Product News

Party Time…
Leash on Life would like to thank you for your business throughout the entire year. Back, by popular demand…our customer appreciation party. Store wide sales and door prizes. Stock up for your own pets and help fill the donation boxes for our local shelters. We will have drinks and hors d’oeuv   res for you. This can be a busy time and we ask that you leave your four-legged friends home. Plus, you would not want them to see their surprises early!

Great  Stocking Stuffer…

A blast from the past…Bushnell’s Turtle cookbooks! If you have lived in Iowa City longer than you care to admit you may remember, the best sandwich, soup, salad or dessert in town could be found at Bushnell’s Turtle. It has been twenty years since the last veggie on whole wheat or carrot cake was made. But never fear, none of those wonderful recipes were lost. As a matter of fact they have been put together in a cook book that is now available at Leash on Life. Why at Leash on Life, our sister was owner of Bushell’s for 20 years!

Frequent Buyer...
Clip, clip and save…that is what many of you have done to take advantage of our dog/cat food frequent buyer programs. Well worth it for the free bag of food, but hard to remember and keep in one place. Friends, put away your scissors. We will now track this all electronically for you. Bring in any UPCs you have saved, and we will get them scanned in for you. No more clipping!

Support Adoptable Pets…
There are many ways to support the adoptable pets we feature each month.
**Johnson County Humane Society will be having a bake sale and gift wrapping in our North Liberty store on Saturday December 16^th and in Iowa City Sunday the 17^th.
** Paws and More in Washington have their open house December 2^nd, noon-4pm.
**Iowa City Animal Center’s Holiday with the Hounds is Saturday, Dec. 16^th, 10am – 2pm.
**You can always help fill donation boxes at Leash on Life or other businesses around town with wish list items.

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November 2017

Holiday travel with family is fast approaching. Family travels can mean the pups Sadie and Sammy are coming along, too. How do you keep you and your pets both safe and fashionable…find out at our 1^st Kurgo Expo and sales event. We will trick out our Leash on Life delivery vehicle with all things Kurgo travel. You will see seat covers, booster seats, tipless water bowls, crash tested dog harnesses and more. The best part, everything will be on sale!

                 Join us at either, or both stores…
Saturday November 11st in North Liberty 10am-2pm or
Sunday November 12^th in Iowa City noon-4pm.

Winter walks and travel mean Kurgo Loft coats are a necessity. Now you and your pooch can enjoy the same coziness. Get a Kurgo loft coat for your dog and you can get a matching Loft vest for yourself (while supplies last). Or, attend our event (no purchase needed) and enter to win a vest for yourself. Why Kurgo? They make quality products and check out their staff web site page, it will make you smile.

Smile for the Birdy…

Thinking of a holiday photo of the family pet for you or someone on your list? Give us a call to set up an appointment with Laurie Haag for a photo session. November will be the last session before Christmas. Sorry to say, Santa will not be here this year for photos with your pet. We will do a photo fundraiser for the IC shelter in the spring. Don’t forget we also have gift certificates that can be used for photography sessions anytime during the year.

Laurie’s Dogs of Iowa City calendars will soon be available as well as holiday cards.

Party Time! Save the Date…
Back by popular demand is our evening customer appreciation sale and fill the animal shelter donation box sale. This year, you can come twice! We will celebrate Thursday December 7^th in our North Liberty store 5pm-8pm.  Our Iowa City store sale will be Sunday December 10^th noon-4pm.

Adoptable Cat of the Month, Irene…

Irene is a great gal between 3-6 years old looking for a home. She would prefer to be in an only cat home. Who can say ‘no’ to that face! If you are interested in Irene or would like to learn more about the animals at the Center, information is available through the Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption Center, call (319) 356-5295 or visit www.icanimalcenter.org .

• Join us for a mobile adoption day in North Liberty on Sunday October 15^th from noon-2. Great pets from Last Hope Animal Rescue will be joining us, come say hello.
• Santa’s elves have told us there will be NO Santa photos this year. Too many conflicts at the north pole to make it to Iowa City. But, rumor has it a fun-raiser photo session is in the works for early spring.
• Large cat furniture is back. Our selection has been thin, but both stores are stocked. Ms. Whiskers can watch those beautiful fall sunsets from a new height.
• Thanks to those who joined us at the amazing Cyclo-cross World Cup last month. The inaugural Maxx’s doggy run sponsored by Nulo, was a hit and has been requested for next year. Those who made it to the booth received Nulo coupons. If you didn’t make it out, now is your chance to “treat” your pup to newly released Nulo treats. A free bag of soft training treats or jerky with every bag of Nulo purchased this month.
• What an excellent way to celebrate harvest! Fromm has several new flavors of canned food for dogs and cats. All Fromm cans are made in their very own cannery in Wisconsin. We will be having sales on cans throughout October, so come in to take advantage of these great deals and new taste treats!

Can You See Me Now?

Have you seen the light show in town? If not, as the sun starts to set look around your neighborhood. You can now outfit your dog to illuminate your early morning or evening walks with their very own clip-on light. These little lights pack a bright punch. Need something more than the clip-on light? Try the Nitehowl collar, with this ring around the Rover, everyone will see exactly where your pooch is from any angle. Want something more subtle? Check out our new reflective collars and leashes.
 

Kitty Run Around…

We have a plethora of treat dispensing toys for dogs, but until recently there has been a dearth of such toys for cats. But no more… we have many locally made cat puzzle toys/food dispensers.  These rock and roll to keep your cat busy working to get the food to fall out. Our Snuggles quickly figured out how to push this around the room to get her breakfast. These toys are great for the cat that eats too fast or for the one that yowls at you continually to be fed. Stop in and pick up an info sheet on how these toys help with feline mental health.

Adoptable Cat of the Month, Frankie…
Frankie is a senior gal looking for a home. If you are interested in Frankie or would like to learn more about the animals at the Center, information is available through the Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption Center, call (319) 356-5295 or visit www.icanimalcenter.org .

Helping Hand and Paw…
Area shelters, including our own Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center have taken in dogs from hurricane Harvey. The support of the community has once again been overwhelming. Fromm Family Foods & Leash on Life joined together to match food donations.

By working together with you, we have been able to provide enough food for the Adoption Center’s immediate needs. The Adoption Center suggests gift cards to enable getting needed items such as treats, durable harnesses or toys. Thanks to all of you and thanks to Fromm Family Foods.

Take the Plunge…

Time for a final dip of the toes, your dog’s toes that is. September 7^th & 8^th, 3pm – 8pm at the North Liberty Aquatic Center will be the 8^th Annual Doggie Plunge.

September 30^th from 1pm – 6pm will be the Iowa City Dog Paddle at the City Park pool. Be sure to have proof of rabies vaccines for either swim.

Doggie Cross…

If you have never seen a cyclo-cross event now is your chance. The World Cup will be at the Johnson County Fair Grounds September 15-17^th. This biking event is full out fun…riding, running and more. New this year is Doggie Cross sponsored by Nulo dog food. During the Doggie Cross you can run a shortened course with your dog. Buy a bag of Nulo with us & enter to win free tickets to the World Cup. Enter the Doggie Cross for chance to win 3 months free Nulo food. Visit Maxx’s Doggie Cross for full details.

Adoptable Dog of the Month, Maui…

Maui arrived at the Adoption Center from Texas. He will need to be treated for heartworms before he is ready for adption. If you are interested in Maui, information is available through the Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption Center, call (319) 356-5295 or visit www.icanimalcenter.org  to learn more about the animals at the Center.

Can’t ALL dogs swim? Years ago we learned, accidentally, the short legs of our Basset Hound Sadie are no match for a farm pond. Thankfully, we have float coats for pooches lacking even the most basic water skills. Their design provides buoyancy, safety and even advanced swimmers tire.  Best to be safe when boating when waters get rough (ruff?). The luminescent colors are easy to spot in any lighting. And…..we have yet to figure out why Sadie took a long walk off a short dock.

What Floats your Boat?

West Paw toys float your boat! All the West Paws toys float and are made in the US. Their discs, balls, bones and their other toys are perfect for water retrieval and easy to be add to your summer picnic basket. Don’t forget to bring along some clean drinking water for you and your pets.

Stop Bugging Us…

Biting flies, gnats and mosquitoes are a bother to all of us, dogs and cats included. Mosquitoes transmit heartworms to dogs and cats. Heartworm prevention is a must and only available from your vet. For fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, we carry Advantix spot-on for dogs, Advantage for cats and home treatment products.

In response to customer inquiries, we now carry Wondercide spray for your pets and home. It is a natural repellant and insecticide for fleas, ticks, mosquitos and flies.

If you use a spray-on bug repellent please remember that dogs and cats are extremely sensitive to DEET and may develop neurological problems from DEET. Pyrethrin, a chemical derived from the chrysanthemum plant, and its synthetic equivalent, Permethrin, are often used for insect control on dogs and horses, but cat parents should be very careful as Permethrin is dangerous for felines.

Adoptable Dog of the Month, Daphne…
Daphne is a cute 3 month old gal. She is a Chihuahua mix and likes to cuddle. She has siblings available for adoption too. Daphne is available through the Iowa City Adoption Center, call (319) 356-5295 or visit www.icanimalcenter.org  to learn more about all the animals at the Center.

It is shorts and sandals time for us, but not your best friend. Imagine cooling yourself off only by panting, and imagine how hot your body temperature would be and how dehydrated you would become. For this reason, please carry water for your dog when you go on walks or the dog park. Leash on Life carries portable water bottles for your dog that hook on your belt for easy carrying. The Gulpy stores and serves water all in one easy-to-use bottle. The flip open/close design, also makes it very handy. If you plan on traveling or walking with your dog, H2O is one item you don't want to be without, particularly in the summer heat. If you already have a water bottle we also have collapsible bowls.
Please remember, while your dog may enjoy an evening walk, most do not enjoy large summer festivals or firework displays. The pavement is hot on sensitive dog feet and the humidity effects them just as it does us. They may be better at home in the air conditioning.

You can learn more about heat and your dog by checking out the “Dog Day’s of Summer” on our new web site!

The term ‘dog days’ has nothing to do with dogs. It dates back to Roman times, when it was believed Sirius, the Dog Star, added its heat to that of the sun from July 3rd to August 11th, creating exceptionally high temperatures. The Romans called the period dies caniculares, literally ‘days of the dog.’ Not just a pretty light, the Dog Star is a symbol of power, will, and steadfastness of purpose, and exemplifies the One who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness.

Safe Travels…
If you are planning on taking your dog on vacation (or anywhere), a car harness is a good safety idea. Not only does it help keep your dog from being thrown and injured if you were to be in an accident, it also keeps them restrained so they do not interfere with your driving. Not all of our pets are as good of a driver as Toonces was. Kennels also work well for safety for both dogs and cats.

Bump in the Night…
Summer has made her appearance and with her comes thunder and fireworks which frighten many dogs & cats. We have a variety of calming treats. All work by different natural, non-sedative methods to
assist anxious situations. Treatibles contain a blend of phytocannabinoid hemp including CBD. In addition to a calming effect there is anecdotal pet owner observations of help with pain and inflammation. Happy Traveler does more than make the ride go smoothly, it helps with any stressful situation. Herbal ingredients assist with stress and nervousness. Happy Traveler has the National Animal Supplements Council (NASC) seal of quality testing. Calming Treats from Vermont Pet Naturals are NASC approved as well. These treats focus on B Vitamins and Colostrum to help manage stress. An option other than treats are Thundershirts™. Eighty-five percent of dogs (satisfaction guaranteed) show significant improvement with their anxiety symptoms when wearing their Thundershirt™.  Experts such as Dr. Temple Grandin believe the gentle constant pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system. We also carry Thunderspray and other pheromone sprays and collars. These work nicely in tandem when sprayed on the Thundershirt.

Adoptable Rabbit of the Month, Thumper…
Thumper is a cute 2 years old fellow. Thumper is available through the Iowa City Adoption Center, call (319) 356-5295 or visit www.icanimalcenter.org to learn more about all the animals at the Center.

Celebrate Earth Day…
Earth Day is Saturday April 22nd, and we will be celebrating Mother Earth all month…and all year for that matter. Leash on Life has partnered with Fussie Cat food to offer reusable bags. They will be $0.50, and then we will give you a nickel back all year when you bring the bag back in to use. Just 10 trips to the store and the bag is paid for, and we don’t use plastic bags! Stop in April 15-23 for a week of sales and promos supporting our planet.

Top it Off…
Looking for a new gravy to jazz up dinner time? Super Gravy is just that, SUPER tasty and nutritious. Really easy to use…either sprinkle on top kibble and add water or mix it up in a jug ahead and pour on the food. Full of digestive enzymes and probiotics for better digestion with every meal, and great tasting to dogs or cats. Three flavors available to please any pallet. And in honor of earth day… If you are topping our kibble with canned food you will save on cans with Super Gravy. We will have it in stock April 10th.

The Scoop on Poop…
Earth Rated™ poop bags are degradable. Earth Rated™ takes that one step further, with packaging and center bag core made from recycled paper. Earth Rated™ bags come in three styles; regular, extra-large and tie handles and they are unscented or have a light lavender scent. All this just as the spring has finally arrived. There is nothing like being able to change the world one poop at a time.

Adoptable Cat of the Month, Theodosia…
Theodosia is about 2 years old. She is looking for a new forever home. Theodosia is available through the Iowa City Adoption Center, call (319) 356-5295 or visit www.icanimalcenter.org to learn more about the animals at the Center.

Special Just For You…
Filene’s Basement? Land of Misfit Toys? Well, not really, but we do have a table of sale items. A variety of toys, tshirts and other items are waiting for you, and they are at great prices. These are the same great items we have always had, but we are trying to make room for some new fun things. Stop by and check out the table—we are sure there is something you just can’t live without.

Not So Fun Facts…
A single flea may bite more than 350 times daily! They will consume 15 times their body weight in blood a day, but can live 100 days without a meal. A female flea lay 40-50 eggs a day. For a sensitive or flea-allergic animal, itching caused by the bites can become severe. Fleas also transmit tapeworms and in severe cases cause anemia to a dog or cat. While adult fleas are wingless, they move fast, leaping up to 8 inches at a time or 150 times their own height. Add this to their small stature, and fleas become difficult to see. Flea dirt (blood in the flea feces) is one way to diagnose a flea problem. This will show up as tiny black specs on your pet or bedding. Put a spec on a paper towel, add water, and flea dirt will turn red.

Don’t Bug Me…
The best treatment for fleas and ticks is prevention, and it is not too early. Once the temperature rises above 40 degrees your dog or cat could be picking up fleas. To effectively eliminate fleas from BOTH your pet and your home, you must disrupt the flea’s life cycle.

• Topically and oral products kill off adult fleas before they have the chance to reproduce. Flea shampoos help ease discomfort caused by the fleas and may give you an indication of the flea infestation, observe the bath water for floating fleas.
• If any fleas have jumped off your dog or cat (this is very likely) you will want to treat your home along with your pet. Home flea ‘bombs’ are effective, but may miss important areas (such as under your furniture) requiring targeted sprays.
• While garlic has long been heralded with repelling bloodsuckers (fleas, in addition to vampires) too much can have a toxic effect on dogs.
• Use caution when using shampoos, topicals, bombs, and sprays in tandem, remember the insecticides can add up quickly, and cause health problems for both you and your pet.

If you would prefer a natural alternative for flea control we have added Alzoo to our lineup. The active ingredient is Geraniol. Alzoo is a preventative for fleas and ticks, so if your pet already has fleas you will need to address that ‘issue’ first, then begin the Alzoo regimen.

Consult with your vet before using any treatment on a puppy or kitten under 12 weeks. Another important note: When it comes to flea products, “Dogs ONLY” means DOGS ONLY. Ingredients in those products can be harmful or fatal for your cat. Be sure to treat your pet with the appropriate dose for their weight. In a 2014 report from the CDC, the most common cause of illness from topical or internal treatments was inaccurate dosing

Adoptable Cat of the Month, Foozball…
Foozball is an older gal looking for a retirement home. She is spayed and litter box trained. Foozball is available through the Iowa City Adoption Center, call (319) 356-5295 or visit www.icanimalcenter.org to learn more about the animals at the Center.

February is pet dental month. The bacteria that live in your pet’s mouth may be causing that bad breath that makes you avoid those most excited kisses. These bacteria can lead to oral disease and increase the risk for more serious illness. The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Warning signs include bad breath, tartar and swollen red gums. Fractured teeth or cavities can be painful and may change your pets eating habits.
Prevention is the key to helping pets maintain good health. There are many alternatives for dental care with your dog or cat, but it is hard to beat daily brushing; the challenge of course is getting us to comply. Start your pet early to get them used to teeth brushing. Dental chews and bones can aid with removal of tartar.  Fleece tugs and rope bones are a good addition to your dog’s toy pile. These work as dental floss, but do not cause wear in enamel. If your pet already has tartar build up your best bet is to have the teeth cleaned and then start a preventative routine. If you have questions about your dog or cats teeth be sure to have a talk with your veterinarian about what is right for you and your pet.

Getting Started…
To get you off on the right “foot” for teeth care we will have dental items on sale the month of February. Whimzee dental chews will be 15% off. Other dental items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes and water additives will be 10% off.

Something Fish-y Around Here…

The cold dry winter effects your pets skin and coat as much as ours. Some of you have asked about salmon oil as a skin and coat supplement.  We carry Icelandic salmon & sardine oil. For cats and dogs this is a great source of Omega-3s (EPA & DHA). Dogs, and more so cats, have limited capacity to make these fatty acids. The addition of Omega-3 fatty acids relieves itchy skin, acts as an anti-inflammatory, decreases shedding, helps with hairballs, promotes heart health and lubricates joints. Wow, can it clean your house too?

Adoptable Dog of the Month, Sugar…
Sugar is as sweet as his name. He is a 2 year old Pit mix. He loves going for walks. Sugar is available through the Iowa City Adoption Center, call (319) 356-5295 or visit www.icanimalcenter.org  to learn more about the animals at the Center.