Smork we Love - Collars

Cool Collars

We love Cool Collars first and foremost because they are just an awesome, durable, well made product! Quality materials, strong hardware, washable fabrics (what dog doesn’t love to roll in bad smells?!)

Cool collars is a Canadian company, and the brains behind the operation (and sewing machine) is not only an adoptive dog mom x2, but a huge supporter of various rescue efforts.

Cool Collars offers great selection, quality, and prices.

Their adjustable collars come in five widths. These fashionable, durable collars are available in sizes to fit the smallest toy breed all the way up to man's largest tail-wagging best friends.

There is something for every doggie's taste, from funky and wild to cute or dressy. Matching leashes and seasonal collars are must-haves, too. Every item is made individually with attention to detail.

BONUS, mention you found the site through ADR and Cool Collars will donate a percentage of your order!

Paco Collars

The staff at Paco Collars are passionate about a great many things, but the short list is: dogs, leather, craft, and community service. As a company they try and combine these things into one tidy package that your dog can conveniently wear around their neck.

Paco is a company dedicated to enhancing you and your dog’s natural style with quality leather products. Each piece is handcrafted with its future owner in mind, making every collar, belt or bracelet as unique as the one who wears it. Custom design work is our specialty.

A Paco Collar is not just about the product (which happens to be a pretty fine product), but the journey behind it.

Dublin Dog

All Style, No Stink

These guys just really love dogs. Real dogs that like to have fun and get dirty. So they created the perfect collar to fit the lifestyle. Their collars take a beating and won't collect icky dirt and bacteria. Dublin dogs believe, at the same time, that looks matter. They've come up with some great designs to match your dog individual personality (think camo and pirate argyle).

Ella's Lead

Makers of quality dog leashes and leather dog collars designed to last a lifetime!

We love Ella’s leads for the always awesome customer service, and constant support of one of the best breeds out there – the bullies! They feature several collars for causes, and have worked with several PitBull specific rescues for several years!

Check out ADR’s “Pirate Puppy” Avery's custom Ella’s collar!

Still Water Kennel Supplies

Quality Products at Affordable Prices.

Still Water Kennel Supplies offers individual collars or, handy for rescue groups, order their collars in bulk.

Their collars are built strong, really strong and come in a variety or colors and sizes.

Safe Summer Fun

This weeks heat wave reminds us that summer is here in full swing! As such, pets and their people are likely to spend more time outdoors soaking up the sun. There are however, many dangers that dog owners should be aware of. Follow these tips to keep your pooch happy and healthy this season.

Play Safe

Be cautious about overdoing summer activities. Even short walks on stifling summer days can quickly cause heat exhaustion. Limit walks to cooler daytime (before noon or after 4pm) or evening hours. Carry fresh, cool water for yourself and your pooch.

Dogs pant to expel heat (they do not sweat). If you live in an area affected by BSL that requires the use of a muzzle, it is important that the muzzle fits correctly and allows the dog to do so.

Mind the Paws
Remember that even on breezier days, sidewalks can quickly become extremely hot. Heat rises from the ground and sensitive paw pads can easily burn. Try to walk your dog on cooler surfaces.

Burns
On that same note, humans are not the only once susceptible to skin cancer. Your dog needs protection the sun as well. Apply sunscreen to the nose, tips of the ears, and belly especial on short coated and light colored dogs.

BBQ
Who doesn't like a good BBQ or corn roast? Beware that some foods can be toxic to dogs (chocolate) and pieces of corn cob, which may be tasty, can in fact become lodge in the intestines, resulting in the need for invasive and expensive surgery. Make sure that your dog does not have access to these items (either from the table or the garbage can).

Leave Fido at Home
It should go without saying, but every year dogs die, or barely survive, being locked in cars while their people run errands. Within a few minutes, even with the windows down, the temperature in a car without breeze or A/C can rise to an unbearable degree. If you feel bad, bring him home a cool treat.

The Dog Days of Summer!

Summer is a fun time of year for humans and dogs alike. Many dogs (and people) love to play outdoors despite the heat. Some homes do not have air-conditioning, so alternative cooling methods must be used. If your dog does not wish to stay indoors with the air-conditioner, or if you do not have air-conditioning, there are still plenty of ways to keep your dog cool as temperatures rise.

Remember that dogs cannot cool themselves by sweating like humans. They might sweat a small amount through their pads, but the main way a dog cools off is by panting. Unfortunately, panting is not enough when it is extremely hot and humid.

Always have fresh/cold water available, whether at home (indoors and out) and a travel water bowl or water bottle for walks or car rides. But of course avoid taking your canine companion on the road with you if you’ll need to leave the vehicle (and turn off the AC or stop the breeze). Even just a couple minutes with the windows down in a vehicle can be deadly for a furry friend!

Also, don’t assume your pooch will know when to stop of take breaks when running/walking/playing in hot weather. I know of several cases of heatstroke in dogs who were having a great time playing and jogging with their people, and when they finally do stop to lay down, it is because they physically can't go on any more. Heatstroke happens fast. I recently read about a Labrador playing fetch in a lake, in and out of water, who suffered from heatstroke due to overexertion.

Tips to avoid overexertion and heatstroke in pets
• Work up slowly to exercise fitness. Make exercise part of the regular routine.
• Exercise in the early morning and late evening when it is (hopefully) cooler. Avoid the midday heat. It can be a killer.
• Offer small amounts of fresh cool water, frequently.
• Use a hose or let your pet swim in a lake or pool to become thoroughly wet before a walk. Evaporation will help keep your pet cool. Be sure to wet all layers of coat, especially double-coated breeds, such as Retrievers, for maximum cooling.
• Watch your pet for signs of tiring and too much panting. The panting tongue out too far will indicate break time.
• Search for shade-available areas.
• Some dogs love having their own kiddie pool in the yard.
• Be mindful of pad burns on hot pavement and metal surfaces.

As much as we (people) love a cool refreshing treat to cool off on the warmer days, dogs do as well! Who wants a dry crumbly biscuit in 30 degree weather? What about a pupsicle?! This is an easy, and healthy treat (that you can enjoy too!)

Start with plain or vanilla yogurt, and add your dogs favourite flavours, peanut butter, bananas, plain pumpkin, applesauce . .. you are limited to your creativity and Fido’s taste buds! Blend ingredients together and freeze in ice cube trays of paper cups (easy to peel off after), and points for presentation if you decide to add a thin rawhide stick or pizzle stick chewie for a “stick” (handle) for your, um, Fido’s, frozen treat!

How do you keep your dog cool? Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear your tips and tricks for beating the heat!

Have fun, enjoy, stay cool. WOOF!

And Then There Was 1

...more beer pup available for adoption - Brahma!

You can apply to adopt Brahma HERE

Dilbert - (almost) available for adoption in NS.

This bat eared little man is all kinds of super smart and spunky!  He's, hopefully, catching a ride to NS this Saturday to spend a couple weeks in foster care before being made available for adoption.

Also in this video, Quinn ♥