Kenn, Max & Remy wish you and your family (humans and doggies) a very, merry and safe Christmas. We can’t wait to see what 2012 holds for us all!

(Be sure to click on the photos for a larger view!)

Max & Remy wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Max is getting a little tired waiting.

Remy thinks he heard Santa!

Max figures since Remy is watching for Santa, he can catch some sleep.

Remy's getting frustrated waiting for Santa.

Oh, what the heck, we'll catch Santa next year.

Infographic originally published here.

– Kenn

For most people the thunderous roar of fireworks and the cheers that follow elicit a sense of prideful patriotism. The Fourth of July is a day for parties, laughter, and celebration comparable to few other days of the year. It is also a day to celebrate that Summer is in full swing! Unfortunately, many canine citizens of the U.S.A. often have a very different reaction to the brouhaha that goes on. In fact, for some dogs, the Fourth of July is a day dreaded as much as those filled with thunder and lightning.

For those dogs which are reactive to fireworks (or their cousin…thunder) I suspect they experience something similar to what Tom Cruise faced in War of the Worlds. It seems a terrifying end is coming nearer and their only hope is to find a spot to hide, be it under a sofa, in a closet, or in most cases in a tiled bathroom. For our canine companions, shaking, panting, and drooling are the typical outward signs of falling apart inside (unlike Tom Cruise who makes it a habit to face his fears and save the day).

So, what is a family to do when worry for their dog’s well being squelches their hopes of celebrating this special day? As with most behavior modification, it is advisable to break things down into a two pronged approach. Of utmost importance is managing your dog’s environment and time in such a way so as to set them up for the best chance of making it through the night without incident. It is also wise to work on helping your dog become less reactive to loud noises.

You can help your dog to settle in by placing their bed or crate in a room that is as far removed from windows and doors as possible. This will help muffle sounds in addition to having a radio or television playing. Note, many dogs do best in a bathroom with tiling. Be sure your dog is securely contained indoors as the onset of fireworks induced panic can give dogs Superman strength and a Houdini-like drive to escape.

Plan to provide your dog with plenty of appropriate play time (i.e for their health and age) earlier in the day so they are ready to rest as you head out to celebrate.

You might also consider a calmative such as Rescue Remedy, melatonin, or Comfort Zone with DAP. This product mimics the pheromone a nursing mother dog releases to support bonding and comfort and to reassure her puppies and may help your dog cope in challenging or worrying situations.

The anxiety wrap is also an option. It provides a degree of subtle, maintained pressure across your dog’s torso which can help increase the calm factor.

If your dog has a rough go of it this Fourth of July, plan to work on the issue more thoroughly in the coming year so that next Fourth of July they can be most ready to express their patriotic pupness and experience fireworks fear free. Get a recording of fireworks and play it at low volume when your dog is eating, playing with you or their toys. Gradually increase the volume so as to desensitize your dog to these sounds.

If you are lucky enough to have a dog without firework fears, it is still highly advisable to keep them indoors when fireworks are ready to rocket. The loud, blaring sounds, and general over the top excitement of people can send even the calmest dog into an elevated state of arousal whereby their ‘normal’ behavior deteriorates. Further, fireworks are potentially dangerous for people, but are even more so for dogs. Goodness knows there are surely a few enthusiastic hounds out there who might chase sparks about and end up getting burned.

As a final word of caution, be aware that fireworks debris can be hazardous to your dog. So, keep an eye out for leftover parts and be sure to collect and dispose of them to protect your dog as well as other neighborhood animals and wildlife.

Enjoy, have a great Memorial Day and don’t forget the men & women who died to protect our freedom.

Photo By Genia Kyres

Photo By F Lee Ruppen

Photo by Adrienne Gilbreath

Photo by Theresa Kuehn

Photo by Vickie Bailey Moon

Photo by Unknown Dog Filer

Photo by Karen Meiklejohn

Photo by Anastasia Fabing

Photo by Cince S.

Photo by Kym Oconnor

Photo by Kathy Cottrell

Photo by Marlene Steiner

Photo by Maricela Gonzalez

Photo by Tracy Ellis-Maxwell

Photo by Mainstreet Realtors

Photo by Chella Lemieux

Photo by Rachel Chip

Photo by Sue Tittle-Street

Max The Patriot!

WARNING: Do not share your photo here. You need to go to Tonic.com to do it. Here’s the link: Patriotic Pup Link.

Memorial Day is just around the corner! While many will mark the day with barbecues, beach parties and fireworks, it’s important to take a moment to remember that more than the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day is a time to commemorate the US soldiers who have died while serving our country.

Today we’re asking you to get your pets in on the show of patriotism and share a photo that shows them displaying their American pride. Dress them up in their red, white and blue best or show us a photo that features them frolicking in a patriotic setting.

In addition to Tonic, the top 20 photos will be featured on The Dog Files, where you can find the best documentation of how involved dogs are in enhancing our lives through great photos, news and videos every day!

WARNING: Do not share your photo here. You need to go to Tonic.com to do it. Here’s the link: Patriotic Pup Link.

Max Looks Boldly On!

Enjoy the photos, hug your pups and have a great Easter!

– Kenn, Max & Remy

Kim-Longobardi sent this in.

Amanda Chase Burns sent in Phantom, the Harlequin Great Dane, and Lola, the Tibetan Spaniel mix.

Ruby, who owns the heart of Cindy Flanary.

Jennifer Huffer sends us Captain Jack!

Cloe is all dressed up for Easter! Barbara Thomas Cole

Mr. Buddy Rose is keeping tabs on all his Easter eggs!

Gail A. Dacayanan sends us Zeke and his Easter Lillies!

Say hi to Beanie the Easter Doxie. Denise Hawk

Piggie the Pit Bunny loves Easter!

Bella the one eyed Beaster Bunny!

A big woof to Harriet the Foster Bunny!

Blu Bunny is pretty in pink!

Rayna Stout sends us Raven the Border Bunny!

Dana Smith-Mansell sends us her furry Easter Bunny pack!

Stella & Jesse enjoying their Easter Chick! Janet Holtman-Stell

Mollie Wabbit readying for the Easter Egg Hunt! Pamela D. Frazier

Say hi to Donkey Bunny!

Happy Easter, everyone!

Enjoy the photos and hug your pups!

– Kenn

Marie Keeler with Jack.

Denise Bentley with Joey and Lucy

Carol Tutor with Otis and William.

McGrady the Fabulous Deaf Dog.

Carol Wilkinson's Irish pup.

Carol McConnell-Marshall with Yinzer the furry Leprechaun.

Sarah Mazeika's big Irish pup.

Ladies and Gentleman, Mr. Buddy (Shamrock) Rose!

Sheley Revis with her pack of cute, Irish hooligans.

Top o' the morning to Leslie Burlett Jones with Woody!

John Davey's sleepy Irish pup.

Gladys Leinweber with Samantha on her Irish Birthday!

Donna with Lilly Belle go green for St. Pat's Day!

Paul Grant Hillier with Missy Lou daydreaming of Ireland.

Christi Clark with Freya.

Samantha Blakely with Greenlee the Leprechaun!

Sheley Revis with Haiku showing off his Irish spirit!

May you always make the right moves.

May your cup runneth over with love.

May you always find shelter from any storm.

May you continue looking good.

May you find the perfect diet for your soul.

May you find balance in the company you keep.

May you have as much fun as you can before someone makes you stop.

May the worst thing that happens to you be slobbery wet kisses.

May you manage to make time for a nap.

May all the new folks you meet be interesting and kind.

May your accessories always harmonize with your natural beauty!

May your bone always be bigger than your belly.

May you always know when to walk away and know when to run.

And may your friends always bring you joy!