It’s not as rare a talent as you might think in the canine community.

The CTS Sport Wagon’s ultimate lack of interior room is odd to find in a Cadillac since one of the historic virtues of the brand was the epic size of its cars. In the CTS even the knobs on the dash and the power window switches appear made for tiny humans.

Why is it that automakers from other countries super size their interiors for our market and Cadillac shrinks them? It’s not like Cadillac sells a lot of cars outside of the United States. This sort of universality for different markets makes sense in a BMW or Mercedes. Cadillac can afford to be as American as it wants to be and right now the interior of the CTS doesn’t make you want to sing “Born in the USA.” See, I told you I liked music.

Daisy’s Likes:

Very stylish
Well built, feature laden interior
Perfect for one large breed dog who doesn’t like to ride with other dogs
Easy to locate D-ring attachments

Daisy’s Dislikes:

Limited cargo space
Cramped rear seat
Small rear window cutout makes it hard to get a breeze

About Daisy: Who is Daisy Mae, she is a Bark Buckle UP PAW automotive writer. 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 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.”

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 and impressions for 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.

Vehicle Tested: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Premium Edition
Base Price: $39,090
Premium Edition Base Price: $48,665
Price as Tested: $51,215
Options on Tester: (19-inch Summer Tire Performance Package: $2,090)—19 inch polished aluminum wheels, 19 inch summer tires, sport suspension, steering wheel mounted shifters, performance brakes, performance cooling system, (Compact Spare Tire: $250), (Cargo Tray: $100), (Underhood Appearance Package: $100).
Engine: 3.6 liter V6 engine
Power: 304 horsepower, 273 lb. feet of torque
0-60: 5.8 seconds (estimated)
Economy: 18 city/26 highway
Economy as Tested: 17 miles per gallon
Recommended Fuel: Regular Unleaded
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Cargo Area: 25 cubic feet (behind second row), 58 cubic feet (behind first row)
Warranty: 4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper coverage
5 year/100,000 mile powertrain coverage
Crash Test: (NHTSA)—front driver (4 stars)
Front passenger—(five stars)
Side Impact (both sides)—(five stars)
Rollover—(four stars)

Find more information on the Cadillac CTS Sports Wagon on Yahoo or Google and of course on the Cadillac websites.

Paw Reporter DIGS Trimline Recovery Collar

2010-12-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

Trimline review as Pawed by Ursa one of Bark Buckle UP's Paw Reporters (with a little help from Camille Adams founder of Mission: P.E.T.S.).

The Trimline Recovery Collar was a lifesaver for me... and my 1 year old daughter... and my home!

When our Rottweiler, Ursa, had to undergo several amputee surgeries on her front, right leg, she was forced to wear the “cone” (the Elizabethan collar) for over two months. It became apparent that this was not a situation that was working out to everyone’s benefit. Ursa was bumping into walls (chipping paint!) and furniture, and knocking down our 1 year old daughter. She was waking her from naps due to the loud banging noises as she tried to maneuver throughout the rooms (and those nap times are cherished - they are few and far between!).

I soon realized something had to change since Ursa had to continue to wear the collar for an indefinite amount of time to keep her from getting at the wound-site and her growing tumors. As a relentless and resourceful Rottweiler, and as such she could not be left alone without a cone on. I decided to try the Trimline Recovery Collar. Let’s just say I haven’t used anything else since! It’s soft material prevented scratches to my walls and wood furniture, and no more loud banging noises as Ursa navigates the house! Being soft also provides another bonus... no more boo-boo’s for our daughter! Additionally, it can be bent backwards so that Ursa can see everything... except her leg! OK - and one more thing - get this! She can even chew her bone with the collar on! An impossible feat with the regular cone. Ursa can drink water, eat, chew... without having to take the cone on and off. It’s so flexible, she can resume normal everyday activities without interruption.

The Trimline Recovery Collar is an absolute MUST-HAVE for anyone who has animals undergoing surgery or recovering from wounds, etc. to prevent them from licking or biting. Dealing with Ursa’s disease is painful and challenging enough; this collar gave us peace of mind with little to no hassle at a time when we needed it most.

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 Reviews the Toyota RAV4

2010-11-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

"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?

2010-11-22T11:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Puppy Nips Bite - Control Your Pup’s Mouthing

2010-10-29T10:17:00.001-07:00

Written By: Camille L. Adams a contributor for Bark Buckle UP from Mission P.E.T.S.

If you have never had a puppy before, it may not be such a pleasant surprise to learn that puppies can be very mouthy...frequently biting everything, even you! This is a very common behavior for puppies, but can become a large problem down the road if it is not handled properly right away.

Your Pup is Normal

Remember, puppy biting or mouthing is instinctual. Your puppy is not the only one, and he or she is not “bad” because of this. Biting or nipping is one way that pups establish their “place” in a pack. Although normal, what is harmless for a ten-pound pup may not be so cute once Fido reaches fifty pounds! And those of us with puppies know that those baby teeth are like razors! Ouch!

It’s important to discourage this behavior right away so that your pup doesn’t continue the habit into adulthood. Sometimes, puppy biting can be an attempt to establish dominance, and once Fido thinks he’s in charge, it’s going to be hard work to try to take back the role later on.

Prevention & Training Are Essential

You can start training your puppy immediately! During the teething phase, especially, training should be constant and consistent. With a little bit of effort from your family, puppy biting can be controlled and eventually, eliminated. What’s more, training develops a bond between you and your pup -- and will let Fido know you are in charge from early on.

It’s important to understand that when puppies get excited by their environments, they express this by biting, barking and chasing. Some puppies, possibly due to their breed, may have a stronger pull toward these behaviors than others. Especially in regards to quickly moving objects, puppies cannot control their automatic desire to “chase” and nip. Many dog attacks occur because of this canine instinct to “chase and grab.” It is important to always supervise your puppy and children at play. Children move quickly and have a very excited energy that may draw your puppy in for some nipping and chasing!

A calm household is ideal for training puppies, however, not always possible. Some simple things you can try are to avoid playing rough with your puppy - or with family members - and by keeping the tone down in your home. Avoid shouting and screaming. It may seem fun, but teasing Fido can lead to excited nipping and biting.

How to Train Your Pup

You’ve now got the basics to try to avoid some of the excitement that causes biting and mouthing, but what next?

Every pup is unique, so your method of training will be specific to your particular puppy. There are guidelines you can follow and tips you can use to find what works best for Fido. Remember, consistency is key so any method you try - give it a couple of weeks before you decide it’s not working.

Here are some techniques for correcting the biting behavior:
When your puppy goes to bite you, redirect the biting to one of Fido’s chew toys. As soon as your pup goes to bite you, give him or her a firm “no” and replace your hand (or whatever else your pup was going to bite) with the chew toy instead. For teething puppies, you can also try ice cubes or frozen teething toys.

Another method that is very popular because of its success is making the pup think he or she is hurting you when you get bit. This technique mimics how puppies in a litter react to each other. When play is too rough, the hurt puppy will yelp. Try letting out an “ouch” every time Fido nips you. This works best when you catch the puppy off guard with your yelp. Immediately pull away and stop playing with your puppy after you yelp to let him or her know that you were hurt. This will teach Fido that when he bites, he loses his playmate.

Try spraying your pup with a water bottle when he or she bites you. Some puppies will run away to avoid the water spray. A similar concept, some pet owners have had great success with filling an empty container with coins or rocks. When Fido goes to bite you, say “no” and shake the can. This works best if the pup is caught off guard by the rattling noise. Make sure to pay attention to how your pup reacts because some will think the water bottle or rattling-container are for play, and will act up worse. In this case, stop this method immediately and try another.

Begin teaching the “leave it” or “off” command. This technique is better for older puppies that have longer attention spans. Hold a handful of the puppy’s dry food, close your hand and say “off” or “leave it.” After a few seconds, if the puppy has not touched your hand, say “take it” or “OK” and give him a piece of food. You are teaching Fido that “off” or “leave it” means not to touch. This can later be applied to biting and nipping once your pup is familiar with the command.

Enroll your puppy in an obedience class where he or she will have the ability to socialize with other puppies. Usually, puppy classes begin when Fido is around six months old and has had his Rabies vaccination. Interaction with other puppies, and help from a professional trainer, will reinforce all the work you are doing at home.

Always praise and reinforce good behavior! Whenever your puppy acts appropriately, give him or her plenty or praise and affection maybe even a treat!

Never Forget the Golden Rule

Remember, the most important part of training your puppy is consistency and repetition. Because of their short attention spans, puppies learn through repetition. Remember to be patient and consistent - applying the same techniques or commands, or by correcting your pup, every time he or she bites or nips.

This applies equally to all aspects of puppy training. Patient, calm yet firm and consistent correction and training - with praise for good behavior - will have outstanding rewards in the long run.

When welcoming a puppy into your home, you can also try buying some books or DVD’s to help teach you about your particular breed, or about training your puppy at home. There is a wide selection to choose from for purchase and what’s more, training shows on television are becoming very popular. Channels like Animal Planet and National Geographic feature several obedience and behavior shows that are very informative.

If your pup is still nipping and biting, try consulting a professional trainer. Once you find the right technique for Fido and your family, you’ll be able to enjoy your puppy’s company...pain-free!

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.

Driving Miss Daisy’s Canine Car Reviews: 2010 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition

2010-10-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

2010 F-150 Ford Harley Davidson Edition as Pawed by Daisy Mae (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 ">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.”

When my daddy first opened the back door of the 2010 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition I tested last week, I quite literally thought it was a monster that was trying to eat me. And no, it wasn’t because the “Lava” exterior color looked vaguely like purple in direct sunlight.

No, I started calling this 2010 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition the “Purple Puppy Eater” because I was terrified of the automatic power running boards that descended from the body of the truck every time the doors were opened. Thankfully my daddy figured out a way to turn them off! B

These automatic running boards are a standard feature when you get the special Harley Davidson Edition of the admittedly pet safe and dog friendly Ford F-150. I may have disliked them intensely but there might be other dogs out there who might find the step useful. I, however, am a bit of a diva.

The first time I saw the power running boards I cowered behind my daddy’s legs and eventually he had to hoist me against my will into the admittedly very spacious back seat. Of course my daddy never has me ride in the front seat of any vehicle. That is because even if your dog is wearing a safety harness in the front seat, he or she can be easily killed by an airbag in the event of a collision.

And why would any dog want to ride in the front seat of the F-150 anyway when the rear seats are so comfortable and roomy? There is a ton of human legroom in the back and that makes for a very wide space that I liked to use to jump into the back.

I am older so I can’t jump as high as a puppy so I would usually jump onto the floor of the truck cabin where humans put their feet and then I would hop up onto the seat. That’s when my daddy would put on my safety harness and attach it to one of the very wide and easy to access car seat buckles.

I don’t like to stick my head out the window because I think that’s dangerous but I do love that wind in the fur feeling. And I got plenty of it thanks to rear windows that roll all the way down. The leather seats in the Harley Davidson Edition of the F-150 were two-tone (black and dark cherry) and felt very durable.

The plastics were also impressively scratchproof unlike the kind you find in the Toyota Tundra. I tested one of those earlier this year and was not impressed with the plastics. The F-150 kind of feels like a luxury car inside and is quite stylish when compared to the more utilitarian interiors of the aforementioned Tundra and the 2010 Dodge Ram.

I also tested a Dodge Ram earlier this year and found that it was easier to get into and out of than either the F-150 or Tundra. I think that my daddy loved the 2010 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition most because he loves gadgets. It came with the cool Sync system, Bluetooth, a Sony audio system (so he could listen to something called “Lady Gaga” really loud), navigation, a back-up camera (which was not available with the Ram we tested) and even the $350 “Man Step.”

What is a “Man Step?” Well, I can tell you one thing. It is not a “Dog Step” because I had no interest in using it. If you want to read more about my daddy’s experience with the “Man Step” click HERE. Otherwise, I give the 2010 Ford F-150 two paws up as long as those automatic running boards are turned off.

Daisy’s Likes
It looks classy and expensive
Lots of cool electronic features
Easy to find car seat attachment points for her safety harness
Wide and comfortable rear seat
Well built, stylish and sturdy interior

Daisy’s Dislikes
Automatic running boards scared me
Not sure about the color scheme
2010 Dodge Ram back seat is easier to access
Pricey at $45,995

Read more from Jim, Daisy's Dad on Examiner

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.

An Introduction to Fitness for Dogs and Cats

2010-10-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

Just like we need a fitness regimen to maintain good health, our pets also require the same! The most important factor to your pet's fitness regimen is none of their than YOU - the owner! Without your help, your pet can't possibly create a routine or decide to get up and get going!

With busy work schedules, errands and social lives, it can become difficult to find the time your pets require to maintain optimal health. The key is to build your own exercise routine along with your pet's! Develop a schedule where you pencil in "exercise" time just as if you were scheduling an appointment. This system makes it less likely for you to "skip" your time together.

So, how much time do you pencil in? Many experts believe that thirty minutes, four times a week is sufficient. If you have the time to devote, a daily routine would be preferential! These standards are set for pets of normal health, and if you feel your pet has any physical limitations or disabilities, you should consult with your local veterinarian before creating a fitness plan.

If you have a dog, there are many options out there for your fitness routine! Some games or exercise methods that work for dogs are:

- A long walk around the neighborhood or a park
- Take your dog on a jog with you, roller-blade alongside your dog, or bike ride with your dog on your side
- Play a competitive game of fetch
- If your dog loves the water, go swimming together or play a retrieval game in the water
- Choose a game that you and your pet enjoy that gets your blood pumping, and have fun with it!

If you own a cat, the type of exercise you engage in can differ dramatically from that of a dog. Cats enjoy romping, chasing and wrestling in their natural environment. They also like chasing toys or objects where their instincts kick in to stalk and pounce. When choosing a fitness regimen for your cat, there are many interactive exercises to choose from to keep your kitty entertained.
Some exercises you can try to keep your cat in good health are:

- Play a game of fetch with a furry mouse toy or other small "prey" item your cat will enjoy
- Feather toys or other toys with handles or tied to strings will keep your kitty entertained
- Throw a toy ball for your cat to chase
- Catnip toys will hold your kitty's attention
- Try other toys or items that you find your cat loves and have a good time with it!

Whichever game you choose to play with your beloved cat, just remember to keep it going for at least fifteen minutes twice a day to benefit your cat's health and happiness.

Don't forget about your pet's diet! Just as diet is important to us as part of our overall health, your pet is no different. A dog or cat who exercises a minimum of 30 minutes, four times a week may need more nutrients than a couch-potato pet. If your pet is overweight and you'd like to implement a diet plan into the overall health regimen, you can try a lower calorie food. Before deciding on a diet for your pet, be sure to check with your local veterinarian or health food provider. You can always do your own research to supplement the advice given to you by local professionals.

By practicing an exercise routine and diet plan with your pet, you are on your way to better health for both of you! The benefits you will experience are worth the effort and hard work.

Some benefits you'll receive from your dedication:

Your dog or cat will begin to gain social skills by interacting with you and the outside world, if you choose to take your pet out of your home for your routine
The bond between you and your pet will begin to strengthen and you will become more of a "pack," making your home a happier and healthier place for both of you
Many times, exercise or play will reinforce discipline, which is health for your pet
Pets who experience mental and physical stimulation tend to have fewer behavioral problems
As the owner, you will be exercising alongside your pet for a healthier, happier life
Overall, your pet's mental and physical health will improve, allowing him or her to lead a longer, happier life with you as part of your family.

Written By: Camille Adams from Mission: P.E.T.S.
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.

Dog licking driver causes accident that KILLED a man

2010-10-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

Man turns self in after fatal accident Says his dog distracted him

Updated: Monday, 11 Oct 2010, 10:58 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 11 Oct 2010, 10:54 PM EDT
Jamie Muro

Westport, Conn. (WTNH) - A Westport man is now facing charges in a fatal crash that happened last April.

Saturday, 22-year-old Brian Taplinger of Belaire Drive finally turned himself in at the Westport Police Department saying he was distracted by his dog at the time of the accident.

On April 29th, Taplinger presumably left his home with his terrier mix in his 2005 Volvo. According to Westport Police, Taplinger was driving a 2005 Volvo on Greens Farms Road and struck a 1990 Acura head on.

The driver of the Acura was 70-year-old Geoffrey Reynolds, who died from his injuries on May 9th.

In a strange turn of events, police say Taplinger Saturday reported that his dog jumped into his lap causing him to lose control of the car.

Taplinger was released on a $10,000 bond and will appear in court on October 20th.

He is charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, a charge that could cost him $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Full article can be seen online, however Pet Safety Lady, founder of Bark Buckle UP stated, "this is what we have been teaching for years, buckle up the whole family, loose pets are driver distraction and cause accidents".

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 372 news segments, directed and produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

see video here

Driving Ms Daisy Mae Mazda CX-7 Gets Paws UP

2010-10-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

As Pawed by Daisy Mae (with a little help from Jim Hamel)the Mazda CX-7 gets PAWS UP. 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 http://www.examiner.com/honda-and-acura-in-national/james-hamel">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.”

When most people think of a “dog friendly” or “pet safe” vehicle, their minds usually turn to that modern day “mommy and me” station wagon now called the SUV or crossover. Either way, SUVs and crossovers feature an elevated ride height that 98% of people will never use. Does that strike anyone else as being kind of pointless given the laws of physics and top heaviness? Yes, I am better educated that your children! I went to private school.

So what can a dog lover do if they aren’t really excited about a new SUV? Enter the positively wagon-like 2010 Mazda CX-7 iSport.

Since my human companion writes about automobiles for his job he tends to talk about them a lot. I really learned a lot from sitting and listening to him talking about his new cars. A lot of times I just tune him out too. He can talk a long time. Maybe you can talk to your dog about some special interest and you could become an all new Canine Investigative Reporter!

I know, I am a dog so what do I know about ride, handling, horsepower and steering? I know that when they are properly calibrated in unison they can turn an average transportation appliance into something your chauffer will always relish driving. A vehicle with predictably linear steering, a smooth ride, and roll free cornering that encourages him to drive this SUV faster not slower.

The five-passenger 2010 Mazda CX-7 (the larger 2010 Mazda CX-9 SUV fits 7-paggengers) has a very low step in height which allows me to jump easily into the cargo hold or into the back seat. I am 8-years old and sometimes my sight and jumping ability isn’t what it used to be.

Considering the never ending financial chaos that is a fact of daily life, it is no wonder that the least expensive compact SUVs are finally getting the credibility they deserve. There was a time when people laughed at you for driving a Toyota RAV4 but I can guarantee that nobody is going to laugh at you for buying a 2010 or 2011 Mazda CX-7.

While my human companion was unsure if the exaggerated exterior wheel-arch design on the 2010 Mazda CX-7 would quickly make this SUV look dated, I think that this stylistically “out there” move really kept the CX-7 from suffering such an unpleasant fate. But once you drive (or ride in) the 2010 Mazda CX-7, you will learn quickly that no compact crossover drives as much like a station wagon as the CX-7. And, yes, that is a complement.

Although the iSport specific 2.5 liter 161 horsepower/161 lb. feet of torque 4-cylinder does not have a turbo like more expensive CX-7 variants, my test unit had plenty of pep. Quite frankly it felt just as fast as the RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V. Granted, you may need to occasionally plan passing maneuvers at freeway speeds as this is still a bluff sided, relatively heavy car. Fuel economy is so-so at 21.8 miles per gallon.

The interior is well worth the affordable entry price as it features dual zone climate control, power driver’s seat, halogen headlamps, heated seats, power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, all of the expected power goodies, a back-up camera, Sirius satellite radio and much more. The final total just came to a reasonable $24,490.

My last concern is with the 2010 Mazda CX-7’s Auxiliary input jack that is offered in place of a USB/iPod connectivity port. I find auxiliary input jacks to be very distracting for my daddy as he always has to look down at the iPod to pick artists, albums or playlists. Doesn’t anyone at Mazda have an iPod, iPhone or iPad?

Daisy’s Likes
· Exterior Styling
· Low Jump in Height
· Easy to access D-latches for safety harness.
· Durable feeling cloth and plastic.

Daisy’s Dislikes
· Interior was black cloth that is not very easy to clean. It shows the fur more than the brown.
· Daisy would always want the turbocharged variant but that’s only because it is faster.
Vehicle Tested: 2010 Mazda CX-7i Sport
Base Price: $22,490
Price as Tested: $25,690 (including destination)
Options on Tester: Sirius satellite radio : ($430), Rear bumper guard : ($125), Scuff Plates : ($145), Convenience Package—(includes heated front seats, power moonroof, back-up camera, power driver’s seat, automatic climate control) : ($1,750)
Engine: 2.5 liter 4-cylinder
Power: 161 horsepower/161 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
0-60: 10 seconds (estimated)
Fuel Economy (EPA): 20 city/28 highway
Fuel Economy as Tested: 21.8 miles per gallon
Fuel Tank Size: 16.4 gallons
Runs on: Regular Unleaded
Tow Capacity: 1,500 pounds
Cargo Volume (rear seats in place): 29.9 cubic feet
(Second Row Folded): 58.6 cubic feet
Crash Test Ratings (NHTSA): Front driver/passenger—(5 stars both sides)
Side Impact: front seat/rear seat—(5 stars front and back)
Rollover Protection: 4 stars
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 mile bumper to bumper
5 years/60,000 mile powertrain
Vehicle Assembled in: Hiroshima, Japan
Vehicle Provided by: Mazda USA
For More Information on Automotive Pet Safety: BarkBuckleUp.com
BeSmartRideSafe.com

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 372 news segments, directed and produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Driving Ms Daisy Mae Hyundai Tucson Gets Paws UP

2010-10-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

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 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.”

As pawed by Daisy Mae: Dogs are eternal optimists, always seeing the good in people and always hopeful that tomorrow will be a better day. This is true even if we are stuck in a pound or rescue somewhere without a home, love and true friendship. But when I heard I was going to be testing a 2011 Hyundai Tucson SUV, even I had my doubts.

Even dogs know Hyundais used to be, um, dogs. Wow, that verbiage sure sounds “dog-ist” now that I think about it. Well, I sure am glad that I gave the 2011 Hyundai Tucson a chance because, despite a few flaws, it is the best bargain compact SUV on the market today.

Come on, my well equipped GLS test model cost just a bit over $21,000 and came with standard Bluetooth and USB/iPod connectivity. Both of these features help my human companion keep his eyes on the road. You also get a full 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty that covers the engine and transmission. That’s 70 whole dog years!

So why is it important to dogs that the drivers of the cars they ride around in aren’t distracted? Well, I may be buckled in safely in the back seat but I’d much rather never have to use my safety restraint harness, if you get what I mean.

Also, if there’s a side impact where I am sitting I will be relying on very powerful airbags to save me. They could cause broken bones and even internal injuries. So the best accident is the one that is avoided.

USB ports are a much safer way to use your iPod as they connect directly to the stereo faceplate high up on the dash. An auxiliary input jack forces you to look down at your iPod to change songs, albums or playlists. That is just as bad as texting when you are driving!

So I applaud Hyundai/Kia for making Bluetooth and USB/iPod connectivity standard on most every model they sell. Even Mercedes and BMW don’t do that!

Daisy’s Likes
· Widespread availability of Bluetooth and USB Connectivity
· Low ride height so it’s easy for me to get in and out
· Low price means more money left over for dog toys and kibble
· Easy to reach D-ring attachments in back seat
· Rear seats fold completely flat

Daisy’s Dislikes
· Rear seating area offers limited visibility thanks to swoopy exterior styling
· Some people are prejudiced against Hyundai as a brand
· Some plastics appear scratch prone

Automotive Pet Safety Info Provided By: Bark Buckle UP
BeSmart Ride Safe

For James Hamel's human perspective on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson GLS click here.
Vehicle Tested: 2011 Hyundai Tucson GLS (Front Wheel Drive)
Base Price: $21,845
Price as Tested: $22,740 (including destination)
Options on Test Model: Floormats--$100
Engine: 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine
Power: 176 horsepower/168 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-60: 9.5 seconds
Fuel Economy: 22 city/31 highway
Average Test Economy: 26.7 miles per gallon
Fuel Tank Size: 14.5 gallons
Runs on: Regular Unleaded
Cargo Area (behind second row): 25.7 cubic feet
(all seats folded): 55.8 cubic feet
Warranty: 5 years/60,000 mile bumper to bumper
10 years/100,000 mile powertrain
Safety Ratings (IIHS): “Top Safety Pick”
Vehicle Assembled in: Ulsan, South Korea
Vehicle Provided by: Hyundai Motor America

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.

Help! My dog always barks

2010-10-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Learn why your dog is barking and how to limit the habit. Written By: Camille L. Adams a contributor for Bark Buckle UP from Mission: P.E.T.S.

Unbeknownst to some, barking is a way of communication for dogs. A perfectly natural and normal way for them to share, verbally, what they want or how they feel. Just as we talk to each other, dogs use their voice, too, in barks, growls, howls and/or whines. You may not be able to (or want to) stop your dog from barking ALL of the time, but you can definitely control the habit. To limit your dog’s “nuisance” barking, let’s first understand why dogs bark.

Some reasons dogs Bark...

In almost every case, if your dog is barking, there is a reason why! It could be a response to something that is stimulating his senses, or a warning that there is an underlying problem in your dog’s life. Just as easily as he could be barking to stake claims on his property, he could be barking to ask for help. It is most important to evaluate your dog and find out why he is barking.

“Hi Mom and Dad! Bark! Bark!”

Does your dog get excitable when you come home from work, an event or simply a ride to the grocery store? Does he bark as a way to show you he’s happy you are home, again? This may flatter you, but barking and jumping, excitedly, as you or guests arrive is a sign that something is off balance in your dog’s world. He may be lonely or bored. He may have excess energy and this is his way of burning some off.

Dogs who are isolated or confined for long periods of time, without walking or another form of supervised exercise, need an outlet for their pent-up energy. Barking could very easily become a new habit for him.

“But I thought you wanted me to bark?”

You may not realize it, but sometimes we encourage, even teach, our dogs to bark as a form of communicating to us their needs. If your dog barks when he wants to go out, what is your immediate response? You open the door and let him out, don’t you? And when he barks from outside, do you open the door to let him back in the house? Are there other times that you can remember where you responded to his barking? For a treat? Dinner? A walk? A game of tug-of-war? Inconsistency leads to confusion; if you are telling your dog to stop barking at the door bell, but praising him with a mouthful of treats when he barks by the jar, chances are he is confused.

“Hey, you! This is MY yard! Back off!”

Another common reason your dog may be barking is to assert dominance and deter unwanted guests or intruders. Barking is an instinctive response to territorial threats, to scare away other animals and people who seem dangerous.

OK, I know why my dog barks. Now, how can I
minimize this behavior?

The reason your dog is barking will determine the type of training technique(s) you will use to control the habit. Above all, you must realize that barking can be a result of loneliness, boredom, frustration or fear. You can help alleviate some of these situations by spending some quality time with your dog, playing, training and exercising him.

If your dog is not obedience trained, you may want to consider taking him to a professional class taught by a local trainer (see following paragraphs to read more about this). But, for those of you with “graduates” of doggie training classes, obedience at home is a great mental stimulation. Mental stimulation is a great way to tire your dog out. You can try lessons in “sit” or “stay” and “come.” When he succeeds, praise him with lots of hugs, massages and treats. Try to keep training fun and change up the routine to prevent boredom.

Dogs need exercise! Walks around the neighborhood or local park will allow your dog time to sniff away at his surroundings and soak in plenty of scent and sight stimulation. Having a large yard is not sufficient exercise for a dog. He may run around in circles, chasing squirrels or playing ball, but this is just a way for him to relieve some pent up energy. This should never replace a long walk. And what’s more, if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in the yard alone, he may feel lonely and separated from you. Bring him in the house and let him feel like he is part of your family, spending quality time lounging with you.

Social animals by nature, dogs love to have friends! Trips to the doggie park can help tire him out. The romping and playing together will keep him stimulated and help him to rest better at home. *Before taking your dog to the park, be sure he is well mannered, and well trained and shows no sign of aggression with other dogs. You can find more about the dog park and evaluating your dog to see if he is ready in our archives:

http://missionpets.com/archives.html -- Choose the Summer 2009 issue and go to page 46 for an article entitled, “Is your dog ready for the doggie park?”

Consistency is key. Sometimes when your dog barks, you scold him. When you see a strange man hanging around outside your home and your dog barks, you praise him. When he barks to go outside, you let him out. Your dog does not know the difference between “acceptable” barking and “nuisance” barking. A simple way to resolve this issue of inconsistency is to put a command to this scenario. Allow your dog to bark, but let him know that when you say “Shhh” or “No bark” - or any command you like best - that means he must stop barking immediately. This is an obedience command, not a word to scold your dog with. You must remain calm in order for this trick to work, as with any training commands. You can also use a hand command instead of words.

When your dog is barking, you can praise him. After a moment, give him your command to stop barking and instantly distract him by waving a treat or favorite toy under his nose. This should make him stop barking. While he is quiet, tell him what a good boy he is and let him have the treat or toy (only once he has stopped barking). Repeat this several times the first time, and continuously until your dog understands the command and what behavior you are seeking.

Another vital essential to this training “recipe” is patience. Odds are your dog has picked up a bad case of the barks and it has become habit for him. This is not a problem that will be corrected overnight. Remain patient and persistent and calmly repeat your exercise and commands each and every day.

Although his barking may drive you up the wall, remain calm and peaceful. If you are frustrated, you will only add to his excitement, frustration or fear (whatever he is displaying when barking). Dogs are carbon copies of us; they act out how we feel. If we are aggravated, they are sure to act up. If you want to teach your dog to remain calm and stop barking, and for him to become balanced, you’ll need to do the same.

If you are already exercising your dog, practicing commands and obedience training, you may need to up your ante. Your dog may have an abundance of pent-up energy to release before he can become balanced and calm, and ultimately stop barking. You can try jogging with your dog, riding the bike alongside him, try agility training, or doggie interactive games likes puzzles (yes, they sell these - you can find some like those by Nina Ottosson at http://www.nina-ottosson.com/index_english.htm).

If you have tried everything, or if your dog is not familiar with obedience training, it’s time to get some professional help. There are many trainers available, all using unique training methods. You should have no trouble finding the right one for you and your dog. To find a suitable trainer, try calling organizations like APDT, IAABC, NADOI and the CCPDT, groups that strongly encourage and/or require continuing education for their trainers. Another sign of a good trainer is that he or she cares about your pet’s health. You should be required to bring a health certificate or proof of vaccinations prior to joining any class. Ask to sit in on a class. Observe the students and dogs. Everyone should be happy and enjoying themselves. A good trainer will NEVER use violence as a method of training or correction.

Remember, dog barking is natural and instinctual. While it may not be enjoyable, there is a time and place for barking. Stay persistent, patient and consistent and your dog will catch on to your needs and wants in no time. One day soon you’ll be able to say “no bark” -- and it will be followed with silence! Again, enjoy your time training your dog. This could become some great quality time for you two to bond.

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.

Daisy Mae was Buckled UP after taking the Be Smart Ride Safe Pledge

2010-09-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

September 30, 2009 as Pawed by Daisy Mae (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 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.”

It all happened so fast. I was sitting in the back seat of the 2011 Scion tC coupe that my daddy (I just call him that even though I am older than him in dog years) had been road testing for the past week. My daddy writes auto reviews for different websites but he doesn’t have to work in an office. He works freelance which I think explains why he walks around without a leash.

He had the windows down so I could enjoy that wind in the fur sensation and I was feeling safe in my restraint harness that was attached to my new Kwik Connect Tether by the Pet Buckle Brand. Then all of a sudden a driver in a silver hatchback darted across three lanes of traffic right in front of us. My daddy slammed on the brakes so we wouldn’t hit the other car and I braced myself for impact. But the thing is there was no impact. Not for the cars and definitely not for me.

When my daddy has had similar things happen in coupes with small back seats I have usually wound up slamming into the back of his seat. Yes, even when I was wearing a safety harness. But this time, thanks to the Kwik Connect Tether by the Pet Buckle Brand, I was securely attached to the tC’s child seat anchors which kept me from flying too far forward in that panic stop.

It is amazing, even with this Kwik Connect Tether securely attached it still allows me enough room to comfortably move around in the back seat. But it doesn’t give me so much room that I get injured in a panic stop. That makes me think it will also keep me safe in an accident. I may be an old dog but I think I just learned a new trick.

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 372 news segments, directed and produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Mission P.E.T.S. Takes the Be Smart Ride Safe Pledge

2010-09-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

When offered the opportunity to create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) for Bark Buckle UP’s “Be Smart Ride Safe” campaign, I was honored. In addition to Mission: P.E.T.S.’ complete faith in the company and its messages, we were thrilled to help share and spread our collaborative knowledge about safety for our families... and that includes our animals.

Like I stated in the video, safety costs us nothing -- only a few extra moments of our time -- Yet, a lack of precautionary measures can cost us everything; including the health, or lives, of our animal companions. At Mission: P.E.T.S. we strive to provide our readers, whom we consider our extended family, with knowledge, awareness and fun in an effort to enrich and save the lives of animals. Through passion and education, Mission: P.E.T.S. is sure that, together, we can make a difference. We are completely dedicated to the world of animals, bettering the lives of both animals, and the people who love them.

It is so important to remain open minded, and open our hearts, to information that can be shared through channels like Bark Buckle UP and their campaigns. The same is true for the information we share in our FREE quarterly e-zine, www.missionpets.com. The birth of the e-zine was not only a childhood dream, but a desperate effort to open a channel of communication where people can learn all about animals, including maintaining their wellness and safety. As a passionate animal lover, lifelong enthusiast and a dedicated volunteer in animal rescue, I created the e-zine out of my complete love and adoration for our faithful animal friends. I wanted to give animal lovers a place where they can share their joy, their stories and their sorrows, while at the same time educating the public about animal issues in hopes of paving the way for a more humane and friendly world for our dear companions.

In addition to sharing safety tips from experts, amongst other informational articles, Mission: P.E.T.S. has created a campaign for the less fortunate animals out there... and trust me, there are too many of them. It’s called TAG! YOU’RE IT! The concept is, now that you’ve been hit, pass on information you’ve attained. And hopefully the person you’ve “tagged” will do the same.

Don’t we all know that sometimes our world can seem cold and uninviting? No one knows this better than our innocent animal companions. Millions of animals are abused, neglected, mistreated, starved, euthanized... never given a chance and all without a whisper or voice.

TAG! YOU'RE IT! is a revolution, an awakening. Through awareness and education, one ordinary person can make a positive difference in the silent lives of these animals. Through very simple steps and a change in perspective, we can all change the world for the better for our beloved friends all over. Take the first step today to help the plight of animals. Spread the word - share your knowledge - and continue the cycle. Even sharing what seems like common knowledge, for example, “Hey, bark buckle up the whole family!” can go a long way. Those 7 words can save lives. It’s that simple.

Knowledge is meant to be shared. I have created Mission: P.E.T.S. as a portal to do just that. I search far and wide for professionals, volunteers, animal lovers and the like to keep you informed. And that’s why, when offered the chance to work with Bark Buckle UP on their new campaign, I jumped at it. Keeping them safe, whether they are at home or on the road, should be a top priority for all of us out there sharing our homes, our lives, and our hearts with animals. I may not be Cesar Millan, but hey, I’ve got a voice, too, and a true love for animals. This is not my hobby; this is my life.

Written By: Camille Adams from Mission: P.E.T.S.
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.

COPS DIG Pet Safety Lady, Founder of Bark Buckle UP Be Smart Ride Safe

2010-09-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Pet Safety Lady "Christina Selter" is Barking Fantastic. People, businesses, groups, clubs, students from around: USA, Canada, Turkey, Australia, United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Ecuador, Argentina, Hungary, Mexico, Netherlands, Brazil, New Zealand, Romania, Poland, South Africa, Chile, Germany, Greece, Czech Republic well lets just say people from around the world and across America are taking the pledge.

Pet Safety Lady's extensive experience has made her the go to Pet Safety Expert nationwide, she has buckled up more then 10,000 pets and secured more then 2000 pets in life vest. Just ask our first responders who have been speaking out in support of her efforts from Across America, Canada in press conferences around the world or watch one of the amazing first responder video's at Bark Buckle UP website.
"Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing but NOT wearing one certainly will, buckle up the whole family and save lives" states Christina Selter aka Pet Safety Lady.

“Safety belts can only work if you use them”, said Batalian Fire Chief Jose Torres.
Be aware of advise and tips that are out there not everyone is a REAL pet expert and when it comes to pet safety no one can compete with Pet Safety Lady, looks like she is setting the world record for pet travel safety experience. Take if from us the experts and Buckle UP the whole family and take the pledge at Be Smart Ride Safe today.

Pet Safety Lady Facts:
• Buckled UP more then 10,000 pets
• Secured more then 2000 Pet Life Vests
• 60,000 children and families attended her 2010 Pet Safety class
• First Responders Nationwide & Canada DIGG Pet Safety Lady
• Appeared on more then 372 local morning news segments

Pet Travel Facts:
• A 60-pound pet can causes a 2,700-pound projectile, even when moving at only 35mph
• Statistics show pet travel has increased 300% since 2005
• Unrestrained pets can delay emergency workers' access to human occupants
• Pets escaping a vehicle post-accident can pose many dangers, including catching the loose pet
• Injured pets may bite rescue workers or others who are trying to help
• Pets may escape through a window or open door and cause a second accident
• Driver distraction is common when unrestrained pets are rambunctious inside a vehicle

Statistics don’t lie: When you have a pet in your lap, in the front seat or roaming freely around the car it is very likely you will break these simple three types of distraction.

Visual — taking your eyes off the road
Manual — taking your hands off the wheel
Cognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing

For more information visit: BeSmartRideSafe or to reach Pet Safety Lady or to book her contact media at PR@barkbuckleup.com or call 949-361-BARK (2275)

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.

My Doggie Kitty Cam Pet Safety Lady Gives Top Score

2010-09-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

Pet Safety gives the top honors to the Eyenimal or as she calls it the "my doggie kitty cam. Tiny camera for your dog or cat to wear around so you can see what they are up too. Try it on kids too", said Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady".

Eyenimal is the first brand of miniature video cameras that allow dog and cat owners to step into the lives of their favorite pet. A great way to immortalize your pet on video, tell the story of his or her life, the exciting discoveries, the chance encounters and wild adventures, to reveal his or her whims and fancies and capture all those happy and funny pet moments!

Here are some of the top features you will find with the Dog Cat CAM.

-Owners of free-roaming cats often wonder what their feline companions are up to during their unsupervised outdoor wanderings. What do they do? Where do they go? What interesting encounters do they make? What are the familiar routes that they take? What are their habits?

-The Eyenimal video camera will allow you to capture and relive all those precious moments of complicity between you and
your pet, at your pet’s level.
Elegant and sturdy, this video camera can be used both in a rural and urban environment on all your walks in nature or
the city.

-In their owner’s absence, cats and dogs can get into a lot of mischief. It is often hard to say what causes or motivates our four-legged friends to engage in unruly behavior in the home when we are not around. This video camera will allow pet owners to keep an eye on their beloved pets and to also acquire valuable material to discuss over with an animal behavioral specialist.

-Uniquely designed to fit all standards cats and dogs collars, the holding clip is adjustable to any of the pet’s postures.

-The video camera weighs no more than 35g. Your pet will forget it’s there! Thanks to its casing design, it can also be used in wet or humid conditions.

-Thanks to its 8GB built-in Flash memory and 500mA Li-Ion battery, this video camera can capture images continuously for up to 2 and a half hours. Recorded videos are transferred to your PC by using the USB cable provided (compatible with Microsoft Win 2000, XP, Vista, Mac OS and Linux).

-Uniquely designed to fit all standards cats and dogs collars, the holding clip is adjustable to any of the pet’s postures.

Click the link to visit the Eyenimal website and to purchase this great pet safety product.

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.

Cesar Millan Took the Pledge Be Smart Ride Safe You Should Too

2010-09-27T12:59:00.001-07:00

Driver distraction kills so take the pledge today at Be Smart Ride Safe

Watch Cesars Millan's Be Smart Ride Safe video and make your own then send us a copy on YouTube.com/BeSmartRideSafe for a chance to win.

Bark Buckle UP will award the TOP PSA's prizes in 2011. Make sure to upload yours to the Be Smart Ride Safe YouTube page for a chance to win.

Bark@BarkBuckleUP.com for any questions, media or help with upload.

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.

60,000 Children and their Families attend Pet Safety Ladies Class

2010-09-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

The numbers are in from June, July 2010 and WOW we thought Pet Safety Lady buckling up more then 10,000 pets was HUGE her Pet Safety Class was attended by more then 60,000 children and their families.

Here is a video of some of the safety tips and lessons they learned. "People got to learn camping, hiking, cars, RVing, boating all the family fun and how include the pets with Safety First," said Christina Selter Pet Safety Lady.

For more pet safety tips and booking Pet Safety Lady visit her site or email Christina@petsafetylady.com

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.

KatPak gets paws up from Pet Safety Lady

2010-09-27T12:50:00.001-07:00

The KatPak is a traveling litter box solution for feline travelers to use in cars, RV, boats, camping or even hotels.

Made of a heavy-duty biodegradable paper it folds flat for easy travel and opens up concertina-style like a large shopping bag when the litter is placed inside. Suitable for cats of all sizes. Large cutout handles makes it easy to close up and throw away without having to handle the litter.

Some Key Product Details:

KatPak is the only disposable hooded tray on the market.

Each katpak is made of biodegradable paper and folded so it can be easily expanded to become a hooded cat toilet. katpak is biodegradable and compostable.

KatPak is easy to use, clean and hygienic, it reduces smells and is easy to dispose of and you will never have to clean the litter tray again!

Katpak's innovative and eco-friendly design has won several awards from Pet Business, Martha Stewart, Cats Protection, Your Cat Magazine, The British Invention Show and now from Pet Safety Lady.

"In the past it was always difficult to take our cat Steve along, now with the KatPak portable cat toilet it is simple and safe", stated Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady".

View the how does it work video online at KatPak
Photo from KatPak website see more online.

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.

Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady" films 4th PSA

2010-09-27T12:48:00.002-07:00

Coming soon Be Smart Ride Safe PSA in English and Spanish nationwide.

Stay tuned.................

Bark Buckle UP® founded Be Smart Ride® Safe nearly a decade ago to communicate to the public the reasons for being safer with your pets while traveling. Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady" founder of the programs is the Director and Executive Producer of four resent PSA's.

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.

Pet Vehicle Barriers Don't Be a FOOL

2010-09-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Pet vehicle barriers Don't Be a FOOL to what barriers are actually safe and work. These are placed between the front and back seats and are supposed to prevent the dog from jumping back and forth causing a disturbance between the pet parent and their dog. But these are also supposed to keep the pet and human occupants safe during an accident.

So lets not be FOOLED a barrier like a pair of pants are not one size fits all. My grandmother would always say her elastic waist pants fit everyone, are you kidding skin tight poly pants do not fit everyone just like vehicle barriers.

First don't buy an after market barrier tip #1 they are not made to fit any and all vehicles, plus most have NEVER been crash tested.

Tip #2 no Velcro, straps, suction cups as these are not SAFE even in a low speed accident or stop. We are talking crash-test failures.

Tip #3 Installed by automotive dealer or service shop is a must and that product needs to be made by that manufacturer for that vehicle for that year vehicle.

Tip #4 secured into the vehicle not hooked to a headrest.

Tip #5 the 1/2 barriers that got between the two front bucket seats, are you kidding what would that stop--- NOTHING

So if you follow these simple five tips for pet vehicle barriers you won't be fooled into buying a product that can kill or injure you, your passengers like children or your pets.

The photos shows an actual pet vehicle barrier that has been crash tested properly and passed, plus is secured into the vehicle, made by the automotive manufacturer for that vehicle and fits that vehicle plus is a automotive dealer installed safety accessory.
Photo is the 2009 Volvo XC90 pet barrier made by Volvo for that specific vehicle and is crash tested. Also in the photo is IL Sheriff and Marshall the bomb sniffing dog. This product has received the Bark Buckle UP Safety Seal tested by the REAL pet travel safety experts.

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.

Pet Sitters International asks members to take the pledge

2010-09-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

Be Smart Ride Safe
Pet Sitters International asks members to take the pledge

September 23, 2010 Orange, CA, Bark Buckle UP® has a new public service announcement that asks pet owners to take the pledge to “Be Smart, Ride Safe® buckle UP the whole family.” The Be Smart Ride Safe® PSA features Cesar Millan and his second-in-command, Blue Pit bull Junior. The PSA is being aired nationally to encourage individuals and corporations to take the pledge online to be safer with their pets.

Pet-sitting industry leader Pet Sitters International (PSI) has partnered with pet safety experts, Bark Buckle UP®, to support the Be Smart Ride Safe® campaign. PSI’s more than 7600 member pet-sitting businesses provide professional pet care and serve as trusted advisors for more than one million pet owners annually. As part of its ongoing mission to promote pet-sitting excellence through education, PSI has encouraged its members to take the Be Smart Ride Safe® pledge and is promoting pet safety tips and Bark Buckle UP’s® free pet safety kit on the PSI web site, www.petsit.com.

The number of pets traveling with their owners has increased 300 percent since 2005, and over 98 percent of pets that travel in cars were not restrained properly in 2009. “Pet owners need to realize that it is just as important to buckle their pet up as it is to buckle themselves up when the get into a car,” Selter said. “We all know that wearing a seatbelt saves human lives. Well, it saves pet lives, as well. It costs nothing to strap yourself into your seatbelt—but the cost of not wearing a seat belt can cost you your life. The same applies to your dog or cat.”

Bark Buckle UP® is committed to informing pet owners about the dangers of unrestrained pet travel. According to the founder of Bark Buckle UP®, “Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter, “safety belts can only work if you use them – that costs nothing – but not using them can cost lives – pets included.”

FACTS:
• A 60-pound pet can cause a 2,700-pound projectile, even when moving at just 35mph accident
• Pet travel has increased 300 percent since 2005
• Unrestrained pets in vehicles can delay emergency workers’ access to human occupants
• If a pet escapes a vehicle post-accident, it can pose many dangers, including catching the loose pet
• Injured pet may bite rescue workers or others who are trying to help
• Pet may escape through a window or door and cause a second accident
• Driver distraction is common when unrestrained pets are rambunctious in moving vehicles

###

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 250 news segments, directed and produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Pet Sitters International Established in 1994, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing nearly 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad. PSI provides members with access to affordable bonding and liability insurance and educational resources including a comprehensive Accreditation Program, The Pet Sitter’s WORLD magazine and PSI’s annual Quest convention. For more information, visit www.petsit.com, home of the Official Pet Sitter Locator™, or visit the PSIStoreOnline, the largest specialty retailer of products for pet sitters and pet-sitter business owners.

Media Contacts: Bark Buckle UP -- PR@barkbuckleup.com 949-361- 2275

Man killed, poodle dies in crash --- TIME to Buckle UP

2010-09-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

The driver was driving vintage Dodge and was killed in a collision with a truck on Route 209 in Schuylkill County Tuesday morning. It appears that it is NOT his fault a truck coming towards him on opposite side came over the line. However if the pups were secured the Poodle may have survived and the three others may not have been injured. Something to think about.

RIP Charles D. Strouse Jr., 37, of Brockton

Story below: (photo online with full article http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-schuylkill-county-fatal-20100921,0,7997837.story)

Larry Neff, The Morning Call / September 20, 2010)

A man driving a classic car in Schuylkill County was killed Tuesday morning when a box truck apparently crossed the center line and struck his car head-on.

Charles D. Strouse Jr., 37, of Brockton, died in his 1964 Dodge 880 sedan on Route 209, about a half-mile west of Tamaqua in Walker Township, state police at Frackville said. One of three puppies in the car also was killed.

The accident happened at 9:05 a.m., Trooper Michael D. Marinchak reported. Strouse was pronounced dead on the scene by county Deputy Coroner Franklin Griffiths.

The truck, apparently heading east on Route 209, crossed into the westbound lane, where it collided with the car. Ruben A. Rodriguez, 40, of Pennsauken, N.J., was driving the truck, police said.

Firefighters administered oxygen to the three puppies, two of which were taken by Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue to Companion Animal Hospital in Tamaqua. One poodle could not be revived.

Rodriguez suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to St. Catherine's Hospital in Coaldale for evaluation.

The highway was closed seven hours for the cleanup and investigation.

Tamaqua Fire Department, New England Fire Company, Tuscarora Fire Company, Rush Township fire police, Hometown Fire Company fire police, Lehighton EMS, Tamaqua EMS, Tamaqua Rescue Squad and Schuylkill County Animal Rescue also assisted at the scene.

Stop the CAR - What’s all the Barking About?

2010-09-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

September 1, 2010 Los Angeles, CA World-renowned dog behaviorist Cesar Millan has teamed up with pet safety experts, Bark Buckle UP to launch a new public service announcement, asking pet owners to take the pledge to “Be Smart, Ride Safe.” The Be Smart Ride Safe PSA features Millan and his second-in-command, Blue Pit bull Junior, who are helping to promote the Be Smart Ride Safe pet travel safety campaign. The PSA is being aired nationally to encourage individuals and corporations to take the pledge online to be safer with their pets.

“Pack leaders provide protection and direction,” said Millan. “And when it comes to pet safety, protection is about prevention – that’s what this campaign is all about!” Millan has promoted pet travel safety tips and Bark Buckle UP’s Free Pet Safety Kit on his website, www.cesarsway.com.

These days, more pets than ever are traveling in vehicles. However, most drivers aren't taking the steps necessary to ensure that travel is safe for both them and their pets. Most pets travel unrestrained, increasing the risk of pet injury or fatality during an accident. Unrestrained pets also pose risks for the drivers. If an accident occurs while the car is moving at 35 mph, an unrestrained, 60-pound dog is capable of causing an impact of up to 2,700 pounds. If the unrestrained pet survives the crash, he may impede or slow the progress of rescue workers, as they need to tend to the animal and the human victims. First responders nationwide have said that, “any time lost in the caring of accident victims [due to] the need to deal with a frightened or injured animal can and should be avoided.”

Bark Buckle UP is committed to informing pet owners about the dangers of unrestrained pet travel. According to the founder of Bark Buckle UP, “Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter, “safety belts can only work if you use them – that costs nothing – but not using them can cost lives – pets included.”

FACTS:
• A 60-pound pet can cause a 2,700-pound projectile, even when moving at just 35mph accident
• Pet travel has increased 300 percent since 2005
• Unrestrained pets in vehicles can delay emergency workers’ access to human occupants
• If a pet escapes a vehicle post-accident, it can pose many dangers, including catching the loose pet
• Injured pet may bite rescue workers or others who are trying to help
• Pet may escape through a window or door and cause a second accident
• Driver distraction is common when unrestrained pets are rambunctious in moving vehicles

###
CESAR MILLAN is a best-selling author, a much in demand public speaker, a branded pet care product designer/entrepreneur and, not least of all, an internationally popular and iconic series star of the hit TV show “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan,” the National Geographic Channel’s flagship series, currently in it's sixth season.

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 250 news segments, directed and produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Bark Buckle UP's Friend Surf Dog Ricochet

2010-09-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

SURF DOG RICOCHET RECEIVES 2010 AMERICAL KENNEL CLUB
HUMANE FUND AWARD FOR CANINE EXCELLENCE!

Bark Buckle UP and Christina Selter aka: Pet Safety Lady's dear friend the two year old, golden retriever Ricochet, the SURFice dog who surfs for fun, wins contests and most importantly, has been inspiring millions of people around the world with her paw it forward lifestyle, while raising funds and awareness for human/animal causes, received the 2010 American Kennel Club Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence in the category of Exemplary Companion Dog.

The American Kennel Club Ace award is a national honor, given to only five dogs each year who have performed an exemplary act or series of acts, whether large or seemingly small, that have significantly benefited a community or individual. One award is given in the following five categories: Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Therapy, Service, and Exemplary Companion Dog.

In addition to the prestige of being chosen from hundreds of entries, each of the five honorees receives a cash award of $1,000, an engraved sterling silver collar medallion and an all-expenses-paid trip for dog and owner to Long Beach, Calif., to be honored at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championships in December. The engraved names of the five recipients will also be added to the ACE plaque that is permanently displayed on the AKC Library's "Wall of Fame" in New York City.

Ricochet was slated to be a service dog for a person with a disability, but due to her interest in chasing prey, she had to be released from that role. After proving she could surf by winning 3rd place in the 2009 Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, her title went from service dog to SURFice dog, and she began providing assistance to people with disabilities in a non-traditional manner. She often surfs with disabled surfers from quadriplegic teenager, Patrick Ivison to a brain injured six year old, Ian McFarland. She helps counter-balance the board to keep them from falling off, or motivates them to replace apprehension with excitement.

Shortly after her first fundraiser, a video of her journey titled "From Service Dog to SURFice Dog" was posted to YouTube, and un-expectedly went viral. The attention the video garnered was immediately turned into a platform of helping others on a larger scale by re-directing the attention to numerous human/animal causes. The video also served as a source of inspiration to the millions of people who viewed it, and found their own personal message, bringing them to tears. Many of those people joined her Facebook page of 12,500+ incredibly supportive members.

In the 10 months that Ricochet's journey has changed course, she's raised almost $50,000 in donations, and awareness for her causes, which include people with disabilities, the Association of Amputee Surfers, Wheels 2 Water, Life Rolls On, Ocean Healing Group, Surfers Healing, Surfers for Autism, Pipeline to a Cure, Chase Away K9 Cancer, Morris Animal Foundation, Helen Woodward Animal Center, Pets for Patriots, Pets for Vets, Pay It Forward Day, Living The Dream Foundation, and more

Ricochet is honored to receive the American Kennel Club ACE Award, and will continue her commitment to helping others, while encouraging them to focus on the CAN do's in life, and realize that disappointment can be turned into a joyful new direction! To learn more about Ricochet's surfing, causes, and fundraisers, visit her website at http://www.surfdogricochet.com or contact Judy Fridono at pawinspired@aol.com

PET SAFETY LADY BROKE twitter Off to the Dog House She Goes

2010-09-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well we just got a note from Pet Safety Lady she tweeted too much and broke twitter. The message was Be Smart Ride Safe take the pledge and DON'T drink and drive this Labor Day holiday.

So now what, she has emailed, asked for help, stopped twittering and now OFF to the Dog House she goes.
No more Tweets for her she is suspended.

But we will still ask for you all to twitter the message and follow her request to:

Be Smart Ride Safe take the pledge to Buckle UP the whole family and please don't drink and drive!

Your friends from Bark Buckle UP

We will keep you posted on her twitter account or you can check later at Twitter.com/PetSafetyLady

Check out the picture from her twitter account today, she is so sad and wants to come out of the dog house soon. HELP her if you know how she broke twitter please email her at christina@petsafetylady.com or try to visit her twitter page LOL

Labor Day Pet Travel Safety Tips & FREE Pet Safety Kit

2010-09-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Don't forget before heading out with the whole family, BUCKLE UP and take the pledge at Be Smart Ride Safe.

1- Bark Buckle UP FREE pet safety kit, keep it in your glovebox
2- Take the pledge to buckle up the whole family at BeSmartRideSafe.com
3- Pack pet gear, hiking, camping, travel gear, travel bowls, Bayer Flea Medicine food and fresh clean water

Get your kit here:

Safe Boating With Your Pet Featured Bark Buckle UP's Pet Safety Lady

2010-09-03T10:35:00.001-07:00

AllState Blog Safe Boating read full article here

Today, more and more boaters are bringing their pets on board for a day on the water. Boat captains need to stop and think about a few simple steps that will ensure they and their pets have a fun, safe boating experience this upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Pet Safety Lady recommends the following steps for safe boating with your pet:

Take things slow if it is your pet’s first time on the boat. Let him/her adjust to the movement of the boat and the sound of the engine.
Always consider a Personal (Pet) Flotation Device. Most have a handle on back to easily lift your pet out of the water.
Provide better footing with a piece of carpet or rubber mat (considering that your pet is not wearing boat shoes).
Check the deck’s temperature often. Deck surfaces can get quite hot on your pet’s footpads.
“Although it is important to take the appropriate steps to make sure your pet is safe on board, it is equally important to make sure that you and your family are safe as well this holiday,” said Allstate New York spokesperson Krista Conte.

According to Allstate’s Boat Safety brochure, here is the boater’s checklist:

Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when boating.
Don’t use an inflatable toy as a substitute for a PFD.
Never drink and boat.
Pay attention to weather changes. Head for shore when winds increase or storm clouds roll in.
Always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.
Be aware of exhaust emissions. Avoid areas where carbon monoxide collects in and around your boat.
Follow Red-Right-Running: keep red buoys to your right (starboard) and green buoys to your left (port).
Take a boating safety course from an expert organization.
In addition to safeguarding yourself and passengers, your boat is a valuable investment that should have an up-to-date boat insurance policy.

To learn more about Allstate’s boat insurance, New York customers can contact a local Allstate agent at 1-800 Allstate or http://www.allstate.com/.

ABOUT PET SAFETY LADY

“Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter, the founder of Bark Buckle UP and the take the pledge Be Smart Ride Safe campaign to encourage everyone to Buckle UP the whole family, has been featured on more than 250 news network shows nationwide over the past few years, as well as in print and on radio. She travels the nation teaching pet safety to pet owners, and her efforts are supported by fire departments, police, Coast Guard and EMT personnel. She recently produced the free pet safety class DVD series, that was filmed in her first national pet safety television commercial. She is currently producing a pet safety PSA for 2010. For more information, please visit www.barkbuckleup.com and www.petsafetylady.com.

Cesar Milan Launches Safety Campaign for Dogs in Cars with Bark Buckle UP Called Be Smart Ride Safe

2010-09-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Written by: James (Jim) Hamel September 1, 2010

In much of the United States dogs are like family members and as such they routinely ride in the family car to the supermarket, to watch the kids at Little League games or on trips to the local dog park. I know that my dog Daisy Mae travels with me everywhere I go in the many cars, trucks and SUVs I test each week. That is why I incorporate "dog friendliness" testing into every review I write.

But dog friendliness is much more than just how comfortable your dog is in the back seat or behind a metal grate in the cargo area. Dog friendliness also has to do with how safe your pet is when riding in your vehicle. The inspiration for this testing comes from the work of Christina Selter and her website BarkBuckleup.com.

BarkBuckleUp.com has long advocated the use of pet safety harnesses when riding in motor vehicles. According to Christina Selter, "safety belts can only work if you use them. That costs nothing but not using them can cost lives. Pets included."

Frightening Statistics

If you don't believe a dog needs to be properly harnessed in when riding in the car just check out these very disturbing statistics. In 2008 nearly 6,000 pets died in car crashes and more than half a million were injured according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Currently less than 85% of drivers do not restrain their pets when riding in the car.

An unrestrained pet also poses a huge risk to drivers. In a 35 mile per hour crash a 60 lb. dog is capable of creating an impact of 2,700 pounds. Just imagine a dog hitting a driver in the back of the head with that level of brute force and it is easy to see that even a belted in driver would most likely not survive that accident.

Also, if a pet does survive a crash they will impede the work of any first responder fire, police of ambulance teams. These animals will be scared, hurt and will take away from the rescue of any human passengers. First responders nationwide have said, "any time lost in the caring of accident victims [due to] the need to deal with a frightened or injured animal can and should be avoided."

So What Can You Do to Make Sure Your Pet is Safe?

BarkBuckleUp.com has now teamed up with The Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan to launch BeSmartRideSafe.com—a website that offers a free pet safety kit and information about keeping your dog safe when riding

in the car. Be Smart/Ride Safe is also producing a series of Public Service Announcements with Cesar Milan to highlight the dangers of pets who ride unsecured in automobiles.

The very wise and hunky Cesar Milan had this to say about Be Smart/Ride Safe, "Pack leaders provide protection and direction. And when it comes to pet safety, protection is about prevention - that's what this campaign is all about!"

So what can you do as a pet owner? Well, first you should invest in a pet safety harness that buckles into one of the receptors in the rear seat. Dogs should never ride on your lap or in the passenger seat as the airbags could easily kill them in a frontal impact. See, that isn't so hard.

Be the Pack Leader!

When you set off in the car you always make sure that your whole family is secure in their seat belts or car seats. So why not make sure one of the most beloved members of the family is also securely belted in? You know that Cesar Milan would tell you this simple action is what any responsible and loving pack leader would do.

See More James (Jim) Hamel stories on Bark Buckle UP Be Smart Ride Safe and Cesar Millan

AssociatedContent.com

InsiderCarReviews.com

Examiner.com

Helium.com

Bark Buckle UP and AllState Insurance Pet Boating Safety

2010-08-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Aug 26, 2010 – Today, more and more boaters are bringing their pets on board for a day on the water. Boat captains need to stop and think about a few simple steps that will ensure they and their pets have a fun, safe boating experience this upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Pet Safety Lady recommends the following steps for safe boating with your pet:

• Take things slow if it is your pet’s first time on the boat. Let him adjust to the movement of the boat and the sound of the engine.
• Always consider a Personal (Pet) Flotation Device. Most have a handle on back to easily lift your pet out of the water.
• Provide better footing with a piece of carpet or rubber mat (considering that your pet is not wearing boat shoes).
• Check the deck’s temperature often. Deck surfaces can get quite hot on your pet’s footpads.

“Although it is important to take the appropriate steps to make sure your pet is safe on board, it is equally important to make sure that you and your family are safe as well this holiday,” said Allstate New York spokesperson Krista Conte.

According to Allstate’s Boat Safety brochure, here is the boater’s checklist:
• Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when boating.
• Don’t use an inflatable toy as a substitute for a PFD.
• Never drink and boat.
• Pay attention to weather changes. Head for shore when winds increase or storm clouds roll in.
• Always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.
• Be aware of exhaust emissions. Avoid areas where carbon monoxide collects in and around your boat.
• Follow Red-Right-Running: keep red buoys to your right (starboard) and green buoys to your left (port).
• Take a boating safety course from an expert organization (e.g. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron).

In addition to safeguarding yourself and passengers, your boat is a valuable investment that should have an up-to-date boat insurance policy.
To learn more about Allstate’s boat insurance, New York customers can contact a local Allstate agent at 1-800 Allstate or www.allstate.com.

ABOUT PET SAFETY LADY
“Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter, the founder of Bark Buckle UP, has been featured on more than 250 news network shows nationwide over the past few years, as well as in print and on radio. She travels the nation teaching pet safety to pet owners, and her efforts are supported by fire departments, police, Coast Guard and EMT personnel. She recently produced the free pet safety class DVD series, was filmed in her first national pet safety television commercial, and is currently producing a pet safety PSA for 2010. For more information, please visit www.barkbuckleup.com and www.petsafetylady.com.

# # #

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow.

http://www.prlog.org/10887684-safe-boating-with-your-pet.html

Buckling UP Fido A Good Idea features Bark Buckle UP

2010-08-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

Full article LINK below, from Lisa McCormick from Consumer Affairs she gets the real FACTS out there and has been writing about Bark Buckle UP for more then 3 years. Bark Buckle UP is the Original Pet Travel Safety education and statistics program, who doesn't make/sell products and is NOT bias.

Full ARTICLE HERE

Here is a teaser of her article:

The founder of the California-based Bark Buckle Up said unrestrained dogs involved in car accidents can also pose a threat to emergency workers.

Some dogs, for example, may try to protect their owners and not allow paramedics to treat the injured driver or passengers. Frightened dogs may even attack first responders, said the pet safety organization's Christina Selter.

In those cases, emergency workers are often forced to put the dogs down so they can save the injured person's life.

"This is so hard for first responders," Selter said. "They love animals. But if a car is on fire and the dog is hovering over its owner, they may not have a choice."

Selter has spent the past several years educating pet owners about the importance of keeping their dogs and cats restrained in vehicles. She's well aware of the distractions -- and safety problems -- caused by dogs and cats that travel unrestrained in cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Survey flaws?

And while she appreciates the attention the AAA/Kurgo study has generated about this issue, Selter said the survey's findings are flawed.

The study, for example, said 31 percent of drivers acknowledged being distracted by their dogs when driving. "That's not an accurate number," Selter told us. "The number (nationwide) is extremely higher."

Selter also questioned the methodology AAA/Kurgo used to reach its findings.

"You have to look at how their study is worded," she said. "They said 31 percent of the people in their survey 'admitted' they were distracted. When we do these studies, we record the actual distractions -- not people just admitting to being distracted.

"When you gather these types of statistics, you have to observe and record what people do and don't do," Selter added. "It's nice that they talked to pet people in their study, but these aren't real statistics."

What about the number of drivers who don't restrain their dogs in a vehicle?

The AAA/Kurgo study found only 17 percent of dog owners used any type of pet restraints. That means 83 percent don't retrain their pets in a vehicle. Selter said that figure is off, too.

"We've found that 90 percent of drivers who have pet in the car with them do not restrain them properly or (restrain them) at all," she said, adding her organization works with police chiefs and law enforcement agencies nationwide to collect its statistical data.

And remember the figures AAA used to describe the force exerted by an unrestrained dog involved in a car accident? How an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert 2,400 pounds of pressure?

Selter said those numbers aren't accurate either.

"AAA hasn't done any crash testing," she said. "We've done this since 2007 using approved methods. And we've found that a 60-pound dog, child, or even suitcase in crash going 35 mph becomes a 2,700-pound projectile. Basically, the object morphs into the size of a baby elephant."

The nationally-recognized "pet safety lady" also called AAA's survey "biased" because the organization teamed up with Kurgo -- a Massachusetts-based company that sells pet restraints.

"They would have been better off partnering with a shelter or rescue group," she said. "But this study is only a public relations move by AAA."

Something good, however, has come from the survey, Selter said. "At least more people are now aware of issue."

Pet owners can find more information about securing their dogs and cats in a vehicle -- and other pet safety travel tips -- on Bark Buckle Up's Web site.

Read more: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/08/pet_restraints.html#ixzz0y7EdLZ1c

Bark Buckle UP and AllState Insurance Motorcycle Safety

2010-07-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

These days, more pets than ever are traveling in vehicles. Unfortunately, though, most drivers aren't taking the steps necessary to ensure that this travel is safe for both them and their pets.

Jul 22, 2010 – These days, more pets than ever are traveling in vehicles. Unfortunately, though, most drivers aren't taking the steps necessary to ensure that this travel is safe for both them and their pets. Most pets travel unrestrained, increasing the risk of pet injury or fatality during an accident.

“As a responsible pet owner, it is critical that the owner seeks out, investigates and purchases the safest gear available,” says Pet Safety Lady Christina Selter, the founder of Bark Buckle UP. “From pet carriers, trailers and sidecars, to goggles and helmets, there are multiple ways to safeguard your pet while still being able to enjoy the freedom of motorcycle travel.”

Let's be honest: There's a lot of stuff out there that's bigger than your bike. But there's a lot you can do to help keep yourself safe while riding.

Allstate Insurance Company recommends the following when riders are out on the road:

• Always wear a helmet that fits right. Pick one that has the DOT label, which shows that it meets federal safety standards.
• Know your bike's limits.
• Stick to the speed limit.
• Don't tailgate other vehicles.
• Use your signals.
• Be respectful of other drivers. Don't weave through traffic or drive on the shoulder.
• Make sure other drivers can see you. Don't ride in blind spots and always use your headlights.
• Brake smart. Use both brakes at the same time, slow and steady.

“Even if you have been riding for years, it's a good idea to take a close look at your motorcycle insurance coverage,” says Allstate New York spokesperson Krista Conte. To help make sure you have the protection you need, contact your local Allstate agent.

ABOUT PET SAFETY LADY
“Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter, the founder of Bark Buckle UP, has been featured on more than 250 news network shows nationwide over the past few years, as well as in print and on radio. She travels the nation teaching pet safety to pet owners, and her efforts are supported by fire departments, police, Coast Guard and EMT personnel. She recently produced the free pet safety class DVD series, was filmed in her first national pet safety television commercial, and is currently producing a pet safety PSA for 2010. For more information, please visit www.barkbuckleup.com and www.petsafetylady.com.

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The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow.

http://www.prlog.org/10811779-safe-motorcycle-travels-with-your-pet.html

Pet Safety Lady from Bark Buckle UP Arizona Radio Sho

2010-07-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Arizona’s sidewalks are pretty darn hot this time of year.

You work all day long and have to leave Fido inside till you get back.

What would you think about having an indoor bathroom for your pet?… Seems like a strange idea…fake grass for poochie to do his/her business but I guess it beats the carpet. This thing is called the potty patch and I had a chance to talk with pet trainer Christina Selter who claims its a pretty good thing! Kind of funny, but see what you think!

Listen to interview here:

http://www.barkbuckleup.com/PressReleaseDetail.asp?PressID=219