Giant Schnauzer Grand Slam 2007

I make mistakes too!

2007-06-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever done something, checked it and double checked it, maybe even triple checked it for errors! Well, that's what happened to me. I sent out Thank You letters to all the companies who donated products or promotional items to our Grand Slam. Then, someone reminded me that I forgot to add one of the companies to the letter. It was too late, all the letters already went out :(

So, to Chilly Dogs, who donated a beautiful yellow Soaker Coat, I truly apologize for my mistake!

Here's a bit of extra advertising for them for my silly mistake!

www.chillydogs.ca

Crown Royale Professional Products

2007-06-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Crown Royale Shampoo and conditioners have had extensive testing and research done by many of the nation's leading professional dog handlers and well known dog breeders.Crown Royale Magic Touch is recognized as an outstanding grooming spray and finishing spray. Each Crown Royale product formula is based on coat texture and body that conforms to the individual breed standard. Condition Plus and Magic touch will give your show dog extra "Winning Edge" in the dog show ring.

These shampoos and conditioners are fantastic! They smell wonderful. Definately something I would use on Mya!

www.crownroyaleltd.com

Wow, what a day!

2007-06-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the day has come and gone already! What a perfect day it was. I don't think we had as many people as last year,(I can't seem to remember to do a people count every year!) but the people that did come, helped us raise $1093. Isn't that just amazing! At one point, my father-in-law counted 28 Giants!!!

Every thing ran smoothly, and each year, I learn a new lesson. I still have to many things packed into one day. The Penny Sale did well, the Auction did extremely well, but the Laundry Line didn't do as well as last year. I wonder why? Maybe the products in there weren't as appealing as last year?

I always love the wiener race! That's the highlight of my day. And to see the last dog Hector (who wasn't a giant but a little bulldog maybe) lift his leg and show that bucket what he thought of the race, well that was just too funny!

We only had one person participate in the Stupid Pet Trick, so her Giant won the prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Congratulations Louie!

The BBQ was just great! Thanks to Loraine and her family. They did an amazing job. If I had to do the BBQ, I think I would have a panic attack!! lol That's one thing I don't think I could organize.

Derrick did a grooming demonstration and used his dog Eve, more commonly known as "Evil"! She was very good and Derrick did a great job describing what blades to use and how to use them. I enjoyed that very much.

I couldn't have done this without Tracy, Kevin and Kasia! They are the ones who make this day run smoothly. Always willing to do anything that needs to be done. I really do appreciate that!

I'll update the blog some more, with pictures and commentary shortly!

Thanks

Mya the Model for Chilly Dogs? Maybe not!

2007-05-30T13:03:00.001-07:00

We received the donation from Chilly Dogs today. It's a beautiful yellow Soaker Coat.

Whoever wins this coat at the auction, may want to use it right away. We are expecting a hot day on Saturday!

Dry Use: Therapy pool use, Home bathing, between Summer Swimming, Home/kennel sleeping attire. The ultimate after bath or after swim solution! Slip the dry Soaker™ onto your wet dog and the absorbent terry cloth will wick away moisture and speed dry off time. For an extra cozy, warm treat, place the dry Soaker™ in the dryer and tumble on low heat until the coat is warm to the touch. After bath, place the warm Soaker™ on your dog; a wonderful way to take the chill off. The Soaker™ has also been a big hit with owners of dogs who love to rub against the furniture and roll on the floor after bath time; now the furniture stays dry and Fido stays clean!
Wet Use: Agility events/training, Confirmation shows, Hunting trials/training, Summer Camping, Summer car rides, Dogs First Aid Kit. Also known as the "cool coat", the Soaker™ is designed to keep your dog's body temperature cool on hot summer days. It can be a life saver during long, hot car rides and outdoor dog shows. To wet the Soaker™ immerse in a basin of water or spray wet with a water bottle. Ring out excess water from the coat and place on your dog. To keep Soaker™ wet during use, spray with water bottle.
www.chillydogs.ca

The Auction Items

2007-05-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to show you what will be available in the auction. That way, if there is something you are interested in, it will give you an idea of how much money to bring.

Auction Items

Estimated Value
1 Kong Pack (4 items) over $40
2 Bag of Stuffed Animals over $25
3 The Furminator approx $55
4 Pup Light approx $30
5 Buddy Belt approx $110
6 Drop' N' Flop Bed retail $150
7 Medium Muttluks Approx $42
8 Large Muttluks Approx $42
9 Bamboo Star Toy and Round Toy Over $30
10 Andis Clipper Approx $100
11 Andis Clipper Approx $100
12 Komatik Skijoring Belt and Cord Over $65
13 Soggy Dog Seat Cover Approx $50
14 Raised Feeding Table Approx $40
15 Blue Reflective Collar and Leash Approx $30
16 Green and Brown Collar and Leash Approx $30
17 Leather Harley Collar and Leash Approx $30
18 Orange Collar and Leash Approx $30
19 Multi Colour and Leash Approx $30
20 Doggy Rain Coat Approx $75
21 Doggy Blue Flower Coat Approx $60
22 Chilly Dogs Soaker Coat Retail $55

Items are subject to change. There may be more items added

You can find all the other items in the Penny Sale, the Laundry Line or as prizes

KONG

2007-05-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

I wasn't expecting a donation from Kong this year, but once again, for the 3rd year in a row, they made a donation to our Grand Slam.

This year they sent 3 large Kong Toys and some treats!

Mya loves her Kong. She can't destroy it and I'm never afraid that she will choke on chunks that may come off (because they don't for her). They are truly wonderful toys!

On their website, you will also find some great recipe ideas for stuffing your Kong toy.

BANANA RAMA:

1 fresh banana 2 tbs wheat germ · 1 tbs plain yogurt (can use your pet'sfavorite flavor as well) · Any KONG Toy that best fits your pet'schewing temperament.In a bowl, mash up banana. Then, add wheat germ and yogurt. Mash all ingredients together and use spoon to add to KONG. Freeze for 4 hours. Makes 1 serving for Medium KONG. Double for every KONG size that is bigger.
www.kongcompany.com

Wow, look at the donations!

2007-05-28T08:13:00.001-07:00

And there is still more to come!

I have to do this to figure out what products to use for the Penny Sale, Auction, Laundry Line and prizes. Of course, Mya has to go in her crate during this time. I can't get her to stop smelling the treats!

Komatik

2007-05-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

KOMATIK

Orleans, Ontario

www.komout.com

We are very fortunate to have recieved a skijoring belt with bungee line, and 2 sets of booties!

In 1989 Komatik was founded and is located in Carlsbad Springs, Ontario, Canada. We found sledding equipment very inaccessible and expensive for the Canadian sled dog enthusiast at that time. Therefore, we researched, developed, produced and marketed our own line of sled dog equipment. Since then we have crossed paths with thousands of enthusiasts.

Equipment produced by former sledders, that is our strength as a sled dog supply business. We used to race our own equipment and we believe in its durability, quality and value. We offer very competitive prices and volume discounts. Our commitment to you is to provide efficient service with minimum delay in delivery.
Our experience spans over 15 years. Some of our associates have 25 to 30 years experience in the sledding world.

Pure Bites

2007-05-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Pure Bites (Marteco Sales) provided us with a large box of assorted items. There are tons of different treats, toys, leashes, dental products, shampoo and much more!

Of course, Mya had to stick her nose into everything. She really wanted the toys but those are for the Grand Slam, not for her. I tried to explain that but she just gave me a puzzled look. Well actually, she always has a puzzled look! :)

http://www.purebites.com

Chilly Dogs

2007-05-25T08:49:00.001-07:00

http://www.chillydogs.ca

Chilly Dogs™ is your Function with Flare dog coat designer. Our goal is to design Chilly Wear™ dog coats, jackets, gear and appearal to the same high standards we expect from our own outdoor apparel. Our high quality superior fitting outdoor jackets include Winter Coats, Rain Coats, Fleece Dog Sweaters, Terry Cloth Coats, Snoods and more. We strive to fit most breeds from small Terriers to Great Danes. Chilly Dogs™ specializes in fitting the unique body types of Greyhounds and Whippets as well as the deep chested Dobermans, Pit bull Terriers, Weimaraners, vizslas and more.

Chilly Dogs is donating a Soaker Coat for our Grand Slam! I think this will be a popular item at the auction. With Giant Schnauzers being black, they become hot very fast in the summer. Again, something that you will have to outbid me on!!!

Chilly Dogs is also one of the Paws For Charity companies.

http://www.pawsforcharity.blogspot.com/

Spoil the Dog Bakery

2007-05-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

I think of all names this company could have picked, they certainly picked one that describes their products! I had to give Mya one to try out because the package certainly passed the sniff test. After eating one, she certainly wanted more. Unfortunately, Mya will have to wait until the Grand Slam just like all the other Giants!

Taken from the website:
At Spoil The Dog Bakery our mission is to make the most nutritious, tastiest, hypoallergenic, wheat-free biscuits on the planet! Each biscuit is handmade using only fresh, all-natural market ingredients. We do not add salt, sugar, corn, soy or any preservatives to our products. After extensive research, we chose chickpea flour as our base not only because it is wheat-free, but because it is high in protein, dietary fibre and calcium, and low in saturated fats.
You know what this means? Now you can spoil your precious companion without worries of unnecessary weight gain.
The most discriminating canine can choose from our Variety Pack, containing five gourmet flavours: Apple Cinnamon (hearts), Carob Peanut Butter (bears), Cheese and Organic Garlic, (suns), Peanut Butter Crunch (crescents), or Pizza Pizzazz (rounds).
We also make large biscuits, for a gigantic burst of any one of our five delicious flavours. Since birthday parties have become more and more popular we carry a wheat-free banana honey cake, topped with carob-sprinkled yogurt frosting and delicious edible carob candles. Looks soooooooo good, you'll want to eat it yourself!

http://www.spoilthedogbakery.com

Barking Biscuit

2007-05-23T07:19:00.001-07:00

Barking Biscuit donated 40 individually wrapped treats for all the Giants at our party!

At The Barking Biscuit Company, we make all our dog biscuits by hand using only human quality ingredients. We don't add unnecessary things like food colouring, salt, or sugar. Our dog biscuits are so good, you can even try them yourself.(go ahead, lots of people do)But, please share them with your Canine Connoisseur.

Bailey (Siberian Husky 1995-2005),

Cinder (Giant Schnauzer)

and Mulligan (BARK Rescue Dog)

From the Barking Biscuit website:

PAWS for Charity is one way that The Barking Biscuit gives back and supports social awareness. Our dogs show us so much love and faith; it only makes sense to respond with the same generous spirit when we choose products for them.
PAWS for Charity is the collaborative effort of The Barking Biscuit Company, Around the Hounds, Chilly Dogs, and Photo by Sue Bird. All four companies offer special products that raise funds for special charities. You can read more about our PAWS for Charity project in our blog: pawsforcharity.blogspot.com
The Barking Biscuit has created a special dog biscuit package called "Crunch for a Cure". We donate 25% of proceeds from Crunch for a Cure to The Canadian Cancer Society - Breast Cancer Research. Funds donated will help with ventures such as research, education and awareness programs, early diagnosis and treatment programs. To read more about our Crunch for a Cure biscuits, and to see other charity products available, please go to our shop.

http://www.barkingbiscuit.com

Nylabone

2007-05-18T06:13:00.001-07:00

Nylabone comes through for us again for a 3rd year in a row!

Taken from their website:

Nylabone®, the leader in responsible animal care for over 50 years.™
Nylabone® has a chew for just about every dog. From traditional plastic chews to a wide variety of healthy, edible chews, Nylabone® has specific chew products designed to meet the varying chewing needs of almost every dog, no matter what size, breed, age or type of chewer the dog might be.
Nylabone®'s products promote good canine dental hygiene, enhance overall mental fitness, encourage positive behavior, provide comfortable shelter, and allow for safe, pleasant travel. All Nylabone® products are sold with a consumer satisfaction guarantee, which is found on every package. Complete and total customer satisfaction has always been our goal. With a decades-long reputation for quality, pet owners can count on Nylabone® to care for their dogs and other pets.

They sent a box of assorted products. There is a Chubbie Buddy, Puzzle Bone, Dental Dinosaur, Durable Bacon Chew, and 2 Big Chew products.

http://www.nylabone.com

Ren's Pets

2007-05-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ren's Pets has been making a donation to our event every year since the beginning.

Ren's has been in business in Oakville for 30 years. They are a family owned business that understands the pet business not just as retailers, but as a family caring for numerous pets over the years. If you are looking for something for your pet, chances are they will have it there, with over 7000 food and accessory products.

(product not exactly as shown)

http://www.renspets.com

Biogroom

2007-05-17T06:38:00.000-07:00

Biogroom

These products were sent to us today. I love their products and I use them on Mya.

I think we will put these together as an auction item! Sound good?

Retail value $45

http://www.biogroom.com

Holistic Blend

2007-05-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Holistic Blend dog food is the food that Mya eats. It's the only food that she does really well on that is afordable. It is about $60 for a 35lb bag.

We have received a 35lb bag of the Lamb and Rice food. There will also be some samples if you would like your dog to try this food.

Highlights
Free Range New Zealand Lamb Meal
Holistic & Conventional Veterinary recommended
Chelated minerals, whole grains, fruits, antioxidants and herbs
Promotes healthy skin and coat
Hypo-allergenic
Highly digestible and palatable
Balanced Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids (5-1 ratio)
Ingredients allow for smaller feeding portions
Healthy stools - stimulates the breakdown of ammonia to reduce stool & urine odour

http://www.holisticblend.com

Paw Perks

2007-05-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

We received 2 free membership cards for Paw Perks.

If you have never heard of Paw Perks before, it is a great service to pet owners. Being a member allows you to receive discounts at participating pet stores and services.

For example, for Global Pet Foods, it would give you 10% Savings off Canadian made pet foods, Private Label products, holistic food, natural pet foods and supplements! 15% Savings on pet accessories!

15% off Neopaw products and many more stores and offers.

Go and have a look:

http://www.pawperks.ca/

Drop' N' Flop

2007-05-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Drop' N' Flop is donating a Colossol Bean Bag pet bed. The retail value is $150.

I know Mya would really love to have this product. Let the auction wars begin!!!!

http://www.dropnflop.com

2007-05-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

We have been very fortunate to have beautiful days for our past 2 Fun Days. However, this year we do not have a covered pavilion, so we decided to book an alternate rain date.

Should it rain on Saturday June 2nd, the backup date is Saturday June 9th.

It will be the same place (Totoredaca Leash Free Park) and the same time (Noon to 4pm).

We will update the weather forcast on our website as we get closer to the date.

NewTrix

2007-05-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

Taken from the Newtrix Website:

The NewTrix easyway collar is the first in our upcoming series of carefully researched and developed pet training products. We always believed in it, but the response we have had from so many top veterinarians, trainers, breeders, dogs and owners has been overwhelming.
The NewTrix easyway collar is guaranteed to make walking a comfortable experience for you and your dog. It is not a muzzle. It is an evolutionary tool to make dog training and walking a simple, safe and fun experience for everyone.

Why does it work so well? The NewTrix easyway collar harnesses the natural balance reflex of your dog to stop him or her from pulling on the leash. Instead of hooking under the dog’s chin, twisting his neck, our ingenious “push-pulley” exerts a gentle pressure behind the dog’s head. Your dog automatically leans back into the pressure and stops pulling! The collar only restrains your dog when he struggles against it, relaxing when he stops, much as a seatbelt restrains you in your car.

Newtrix donated one collar with a leash for our Grand Slam.

I used this product with Mya for agility class. All dogs had to be on a leash for the beginner group. They did not allow any type of choke collar or pinch collar. The trainer suggested this collar for us. It worked wonderfully! Unlike the Gentle Leader, this does not jerk the head to the side. It worked wonders for us.

http://www.newtrix.ca

The Barkery

2007-05-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Oh Wow.

These look good enough for humans to eat. (and I'm sure a few have)

http://thebarkery.ca

Andis Clippers

2007-05-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

This year we have recieved 2 clippers from Andis.

They are different this year. They are the Andis Pro-Animal Clipper Kit. This clipper is for home use. It comes with a #10 blade and is compatible with all Andis and Oster A5 blades.

http://www.andis.com

So, if you want to try grooming your dog by yourself, now is your chance. Don't worry if you make a mistake, the hair always grows back. Ask Mya!

Giant Schnauzers in Ontario

2007-05-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

If you would like to learn more about Giant Schnauzers or if you would like to share your experience with this wonderful breed, you may want to join our Yahoo group:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/GiantSchnauzersInOntario/

This group originated from Ontario, however, you don't have to live in Ontario to join.

Giant Schnauzers in Ontario

Buddy Belt

2007-05-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

If your dog has a tendancy to pull (like Mya does when she sees a squirrel) , then the Buddy Belt is your answer. I tried it on Mya when it arrived to make sure it was the correct fit for a Giant Schnauzer. It was easy to put on, Mya didn't mind having it on and it works! Also, you can see the quality of this product.

I took a picture of Mya wearing it. Sorry, she needed a haircut, but you get the picture!

http://www.buddy-belts.com

Pup Light

2007-05-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.puplight.com

If you have a black Giant Schnauzer, then you know it is almost impossible to see them in the dark. Especially if you are out for a walk after the sun goes down, it is hard for you to see where you are going and for cars to see you.

PupLight:
Makes your dog visible to traffic at night
Lights your path when you walk your dog
Helps you find your dog when off-leash
Assists dogs with poor vision
PupLight's patented design features include:
Three ultra-bright LED's - light up to 200 feet and make dogs visible at night
Rugged, water resistant construction - gives years of service to even the most active dogs.
Easy-on adjustable elastic band - assures a proper fit for any size dog.
Let PupLight Light Your Way And Your Dog

Soggy Dog

2007-05-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

If your dog is anything like mine, she loves to be in water. And it's not always clean water. She will lay in an inch deep puddle or find a swampy part of the lake to roll around in.
My husband doesn't let me bring Mya in his car. Mostly because I can only get her so clean or so dry before we have to get in the car to go home.

This donation is a truly wonderful idea. The Soggy Dog seat cover. Here is what they are all about!

Seat Surfin' Back Seat Covers
Water repellent and durable
Unique light weight fabric prevents dirt and hair from weaving through cover - hair shakes off
Machine wash and tumble dry - dries in a few minutes
Prevents dirt from falling into seat sides
Easily installed, removed

http://www.soggydog.ca

Bandanamania

2007-05-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

We have something a little different this year. A certificate for a free personalized banadana.

If I won this for Mya, what would I want written on it? Dingbat, Princess, Stinky, Spoiled.....the possibilities are endless!

http://www.bandanamania.com

Wild Bites

2007-05-03T07:10:00.001-07:00

Wild Bites

Love at First Bite!

http://www.wildbites.com

I had to hide these treats from Mya, because she just went nuts from their great smell. So they are in a sealed container, otherwise, we wouldn't have any left for the Grand Slam!

Why are Wild Bites treats so healthy?

All of our Wild Bites products are very high in protein and do not contain any fillers or spices. Our Organic Ostrich and Buffalo and Organic Buffalo Minis products are made of organic, free-range, non-medicated ostrich and buffalo trim meat and our Wild Salmon Jerky treats are made uniquely with British Columbia Wild Salmon, making our treats extremely healthy, nutritious and delicious.

Why do Pets and their Owners LOVE Wild Bites?

Pet owners love Wild Bites because they are the healthiest, heartiest treats around and because their pets will do anything for them! Dogs and Cats love Wild Bites because they are the most delicious treats they’ve ever had!
“Charley goes BONKERS when he sees them!” Maxine

"Cool Vest" for dogs!

2007-05-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

Another Great Donation!

Website: http://www.gramercydistribution.com

Information from their website:

Introducing a great invention to make every dog's summer comfortable!

This is absolutely one of the greatest innovative products ever.Every dog owner knows how difficult it can be for dogs to cope with the summer heat. Simply soaking the adjustable, easy to wear, Cool Vest ™ in water provides a protective layer from direct and indirect sunlight and heat. Its laminated lining keeps dogs dry! Perfect for a summer walk!
How does it work?
Cool Vest™ is made with a special fabric that absorbs and retains water. It uses no toxic chemicals, or materials. The vest utilizes a simple scientific principle - cooling through evaporation! As water gradually evaporates, it takes the heat around it. The same effect happens when you soak a T-shirt in water and wear it to cool down on a hot day at the beach. From experience you know how effective this is in cooling you down. The differences between using a wet T-shirt and this product are

1: the liner is laminated so dogs don't get wet and,

2: this special fabric doesn't dry out as quickly as a cotton T- shirt would.

The result is you don't have to deal with a messy, wet dog while trying to make them comfortable and you don't have to run for water every 15 minutes to retain the cooling effect. This sporty vest is good for all kinds of dogs, from puppies to senior dogs. It covers vital organs, providing optimum cooling effects without the excessive coldness that would be harmful to a dog's health.

The FURminator

2007-04-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

I have been looking at this product for a while. You will often see the Giant Schnauzer listed as a non-shedding dog....ya right! My house has a problem, it's called "The Black Fur Tumbleweed Syndrome". Mya has long furnishings, due to my lack of skill with the scissors. She is always losing hair from them.

I really want to try this product. I'm not sure if it will be in the Penny Sale or the Auction yet, but either way, I'll be trying to win this one. I think my husband will be happy if I win it. He has asthma and takes daily medication just to put up with his allergies to Mya!

Have a look at their website. The main page shows a woman using the FURminator on her dog. The hair coming out is just amazing.

http://www.furminator.com/

Pet Plan Insurance

2007-04-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

Pet Plan has sponsored us for a second year in a row.

Get a Quote today!

http://www.petplan.com

BBQ

2007-04-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Yipee! The BBQ is on!

Thank you to Loraine, Ben and family for offering to run the BBQ this year for the Grand Slam. Burgers, salad and drinks will be available for $5 per person. If you are a vegetarian, please let us know in advance so that we will have something there for you.

Remember that all funds raised from the BBQ will also go to Giant Schnauzer Assistance Canada to help Giants needing surgery.

Muttluks

2007-04-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Muttluks has really come through for us. This is their 3rd year sending us a donation for our Grand Slam. This year, they sent us 3 sets of boots. Small, medium and large. So if you have a smaller dog, now's your chance to get a pair for them too!

http://www.muttluks.com

This was taken from their website:

Muttluks continue to be the preferred boot of choice for dog owners. The company’s high quality boots for dogs are now available across the United States, Canada, and Internationally.

"Since the company began in 1994," says Marianne Bertrand, President and founder of Muttluks Inc. "we have constantly developed and improved Muttluks to make a better product. Muttluks today are even better than when we started because we listen to the comments and suggestions from people who use and sell our products."

Muttluks have evolved through constant testing in all weather conditions across Canada and the United States.

We invite you to browse through our site and check out our high quality boots for dogs. You can also read what Muttluks customers say about the product as well as some of our media coverage. Thanks for visiting Muttluks, we look forward to hearing from you and hope your dog enjoys his/her Muttluks.

And here is a picture of Bullet (Tracy's Giant) wearing Muttluks while sledding this winter. Bullet won his Muttluks at our last Grand Slam

Donations

2007-04-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

There are so many great donation items this year. Many new and exciting products. I would like to show you what we have so far.

Fat Cat Toys donated 26 great toys. They squeak and crinkle.

We have a few T-Shirts

2 Subscriptions and videos for Animal Wellness Magazine

One year Subscription for Modern Dog Magazine

3 Pairs of Muttluks. Large, Medium and Small

Wahl Clipper. Cordless and Professional grade

Furminator and treats

The Buddy Belt

Raincoat from Beanies and Belvedere

Snazzy Coat from Beanies and Belvedere

Welcome to the Grand Slam 2007 Blog

2007-04-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

I will update this blog with donation information as it comes in. I will take pictures of the products, maybe have Mya model and perhaps, give a review!