LaDeDog Blog!

See you next year!

2009-12-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

The time has come for a much needed Christmas break, and the LaDeDog! staff will be working diligently on updating inventory, adding exciting new products and a new improved web store.

We will be closed throughout the New Year and will update our BLOG with information on the re-launch, so please stay tuned!

We Thank you all for making us your Destination Dog Boutique!

Wishing you a safe, enjoyable & Happy Holidays from your friends at LaDeDog!

Stuff for the Stockings

2009-12-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

Are you stumped as to what to stuff in your pet's stocking this year? Well, we have many options under $10.00 that will delight everydog on your Christmas list. Whether choosing from our many options of Bling or our yummy line of Grooming products, you will be sure to find some fun options when checking your list.

For some fun, personalized options, here is a list to get the wheels turning... and don't pass up the 10% discount code mentioned in the previous Blog, for additional savings (available only until the 20th of December).

Fortune Balls - .95 ea.

Pet Candy Catnip - $2.00

Lunker Retriever - $9.95

Lupine leads and collars - $7 - $16

Gift Certificates - $10 - $100

And - tell me, who can resist this ADORABLE houndstooth hat and scarf SET for only $5.99

Want the CODE?

2009-11-25T09:50:00.001-08:00

It's hiding right here!!! Use this special code at checkout & get 10% Off your entire order through December 20th! US and Canada only... Thanks10

Enjoy!!

Get Your Holiday Shopping Done Early!

2009-11-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

It's finally here... Holiday time... and JUST 30 days left til Christmas!

This week, we are starting with our sales early & have prepared many special prices to our web store products & have added FREE SHIPPING to any orders within the US! Simply check the Will-Call option during check-out & we will ship your items free of charge, no matter the size!

We wish to thank you all for making us your Destination Dog Boutique! Happy Holidays from your friends at LaDeDog!

Can My Dog or Cat Catch the Swine Flu?

2009-10-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

All of this crazy "pandemic" stuff has been a little unsettling, especially since cold and flu season hasn't even begun. We are all used to using extra precautions when we hear a cough or sneeze, especially when we don't know that much about the illness OR its vaccination. But what about our pets... Can they catch the flu? If a pig can carry this virus, can my dog or cat catch the Swine flu? Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM weighs in (Courtesy of Dogster Vetblog).

"Swine flu, also known as H1N1 influenza, has been dominating the news recently. The viral strain appears set to cause the first influenza pandemic in a generation. Influenza pandemics are big deals. The pandemic of 1918-1920 caused more people to die from flu than from bullets or bombs during World War One.

Influenza viruses are known for infecting multiple species–as the name would imply, swine flu developed in pigs and then spread to people.

This may lead pet owners to wonder: can cats and dogs catch swine flu?
The answer appears to be no. DVM Newsmagazine reports that there is no evidence cats or dogs can contract, carry, spread, or suffer illness from H1N1 influenza. H1N1 influenza has been isolated from a ferret. Fortunately at this time there is no evidence that ferrets can spread the disease to people.

Although it appears we can rest easy about our cats and dogs catching swine flu, remember that cats are susceptible to an even scarier form of influenza: bird flu (also known as H5N1). Cats contract bird flu by preying upon or being fed raw bird meat. The virus does not appear capable of spreading from cat to cat. That is a good thing, since the fatality rate among cats infected with H5N1 appears to be 100%.

Fortunately, it is easy to protect your cat from H5N1. If you feed your cat commercial or cooked food and keep him indoors, his chances of catching bird flu are nil."

There are strains of colds and flu that dogs can contract, so if your dog is coughing or wheezing, don't hesitate to make an appointment with your vet and weigh out your options on vaccinations and prevention.

It's Birthday Time!

2009-08-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

It's 9/1/09 and that means LaDeDog! is celebrating another birthday!! We are popping the bubbly and tying up the balloons... and although we are not back in our little shop on the Columbia, we can certainly celebrate with an online sale!

Come visit our webstore through Labor Day & checkout with coupon code 919 to enjoy a 20% discount storewide!

We thank everybody for the birthday wishes and hope to continue on with our boutique for many more birthdays to come! :-)

I want that!

2009-08-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or does all of this news about Paris Hilton's Pooch Pad make your heart go pitter-pat? ... okay, it's probably just me. I have to say, the very mention of PH makes me scramble for the remote, but I sat mesmerized while watching her tour the expansive crib.

This $325,000 two-story doghouse is fashioned as an Italian Villa, adorned with wrought iron and elegant lighting. The downstairs living room was over-filled with designer beds and toys (among those, the Haute Diggity Dog, Chewy Vuitton beds & Dog Perignon items which also can be found at LaDeDog!) Dripping elegantly from the ceiling, a chandelier and winding its way up to the second floor, a spiral staircase -- All presented by Faye Resnick, interior decorator, who designed the mini-mansion to resemble Hilton's own home, which includes heating & air conditioning and miniature Philippe Starck furniture.

The upstairs housed the pooches' wardrobes full of doggie couture (of which Paris Hilton's designer pet brand 'Little Lily' hang as well, you can bet), and I am sure they have a lovely view of the pool from that sweet little balcony, or that comfy picnic table - lol.

Hilton uploaded pictures to her Twitter status as she tweeted, "I may have spoiled them a little too much. But how can I not? Just look at those sweet lil' faces, they deserve to be treated like my lil' prince and princesses :) I love my babies." Yes.... I kinda have to agree there.... and if I had the money, I would probably do the same.

This is a bit of a slap in the face to those who lost their entire lively-hoods during the crash of our markets, but it never hurts to dream. I never thought I would want to live as a dog, but if there were a way to come back & join Paris Hilton's pack of 14 pets, I think I would believe in reincarnation ;-)

Location, Location, Location

2009-08-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

We are finally settled into our new home in California, and beginning our search for the perfect retail location for LaDeDog! This is going to be a long process, because drawing off of experience, location is everything.

There are so many beautiful areas along the Southern California Coast, and we are taking our time studying the demographics of each community and street. It is still up in the air where we will end up, but I am positive that once we make our decision, it will be a perfect fit!

It will be yet another week or two before the website is fully up and running again, but I will continue to update the blog and networks with new information as we wait for our transition to be complete.

This is an amazing place we have here - warm sun, relaxing atmosphere, and beaches full of smiling faces... It's great to be back in sunny California!

Road Trip!

2009-07-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

To our most precious and valued customers,

If you have been following LaDeDog! during the past six months, you have surely noticed our lack of presence on our blog posts and social networking. Some have expressed their concern of the fate of our website after the close of the Boutique in Astoria, but I can assure you, new horizons are just around the bend for our beloved store.

Our new horizons are full of sunshine and new ideas - we have been very busy cooking up some exciting additions to our store, which includes an entirely new location.

LaDeDog! will be relocating to California, near the beautiful shores of Santa Barbara. Until our re-launch of the Brick and Mortar Shop, we will continue serving our customers through the web store at http://www.ladedog.net/ . The web store, however, will be temporarily closed from July 6th through July 12th do to inventory and hiring for the new shipping department.

We sincerely appreciate your love and support through our transitions, and look forward to this new endeavor in our lives.

Sincerely,

Roxy, Renee & Tony Weatherford

Those funny little markings...

2009-06-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a great article from the Happytails website & a good one for the summer months, as our dogs spend more time outside in the sun. I often wonder, as I notice little freckles or new markings appear on Roxy:

"What are those freckles/blotches/liver spots on my dog’s tummy?

It’s nice to sit with your dog, and give him a rub on the belly, but when you see blotches and spots on his tummy skin, it can give you a fright. You probably have no idea what they are, and you may not know how long they’ve been there. In many cases, these blotches are quite normal, and may be present from birth. Some dogs develop dark patches on their skin as they get older. They aren’t itchy or scaly, the skin isn’t thickened and they don’t cause the dog any harm at all. There’s no need to worry about these, unless your dog is losing hair in these patches. This usually indicates there’s a problem, such as an infection, that needs attention.

Join the dots! By far the most common cause of darkening of a dog’s skin is irritation and trauma from licking or scratching. If the blotches have appeared suddenly, it may be an allergic reaction. Dogs can react to plants or insect bites, which may cause multiple blotches and welts to develop on the tummy skin. They may then scratch at the welts, which can make their skin worse. You’ll find that Itchin’ For Relief will help stop the itch and soothe the inflammation, and help to return the skin to normal.

Dogs can also develop a bacterial infection on their tummy, either with or without an allergy. The blotches from a bacterial infection tend to be round, and they often have a crust around the edge. They’re very itchy, and again, the scratching may lead to dark patches on the tummy skin. These dogs usually need antibiotics from their vet to get the infection under control and stop the itching.

You do need to treat inflamed skin very gently. Comfy Dog shampoo contains colloidal oatmeal , and herbal extracts which will relieve the itch, and make your dog more comfortable. After the shampoo. slather Fur Butter on his skin and coat. Leave it on for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This too contains colloidal oatmeal and will help heal dry and itchy skin."

Happy Tails Spa is a WONDERFUL product that produces a fine array of shampoos, skin treatments and a wide variance of spa gifts for your furry friends.

LaDeDog! Mother's Day Special!

2009-05-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

Any order of $25 or more through May 16th qualifies for a free engraved I.D. Tag! Choose from any of 3 sizes, 8 designs & 3 colors of our beautifully designed inlaid enamel over stainless steel (a $13.00 value).

After placing your order, send us your dog's name, and choice of address, phone number or both to ladedog@msn.com with the word CHARM in the subject line. Visit our direct link HERE to explore the many choices & place your order today!

Happy Mother's Day!

Right Here Waiting For You

2009-05-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder if there is a special little bundle of fur out there just waiting for you to discover him or her? Waiting... Hoping... Wishing... For you.

Visit your local Shelter and see just how easy it is to find a little soul ready to love you unconditionally. Forget the puppy mills, the backyard breeders and Pedigree - you can make a difference in the life of the lost & forgotten, and contribute to your local community as well by adopting your next pet. Thousands of innocent lives are lost because we as a society have forgotten the value of a mutt. The aging, the special needs, the over-bred and the undesirable markings of a pure breed. These are the ones who end up here, and these are the very souls who will love you the most.

For information on these or other pets in the Clatsop County Animal Shelter, visit their website by clicking on the above poster.

Did You Know?

2009-04-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know April 18 - 24 is National Pet ID Week? Do you know what you need to do to ensure that your pet is protected if he wanders off into a busy street or gets lost?

We want to make sure you keep Fido safe and armed with information just in case he should get himself into trouble. According to the Dogster website, "One in three pets will get lost in their lifetime and sadly, most of these dogs and cats do not find their way back home. You can reduce the chances of losing your dog by preparing for the worst today. The steps are simple, quick and will save you from unnecessary heartbreak should your dog ever go lost or missing in the future."

How many of the following can you check off your list?

Arm your pet with your contact information. There is a huge array of stylish I.D. Tags out there to choose from (LaDeDog! has some really great ones!) Be sure to keep your current phone number, address, or alternate contact number that is readable.

Take a picture of your dog. Right now. Not only is it important to have a recent photo of your dog, but you should make sure that it is stored online somewhere, so that you can access it from anywhere at any time, if you should need to print up posters or show people what your dog looks like. Whether you choose to store your images on Flickr, Snapfish, Photobucket, Dogster, or on your dog's pet ID and recovery service profile page, you'll be glad that you can access them when you need to.

Get your dog microchipped. Every vet's office will now do it for you, so what are you waiting for? As our own Dr. Barchas says, "Microchips cannot be lost, and they remain the most effective way to identify your pet permanently." Enough said.

Make a contact list for your pet. Take a few minutes to write down the names of people who know your dog well. This should not only include friends and family members, but people who see your dog every day, like the dog walker or friends at the dog park. Then, make sure that you have a current phone number and email address for everyone on the list, and make sure that they have yours. These are going to be the first people that you contact in the event that your dog goes missing. They may not only have tips for you when you need them most, but they will be of great benefit when it comes to helping you keep an eye out for Sparky.

Register with a pet ID and recovery service. While having an ID tag on your pet is a great start, you should make sure that your ID tag is connected to an online pet ID and recovery service, so that your up-to-date contact information is always easily accessible to the finder of your pet. We believe that our own pet ID and recovery service is the best one on the market, but we also believe that no matter which service you choose, it's the decision to register that's most important.

Into the Wild

2009-04-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Anybody who comes for a visit, usually receives the grand tour to Saddle Mountain Road. The Elk live there.

"The Natives Are Restless"

After several ”Hunting” expoditions (with the camera, of course) we have learned of their hiding spots behind large tufts of grass, enjoying a cool drink of water at the creek or grazing in the meadow. If at first you don’t spot one, look closely… you will usually spy a rack of fuzzy antlers sprouting behind a mound or a tree.

Here, we have witnessed salmon spawning up-river, soaring eagles, various wild-life and a beautiful waterfall, all within a short drive from town.

Many areas within the community are dog-friendly. When traveling with your pet, you just have to be creative with your outings, keep them on a leash, and of course be the responsible pet owner and bring along your biodegradable waste bags.

Nature's Playground

2009-04-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

With long legs built for running and a bundle of hyperness, our Weimaraner needs plenty of space to exert her bottled up energy. When the rains cease and the tiniest glimmer of sunshine peeks through the clouds, we waste no time in getting down to the beach.

Many visitors may not know how close Astoria really is to the ocean & beaches, but within a short drive over the bridge to the west, you can access many sections of the beach in the Fort Stevens State Park vicinity, overseeing the mouth of the Columbia River.

Here, you can find many areas to hike and explore within their miles of paved nature trails that spider-web to various beaches, as well as Coffenbury Lake, which offers two swimming areas & is stocked full of fish. With camping, boating, fishing, clam-digging and touring the military battle grounds, you can have an amazing stay in the area and of course, your dog is welcome to come too!!

Some recommendations for some enjoyable fun on the beach:

1. Frisbee - The Hover Craft is a great one! It lasts a lot longer than the cheap plastic brands, and the material makes it easy for dogs to pick up in the sand. (Come in small & large)

2. Pull toy - The Gourdo is rubber, easy to clean, and it floats (for the smaller dog).

3. Bouncy balls - Orbee-Tuff (S) is buoyant & glows in the dark.

4. CHASE!! - Our personal favorite, the Chuck-it with rubber replacement balls. These guys can be "chucked" a very long distance with the amazing launch, and we have found that the rubber replacements are perfect for the wet, sandy beach!!

Now get out there & have some fun!

Long Runs on the Beach

2009-04-02T01:40:00.000-07:00

I thouught it would be fun to post a little history of the area our shop is located in. It is a beautiful place, and if you should get the opportunity to travel to the farthest North West tip of Oregon this summer, there are some amazing sights to behold.

“Sleeping Beauty"

This shipwreck is truly awe-inspiring, especially for a Nature-seeking photographer like myself, the sunsets create a fairy tale effect. This is where I enjoy spending time in the evening, just taking it all in. Majestic colors transform with a slight turn of the sun, presenting a true wonderland for any photograph.

From Wikipedia: “The Peter Iredale was a four-masted steel barque sailing vessel that ran ashore October 25, 1906, on the Oregon coast en route to the Columbia River. It was abandoned on Clatsop Spit near Fort Stevens in Warrenton about four miles (6 km) south of the Columbia River channel. Wreckage is still visible, making it a popular tourist attraction as one of the most accessible shipwrecks of the Graveyard of the Pacific.”

Oh, and did I fail to mention the beaches here are dog-friendly? You can drive on them too. If you should find yourself in this part of the world, prepare to be amazed.

Flu Season...

2009-03-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

In this time of transition from Boutique to exclusive online web store, I never anticipated the series of set-backs I was in for.

As flu and cold season approached, I doubled up on preventative defenses & prepared to plow through it as I had the past few years. But my system failed miserably & as I was getting over one hurdle, the next one was right in front of me. After round three - I think I am through now, (fingers crossed!)

So through this month-long hiatus, I feel that I owe my loyal customers and readers a great big apology for leaving this little blog high and dry. I have to admit, through the transformation, I have been suffering a bout of writer's block, and procrastinating my next chapter, so if anybody can "throw me a bone" of suggestions for future content, I am all paws!!

Speaking of the flu, one thing that has been on my mind lately is the danger of Kennel Cough - a big concern of mine since we are preparing for a dogless trip in our near future. In our old hometown, Kennel Cough didn't come up like it does up here. As a responsible pet owner, we always keep up with vaccinations and are well aware of boarding requirements. But about a year ago after retrieving our pet from her stay, she immediately came down with a pathetic hacking cough. It was something I had never experienced before, and soon realized this could be something dangerous if left untreated, at times leading to pneumonia. Fortunately, a cough suppressant and letting it run it's course proved to be the best medicine, but owning a Weim with sensitive breed needs and seeing your 'baby' so uncomfortable, we were left scratching our heads about what went wrong.

How can this happen if your dog has current vaccinations? According to vetinfo.com; "There are several causes of coughing associated with tracheobronchitis, all of which get lumped under the general name "kennel cough" at times. So it is possible for a dog to get kennel cough from two or three different causes in one lifetime. In addition to that, the most common cause of tracheobronchitis in dogs is probably Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, a bacterial infection. Immunity to this infection is not long lasting even after having the illness. Immunity probably lasts 6 to 12 months in most dogs and when it wears out they can get the infection again. There are vaccinations for Bordetella. In a high risk situation it might be a good idea to vaccinate twice a year for this infection. In other circumstances using the vaccine once a year may be adequate or even using it only when it appears likely to be necessary, such as prior to boarding a dog at a kennel or participating in an event in which many dogs will be present. "

Contracting the cough is pretty rare when boarding, but if you are located in a high risk area where kennel cough is more common, talk to your vet about prevention. There is a booster that can be given intranasally & if you board your pet frequently, it is wise to keep them updated every six months.

Now we can all rest knowing that we are on the road to healthier season, and coming home to a healthy dog. Is everybody ready to Spring ahead? We all are looking forward to flowers and sunshine - Happy Spring everyone!

Peanut Butter Recall Safety

2009-01-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

Just when you think the pet food industry has identified all unsafe products, another one seems to sneak in. As soon as I heard about the Peanut Butter salmonella scare, I immediately scrambled to find out if our Buddy Biscuits produced by Cloud Star were affected & was assured by the corporation that they indeed were safe.

A statement from the Corporation Website:

"Cloud Star products are not part of the current nation-wide recall of peanut butter. We have confirmed with our suppliers of organic and traditional peanut butters that they are not manufactured in the Peanut Corporation of America facilities associated with the recall.

All of us here at Cloud Star understand your concern, and we want to assure you that the Cloud Star peanut butter products that you have are safe.This applies to all Cloud Star peanut butter products including Original Buddy Biscuits, Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits, Organic Buddy Biscuits, Soft & Chewy Buddy Biscuits, Trail Hound, and Muttos.Please do be aware that there is a peanut butter recall in effect, and check that any peanut butter products (human, canine, or otherwise) you have or purchase are safe before consuming."

Always check the FDA Food & Drug Administration website to obtain a current food recall list when rumors begin spreading about contamination. You can see a list of pet food brands if applicable.

As we transition into the World Wide Web...

2009-01-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

Did you know there was such a thing as National Dress Up Your Pet Day? Well, if you have always wanted to explore the world of pet fashion, then today is your day! And lucky for you, there is a LaDeDog! WebStore full of couture you would be proud to show off.

It was a somber day in our little shop today. Our goodbye's to our favorite customers of the two and four-legged kind, were endearing. I have appreciated getting to know you all, and have really enjoyed the cards and eMail messages that have been coming in the past week.

I sincerely hope that you will continue to keep in touch through the Blog & WebStore. We will continue serving you with special requests, contests & our most popular products on the web. If at all possible, LaDeDog! will set up their little "Dog and Pony Show" (pun intended) at the local Sunday Markets this coming Spring, and you will surely see us participating in whatever local Dog Shelter/Humane Society events may come our way.

So I will leave you with some quotes from one of my favorite movies, "You've Got Mail", which really express this closing door in my life... But I know in the very near future windows will be flying open.

"Closing the store is the brave thing to do... You are daring to imagine that you could have a different life. Oh, I know it doesn’t feel like that. You feel like a big fat failure. But you’re not. You’re marching into the unknown, armed with … nothing.” Says Birdie to the mourning Shop Around the Corner owner, Kathleen Kelly in the movie “You’ve Got Mail”

I feel this way today.

Kathleen Kelly: “My store is closing this week. I own a store. Did I ever tell you that? Probably not. It’s a lovely store – and in a week, it will be something really depressing, like a Baby Gap. I am being amazingly brave”

I am not really brave… I am just following my gut.

Tomorrow will be the last day of my little dream come true. Though they say, “It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all”, I suppose the same rings true for those who try their hand at a small business. And to have thrived for the first year makes it all worth while. But to survive in retail during this eonomic mess is just too much to handle.

Thank you all for an amazing ride!

Retail Therapy

2009-01-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

What a whirlwind this year has been for us all. I am sure 2009 is a welcome sight for many & if you're like me, you are looking for a welcomed break from the news & economic woes. In fact, I am fairly certain that THIS is more welcome than any news-cast at the moment & I am sure you have gotten enough of that story in 2008.

Bucket Tote by PetSak on Clearance $45.00

I have also found that a little retail therapy, even in times like these, is completely necessary! If even for a tube of lipstick, it just feels good to get out there & do a little shopping. It is a good time to stock up on necessities. I mean, my goodness... if I lived remotely close to the city, I would probably be in very serious trouble stocking up on everything that I "need". For those little wants, however, I have to admit I have been lurking on many online sales & searching for hidden Promo Codes.

For those of you wanting to indulge in a little online retail therapy, too, here is a Promo Code worth 20% OFF your entire purchase at LaDeDog! Just enter this code: shop2009 during checkout. Many of our products have been marked down as well, so you will find some excellent deals on our Web Store.

So, here's to ringing out 2008 and hoping for a more fulfilling & prosperous year ahead.

A heart-felt goodbye from the LaDeDog! Boutique

2008-12-21T11:25:00.001-08:00

It is with a heavy heart & much consideration that LaDeDog! has decided to close its Boutique doors.

People have continued to ask us how we're doing, and I can honestly say that we are doing just fine. We continue to maintain our location and move forward, despite the sales that have dramatically decreased in the given year, but shoppers have been sparse. It is a sad reality that with the economic crisis in hand, we do not feel that our small town is a good fit at this time to continue with a physical store-front.

We will, however, continue to operate our Web Store ladedog.net and weather this storm through. There is a possibility that we may open in another location if the economy should spin the circle, but for now we will concentrate on the Internet.

We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your support and patronage, and hope to continue doing business with you online. We will offer the same great products you have come to love in our Boutique, and can supply the will-call checkout for free local delivery. We would very much appreciate any referrals that you may be able to pass on & we will continue to offer on-going coupons, contests & rewards throughout the year.

Please subscribe to our BLOG, where you can find special coupons & inside sale information. We will be putting much more concentration on our web sales & specials, so please keep in touch. Come in between now and January 15th to find some great deals on your favorite brands & LaDeDog! treats!

Thanks again & Happy Holidays to you and yours from your friends at LaDeDog!

~ Use this coupon on your next visit or visit the website for additional savings ~

Holiday Times at the Boutique

2008-12-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

We have adjusted our hours & have decided to open for a few hours on Sundays. With the new market open Saturdays & Sundays at the 11th Street Pier, we thought this would be a good opportunity for our local shoppers to access the store.

If you are ordering online, notice a new promo code located on the product descriptions - use the word roxy at check-out & receive 10% off your order (this promo code is not available to combine with any other offers).

Special Holiday Hours

2008-11-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

LaDeDog! will be extending it's days open the last week of November ~ Sunday, 11/30 & Monday, 12/1 from 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM

Don't forget to print your coupon & join us for an amazing week of sales!!

Holiday Coupon

2008-11-20T16:32:00.000-08:00

Take advantage of our latest offer to save during our After Thanksgiving Sale! Take an additional 15% off with this coupon.

HAPPY HOWLIDAYS!

Pre-Holiday Coupon

2008-11-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

LaDeDog! Boutique will be closed for the Holiday from November 24 - 28th, so be sure to stock up on treats & Merrick Thanksgiving Day Dinner. We apologize for the inconvenience, but will have a fabulous Holiday SALE upon our return!!!

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving full of Family and Good times!

Boutique Members: Bring in this Coupon to the Boutique this week for 15% off ANY one item, or use the promo-code & save on your next online order.

Cloud Star Product Perk

2008-11-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true... every month LaDeDog! will select one Boutique Member at random. The winner will get free Cloud Star stuff!! The prize is different every month, but some possibilities are Wag More, Bark Less stickers, Buddy Biscuits, Buddy Bar Shampoo or any other Cloud Star products that we carry!

Just post a reply to our BLOG - The more comments you make, the more chances to win! Register as a Boutique Member so that we have your contact information. Important: Be sure to include your pet's name & birthday for special perks. Also, tell us a little bit about your furry friend in the registration form.

Also, save up your Proof Of Purchase tokens located at the bottom of your Buddy Biscuits & other Cloud Star products. Each token is worth one point. With every 6 points you can exchange them for a free Buddy Wash, Buddy Rinse or Buddy Biscuits!!

Bark Vineyards Product Review

2008-11-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

Check out a GREAT gift for the wine-loving, dog owner on your Christmas list!! Bark Vineyards Fine Wine for the Canine is a gravy that dogs drool over. We currently carry 4 flavors at the Boutique.

Fall Fur-Babies Contest WINNER!!!

2008-11-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

LaDeDog! is pleased to announce the winner of the Fall Fur-babies Photo Contest... Hitch, a collie/scottish terrier mix who wins a collar/lead set from our Lupine collection.

Hitch "works" his job with the Astoria Fire Department & rides along on calls, attends meetings, announces package deliveries to office staff and guards the fire chief in his office. He shares his duties with the department's fire "cat" and as long as they can ignore each other they get along fairly well.

Congratulations Hitch!! We love your story & your photo!

Halloween ~ A Night in Photos

2008-11-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

Announcing the Contest Winner

2008-11-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

What a great turnout to our Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest! We enjoyed seeing doggies dressed in ghoulish garb & lots of children making their way through town.

We got some fantastic entries in the contest & we are pleased to announce the winner ~ Abbott, who showed his spirit not only decked out in costume, but with props too. Abbott won for the most creative costume & atmosphere.

Thank you for all who turned out for the event & entered in the contest! It is always so hard to choose when they are all so precious. Don't forget to enter in the next "Fall Fur-babies" photo contest for a special prize.

Congratulations Abbott!!!

Bring Your Bag of Tricks!!!

2008-10-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

We can't wait to see your creative costumery on Halloween Day ~ Don't forget to pop into LaDeDog! to enter for a chance to win our Costume Contest.

All Trick-or-Treaters will leave with a little something... Ghouls & Gobblins of the human kind are welcome to our candy jar & those with four legs will receive a bag of treats - but they must come prepared with some cute tricks!!!

Be safe & have fun

Howl-O-Ween Sale & Festivities at LaDeDog!

2008-10-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

We're having a huge sale at LaDeDog! - Come into the Boutique for special discounted merchandise through Saturday or use this coupon to save 15% in our Web Store.

Please stop by the shop any time on Halloween with your doggie in costume & you will be eligable to win a wicked prize from the Boutique! We have goodie bags filled with yummy treats for gouls & goblins of all species - if your children are trick-or treating through the neighborhood, please stop by!

Fall Fur-Babies Photo Contest

2008-09-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

Enter our "Fall Fur-Babies" Photo Contest to win a GRRRReat Prize!

To qualify, you must send photos of your dog to ladedog@msn.com in JPG format by November 5th. We are looking for anything representing Fall ~ Chasing squirrels... Wearing a Halloween Costume... Frolicking through the leaves...

There is no limit to the number of photos you submit. Please include:

Dog's Name & Breed
Your name, Complete Address & Phone Number

Have Fun!!

The Sale Continues

2008-09-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Where has the month gone, let alone Summer? I know here in Astoria, Summer was pretty much defined as a three day patch of sun and if you were lucky, a visit to the beach was heaven. I took the opportunity to enjoy the stint & promised the dog some quality time with her Chuck-It. Now that the cold and fog has returned, I have a much clearer mind to get back to work on the website & blog.

The distraction was good for my customers, as I ended up extending our sale for an extra week & continue to send goodie bags with our online orders. One good thing about my procrastination is that you can always benefit from it :)

As promised, I'm attaching a coupon which will be available to use for the rest of the month. The coupon is good for use in the Boutique or online, just be sure to print it out before you visit the store or add the coupon code at your check-out online.

* (To receive a better copy, please eMail us at ladedog@msn.com )

Happy Birthday Sale!!

2008-08-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday LaDeDog!

We are so excited to be celebrating the Boutique's 1 year Birthday and we want you to enjoy many fun perks this coming month!!

LaDeDog! will be having sales beginning Saturday, August 30th - September 13th and will continue the entire month of September with a special coupon that will be posted on the Blog. There will be savings of up to 50% on specially marked clothing, beds, totes, toys and an array of items in the store and online.

~~~~~~~~~~~~Mark Your Calendars~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Come One Come All ~ Celebrate at the Boutique on Saturday, September 13th for a Birthday Party Extravaganza! As a special thank you to our favorite local shoppers, we have special goodie bags prepared, appetizers for you, samples of doggie cake & doggie wine for the wee ones at our Yappy Hour (5-9pm) during the Second Saturday Venue.

Newsletter Time

2008-08-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Extra, Extra... Read all about it!!

If you have not received your copy of the LaDeDog! Newsletter, contact us at ladedog@msn.com with the word Newsletter in the subject line & we will be happy to add you to our mailing list. If you would like a physical copy, they are available in our boutique or you can add your address in the email.

We also wanted to alert you that we will be closing the Boutique and webstore for a few days in September. We will be opening late on September 2nd at 12:00 Noon due to a meeting.

Saturday, September 6th we will be closed at 4:00 pm and will be closed until Thursday, September 11th at 10:30 am. We apologize for the inconvenience, but our sale will be in effect all month in celebration of our shop Birthday.

Dog Toy Warning

2008-08-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

As you are aware, dog toys while left alone with any dog can have the possibility of being a danger. Some toys made of soft rubber or nylon can be chewed off and swallowed, causing the dog to choke or possibly get stuck in their intestines. This is something we have to consider when choosing toys for our pets, and it is so important to put them away after they have finished playing with them.

A friend of mine alerted me to the heart-breaking story about Chai, a sweet 10 year old golden lab who, while playing with the "Pimple Ball With Bell", got his tongue sucked into the hole and tragically had to have it amputated from the severe swelling.

This toy has one hole, which creates a vacuum, allowing the tongue to be sucked in. Most rubber balls, such as the Planet Dog toys, have a second hole allowing it to collapse when chewed.

Now I am warning you, this story will leave you in tears and the video is very upsetting so view at your own risk, but here is a link to Chai's story. Chai's owners have paid more than $5,000 in vet bills and because of his rehabilitation, must care for him 24 hours a day.

Please be aware that the company who produces this ball has had other complaints and has not pulled the toy from store shelves as of today anyway. I can imagine with the wide-spread attention this event has received, it will soon be taken out of circulation. As a responsible pet product retailer, I feel this is something I should let my customers know about. We do not carry these items, and will not consider carrying products from the Four Paw line until they try to resolve this matter properly.

Please spread the word, and by all means if you have this ball - throw it away!!!

Our Amazing Canines

2008-08-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

Some fun dog trivia for you to ponder...

The Basset hound made famous in the Hush Puppies shoe commercials was named Biggles.
Biggles' grandson, Mr. Jeffries, earned fame as the dog with the longest ears in the world. His ears measured 11 and ½ inches each and he often tripped over them.
Tia, a 2 year old Neopolitan Mastiff gave birth to the world's largest litter in 2005. She delivered 24 puppies by caesarean section. Twenty of them survived, setting another record of the most surviving puppies.
The world's tallest dog is a Great Dane from Sacramento named Gibson. He measures 7 feet when standing upright.
Andrew Larkey of Sidney Australia, walked 11 dogs at once on leash for one kilometer.
Twelve veterinary science students from the University of Sydney set a record bathing dogs when they scrubbed 848 dogs in eight hours.
The real hero of the 1925 Serum Run was really Togo. The 12 year old husky led his sled dog team through 260 miles of blowing Alaskan blizzard to deliver emergency diphtheria serum to Nome. Balto received most of the fame because he led the final 55 miles.
The first search and rescue dog on the scene of the World Trade Center disaster on September 11. 2001, was Bear, an 11 year old Golden Retriever. He began recovery efforts immediately, working 18 hour days in the beginning.
Endal, a yellow Lab, helped rehabilitate a Gulf War veteran. He also saved Allen's life, when Allen was struck by a car and knocked from his wheelchair, unconscious. Endal pulled him into the recovery position, covered him with a blanket and grabbed his cell phone. After no response, he walked to a nearby hotel and raised the alarm.

From Suite 101

And the Winner Is...

2008-07-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

What a tough decision we had to make here - so many wonderful & creative entries!! We have come to the decision & will be sending out Gift Certificates to you soon...

FIRST PLACE WINNER:

Boat-loving, Board-short wearing Kale of Fort Myers, Florida ~

The judges all agreed this boy is quite a ham!

$25.00 Gift Certificate

SECOND PLACE WINNER:

Gus, Nona & Rudy of West Chester, PA

We agreed - the photos with all 4 dogs were all very good, but these three stole the show!

$15.00 Gift Certificate

THIRD PLACE WINNER (Tie):

Beach Boy, border collie/scottish terrier mix ~ Hitch from Astoria, Oregon ~ Hitch had so many adorable, active photos & everyone just loved this one of him enjoying the snow!

$10.00 Gift Certificate

THIRD PLACE WINNER (Tie):

Italian greyhound ~ Rusty of Detroit, Michigan learning to swim

$10.00 Gift Certificate

Thanks to everyone who entered in our contest & as a special thank you, we are awarding the rest of these amazing entries with a $5.00 Gift Certificate to our store! (One per family / Set of photos) You are all winners in our book!

Stay tuned to our Blog ~ We will be holding another contest soon!

The Hot Dogs of Summer ~ Your Photo Entries

2008-07-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

We have received some amazing action shots of your pooches & it's a very tough decision! Since entries are still trickling in, we will give you until 9pm to enter. I am so impressed with your photos, that I am going to have to award a 2nd and 3rd prize!!

Stay tuned tomorrow to view the big winner right here on the LaDeDog! Blog. We will be making our announcement at 5pm during Yappy Hour.

Sale Alert!

2008-07-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Save 20% on all RuffWear products at LaDeDog! This includes all K9 Overcoats, Cloud Chasers, Backpacks, Beds, Boots and more! Act now - items are going... going... gone!

Your Great American Dog

2008-07-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this show want to make you get out there & show off your dog's skills? That musical chairs game made me want to get Roxy's tricky trainers out & remind her of her agility. She is so smart, and willing to learn but that looked like quite a distracting course.

It also brought back fond memories of our little Doggie Olympics and all the great obsticle courses put together for our fuzzy little athletes. We have gotten some great pictures from the event and from active dogs enjoying the great outdoors.

It's not too late to submit your photo for the LaDeDog! Photo Contest - Yes, your dog is a Great American Dog & you could win a $25.00 Gift Certificate just by submitting for your winning photo! You have until July 25th to enter, so get snappin & we will look forward to judging Your Great American Dog!

Sidewalk Sale at LaDeDog!

2008-07-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

Join 10th Street July 3rd, 4th & 5th for a street full of 4th of July Weekend - Fun!

LaDeDog! will have a sidewalk sale all three days with special NEW treats, Raffles, Sales & Pet Adoptions. Specially marked items will be on sale while supplies last.

Purchase any Patriotic ims: Bandannas, Apparel, Charms, etc. and proceeds will go towards a donation to the Clatsop County Animal Shelter.

Feel The Love!

2008-06-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

The recent awareness of Puppy Mill practices has been wide-spread throughout the United States with Oprah's plea, and have opened the eyes of pet owners and those looking for a new pet. The out-pouring of concern has given pet adoption a new level of respect, but it is not enough.

Although rescue groups and No-Kill shelters have boosted their identities throughout the Country, they need support through donations, food and loving volunteers to lend a hand.

LaDeDog! takes this responsibility seriously and would gladly take in your extra change to made a difference in those animals who rely on their refuge. The Clatsop County Animal Shelter will benefit from your support, and we have brought in items to help raise money towards their cause.

Any proceeds from purchases of LaDeDog! Patriotic apparel - Bandannas, Dresses, T-Shirts, and select toys sold through the 4th of July will go towards donations to our local shelter. You can find them now in our Boutique.

In addition, we will be holding a Sidewalk Sale - July 4th & 5th with specially priced items to go towards the donation. Pet adoptions will be held in front of the store as well.

We hope you will participate in our fund-raising efforts, and encourage you to visit the Animal Shelter if you are considering bringing in a new best friend!

Photo Contest!

2008-06-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

It's time to get out the flip-flops and record those new summer memories! This is a great time to capture your dog in the great outdoors & submit your photo for a chance to win a LaDeDog! Gift Certificate!

We ask that your pictures include an outdoor activity - Your dog catching a frisbee, swimming, fetching a ChuckIt, hiking, or just striking a pose on the beach. Better yet - how about snapping a shot of them participating in the Doggie Olympics?! Qualified applicants must reside within the Unitied States or Canada. Submit your digital photos to ladedog@msn.com with all of your details:

Name

Address

Phone #

Dog's Name

Breed of Dog

Location of Photo

There is no limit to photo entries, as long as each photo is unique, and you have exclusive rights. Entries must be eMailed by Friday, July 25th. The winner will be announced at our Saturday Yappy Hour on July 26th.

Have Fun!!

The Olympics are Coming!

2008-06-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

With all of the excitement building towards the 08-08-08 Olympics in Beijing, let's not overlook another kind of Olympic Games right in our own back-yard. The Doggie Olympic Games, held in Long Beach will kick off on June 21st at 12:00 Noon - Join them in support of a great cause!!

The Doggie Olympic Games is an annual event held to benefit the South Pacific County Humane Society & in support of their No-Kill Animal Shelter. Participants of any shape, size, breed, age or agility are encouraged to register. Events include:

Peanut Butter Lick - Who can empty the spoon of peanut butter the fastest?
Babe Ruth Obedience Baseball - Dogs complete a command at each base to score.
Who's your Daddy? - The pooch with the most interesting parentage wins.
Filla Fuller Brush Shedding - How much hair can you collect? Best shedder wins.
What, No Ducks? Ball Toss - A simple ball retreiving event.
Frisbee Throw - The dog with furthest catch wins.
Nadia Comaneci Agility - An informal agility event.
I've Got Rythm Musical Sit - Think musical chairs. For your dog.
Dunking for Dogs - The first to eat 5 pieces of hot dog wins.
Luciano Pavarotti Commemorative Sing Off
Doggie Dash - The 1st dog to reach its owner wins.
Rip Van Winkle Sleep Off - Who can lie still the longest?

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners at each competition. To register, visit the Doggie Olympic Games Website, or come in to LaDeDog! for a brochure.

LaDeDog! is a proud sponsor of the event, and in support of pet adoption!

Dog Forums

2008-06-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Ever find yourself wondering if your dog's quirky habits are normal, if their breed is specific to certain traits, if other people feed their dogs ice cream or do you just want to share your obsession over your pet with the world? Well, you're not alone. Hundreds of people enjoy chatting it up about their dog's ability to say "Mama" or a plethora of other conversations pertaining to best friends.

I too, have fallen into occasional chats about my Weimaraner. Because, of course, only a Weimy owner can testify to their outgoing personalities, hyper-activeness and occasional bouts of gas (giggle) yes, it's true - what we live with... but nonetheless, there are other Weimaraner owners out there who love to discuss their common traits.

One of those common groups can be found on the popular photo managing sites Flickr, where you can link your photos to different breeds, which in turn gets a good discussion going about your photos. I had often questioned the time involved in creating a MySpace page for a dog until I became involved in Networking for the shop. How could I not partake, given the nature of my business and the love I have for my Roxy?

Inevitably, this has lead to several discoveries found on the world wide web. For one, it has given me a quick reference to the dozens of foods my Weimaraner is instinctively allergic to. I have also learned at home recipes and emergency medical tips at the click of the mouse. This is in no way a substitute to a visit to the vet, but for those burning questions in-between, I must say has satisfied my curiosity.

If you simply google the words "Dog Forum", you will find pages of useful information and resources right at your fingertips. Ever wanted to find a Dog Owner's Manual? Well HERE it is... anything from taking care of your dog's ears to recommended dog accessories (ahem... of those, you simply must mosey on down to LaDeDog! to see how closely we keep up on the trends). The Dogster (For the love of dog) website offers a lot of information you are sure to find useful as a dog owner.

The Green Bean Diet

2008-06-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

Do you have a dog that is overweight or in need of losing a few pounds? Many have found that by simply adding green beans to kibble, they can easily ween their dog down to a healthy weight. Vets also recommend this diet when concerned about a dog's weight & suggest gradually adding them until up to 1/2 cup for about two months.

It's important to note that you need to try just a spoon-full to begin with, and add more at each serving to ensure that he does not have a sensitive GI tract. Another important factor is to find green beans that are unsalted.

Green beans are a zero calorie food that can be used as a healthy filler, making the dog think he's getting the real deal. Suddenly cutting out that extra cup of kibble may make him irritable and begging for more, so the goal here is keeping your dog full in-between meals. Although dogs are carnivores and their primary food-source should be meat, a small amount of their diet can consist of a vegetable source.

Of course, putting your pooch on a diet is not a substitute for exercise. So get out there and enjoy the great outdoors with him, play a game of fetch, feed him a healthy diet, and as always, it's always a good idea to talk to your vet about your dog's weight-loss plan so that any hormonal issues can be ruled out.

Ingredients:

Cut out 1/3 of your dog's usual kibble and replace it with 1/2 cup of non-salted green beans (canned, frozen or fresh - the choice is yours, and the amount of time you want to dedicate to it)

Directions:

Step #1 Check with your vet to see what amount of dry dog food your dog should eat daily.

Step #2 Open the can of green beans & (if you are up to 1/2 a can) add half of the juice & half of the beans to one c of the dry dog food at breakfast time.

Step #3 No need to heat it! The green beans add a healthy dose of fiber to your dog's meal, which makes him feel full.

Step #4 Plus, the dog thinks he's getting something special - people food! Give the other half of the can (or divvy out the remainder while gradually getting him used to it) with the second c of food for supper.

Enjoy the Green Bean Diet for Dogs recipe!!

New Store Hours

2008-06-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

We wanted to give an update on some changes at the shop... Beginning June 9th, LaDeDog! will be closed on Sundays and Mondays until otherwise posted.

If this is an inconvenience for your Merrick Dog Food purchasing, we will be happy to make a local delivery, or hold it for you at the shop on Tuesdays if you call (503) 325-8337.

We will also be making "Yappy Hour" a regular part of Saturdays, so every Saturday from 5-6pm, we will have store specials, cookie samples and social hour. As always, LaDeDog! is an on-going participant in Second Saturdays, and will be open extended hours during that time.

Thank you for continuing to support our LaDeDog! Boutique.

Memorial Weekend WebStore Sale!!

2008-05-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Now you can still shop at LaDeDog! even when we are closed!

Check out our WebStore and SAVE 15% on your entire purchase through Monday!! Enter promo code: M526 at checkout.

If you live near the Shop, choose "Will Call" in the Shipping Options & we will waive the shipping fees. The Boutique will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, so you are free to pick up your purchases on Tuesday.

~ Have a wonderful weekend! ~

Your friends at LaDeDog!

(psst - If you have the time, we thought you might enjoy THIS funny video)

New products added daily ~ ladedog.net

2008-05-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

Fine "ARF" Seen Here!

2008-05-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

We've been enjoying the new art trickling into the shop produced by Ronni Harris, who is a local artist in Astoria. Ronni has been showcasing her work at LaDeDog! and featured during the Second Saturdays, where she has done demonstrations of her original portrait quilting. Her dog-themed paintings, fence puppies, and personalized portraits have no limit to their originality and charm.

She has produced everything from beautiful beach scenes, to intimate close-ups of our best friends. Ronni is capable of capturing the intricate detail of a smile, a beauty mark, the familiar tilt of the head and the glimmer in their eyes... truly an amazing talent & we are truly blessed to have her as a part of our shop family.

Ronni is also a local favorite at the Astoria Sunday Market, where her wide array of her paintings can be found. Her craft ranges from iconic scenes to family home portraiture & there is no limit to her imagination.

Check out the walls of LaDeDog! the next time you're in & if you're looking for that special gift for someone who cherishes their dog or for your very own home, we will be happy to take a complimentary photograph for Ronni to interpret into a one of a kind work of art... or what we would coin as 'Arf' in the world of LaDeDog.

Storewide Sale!!

2008-05-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

Thought you might enjoy this oldie but goodie & remind you of our 10% Sale for the 10th on 10th Street event 10am - 9pm Saturday! Join us for Yappy Hour 5-6pm - Cookies & refreshments will be served!

The 10th on 10th

2008-04-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Join the Merchants on 10th Street in Astoria, Saturday May 10th (from 10am - 9pm), stretching from Marine Drive to the Riverwalk... We are putting together another fun evening of refreshments, ambiance and a delightful string of shops open through the evening to enjoy.

We are pleased to offer 10% off all merchandise at LaDeDog! beginning at 10am. Come in between 5-6pm for "Yappy Hour" where special doggie samples will be available. Human refreshments will be served, and as always, your pet is welcome in the store!

As a bonus, Bruce at Rolling Thunder BBQ will be cooking up some great sandwiches for you to enjoy!

As usual, LaDeDog! will be featuring the "Fence Puppies" and quilted dog portraits, created by Ronni Harris. If you are interested in purchasing a custom canvas portrait, you are welcome to bring in your dog in for a complimentary photo. Ronni is commisioned through LaDeDog! for your convenience. It is truly a work of art that will capture your loving companion for years to come.

Hope to see you then!

Second Saturday!!

2008-04-11T10:23:00.001-07:00

Get ready for another fun-filled evening this Saturday, April 12th! From 5pm to 9pm, stroll down Tenth Street in Astoria to meet a wonderful group of merchants. Each offering appetizers, art and ambiance.

LaDeDog! will be holding their usual "Yappy Hour" Saturday, with goodies & samples, (remember - your dog is always welcome!)

Come meet Roxy (the shop dog), and celebrate Roxy's Birthday by receiving an extra 15% off all apparel, including special couture, jackets, hoodies & RuffWear brands for the entire evening. Also SAVE on ALL name brand carriers!!

We'll see you there!

Newsletter Time

2008-04-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

It's Newsletter time - If you haven't received a new LaDeDog! Newsletter, let us know & we will send you the full, two-page PDF file. If you are interested in receiving them quarterly, please eMail us at ladedog@msn.com .

Mention that you read our Newsletter on the BLOG and receive an additional 15% on your purchases of $20 or more in the store for the month of April!!

Hoppy Days and Broken Eggs...

2008-04-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with our LaDeDog! Easter Egg Hunt in the shop March 22nd - 24th. Finding a hidden Easter Egg gave you the opportunity to get up to 40% off on your purchases!

Next year, LaDeDog! plans on expanding the hunt by hiding eggs around town with coupons for the store. Thanks for making this a fun endeavor!!

Thanks for a fun evening! Our 'Merchants of 10th Street' was a huge success!

2008-03-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

10th Street Is A Happening Place!!!

2008-02-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 8th to stroll down Tenth Street during Arts Night Out in Astoria to see what all the buzz is about... The Merchants of 10th Street have joined forces to create an elegant evening, of art.

Join us for presentations, refreshments, good conversation & some plain old fun! Come into any of the Merchants on 10th between now & then to request a punch card... Collect all 5 punches & enter for a chance to win a Goodie Basket!!

LaDeDog! will once again be featuring Ronni Harris and her beautiful paintings of dogs, as well as her wooden fence cut-outs that are so popular at the Sunday Markets. Don't forget - your dog is always welcome & we have some special samples for our "Yappy Hour"!

This Second Saturday event will be held from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Hope to see you then!!

Yummy New Additions!

2008-02-21T15:10:00.000-08:00

Spring Fever

2008-02-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

Spring Fever... Who doesn't have it around here? Well, LaDeDog! is preparing early for Spring by pulling in some of the hippest spring fashions and gearing up for all of the Spring events.

Look for St. Patrick's Day and Easter sidewalk sales, as well as some fun charity drawings!

Now get out there & enjoy the sun today - and if you're in the neighborhood, stop by for a sip of water with us!!

Enjoy LaDeDog! All week long!

2008-02-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

President's Day Weekend

We will have extended hours February 17th & 18th

Sunday & Monday (10am - 2pm)

And while you're here, enjoy a 10% discount on all

Toys & Valentine Items

Second Saturday Success

2008-02-11T14:25:00.001-08:00

Second Saturday is an ongoing event in Astoria, promoting local Galleries and individual artists.

We kicked off the first of many "Yappy Hour" at LaDeDog! Many guests enjoyed popping in to see all the new things going on in our store and sipped a cocktail with us while on their downtown stroll.

Although we aren't specific to the arts, you can find a nice array of local art in our store. We are currently featuring the art of Ronni Harris, who creates these beautiful portraits and makes them entirely unique by adding a quilted element to them.

Ronni can paint your best friend's portrait from a simple photograph and create a lasting memory for years to come. The framed piece explodes with color and depth.

You can make an appointment to have one made of your beloved friend by calling (503) 325-837, or come check them out in person all winter at LaDeDog!

Remember us on the next Second Saturday event - we will always be a part of the action, remaining open until 9pm to give you another exciting venue of your evening promenade.

Walking the Tightrope

2008-02-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

Enivedably, the circus act of web-design has teetered us on the edge, but has finally come full circle, and we are now open. Much more products are still to be uploaded, but there are several great quality items listed and ready for purchase.

We hope that you are happy with the design and layout. It has been an increadible learning curve, but we are confident that we are finally able to give you a well-rounded experience while shopping at LaDeDog!

Check out the store by clicking HERE!

Transitions

2008-01-31T14:21:00.000-08:00

As promised, our web store is nearly completed, and will be ready to launch any day now. February 1st was a good target, but as these things go, we need more time.

Fine-tuning our virtual space is proving to be one of those life lessons that will try our patience. But within a few short days, it will be complete and ready to go.

Some of our newest additions include cable knit sweaters, Scoopies pick-up bags, Merrick sausages and more bling...

Sit tight - it will be worth the wait!

I Heart My Dog!

2008-01-15T16:14:00.000-08:00

My Furry Valentine

LaDeDog! is back for the new Season & ready to show you a whole new stock of toys, treats and apparel. After our little hiatus, we have shopped for more unique gifts and are happy to bring them to our little corner of the world.

To celebrate Valentine's day, join us for Yappy Hour Saturday, February 9th from 5 - 6 pm. Enjoy a drink or appetizer while you shop for your furry Valentine.

New Beginnings

2007-12-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

LaDeDog! will be closing from December 30th - January 7th for end-of-year Inventory & Website updates.

We wish you much success and happiness for the New Year!

Coming in January: Yappy Hour

2007-12-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

The Twelve Dog Days of Christmas

2007-12-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

The Twelve Dog Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my master gave to me, a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the second day of Christmas my master gave to me, two Henriettas… and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the third day of Christmas my master gave to me, three Party Collars… two Henriettas and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the fourth day of Christmas my master gave to me, four Ruffwear Booties… three Party Collars, two Henriettas and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the fifth day of Christmas my master gave to me, five Bumble Balls… four Ruffwear Booties, three Party Collars, two Henriettas and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the sixth day of Christmas my master gave to me, six Frosted Pup Cakes… five Bumble Balls… four Ruffwear Booties, three Party Collars, two Henriettas and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the seventh day of Christmas my master gave to me, seven Rubber Chew Toys… six Frosted Pup Cakes, five Bumble Balls… four Ruffwear Booties, three Party Collars, two Henriettas and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the eighth day of Christmas my master gave to me, eight Wiggly Gigglys… seven Rubber Chew Toys, six Frosted Pup Cakes, five Bumble Balls… four Ruffwear Booties, three Party Collars, two Henriettas and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the ninth day of Christmas my master gave to me, nine Bark Street Journals… eight Wiggly Gigglys, seven Rubber Chew Toys, six Frosted Pup Cakes, five Bumble Balls… four Ruffwear Booties, three Party Collars, two Henriettas and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the tenth day of Christmas my master gave to me, ten Curly Flossies… nine Bark Street Journals, eight Wiggly Gigglys, seven Rubber Chew Toys, six Frosted Pup Cakes, five Bumble Balls… four Ruffwear Booties, three Party Collars, two Henriettas and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the eleventh day of Christmas my master gave to me, eleven Cans of Merrick… ten Curly Flossies, nine Bark Street Journals, eight Wiggly Gigglys, seven Rubber Chew Toys, six Frosted Pup Cakes, five Bumble Balls… four Ruffwear Booties, three Party Collars, two Henriettas and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

On the twelfth day of Christmas my master gave to me, twelve Buddy Biscuits… eleven Cans of Merrick, ten Curly Flossies, nine Bark Street Journals, eight Wiggly Gigglys, seven Rubber Chew Toys, six Frosted Pup Cakes, five Bumble Balls… four Ruffwear Booties, three Party Collars, two Henriettas and a Raincoat from LaDeDog!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Ornament Sale!

2007-12-13T16:06:00.000-08:00

Silver Bells... Silver Bells...

New ornaments have arrived at LaDeDog! All specially marked at 20% off - come in to see these one of a kind, hand made in the USA ornaments. You may just find one that resembles your precious pooch, or a beautiful gift for a friend! (Be sure to click on the picture to your left, to see our beautiful store all decked-out for the Holidays!)

The Storm of the Century

2007-12-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have decided to postpone the expansion of our website until after the first of the year. As you may already know, Astoria was hit with a category 3 Hurricane on Sunday, December 2nd.

This "Storm of the Century" brought Clatsop and surrounding Counties to its knees, and produced a whole new set of problems, repairs, and lots of clean-up.

Although we suffered some damages at our home, LaDeDog! withstood the 140 mph wind gusts and survived the broken glass, damaged canopies and loss of merchandise. We were very pleased to see that the Merchants on Tenth Street faired very well.

We do have our webstore in the works, and will have it up and ready to go after the big Holiday rush. We will send a new Newsletter as soon as things get back to normal on the home-front. In the meantime, as always, we are happy to ship any items you would like to purchase at any time.

Please continue to check our website for news and special sales - we still update weekly and please keep those adorable photos coming in... our web album is looking so adorable!!

With that, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Chistmas, and a prosperous New Year.

Altered Hours for the Season

2007-12-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

As you may already know, we have adjusted our hours accordingly to trends and to the Holidays. We, of course, want to be here to serve you & have increased our hours. If the day is turning busier, we are happy to stay later.

There are a few days this month that we have chosen to participate with other shops in Astoria, and stay open until 8 pm: For the month of December, we will be open late every Thursday, as well as Saturday, December 8th.

Our current hours are posted: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 / Sunday & Monday 12 - 3

New Holiday Hours

2007-11-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

Fa La La La La - La LaDeDog!

As the Holidays quickly approach, we are preparing to transform our little store into a winter wonderland.

New Winter coats, warm sweaters, & compfy slippers... Fun inter-active toys, snuggly bears & adorable stocking stuffers... Yummy bakery treats, candy-cane rawhides & wholesome soul-food (like our Merrick's Grammy's Pot Pie!)... just to name a few of the new Christmas goodies coming to LaDeDog.

We will be extending our normal week to 6pm & keeping the shop open Sundays & Mondays, beginning November 26th through December 24th from 12 - 3:

Tuesday - Saturday 10-6

Sunday & Monday 12-3

We know you will find a little something special and unique for your little bundle of joy this Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours;

We wish you much happiness, good health and good times.

The Weatherfords

Photos of our recent events...

2007-11-19T17:08:00.000-08:00

A Howling Good Time!

2007-11-18T20:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Howloween

Aren't the holidays coming on way too fast? I just can't seem to keep up... One thing is for sure, Halloween was a sheer treat with lots of little munchkins visiting the store. Even though we are located down a not-so-much visited side-street, we did run out of candy & I am happy to say that our shop doggies did some great, well-rehearsed tricks for the treats we handed out. Our costume party was great fun & we really enjoyed seeing all of your adorable pooches in cognito!

Just in time for Thanksgiving!

2007-10-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

Turkey, Fresh Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Carrots, Fresh Green Beans, Fresh Granny Smith Apples, Olive Oil, Dried Cranberries, Dried Blueberries, Flax Seed... yum! Sounds like Thanksgiving, doesn't it? Well, in actuality it is... "Thanksgiving Day Dinner" is just one of the 18 canned foods that we now carry through the Merrick line.

All natural, preservative-free & organic chicken products - with names like these, the Merrick line of dry and canned foods fits right into the quirky style and unique fabric of what makes LaDeDog!

Just to name a few:

Grammy's Pot Pie
Cowboy Cookout
Working Dog Stew
Wingaling

You will love the satisfaction of giving your dog a healthy, safe diet, and your dog will thank you too!

Yummy Treats for Cute Tricks!

2007-10-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

Get your costumes ready...

Get ready for some Gouls and Drools at LaDeDog! Mark your calenders for our Doggie Halloween Costume Contest - Stop by any time throught the day October 31st and we will post a picture of your pooch for our panel of Judges. The winner will be announced by the end of the day & the winner will receive a wicked prize from LaDeDog!

Bring your doggie bags - we have yummy treats in exchange for some cute tricks!

Weather permitting - we would love to organize a Doggie Costume Parade through town, so let us know what time is best for you & we'll arrange a meetup.

New Hours!

2007-10-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

After toiling with the idea of what days to take off, we have narrowed it down to Sunday and Monday for the Fall Season. We will expand our days and hours when the Holiday Season approaches.

For now, here is our new schedule:

Tuesday - Saturday (10:00 am - 5:00 pm)

Sunday & Monday - Closed

Haute Savings!

2007-10-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

We had an excellent sale featuring our Haute Diggity Dog squeaky toys and couture. Haute Diggity Dog features the cutest plush parodies of everyday luxury items, at affordable pricing for your dog.

Sniffany & Co., Chewy Vuitton, Chewnel No. 5, Manola Barknik... the puns are endless. If you're looking for a unique gift for a friend, or an impulse buy for your pup, come by LaDeDog! - we are receiving new toys every week! All of our toys and apparel in LaDeDog! are priced way below suggested retail value for a boutique of its kind, so even after the sales have gone, you can walk away with some very special pieces for a great deal!

In The Kitchen

2007-09-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Well, after our first week, we are happy to say that our home-made cookies were a hit! The molases and honey dipped in carab are an ewwy-gooey treat, and the peanut butter biscuits are making little mouths water as soon as they walk through the door.

Roxy has been enjoying the sampling of our baked goodies & she says she would like to see some cupcakes and cakes... I think in time we will have some really fun confections to choose from.

We are constantly seeking out healthy, natural, allergy-free recipes, so we will be adding/subtracting often, until we come up with the perfect array. Let us know your preferences, and we will be happy to add your pup's favorite snack!

Congratulations!!

2007-09-07T10:27:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Ginger !!

Our Grand Opening winner of the LaDeDog!

Gift Basket... Enjoy!

Doggone Fun!

2007-09-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our Grand Opening with a day-long parade of doggies stopping by to check out our wares. We gave out samples of home-baked cookies, and enjoyed the Ribbon Cutting by the Chamber of Commerce.

We will be adding many more fun and unique products that will be ever-evolving, so we hope that you will check back often to see what we have found for you. We added all of our new doggie friends to our website: http://www.myspace.com/ladedog .

It has been a great pleasure meeting your furry pals - keep them coming... I have my camera ready!

Anticipation is in the air...

2007-08-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

As we unloaded our last item out of our storage room late last evening, we stood back and took it all in. Squeaky toys lining the walls, doggy beds placed atop the shelves and absorbing the smell of freshly baked cookies consuming the room.

After months of planning, we finally feel a sense of completion, ready to show off our choices, and hope that others will enjoy the items as much as I've enjoyed searching for them. With an ever-changing inventory planned throughout the year, I am confident that our customers will not be disappointed & will appreciate what we have to offer. It was as if Santa came to visit, looking around the shop filled with toys.

As we shut out the lights for the night and closed the door, we had a wonderful feeling of a job well done. Looking through the windows at our little room filled with our bright, cheerful products, we are so excited to finally be to this point.

We can't wait until Saturday - we hope you will make it!

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

2007-08-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

We are often asked why it is taking so long to open shop, but if you think about how far we've come in only one month, you can see that it's not so long.

We have had a lot to do - knocking down walls, moving doors & a good old-fashioned scrubbing down was necessary to fit a boutique into a space previously used as a waiting room.

The paint was an easy choice - the Gold has followed us through 3 home renovations & currently resides on the walls of our new home here as well. The Sienna color was derived from my favorite lipstick color, believe it or not. I have always had an eye for color and I think I made an excellent match for this space.

The space in the back of the room was converted from a hearing test room into what will come to be known as the "Barkery". A counter topped with clay tile and shelves lined with cookie jars will consume the space where we are anxious to spend our days.

Things have been moving right along, and the cement was reconstructed at the front door, to which some old carpet took residence - it is defenately looking LaDeDog! and I am so thankful to be able to put the time and love into making this the perfect little nook for us.

Finishing Touches

2007-08-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know how hard we have been working to get LaDeDog! together, I just couldn't stop at that. As if scrambling to put together a nice pre-event party, I thought a blog would make a nice touch to our website, and give me a little creative outlet as well.

While the paint still dries on the inside, our shop is receiving a whole new makeover on the outside... scrubbing, filling, sanding, painting... it is all a work in progress, but no stone will go un-turned in the process. While Tony performs miracles on the outside, I am running around in the back offices, feverishly preparing the inventory for its BIG reveal on the 31st pre-Grand Opening party.

Well, this is the first of our little "La De Dog - Blog" (So cute with the puns, isn't it?). We hope you enjoy what we have to offer & will send us lots of feedback!