The topic of getting a new dog has certainly been in the news lately with President-elect Obama’s search for the perfect White House puppy! Getting a new dog isn’t an easy decision for anyone, and if you are thinking of bringing a furry ball of love into your own home, there are many things to think about.

Bringing a dog into your life is meant to be exciting and joyful…but getting the wrong dog can bring frustration and heartache. As a responsible pet owner, there are several considerations that will help you determine what breeds might be best for you. For example:

• Why are you getting a dog — as a companion, a protector, a working dog?
• How much “dog space” do you have?
• How much time (and energy!) do you have to devote to training your dog and other activities (grooming, exercise, etc)?
• Is a puppy or an adult the best choice for you?
• Mixed breed or purebred?

These are just a few questions that you should answer before choosing your new dog. Click here to read more about selecting the right dog for your lifestyle. Enjoy your new friend!

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Let your pets live it up with the rest of your family with wholesome holiday dinners! In the right proportions, your human holiday feast can be the perfect meal for your furry friends, too! Sharing is truly caring — when it comes to real food.

Chef Marx, the culinary wiz who created Spot’s Stew (HALO’s healthy, homemade foods for dogs and cats), suggests a few slices of traditional holiday turkey (without the skin or fat), a spoonful of simple green bean casserole (or other vegetable choice, but no onions, please!), and a dollop of sweet potatoes (for dogs only). Sweet potatoes are extremely nutritious and don’t clog the digestive tract like regular potatoes.

According to Marx, they’re wonderfully flavorful and full of vitamin A, calcium, iron, and other important minerals. Sweet potatoes also strengthen the spleen and pancreas and help the body release toxins. Follow the guide below as a suggestion for portions. Keep your meals free of spices, use simple ingredients, and try not to overfeed, even though they’re going to love it lots!

Note: For cats, skip the grains entirely. Holistic veterinarians recognize that grains can contribute to urinary problems and other health issues for cats.

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The following post comes to us from David Yaskulka, Halo’s VP of Marketing Communications. David’s career has been devoted to socially responsible and highly philanthropic companies — which is what brought him to Halo (plus the lobbying from his dog Bert and cat Sterling).

“Furry signs of a down-trending economy peer dolefully from every kennel at the [local] shelter and hundreds of others across the country,” began a recent CNN report. It’s become such a tough time for thousands and thousands of now-homeless pets.

Halo is very proud to support The Amanda Foundation at this time of need. It’s a nonprofit organization that “rescues dogs and cats who, through no fault of their own, are spending their last days at City and County Shelters.”

“Bow Wow Beverly Hills” is an exciting annual event supporting The Amanda Foundation, sponsored by Halo, Purely for Pets, Tiffany & Co., The Rodeo Drive Committee, Fred Hayman, The Beverly Hills Petcare Foundation and the Beverly Hills Courier. Check out this cool ABC TV video of Hollywood coming out to support furry friends in need.

If you have any food, time or money to give, I hope you’ll join in, or find your way to your local animal shelter.

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The following post comes to us from David Yaskulka, Halo’s VP of Marketing Communications. David’s career has been devoted to socially responsible and highly philanthropic companies — which is what brought him to Halo (plus the lobbying from his dog Bert and cat Sterling).

I don’t know about you all, but I’m figuring my dog and cat won’t read the “Holiday Gift Guide: Top 10 Gifts for the Celebrity Obsessed” on Examiner.com. They’re definitely above the glitter!

But it’s nice to see the glitterati interested in good products and care for their pets!

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Many an animal lover knows that sometimes the best pets are the ones that choose us. Such is the case with our November Pet of the Month, a pretty cat named Trixie, who just wouldn’t take no for an answer!

One night when Trixie’s future mom came home from Christmas shopping, she thought she heard meowing in the parking lot at the back of her building. She didn’t see a cat at first, and continued to walk home, but soon spotted a tiny kitty following her. At the time, she was not in the market for a cat, given that she already had a dog and wasn’t sure how that would work out. But she decided to take a cup of milk out for the poor little kitten, and Trixie managed to slip inside the door as quick as lightening. Since that day, Trixie has been part of the family.

Trixie’s mom describes her as a fun, playful cat with her own little attitude. She is sometimes called “The Diva” and loves to lounge on the windowsill, tease the dog, and prance back and forth between the vertical blinds. Trixie will plop herself down wherever she chooses – including inside the bags of unsuspecting guests!

We’re sure Trixie will love her Halo goodie bag (including Holistic pet care favorites Spot’s Stew, Liv-a-Littles protein treats, and Dream Coat essential fatty acids supplement), and all the attention she’s certain to get from being the Pet of the Month. What little diva wouldn’t enjoy her newfound fame?

Think your pet should be next month’s winner? Just head over to the Halo Pets MySpace Page and send us a picture of your favorite furry friend!

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