Dogs playing the role of groomsmen, bridesmaids, ring bearers and flower girls is an ever increasing trend in modern weddings. This is in part because of people’s innate love for their dogs, but also might have something to do with the popularity of pooches in celebrity weddings. People can’t get enough of celebrity news even if they do not want to admit it. Let’s face it we seem to care more about who celebrities are dating than world politics. In a nation obsessed with celebrity news and dogs it is no wonder that canines are showing up on wedding isles across the country in designer duds with perfect pawdicures! Here is a list of trend setting celebs and their tail wagging weddings:

1. Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale: After six years of dating the rock stars wed in a traditional Anglican ceremony in St. Paul’s Covenant Garden in London on September 14, 2002. The ceremony was traditional all except for Gwen’s choice in isle escorts. The No Doubt front woman was escorted down the isle by her sheepdog, Winston who was decked in a rose covered collar and lead. The couple is currently happily married with two sons, Kingston James and Zuma Nesta.

2. Adam Sandler and Jacqueline Titone: The comedian and his bride wed on June 22, 2003 in an outdoor ceremony at Dick Clark’s Malibu estate. The wedding was fit for the couple complete with an impromptu serenade from Sandler to his bride and plenty of canine antics. Sandler’s beloved bulldog Matzoball pulled him down the isle in a wagon while his best dog Meatball followed behind with the rings. Both dogs wore tuxedos, which matched the groom, and little yarmulkes on their heads. The couple recently welcomed their second daughter, Sunny Madeline, in November of 2008. Sunny’s older sister, Sadie Madison, has matching initials. Unfortunately, Meatball his since passed away.

3. Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady: This pretty pair made it official in a secret February 2009 ceremony in California before re-confirming their vows in Costa Rico later in the year. The bride wore head to toe Dolce & Gabbana with handmade satin roses and a coordinating satin headband. Her three pooches attended the ceremony and were perfectly accessorized with matching Dolce & Gabbana floral lace collars.

4. Elton John & David Furnish: The couple hosted a civil ceremony in the exclusive Windsor’s Guidhall in December of 2005.The event was a star studded gala with guests including Ozzy Osborne, Ringo Star, David Beckham and Sharon Stone. Sir Elton’s favorite guest; however, was his Cocker Spaniel Arthur who served as the best dog. No word on whether or not the couple will adopt children or just get more dogs.

5. Tori Spelling and Charlie Shanian: The Beverly Hills 90210 princess spared no expense in her July 2004 wedding to her first husband. The event was a gala affair with every amenity imaginable. Tori’s famous pug Mimi Larue almost upstaged the bride in her custom designed wedding ensemble. Tori has since remarried to Dean McDermott and lives with their two children, son Liam and daughter Stella. Mimi has since passed with people across the nation mourning her passing.

Other stars like Pink and Carey Hart chose to take their dogs on their honeymoon. The couple took their four dogs on their Aspen honeymoon in February of 2007. Other stars haven’t even set the date yet, but have publically declared that their pets will play a role in the ceremony. Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga have been engage for some time and while the singer and Harvard graduate have not set a date, Hudson will have her three dogs, Oscar, Grammy and Dreamgirl, front and center in the ceremony.

Article submitted by a site with SportDOG, Dogtra, and Tri-Tronics.

Posted: May 19th, 2009 under Blog.
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Top 10 Cat Care Essentials

While cats require significantly less effort than their dog counterparts, they do require proper care for their health and well-being. Given the appropriate care and amount of attention your cat will be a part of your life for many happy and fulfilling years. While this list is not all-inclusive it should give you the building blocks for successful cat care:

1. High Quality Food: Cats need a diet rich in protein as they are strict carnivores and must digest protein to provide them with essential nutrients for their good health. Considering their strict carnivore nature, cats can not produce key vitamins and amino acids within their own bodies like omnivores can. They must get these nutrients from the flesh of other animals that have produced these nutrients already. Be careful of inexpensive grocery store brands as they contain many ingredients that are not essential for your cat’s health. Spend a little more on cat food and you will spend less in the long-run when Veterinary bills are added to the bottom line.

2. Covered Litter Box: Cats need a private and safe place to use the restroom and will be more inclined to use a litter box that offers both privacy and the feeling of safety. This is also essential in that it keeps litter in the box and off of your floors.

3. Clumping Kitty Litter: Some cat owners might feel that this is the best thing since sliced bread and their cats might concur. Cats are clean animals and will appreciate a clean place to do their business. Clumping kitty litter makes it easy to remove waste in between litter box cleanings.  

4. Collar with ID: While cats are indoor pets they do escape from time to time and a proper collar with identification will help to ensure her safe return to you in the event that she gets loose. Millions of cats end up in shelters every year and the proper identification will help yours not to become a statistic.

5. Cat Carrier: A portable, ventilated, plastic carrying case is an essential item for your cat. This provides safety when traveling in the car and also a place to safely keep your cat when making annual trips to the Veterinarian. Cats do not travel well in cars so the carrier provides a safe place for her and also cuts down on the risk of car accidents when driving with a frantic cat loose in the car.

6. Scratching Post: This essential carries a two-fold benefit. For one, it protects your furniture and drapes from kitty claw shredding. It also provides exercise and mental stimulation for your cat. She will use her claws to dig in and pull up her body weight. This allows for kitty equivalent to strength training and keeps her entertained as well.

7. Dental Cleaning Pads: The most common health problem among cats is dental related. These treated pads will help to remove plaque and tarter buildup on your cat’s teeth when rubbed along the teeth and gums. There are kitty toothbrushes available, but the pads are typically more tolerated on the part of the cat and easier for their owners to use.

8. Stimulating Toy: Cats love to play with toys whether they be homemade or store bought. Try a stick with a string tied to it and a ball on the end of the string. Bob it up and down and watch your cat give chase. Cats can also entertain themselves for long periods of time with a simply ping pong ball in a closed paper bag. Whichever route you take, make sure she has some toys to keep her occupied when you are away.

9. Window Perch: Cats love to jump up on things so why not create a special perch of their own? Window ledges covered in a carpet scrap will do the trick or more elaborate perches purchased through catalogues or in stores will work as well. Cats love to lounge in the sun while watching the world go by. Who knows, maybe if they have a perch of their own they will stay off the kitchen counters?

10. Regular Check-ups: Cats need regular yearly check-ups even when they appear healthy. Your Veterinarian can recommend many different solutions to prevent health problems while providing yearly vaccinations and performing other vital check-up services.

Article submitted by discount-pet-mall a site with pet steps, pet beds and pet gates.

Posted: May 6th, 2009 under Blog.
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