Aesthetica engages with the arts both in the UK and internationally, combining dynamic content with compelling critical debate and pushing boundaries while exploring the best in contemporary arts and culture.

The dog, which authorities think is lost and not a stray, successfully thwarted a robbery attack on a mother and her 2-year-old son, who were held at knifepoint Monday afternoon.

The Florida woman, who has been identified by authorities simply as “Angela,” was leaving a playground with her toddler son in Port Charlotte when a man approached her in the parking lot with a knife and told her not to make any noise or sudden movements.

Angela didn’t have to do either to protect herself and her child — a dog mysteriously ran to the scene and charged the man, who quickly fled.

Read the full story at http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/straydogsaveswomanchildheldatk-993

But more than half of those traveling pet-owners said it was difficult to find pet-friendly accommodations. And since almost 75 percent of pet-inclusive vacations involve visiting friends or family, there’s often more at stake than just fun getaways.

Although it’s fashionable for establishments to bill themselves as “pet-friendly,” some are more pet-friendly than others. For instance, some will not accept felines, or dogs over a certain weight. Some establishments limit how many pets can be lodged in a room, or charge additional fees for or deposits for accommodating pets.

Some hotels don’t allow pets on the beds, and provide pet beds instead. Some hotels don’t permit guests to leave pets unattended; some do for short periods; and some even provide a pet-sitting service.

Though pet policies can be found on hotel or pet travel web sites, the information can be incomplete or outdated. Hotels may alter their pet policies from one month to the next, so make sure their pet-friendly policy is still in place before toting the pet along.

Here are some of our favorite pet-friendly destinations if you’re planning a trip this month:

http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/winterwonderlands-1763

Celebrities relaxed in style and enjoyed refreshments and specialty drinks from Two Parts Sugar, D’ Anbino Cellars, Clarine’s Florentines, Function Drinks, Zico Coconut Water and Honest Tea. A special spa lounge was on site to get nominees “red carpet ready, thanks to El Leon Spa, Mobile Spa LA and Treats For The Face. Massage, pedicures, manicures, eyelash extension and custom spray tans are just some of the services nominees choose from.

Lucky guests walked away with amazing gifts from the following sponsors: Frederique-Constant, Barbados Tourism Authority, Francesca Miranda, Castelnuovo d’Aiassa, Lexli International, Jennifer Keagle MD, Dr. Gram Inc, Sweet Prince Design, Alter Ego by Erika Walton, Hylunia, Swiss Cosmet, “Read Between The Lines” by Shawn Edgington, Lip Ink, Camacho Cigars, Fanie International, Iso Beauty, Eufora, Boho Magazine, Johnny Rockets, Silhouette, Monavie, Social Savvy and Errienne Designs. Gift bags will also be available to guests and will include gifts from: Rachel Tribble, New Beauty, Coolchange, Simply Slender, Defining Designs/CMS, Bungee Puppee, Cosmedical Technologies, Cosabella, Trapp Garden Candles, Calleen Cordero, Ferragamo, SKN Beverly Hills, Buddha Board, Parnu “The Gurdle”, Fruitology, Urban Fox, Calvet Cosmetics, BFTE Cosmetics, Cellcosmet Cellmen Switzerland, Revision Skincare, Spa Intercontinental, Fundora Dental, Kettle Foods, Pirate Brands, Fess Parkers Wine Country Inn and Spa, Azulik Eco Resort and Santa Ynez Inn.

As the non-profit of choice, City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment centers, was on hand at the Academy Awards Style Lounge to capture video of celebrity arrivals, greetings for patients in their hospitals and accept donations. Guests were encouraged to autograph a gift bag full of sponsors’ products, which will be auctioned off to benefit lifesaving research, treatment and education programs at City Of Hope.

Secret Room Events Press Release

“In bloat (dilatation), due to a number of different and sometimes unknown reasons, the stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on the other organs and diaphragm. The pressure on the diaphragm makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. The air-filled stomach also compresses large veins in the abdomen, thus preventing blood from returning to the heart. Filled with air, the stomach can easily rotate on itself, thus pinching off its blood supply. Once this rotation (volvulus) occurs and the blood supply is cut off, the stomach begins to die and the entire blood supply is disrupted and the animal’s condition begins to deteriorate very rapidly. ” PetEducation.com

Secondly, it allows our dogs to eat at a more natural level which reduces the strain on the neck, back muscles, and joints.  The height from these feeders allows a dog to stand more naturally, eliminating the need for dogs to crouch down.  This is especially beneficial for larger dogs, seniors or dog with arthritis.

Lastly, a raised dog feeder will keep their eating area cleaner.  At Defining Designs you can purchase a custom made feeder in your choice of height, color, dog embellishments, number of bowls, etc.  They are not only beautiful and enhance your home, but they are also healthier for your dog.  Whether you have show dogs, are a celebrity that lavishes your pets, or someone who has a rescue dog … these raised dog feeders would be a great addition to your home.

Since our items are one-of-a-kind we always invite custom orders.  For your convenience we take Visa, Mastercard and Discover as well as PayPal.  The “Pawsitively Elegant” collection is a division of Defining Designs by cms where you can find more beautiful custom mosaics for the home, office, garden and pets.  Click here for other unique and handmade items for your home.

Our dogs truly are “man’s best friend” and love us unconditionally.  Show them off proudly as one of the family by putting their photo in a mosaic dog picture frame whether it’s at home or at the office.  Each frame is made with stained glass, gems and dog embellishments.

You can see more pet items or place a custom order at www.definingdesignsbycms.com/PawsitivelyElegant.

Most dogs love food, and they’re especially attracted to what they see us eating. While sharing the occasional tidbit with your dog is fine, it’s important to be aware that some foods can be very dangerous to dogs. Take caution to make sure your dog never gets access to the foods below. Even if you don’t give him table scraps, your dog might eat something that’s hazardous to his health if he raids kitchen counters, cupboards and trash cans. For advice on teaching your dog not to steal food, please see our article, Counter Surfing and Garbage Raiding.  To read more and to get the specific foods go to http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/71/Foods-That-Are-Hazardous-to-Dogs-.aspx.

ASPCA

If your dog is your best friend and companion, this is a very important question.  There are many types of dog feeders on the market (wood, metal, plain, colorful …) but which one best suits your family?

First you should determine the size based upon the height of your dog.  A raised dog feeder should go up to your dogs chest.  It should be something that not only feeds your dog, but that is part of your decor; one that defines who your dog is and the style of your home.  Do you prefer the look of metal?  wood?  or would you rather have one that is colorful with stained glass, dog embellishments and gems?  It’s all personal preference.

What are the benefits for my dog?  Using a raised dog feeder reduces the air your dog ingests while eating and drinking.  This in turn helps avoid stomach bloat which is the second leading cause of death in dogs.

“In bloat (dilatation), due to a number of different and sometimes unknown reasons, the stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on the other organs and diaphragm. The pressure on the diaphragm makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. The air-filled stomach also compresses large veins in the abdomen, thus preventing blood from returning to the heart. Filled with air, the stomach can easily rotate on itself, thus pinching off its blood supply. Once this rotation (volvulus) occurs and the blood supply is cut off, the stomach begins to die and the entire blood supply is disrupted and the animal’s condition begins to deteriorate very rapidly. ” PetEducation.com

Secondly, it allows our dogs to eat at a more natural level which reduces the strain on the neck, back muscles, and joints.  The height from these feeders allows a dog to stand more naturally, eliminating the need for dogs to crouch down.  This is especially beneficial for larger dogs, seniors or dog with arthritis.

When looking for a raised dog feeder you should also take into account the physical build of your dog.  If your dog has long flowing hair or ears such as an afghan you might consider a dog feeder with one bowl to allow their hair to flow over the edges.  If your dog has a short muzzle such as a boston terrior or pug you might consider a dog feeder that has a bowl that isn’t too deep, but instead wider to help them with eating.

Consider the personality of the dog.  If your dog likes to drag his/her bowls around the yard or chew on his bowl you might want to avoid ceramic or stained glass feeders.  A more durable steel feeder would be more practical.  Some pet owners would prefer to have an automatic dog feeder which will dispense food at intervals throughout the day.

Lastly, a raised dog feeder will keep their eating area cleaner.  At Defining Designs you can purchase a custom made feeder in your choice of height, color, dog embellishments, number of bowls, etc.  Each one is handmade with stained glass that has been ground on the sides to prevent sharp edges, gems, etc.  They are not only beautiful and enhance your home, but they are also healthier for your dog.  Whether you have show dogs, are a celebrity that lavishes your pets, or someone who has a rescue dog … these raised dog feeders would be a great addition to your home.