Dear Pet Lovers,

National Puppy Day - March 23

I've seen people spend several hundred dollars on a puppy and then not be able to afford its care through the first year of life. There will be a series of vaccines when you first get the puppy through 4 months of age. You will need to purchase bowls, crates, beds, toys and more toys. Puppies also don't know the difference between their toys and your toys so they will destroy something of yours at some point. Most puppies will also need to be spayed or neutered in the first year. While you are planning on the puppy's arrival, take some time to plan a budget for the first year of the puppy's life.

One of the most important things to consider is what you will be feeding your puppy. Dogs are carnivores so they should be fed as such. There are many options available to pet owners which can help keep your pet healthy. Good pet foods come in many forms. The basic kibble has come a long way from being packed with corn and other unsavory non-carnivore ingredients. There are some wonderful companies that are doing their research and finding low glycemic grains for foods or no grains at all. Either will work as long as you know what you are putting into your pet. Canned food has also evolved and many companies present some very healthy options for wet food. Another great option is a raw diet. You can get raw in frozen or freeze-dried options. The most important thing to remember with raw food is basic 'safe handling' rules. Wash your hands before and after feeding and it's always a good idea to wipe the dog's mouth area after eating. Many people 'rotate' foods for their pets which can help your dog learn to eat many types of proteins and can also keep your pet from being a 'picky' eater.

Adoption is always a great option for bringing a new puppy into the house. Whether pure bred or multi-breed, a puppy can be a great addition to any home. Be sure to make the budget a priority so that you will have a healthy, happy pet that will be around to enhance your family for years!

GoodDog will host a WINTER BLOW OUT SALE from March 15th to the 23rd. All items (except whole food diets) will be on sale. We hope that you will cut out the coupon and come by. We are also going to be highlighting MDA (muscular dystrophy) by selling a chance for a raffle basket. For each MDA Shamrock you purchase (all proceeds going to MDA), you'll be entered into a drawing for a nice GoodDog basket. You need NOT be present to win!

Hope to see you soon!