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I downloaded the free version of Dog Buddy, a dog management app on my iPhone 4s. Granted, you can only add dogs, however, it won't know if you add another pet. (Which I may do in the future) 

My dog recently had surgery, so this app was actually really helpful in keeping track of her progress, medications, and other medical information. What I really like is I was able to take pics of her incision site to track the healing process. On a day when she had really scratched up her incision, I had given her an extra pain pill and was able to record that in the Diaries section of this app. I am bad at keeping track of things, and my real problem is motivation to write things down. I was more motivated to record on this app, rather than physically write it because I knew I wouldn't lose it! (I always lose notes!)

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Here are my diary entries to track her progress. You can also use this feature as reminders of dates, medication, appointments, etc. You can see the ad, which is painfully obvious, but it isn't as bad as others; I use another app where a pop-up takes over your entire screen as you're using the app, which is incredibly annoying. 

My only complaint is when you go to add images, you can only do one at a time, rather than picking several at once you want to upload. That can get annoying, and time consuming. Not the biggest deal, though!

Overall, I would recommend this FREE app. It's simple, easy to figure out, looks nice, and is definitely helpful! I think I might have to keep this one! The paid version is $1.99 and available through the iTunes app store. 

 
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OdorMute has been around forever! My grandma has been using it for at least 30 years, and she got me hooked on it. She first had me use it when my (then) dog urinated on my car seat! (You know, something you can't just throw in the wash!) You'd think there'd be no way to get that out once it absorbed into the seat, but OdorMute did! 

I have used OdorMute on mostly urine soiled items, and carpet. If you have a cat that marks, it's helped with that smell. I used it in a spray bottle with water on tile floor, and the baseboard and it really eliminated the odor. I frequently use it in the wash, just as the powder for detergent, again, on urine soaked items such as bedding, blankets, clothing, etc. There were times when I used just the OdorMute and no detergent in a load of laundry. 

OdorMute is great for cleaning out litter boxes! I foster cats/kittens, so it's important to start fresh with an old litter box. 

OdorMute's website has tons of uses for this including kennels/runs, furniture, carpets/rugs, skunk odor, etc. So many uses! It's a powder that you make into a liquid. I have used it just as a neutralizer for a cat tree my foster cat urinated in. (Thanks Klaus!) It worked much like baking soda would on carpet! 

OdorMute's manufacturer, Hueter Toledo, sells this on their website for $13.99 for 15oz, and $59.99 for 5lbs. 

Amazon, of course, has great prices on this product, too! OdorMute actually sells this through Amazon, but at $15.99 for 15oz, whereas their website sells it for $13.99! So you have to be diligent in finding the best price. I also found they sell the 5lb box on Amazon for just $39.95! (It's $59.99 on their website!) But watch out for shipping costs! Some of the OdorMute sold on Amazon are eligible for FREE shipping!

 
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I will start off by saying this was actually given to me by my Aunt, whose German Shepherd recently passed away. So I am not entirely sure how much this one cost, or for what size dog it's for. It worked great on the German Shepherd, and I now use it on my Pit Bull who sheds a ton. Today, I tried it out on a Lab/Pit Bull mix puppy, and a mixed breed dog with a thick coat. 

To begin, I believe this particular brush to be for Medium Short Hair dogs. The brush itself is about 2.65" wide. That particular brush, through the FURminator website costs $52.99. PetCo has them for sale on their website ranging from $36.99-$53.99. (With FREE shipping on online orders over $49)

PetSmart also sells these ranging from $32.39-$69.99, with $2.99 shipping for orders $49 or more. 

Drs. Foster & Smith also has the full line of these, and range from $31.99-$61.99 and also offer FREE shipping on orders $49 or more.

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First, I used it on my Pit Bull who has a short, white coat. I use this brush mostly on the thickest parts of her coat, her rear, neck, and shoulders. It takes little effort to remove a great amount of hair, dander, and dirt. Because of the short comb, you need to remove the fur frequently, every couple of strokes, depending on your dogs coat.

You can see the amount of hair that was removed even after only a few strokes. Not only that, it removes an amazing amount of dirt and debris from her coat, as well! Her coat is gorgeous and shiny and clean just after a short brushing session!

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Next, I tried it on the mixed breed dog with a thick coat. This took little effort! You can see in this photo the amount of fur I removed after only 10 strokes! 

Now this is the puppy, whose coat isn't fully "in" yet so he didn't have quite as much to de-shed. He has a thick, dense, Labrador coat and the FURminator still worked really well, particularly with the dirt in his coat.
Overall, I have found this to be a great product. The only downside is the higher price, and the amount of time it might take to do a full grooming on your dog, depending on its size and coat. I have read reviews on the FURminator on several websites, all gave at least 4/5 stars! 

/// QUALITY               ★★★★★
/// PRICE                   ★★★☆☆
/// PACKAGING         ★★★★★
/// COLOR                 ★★★★★
/// AS ADVERTISED  ★★★★☆
/// OVERALL             ★★★★★
 
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Introducing the KONG Genius Mike dog toy!

This toy is a new take on the original KONG toy. It is much larger, allowing you to stuff it with more goodies. The size and shape makes it easier for a dog to hold onto with their paws. 

My favorite part about this toy is that both ends are of equal size. Not only making is easier to stuff, easier for your dog to get treats out (before getting frustrated or bored with it), but also makes is much easier to clean! Which has been a problem with the original KONG for some. 

Because it's deep, it takes your dog a little longer to work out whatever's inside. This is also dishwasher safe! I have this orange one, and a hot pink one, as well as the Genius Leo, a connector piece that looks like a bowling pin! This has held up quite well with my Pit Bull, however, she is not much of a chewer. I have had these for a few years, and they still look good as new!

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Dulce enjoying peanut butter in her pink Genius Mike!
The Genius Mikes is available in three sizes: Small, Large, X-Large, and range from $9.99-$18.99. These are sold at most PetSmart's, PetCo's, and Pet Food Express. 

If you sign up for KONG Connect, they will send you coupons, and newsletters and info on their latest products!

EXTRAS:
  • Stick a 6" Bully stick inside to give your dog an extra challenge!
  • For an extra special treat, stick peanut butter, canned food, bananas, or even yogurt in your KONG Genius Mike, and freeze it! Perfect for hot summer days, and it takes some extra work to get the goodies out! This is great to keep your dog busy, and occupied, and out of trouble!
  • View more KONG recipes on the KONG website.

/// QUALITY               ★★★★★
/// PRICE                   ★★★★☆
/// PACKAGING         ★★★★★
/// COLOR                 ★★★★★
/// AS ADVERTISED  ★★★★★
/// OVERALL             ★★★★★