Wordless Wednesday Teela's Pet Caterpillar

Teela & her pet caterpillar. It is making a cocoon!

Chewy.com Oxbow Timothy Carrot Small Animal Treat Review #squeak

We received an Oxbow Timothy Club Carrot Small Animal Treat from Chewy.com free to facilitate this review.

Oxbow Animal Health has a lot of products for small animals so that they can lead longer, healthier lives. Their Timothy Club products are made from fresh Timothy Hay. This wonderful hay is the best protein-to-fiber ratio, aids in digestion, and promotes dental health. These products are 100% edible & free of harmful chemicals. There are no artificial flavors, colors, additives, or preservatives. These treats are perfect for small animal pets like: bunny rabbits, Guinea Pigs, hamsters, gerbils and chinchillas.

The Oxbow Timothy Club Carrot is a special small animal treat that is made completely from all natural Timothy Hay and is hand-woven in a fun carrot shape. It is free of wire and thread as well. It can be hung from the woven loop in the habitat for your pet to nibble, paw, and bat at. This creates mental stimulation, relieves stress, and prevents boredom while you're away. Your small pet is sure to love this great tasting treat that helps them stay healthy.

Features

• High-fiber 100% All Natural Timothy Hay
• Preservative and additive free
• No artificial flavors or colors
• No harmful chemicals, wire, or thread
• Hand-woven, edible construction
• Fun long-lasting small animal treat
• 220 x 60 mm

Norman checking out the Timothy Carrot.

Our Thoughts:

We placed the Timothy Carrot into our rabbit, Norman's, bunny hutch with him. I secured the Timothy Hay loop of the carrot to one side of the hutch and waited to see what Norman would do. He was a little curious and came to sniff it and nudge it a little, but didn't seem interested in it at first. I came back later though and he had nibbled the loop completely and so it was just sitting on the bottom of his hutch. Later in the week he had nibbled the whole top part of the carrot shape with the hanger and so it didn't look much like a carrot any more. It is also hollow inside. My daughter said she saw him stick his little fuzzy nose in the hole in the top where the "carrot greens" used to be. He probably was sniffing and nibbling it. He also was seen sticking his paw in it. He has left the rest of it for now, but probably will nibble on it little by little until it is gone.

Norman nibbled the top completely off.

Chewy.com is a great place to find items for your pet(s). They have a great selection of food and treats, bowls and feeders, health and wellness products, flea & tick products, toys, cleaning and potty training products, grooming products, leashes and collars; beds, crates and gear, litter, etc. They conveniently ship 200+ brands of pet food and other stuff direct to your doorstep, anytime of the day. They have competitive prices and offer free 1-2 day shipping on any order of $49 or more. They have 24/7 customer service, just call and ask your question(s). Chewy.com is also dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that help animals in need. A portion of sales are donated to these great causes.

BE SOCIAL
Website: https://www.chewy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chewy and https://www.facebook.com/oxbowpet
Twitter: http://twitter.com/chewy @chewy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWl2nwLDQQI4TTa1kJgxrg
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chewy
Instagram: http://instagram.com/chewy

BUY IT
Get the Oxbow Timothy Club Carrot Small Animal Treat at Chewy.com for $3.59. (prices are accurate as of the date of this post)

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Cave Tools Stainless Steel Multipurpose 5 Hook Rack Review: #BBQTools #WorkTools #Utensils #SpringCleaning

I received this product free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Cave Tools is a great online store to find BBQ: tools & accessories, charcoal grills, recipe books, apparel, and gift ideas. They have a great selection of things from tool sets & grill baskets to grill racks & a portable charcoal grill. Find your barbecue and grilling needs at Cave Tools!

Stainless Steel Multipurpose 5 Hook Rack Features:

• 5 Hooks
• Durable Stainless Steel for Indoor/Outdoor Use
• Multipurpose: Perfect for Hanging Anywhere...
  
  • Hang Near the BBQ/Deck for: Spatula, Tongs, Fork, Grill Brush, Grilling Gloves, etc.
  • Hang on the Work Bench or in the Shed/Workshop/Garage for: Wrenches, Saw, Level, Gardening Tools, Hammers, etc.
  • Hang in the Kitchen for: Utensils: (Slotted Spoon, Spatula, Spaghetti Fork, Ladle, Tongs, etc.), Whisk, Pot Holders, Oven Mitts, etc.
  • Hang in the Bathroom for: Towel Rack, Shower Pouf, Loofah, Bath/Shower Body Brush, Soap on a Rope, etc.
  • Hang in the Bedroom for: Scarves, Jewelry, Ties, Belts, Head Bands, Headphones, etc.
  • Hang for Pet stuff: Collars, Harnesses, Leashes, Leads, Halters, etc.
  • Hang in the Hallway/Foyer for: Keys, Purse/Bag/Backpack, Hats, Umbrellas, Scarves, Light Jackets/Coats, etc.
  • Hang in the Utility/Laundry Room for: Mop, Broom, Duster/Microfiber Cloths, Dust Pan, Scrub Brush, Fly Swatter, Squeegee, Lint Brush/Roller, etc.
• Comes with Screwdriver and Easy Installation Kit
• Comes with Free BBQ Recipe Book Download: Covers Step-by-Step DIY Barbecue Sauces, Ribs, Chicken, Fish, Steak, Veggies, Kabobs & More to become a Grill Master for the Family!
• Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee

Our Thoughts:
The Cave Tools Stainless Steel Multi Purpose 5 Hook Rack is a versatile and functional hook rack. It can be hung in a number of places in or out of the home to organize a variety of items. The hooks on this rack are screwed into the metal plate instead of welded for added strength. It is well crafted, great quality, and looks fairly sturdy.

The easy installation kit comes with a very nice looking screwdriver & wall mount: screws, anchors, and screw caps. You will need a drill to drill holes for the installation. If you are installing this on metal or wood you will probably want to buy additional hardware. I recommend using pop rivets for sheet metal or wood screws for wood. I did notice that when you handle the shiny mirror finish the stainless steel it does show fingerprints on it easily. A brushed stainless steel version as well would be a great option. The whole installation is very quick and takes little time once you figure out where to put it.

We thought that the Cave Tools Stainless Steel Multi Purpose 5 Hook Rack is indispensable! It is wonderful for Spring Cleaning! We recommend it to anyone wanting to organize their things better. We; however, don't think one is enough. Maybe one for every room in the house plus one in each of the out buildings on our farm might be more like it 😁

BE SOCIAL
Official Website: https://cavetools.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaveToolsGrilling
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaveTools @CaveTools
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cavetools/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cavetools/
Google+: +Cave Tools
YouTube: http://cavetoolsvideos.com/

BUY IT

At Amazon or Cave Tools.
Cave Tools Coupon Code:  Hook Rack 15% Off: HOOKRACK15 

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links can be found in this post. Thank you for your support of this blog!

Kong Wobbler Toy for Dogs Chewy.com Review

We received a large Kong Wobbler from Chewy.com free to facilitate this review.

The Kong Wobbler Toy for dogs is a great way for your furry friend to play. This treat dispenser has a small opening that when pushed, rocked, wobbled, or rolled can release a reward for your dog. The Kong Wobbler will keep your puppy dog occupied for hours. It is a wonderful toy for playtime providing both mental challenge and physical activity for your dog. Not only is it an engaging activity for your dog it is also entertaining for the whole family to watch the Wobbler in action.

Kong Wobbler Features:

• Easy to fill and clean; twist open dispenser; top unscrews from base
• Dispenses food and treats for hours of fun; prevents rapid eating
• Use as a mealtime feeder for dogs that eat too quickly and scarf food
• Entertaining wobble action
• Give IQ-building fun time to your doggy genius
• Made of FDA food-approved high strength plastic polymer
• Recommended by vets worldwide
• Dishwasher safe; top shelf
• Comes in two sizes: Small (fits ½ cup of food) and Large (fits 1 cup of food)
• Large measures 7 x 6 x 10.5-inches; suitable for dogs weighing 25-pounds or more
• Small measures 6-inches tall by 4-inches wide; suitable for dogs up to 25 pounds
• Made in the USA
  

How to Use:

1. Twist off top to open.
2. Fill Wobbler dish with dry dog food, small Kong snacks or your dogs favorite small treats making sure your dog notices you doing so. Make sure the snacks or food is small enough to fit through the opening easily.
• For treat dispensing fun, add a handful.
• For mealtime feeding, feed normal amount, up to 1 cup per filling.
3. Twist top on tightly.
4. Encourage dog to rock Wobbler to dispense reward. Let them sniff the opening. Demonstrate to them how to push it until it dispenses some treats. Make it fun and exciting for your dog. They will quickly learn to use their nose and paws to move the Wobbler around. When they get the toy to dispense treats, praise them. Repeat as many times as needed. (for better motivation use toy when dog is hungry)
5. Discourage chewing.

Chewy.com is a great place to find items for your dog or cat. They have a great selection of food and treats, bowls and feeders, health and wellness products, flea & tick products, toys, cleaning and potty training products, grooming products, leashes and collars; beds, crates and gear, litter, etc. They conveniently ship 200+ brands of pet food and other stuff direct to your doorstep, anytime of the day. They have competitive prices and offer free 1-2 day shipping on any order of $49 or more. They have 24/7 customer service, just call and ask your question(s). Chewy.com is also dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that help animals in need.A portion of sales are donated to these great causes.

Prince playing with the Kong Wobbler.

Our Thoughts:

We received the large sized Kong Wobbler for our dog. We used this treat dispensing toy with our large dog, Prince. We followed the directions and waited when he was hungry to try the Kong Wobbler out. He was fairly interested in the whole process and what we were doing. We tried some small treats at first that we had around the house that would easily fit through the opening. The toy was simple to fill.

We then showed Prince the Wobbler in action and how it worked. He got pretty excited when it released the treats onto the floor. Then he decided it was his turn to try and nudged it with his nose. It wobbled back and forth and he jumped back in enthusiasm. It was highly enjoyable for the whole family to watch! My daughters were giggling uncontrollably at the sight.

The Kong Wobbler is a great toy for dogs! It helps your pup get both physical and mental exercise. We recommend the Kong Wobbler to anyone with dogs. Chewy.com is a great place to find the Kong Wobbler and other great items for dogs and cats!

BE SOCIAL
Website: https://www.chewy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chewy
Twitter: http://twitter.com/chewy @chewy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWl2nwLDQQI4TTa1kJgxrg
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chewy
Instagram: http://instagram.com/chewy


BUY IT
Get the Kong Wobbler at Chewy.com. The large is $15.91 and the small is $13.49. (prices are accurate as of the date of this post)

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Wordless Wednesday Taking the Bunny for a Walk...er Hop

Wordless Wednesday New Bunny

Chewy.com True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts Chicken Tenders Dog Treats and Beef Bully Stick Dog Chew Review

We received a 4-oz bag of the True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts Chicken Dog Treats and a 6 in. True Chews Beef Bully Stick Dog Chew from Chewy.com free to facilitate this review.

Chewy.com is a great place to find items for your dog or cat. They have a great selection of food and treats, bowls and feeders, health and wellness products, flea & tick products, toys, cleaning and potty training products, grooming products, leashes and collars; beds, crates and gear, litter, etc. They conveniently ship 200+ brands of pet food and other stuff direct to your doorstep, anytime of the day. They have competitive prices and offer free shipping on any order of $49 or more. They have 24/7 customer service, just call and ask your question(s). Through their referral program, customers receive a discount on their next order and Chewy.com donates $10 to Best Friends Animal Society.

True Chews are 100% natural dog chews and treats. They contain no fillers and are rawhide-free. All are made in the USA in Independence, Iowa.

The True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts Dog Treats are made with real chicken and contain no artificial flavors in addition to the above items. These are a great source of protein. Prince really loved the tender, chewy smoked jerky flavor. They have a yummy aroma that dogs love. They are a good size jerky treat and the bag has recommended daily treat chart for different sized dogs. They are easy to tear for treating convenience and come in a convenient re-sealable bag for locking freshness in. For Prince, since he is a large dog and is over 50 lbs, they recommended 4 treats daily. I only gave him 1 per day when he was behaving because I wanted them to last longer and he really loved them.

The True Chews Beef Bully Stick Dog Chews are slow-roasted to lock in natural smoke flavor and chewiness. If your pooch has problems with rawhide these are great alternative chews for your dog. These are also great for dental care because chewing will help scrape the tarter and plaque off the teeth and helps toughen gums so your dog will have a prettier, whiter smile too. Prince loved this chew stick and it kept him occupied and happy for hours.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Chewy.com Orijen Regional Red Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Review

We received a 2-oz bag (60 treats) of the Orijen Regional Red Freeze-Dried Dog Treats from Chewy.com free to facilitate this review.

Chewy.com is a great place to find items for your dog or cat. They have a great selection of food and treats, bowls and feeders, health and wellness products, flea & tick products, toys, cleaning and potty training products, grooming products, leashes and collars; beds, crates and gear, litter, etc. They conveniently ship 200+ brands of pet food and other stuff direct to your doorstep, anytime of the day. They have competitive prices and offer free shipping on any order of $49 or more. They have 24/7 customer service, just call and ask your question(s). Through their referral program, customers receive a discount on their next order and Chewy.com donates $10 to Best Friends Animal Society.

Orijen dog treats are less than 6 calories per treat and are loaded with muscle-building protein. These are made with 100% natural meats, and nothing else. No preservatives, no additives, and no artificial flavors or colors. These are also grain free and are perfect for dogs that have allergies. The special flash-freezing techniques are used to fully retain and preserve the nutrients, flavors and fresh ingredients you would loose if it was cooked. These treats take advantage of your dogs carnivorous needs. These are whole prey treats made from 100% meat, poultry or fish and delivered fresh or RAW as nature intended to nourish your dog.

We received a 2-oz bag (60 treats) of the Orijen Regional Red Freeze-Dried Dog Treats. These are made with ranch-raised wild boar, Black Angus Beef and free range lamb. These red meats are raised on ranches in Alberta, Canada. I gave this special treat to my dog for reinforcement of good behavior and he absolutely loves them. They are soft round treats that he can chew easily. He loves the flavor and when I get the bag down from our snack cabinet he wags his tail happily and comes up to the bag sniffing it begging for more. We highly recommend these treats and are hoping to try some more of the Orijen line of products.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Nordic Naturals What's Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest

Tatiana playing ball with Prince.

This is a sponsored post and I will be getting free product for posting. This post is in partnership with Nordic Naturals. All information about the contest was provided by Nordic Naturals. All other thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

I believe pets are important part of human happiness. Their integrated existence with us on this planet has its major benefits. Pets have helped mankind for centuries. There is documentation where having a pet around people, especially the: elderly, special needs, disabled or handicapped has lowered stress and increased happiness.

Before she passed away, we were planning on getting a mini pony or hypoallergenic breed of dog for my daughter, Tatiana, who was blind and had cerebral palsy to aid her in her various needs. We did get Prince, a rescued shelter dog, slightly before she passed away and they absolutely adored each other. Prince would be so excited when Tati would come home from school on the bus. He would wait by the door when it was time and when I wheeled her into the house in her wheelchair he would come up to her and put his head in her lap and lick her hand with his doggie kisses. Prince wasn't really trained as a service dog, but he was still very affectionate and loving with her.

Nordic Naturals is putting together a great Photo Contest that supports and gives back to Paws for Veterans and Animal Shelter Dogs. This is a great cause! This helps dogs receive good loving homes and injured military veterans get the care they need.

About Paws for Veterans
Paws for Veterans, Inc. is a community-based organization that provides service dogs, training, supplies, and therapeutic group sessions to Veteran and Active Duty men and women struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Physical Disabilities. As a 501 C 3 non profit, this organization rescues, rehabilitates, trains, and re-homes dogs as service dogs for injured Veterans.

About Nordic Naturals
Based in Watsonville, CA, Nordic Naturals is committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils to help provide the essentials of an extraordinary life. Distributing to more than 35 countries, Nordic Naturals offers more than 150 products in a variety of flavors and formulations, all in line with leading standards for safety, efficacy and sustainability. By providing omega oil supplements for adults, kids, athletes and pets, Nordic Naturals helps everyone do more of what they love. Further information is available at www.nordicnaturals.com. Nordic Naturals is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nordicnaturals and people can follow the company on Twitter at @NordicNaturals.

The Contest
Nordic Naturals® wants to see adorable photos of rescued shelter pets on their Facebook page and support a good cause in the process! Pet owners can enter Nordic Naturals What’s Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest by uploading their special photo on the company’s Facebook page between June 28 and July 18. www.facebook.com/nordicnaturals Two grand prize winners will be chosen on August 1st and will receive a prize pack that includes:

• A 3-month supply of Nordic Naturals Omega-3 pet products and human products – you choose from a list of qualifying Nordic Naturals’ products
• Dog and cat goodies including collapsible water bowl, chew toy, doggie bags and a plush fish toy
• The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know and The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know books by Tracie Hotchner
• A custom canvas painting of your pet by beccavision.com
• Mr. or Ms. Omega-3 Pet Award Certificate
• Profile featured on the Facebook app 

BUT, that’s not all!! The contest supports the non profit Paws for Veterans, Inc. and voting for your favorite pet photo on Facebook earns dollars for this important organization. This is a win-win for everybody -- rescue dogs are given a purpose in a loving, forever home, service members experience the healing power of their new canine partners, and Facebook Fans enjoy the satisfaction of knowing their vote in the contest sends $1 to Paws for Veterans (up to $5000).

To enter on Facebook:

• Go to the Nordic Naturals Facebook fan page between 6/28 and 7/18
• Upload your pet’s photo
• Vote for one of the finalists from 7/19 to 7/31 then see the winners on 8/1

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post. This post is in partnership with Nordic Naturals. I will be receiving products for free for posting this post. All information about the contest was provided by Nordic Naturals. All other thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Frugal Dog/Pet Tips (Sponsored Post)

Our dog, Prince, with his rubber chicken.

This is a sponsored post and I will be getting product for posting. This post is in partnership with the dog bark collar store.

Owning a pet is a lot like having a child. It isn't cheap. People sometimes splurge on their pets out of love on luxuries that they really can't afford. After all, your pet is just as much part of the family as your kids or spouse. There is nothing wrong with spoiling your pooch or pet with frivolous things if you have the money. When it comes down to it though, all your pet really needs is regular interaction with you, exercise, a nutritious diet, and preventive care. Here are some frugal dog/pet tips to save some cash and still keep your pet healthy and happy.

• Rescue a pet. Finding the perfect pet is a daunting task sometimes. Ask a lot of questions and do your research. Look to rescuing a pet from a shelter or pound instead of buying a pet from a breeder. Usually doing so will save you money and give a pet in need a good home. Other places you could look are Craigslist and Freecycle. We found our dog using Petfinder and got our dog, Prince, at a shelter. We were looking for a dog that was great with kids and was part poodle because they are usually hypoallergenic. Prince is a large standard poodle/coon hound mix. We had a long drive to get him because the shelter that had him wasn't as local, but he was worth it.
• Spend time with your pet. Give your pet the much needed attention it deserves. Scratch it behind the ears or stroke its fur. Take your dog to the park, dog park, on a walk around the block, or play fetch. Interaction and exercise is a wonderful part of the equation to keeping your pet healthy and happy. This is cheaper than buying your pet lots of toys or taking it to the pet spa.
• Use alternatives to expensive treats. If you use praise or positive reinforcement verbally or with positive contact (or both) you might be able to cut down on the number of treats you give your pet. Alternatively there are fruits and veggies you can safely feed your pet for treats. You can also make your own pet treats as there are a number of recipes online using ingredients that you probably already have around the house.
• Give your pet a nutritious diet. Pick a pet food that your pet likes. If your pet doesn't like it, they won't eat it. Don't skimp on quality and get one without the fillers and extra ingredients you can't pronounce. Fillers usually cause gastric and bowel problems. Buy in bulk, it is usually cheaper in the long run. Use coupons or gift cards! Don't overfeed your pet. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems for your pet. There are also people foods that should be avoided for pets at all costs.
• Use preventative care. Know how to care for your pet and give your pet what they really need. Keep your pet's vaccines, medication, and veterinary checkups current and up to date. Keep their heartworm, flea and tick medication up to date. Practice good hygiene and exercise with your pet. You can bathe, brush teeth, groom and clip your pet's nails, etc. all yourself at home instead of taking them to an pricey groomer, spa, salon or boutique. With a pet clipper and practice you will become a pro. Also, spay or neuter your pet, as this also reduces potential medical expenses.
• Keep a pet savings account or buy insurance. It is cheaper than pet insurance. However; if you can afford insurance it would be wise to keep it for your pet just in case an emergency arises. Then you won't have to pay all that money for vet bills out of pocket all of a sudden. If you do get insurance know what you are paying for, read the fine print before signing up and shop around to find the best deal for the most benefits. Also make sure your current vet accepts the insurance you pick. Pet insurance is sometimes the more economical way to go.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose. The best pet product doesn't have to be the most expensive one. Old holey socks tied in a knot or a good stick are great tug of war/fetch implements. Other things can be used or reused for a pet purpose instead of what they are currently being used or not being used for. Look around and think outside the box. Thrift store finds are great!
• Find a pet sitter. When you have to leave your pet at home for an extended amount of time finding a reliable, caring and affordable pet sitter close to you is key. Doggie Daycare might not be as cost-effective. If you have a friend or relative that can watch you pet for little to nothing and does a good job that is the best situation. If you don't have those options you can try DogVacay or a similar service. Also you could try finding one through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. They might have affordable pet sitters that you can try in your area.
• Go on a pet included vacation. If your having trouble finding a good pet sitter maybe you could take your pet with you. Just make sure the places you book are pet friendly. There are a lot of pet friendly hotels: motels, rentals, attractions, restaurants, etc. out there that offer options. If you don't know, ask ahead! We went on a long road trip across the USA with our dog, Prince. It was a lot of fun and he enjoyed all the time he spent with us along the way. You can also purchase a Traveling with Your Pet guide by AAA to help you on your travels.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post. This post is in partnership with the dog bark collar store. I will be receiving a special engraved dog bowl that teaches my dog to eat slow and a $25 gift card to a store of my choice for free for posting these tips. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Beautiful Beasties - Pet Photography Book Review and Giveaway

Beautiful Beasties by Jamie Pflughoeft of Cowbelly pet photography is a fantastic book all about pet photography. It is a how to guide that goes over everything from equipment to use, photography basics, lighting, exposure, composition, challenges, developing, processing, editing, marketing and building a business, etc. This book mostly touches on photographing cats and dogs with a small blip about other pets.

My dog, Prince, is hard to capture on film or digital. I have found his neurotic behavior troublesome. Every time I get out my camera he knows that the red light or flash will illuminate stuff and create shadows. He loves to chase the light and shadows and it drives me and himself completely bonkers. He barks, whines and tries to scratch the floor or nip at the light. I have tried to stop him from doing this, but my husband and kids think it is funny and try to get him to engage in the behavior. My camera isn't the only thing he gets this way with. He also does this with flashlights, rainbow/sun catchers, sunbeams, laser pens, mirror balls, etc. I have yet to figure out a way to rid him of this habit.

I was excited to get this book to see if it had any specific tips for me and photographing him. In the chapter on behavior challenges it goes into neurotic behaviors very briefly. I was hoping for more in depth, but what this book did tell me was still helpful in my situation. It told me to get his energy out before the photo shoot so that maybe he would be more calm and relaxed. It also said to try to let the pet be themselves how ever silly, energetic, or neurotic they may be. If I let him be himself I could capture more of his personality.

I also re-learned a whole lot about photography that I had forgotten from my photography class I took in college and some stuff I hadn't learned about digital cameras and more on editing in Photoshop. I edit my photos in either Gimp or Picasa so I am not as familiar in Photoshop as I'd like to be, but everything seemed very straight forward.

So, here are some of my results...

This picture was washed out because of the lighting and time of day that I was shooting. In Picasa I hit the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, then brought up the highlights a little and brought the color temperature all the way up.

This photo was Prince at play and one of my favorites I shot. He just pounced toward his rubber chicken toy and I caught him in the action just as he had landed and cocked his head toward the camera. If you look you can see his long floppy ears are still up a little as the wind caught them and as he tossed his head about :)

Here is my mini pony Gizmo. This book also has a short entry about photographing and working with other animals like: horses, small furry rodents, birds, and reptiles/amphibians.

This book taught me a lot and proved to be a very useful guide to photographing animals in a creative way. I am glad I got this book for free to review. It was fun to photograph and experiment with different settings and things. I still have a lot to learn, but this book was definitely a great starting point for beginning pet and animal photography.

BUY IT
You can purchase this book from different retail places for around $17. If you are going to try to photograph your pooch, feline, or other pet friend this holiday season consider this book.

WIN IT
Prize: Win a copy of Beautiful Beasties by Jamie Pflughoeft.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Global Influence for sending me product for free to review and letting me giveaway one. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Salvador Kitti The Kiss Cosmetic Bag Review

Salvador Kitti is an Etsy store where you can find neat gifts and accessories for the animal lover in all of us. You can find Key Cases, Change Purses, Wristlets, Cosmetic Bags, Paw Pouch, Kitten Purse, Purfect Tote, Cross Body Handbags, Vegan Leather Handbags, Messenger Bags, Backpacks and Book Bags, Watches, Holiday Ornaments and Apparel. They feature the original artwork of Amy Pugh-Campos on them. She does artwork of pets and animals that are wild, exotic and/or endangered. The store was named after Amy's cat, Salvador, who was born in her art studio and loved to paint as much as she did.

I chose the cosmetic bag in The Kiss, where two dolphins are kissing, to review for free because I love dolphins! I love how intelligent they are and how they glide through the water with ease. My husband and I met in a dolphin discussion forum online and we had dolphin alter egos on there (mine Finamoon and his Afalina)...so dolphins kissing is a great metaphor for him and I. Brian even made me a snow sculpture out of snow in Ohio to symbolize our love.

This cosmetic bag is great for makeup or a pencil case for kids. You can also put a few toiletries in it for travel. It is made of water resistant microfiber to keep your things inside protected. The image of the dolphin on this bag is taken from an oil painting and is vibrant, deep blues. It is complete with a heart zipper pull and two pockets to hold things on the inside.

BUY IT
You can buy Salvador Kitti products on Etsy. I love their holiday ornaments too! These are so perfect for this time of year to hang on the Christmas tree! The smaller gifts and accessories are great for stocking stuffers and larger ones for wrapping to put under your tree. Take a look at their great selection of animals, you'll be sure to find one for your animal lover or you can get them a gift certificate so they can choose.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

DogVacay - Pick the Perfect Petsitter for your Pooch

August 26th is National Dog Day http://www.nationaldogday.com/ and to celebrate the occasion I wanted to let you, my readers know of an awesome online community of dog lovers called DogVacay where you can really Pick the Perfect Petsitter for your Pooch (try saying that 3 times fast). It was founded by a husband and wife team and their two puppies who wanted to create a safe happy place for your dog to stay while you're away.

Becoming a member is free and right now if you join you could possibly win a week of free dog boarding and a $250 Petco gift card!

DogVacay is a convenient, affordable, safe way to choose a quality trustworthy home away from home for your dog while you are away. DogVacay hand approves all pet-sitters, provides comprehensive protection, veterinary support, and a 100% guarantee. Choose from thousands of experienced and qualified hosts like: professional pet-sitters, retired veterinarians and experienced dog lovers.

Small downside: If you live in a small city like I do there might not be any community members in DogVacay close by you. I looked for dog-sitters close to Rainier, Oregon...where I live and the closest is about an hours drive from me to have anyone watch my dog, longer if I wanted someone in Portland. That is a lot of gas money for me and my van unless I am already there for an event. However; my readers in Portland, Oregon and many other larger cities have a nice selection of choices to pick from. It is worth the look to see if there are any sitters near you and if you are the only one...well you would probably be making a good amount of money on the dog-sitting side of things being a host for other families.

Dog Vacay even has a concierge to help you find the perfect host for your dog. Some hosts offer more than just dog boarding: dog sitting, daycare, dog walking, training, grooming, etc.

You can also sign up to be a host and make money hanging out with man's best friend. Create a free profile, set your own rates, and accept reservations today. You can also get reviews, add credentials, and add pictures as your business grows.

BUY IT
Prices start at $15 per night. Get $10 off now with code: SUMMERVACAY (Expires Sept. 5th). Also like them on Facebook because every now and then they have offers to save on there as well.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about DogVacay I am getting a discount for my first boarding. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this information.

Great Dog Stories: Inspiration and Humor from Our Canine Companions FWCT Book Review

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

M.R. Wells, Kris Young, Connie Fleishauer

and the book:

Great Dog Stories: Inspiration and Humor from Our Canine Companions

Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2012)

***Special thanks to Susan Otis, Creative Resources for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

M. R. Wells is the co-author of Four Paws from Heaven, Purr-ables from Heaven, and Paws for Reflection. She has written extensively for children’s animated television and video programs, including several Disney shows, Adventures from the Book of Virtues and Bibleman. She shares her Southern California home with her cats and dogs Muffin, Bo, Munchie, Becca and Marley.

Connie Fleishauer is a retired teacher and writer, and is the co-author of Four Paws from Heaven, Purr-ables from Heaven, and Paws for Reflection. The wife of a Bakersfield, California farmer, she is a mother of three and grandmother of one. While many cats have warmed her home, currently, she has two dogs.

Kris Young has worked as a screenwriter for more than 20 years and currently teaches screenwriting at the L.A. Film Studies Center and UCLA. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Celine, and son, Skye. He is currently “between dogs” but is hoping to welcome a new one sometime soon.



Visit the authors' website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

From the authors of Four Paws from Heaven (over 100,000 copies sold) comes a new collection of devotional tales. In these heartwarming stories, the authors share wisdom gleaned from years of training, guiding, and loving the canines in their lives. Readers will discover powerful spiritual insights, including:


 the blessing of true companionship
 the gift of unconditional love
 the joy of adoption
 the power of obedience
 the comfort of resting in the Master’s arms

Everyone who has loved a dog will find encouragement and hope in these touching stories—reminders that these faithful, devoted companions are part of God’s great plan for their lives.

Product Details:
List Price: $12.99

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736928820
ISBN-13: 978-0736928823

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The Dog Who Wouldn’t Fight

Choose Love

Choices are the hinges of destiny.

Pythagoras

When my friend Sue came home from work one summer eve- ning in 2002, the last thing she dreamed of finding on her door- step was a puppy. She loved dogs and had two of her own, but she was cautious. She could tell this pup was a pit bull, and the dog was emaciated. But as she carefully drew nearer, the four-footed stranger smiled and wagged its tail. When Sue sat beside the pup, it climbed on her lap, smothered her with kisses, and wrapped its paws lovingly around her neck.
Since Sue could not remember seeing this pup in the neighbor- hood, she decided to keep it overnight and check for lost dog fly- ers in the morning. She felt it prudent not to put the newcomer in the house with her own dogs. After feeding and watering the hun- gry foundling, Sue made a bed of blankets on her garage floor. The pup immediately curled up and went to sleep. Later that evening a teenage boy knocked on Sue’s door. He was looking for a missing pooch. Since his description fit the puppy perfectly, Sue returned the dog and thought that would be the end of the story.
It was just the beginning! Next evening, the female pit bull puppy was back. The poor thing looked literally “hang-dog,” as if she’d done something wrong and expected to be beaten. Once again, the young pit bull showered Sue with kisses. Sensing the dog was in trouble, Sue called local animal control for advice. After con- firming Sue’s address, they told her there had been reports of people in a nearby house raising pit bulls to fight. The next day arrests were made in the case, and Sue was allowed to keep the loving puppy she named Champagne. “Champ” made instant friends with Sue’s other dogs and has grown into a gentle giant who cuddles under the covers at night and is one of the sweetest canines Sue has ever met.
How Champ knew to flee that fighting environment is a mys- tery. Why she sought refuge on Sue’s porch is as well. But one thing is clear: this pit bull puppy chose love—just as Sue did by taking her in. Those choices blessed them with each other and changed both their lives forever.
My friends Ruett and Rhonda also chose love. They did so in the face of wrenching tragedy. One night when their sons were small, Rhonda and the boys were at a local park where seven-year- old Evan played in sports leagues. Rhonda was about to drive off with Evan and ten-month-old Alec when gunfire erupted around their car. They were caught in the middle of gang violence. Both boys were hit. Alec suffered loss of vision from metal fragments that penetrated his eye. Evan was fatally shot. Rhonda got in the back with Evan until the paramedics beckoned her to come with them. There are no words I could ever write that would adequately describe the excruciating pain Evan’s parents suffered…and still suffer. It is searing to lose a child under any circumstances. This was a sudden, traumatic, utterly senseless loss. Nevertheless, in the midst of their pain Rhonda and Ruett made an amazing choice.

Tales to Tug Your Heart

They knew Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. They knew that unthinkable as it might be in their human strength, God was call- ing them to forgiveness and reconciliation. They chose love over hate, forgave those involved in their son’s death, and formed the nonprofit Evan Leigh Foster Foundation. Its mission is to reach out to gang members with the message of God’s love and redemption. They have shared that message personally, one on one. They hope and pray that by bringing gang members to faith in the God who can heal and transform them, gang violence will lessen and other children’s lives will be spared. Their choice to love has changed their own and others’ lives eternally and made them a living illustration of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
A first-century martyr named Stephen would have understood their choice. He also chose to love those who caused him pain. He was seized and accused of blasphemy because he proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God. Stephen chose to affirm his faith and defend it biblically. His accusers responded by ston- ing him. As he was on the brink of death, he prayed for his execu- tioners. Acts 7:60 tells us that he “fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Champ the dog chose to flee fight training and live out her life loving both dogs and people. Rhonda and Ruett chose to reach out in love and forgive. Stephen chose to pray for those who were martyring him, even as their stones were crushing him to death. Though they all suffered, they did not let pain twist and embit- ter them. They chose love, and became a blessing to others. Their choices mattered, and so do ours. If we love and obey the Lord and let His love and forgiveness flow through us, even in our toughest times, who knows what difference we might make?
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Consider This:

Have you ever chosen to love in difficult circumstances? How did it affect you and others? Are you struggling with such a choice right now? If so, is there someone you might ask to support you in prayer?

Bible Lessons from Our Pets by David Smith FWCT Book Review

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

David Smith

and the book:

Bible Lessons from Our Pets

PCG Legacy (August 30, 2011)

***Special thanks to Susan Otis of Creative Resources for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

David Smith is small business owner with interests in real estate investment. He is an avid pet lover who has observed God’s grace in life through his cat, Bling. As someone who loves God and enjoys seeing His blessings and goodness, David has learned to be sensitive to God’s voice through His creation. David lives in Yakima, Washington with his wife, Buffy, and their cat.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Are you frustrated by not hearing God’s voice? Do you think that the Lord is WAY out there with nothing to tell you? Or do you question His existence all together? Well, I’m here to tell you that He is a lot closer than many of us think He is. Our Heavenly Father is trying to tell us something, if we are open, and He has been speaking to us in ways that we may have never considered. “How?,” you may ask. The Lord has always used the works of His hands to proclaim His great might. If you are wondering, you can see who the Lord is, just by looking out of your window, or by taking a drive though your state, county, province, or country. Have you ever seen pictures of the deepest crevasses of the ocean where life still takes hold? If so, you have just seen a picture of God’s depth as a person and how many layers there are to his character. If you have ever driven by the Colorado Rockies you have just witnessed the jagged strength that the Lord posses; His unfathomable power. One only needs to review the aftermath of Mount St. Helens for them to grasp God’s righteous anger. The Apostle Paul spoke of these evidences of God in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” God is not out there watching without love, but is constantly reaching out to speak to all of His children through the works of His hands.

David Smith has assembled a number of contributors to share their experiences of their pets and what they had learned of God. From faith to faithfulness, we uncover the messages laid out from the Lord.

Laugh your stress away with animal misadventures, such as this one:

I think our cat has a love affair with a portable heater. It may sound crazy, but it’s completely true. Almost any chance she gets, she’s face first in front of the heater, “catching some sun,” as Buffy and I like to call it. She even lies in front of the heater in anticipation of it being turned on. Our Bling is obsessed! One day, she got a little too close to her best friend and the whiskers on the right side of her face were singed badly. I would have thought she would have given the heater a rest after leaving the right side of her face smoldering, however, she returned to her love, regardless of the dangers. “Isn’t this just like me,” I thought, “after getting too close to sin and getting burned, I go back for more pain.” I don’t think it’s just me that has walked on the hot coals of sin only to turn around and walk on that fiery path again, but I’m sure everyone has been there and wears the t-shirt. Proverbs 26:11 describes this perfectly, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.” Now I don’t know about you, but going back to eating my puke is not too appetizing. Vomit has nasty chunks in it, smells, and, well, that pretty much describes it, but sin generally has the same appearance, but only to the trained eye. When I lie, it’s to protect myself in the moment from an argument, or being hurt, but what I’m not always seeing is the damage it’s doing to my heart and to my relationship with the Lord. When I go back to sin, whatever that sin is, it leaves a nasty vomit aftertaste in my heart, and this aftertaste becomes a barrier between me and the Lord. God wants to be close to his children, but if the smell of vomit is emanating our heart, then He may not want to come too close. As believers, we ought to keep our hearts cleaned up so that we are ready to be in the Lord’s presence. Jesus said in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” So let’s watch what we see, say, and do because God is just waiting to have a deeper relationship with us!

So let David Smith and friends take you down a path of experiencing God through a whole new way, your pets! Job proclaimed in the Old Testament, “But ask the animals and they will teach you, or the bird of the air and they will tell you.” You will be surprised by what your dog or cat can teach you about God. Perhaps God is trying to speak to you through your parakeet? Go ahead. Curl up in your kitty beds and lock your doggy doors to prepare yourself for this new adventure.

Product Details:
List Price: $12.95
Mass Market Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: PCG Legacy (August 30, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936417251
ISBN-13: 978-1936417254

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Scaredy Cat

By David Smith

It’s another fine afternoon in Yakima, Washington, complete with dimming, cloudless skies. Most of the time in the morning and in the evening I will stand by at my window and drink a strong cup or coffee as I look out at the beautiful valley that I live in. I can see snow on the hills in the distance and orchards and birds and so many wonderful things. I never tire at looking and nature and taking it all in like a big deep breath. Many times my cat Bling is with me. She is a window connoisseur as well! If there is such a thing as reincarnation I must have been a cat! My cat is an indoor and outdoor cat. We love letting her out to be her wild and ferocious self. She loves to hunt and torture poor little mice and birds and she’s very good at it! On this particular day, Bling looks up at me with her big begging eyes and meows at me as she stands at the door. She wants to go outside, as usual. So I open the door but she just stands there sniffing the air like she just smells a campfire in the distance or some really good barbeque! I say to her “go on girl, go outside now” in my sweet kitty speaking voice. But she just stands there. She seems very hesitant and yet I know she wants to go out. Why is she just standing there? What is the problem? I start to get impatient because it is a little chilly and I’m tired of standing there trying to encourage her that it’s okay to go outside. She continues to stand there and I give her one last chance to make a run for it. But she decides to stay in. I close the door. This scenario has been repeated on multiple occasions and is definitely not my first rodeo with Bling. Now it’s too late and she waited too long; instead of going outside she delays and stares. I can tell that she wants to go outside, but is paralyzed. By what? I wish I knew, but I’d like to think it’s because she’s afraid of the unknown. Maybe there is something out there she’s afraid? There could be a dog, rain, or domineering male cats. Either way she’s being a scaredy cat! So she waits too long, the door is closed and now it’s dark outside. It’s too late!

“How often does this happen to me?” I thought. God opens a door, that opportunity I’ve been waiting for, and then by the time I decide to go through it, it’s too late. Bam!!! The door has been closed; Job opportunities, investments, relationships, and career changes, all passed by. Why? Well, in the past, the fear of change, the fear of rejection, the fear of the unknown, and the fear of moving beyond my comfort zone have become road-blocks to potential successes in my life. Hmmm, I’m sensing a trend! Fear, many times, becomes a paralyzing force in my life, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us me to “be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave nor forsake you.” Stepping into courage is the antidote to living in fear. I am learning that life is more of an adventure when I take the step and go through the door! For instance I have been wanting to writing a book in which I could share some of the revelations I have had from watching my cat. I have never been an author, but I have a desire in my heart to be, and feel that God put that desire in my heart. Who am I to argue with God!? So many times I thought that I couldn’t do something like this because I never had the experience or the platform to do so, but the Bible says “with God all things are possible!” What’s the worst thing that could happen? I could lose a little money, no one likes it, and I have a lot of books lying around. That’s no reason not to try! It’s hard to believe that my cat taught me to get off my behind and do something new regardless of what obstacles lay in my path, but she did; now I think she can learn a few things from me like how to clean her own litter box or get a job and start contributing to her own food bowl! Maybe Bling really is paralyzed by fear, or maybe she’s just a silly cat, but she showed me another lesson that “God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.”

Dog is Good Review

Dog is Good is a great online store consisting of wonderful items for pets and pet lovers alike! The DIG line includes many items such as apparel, accessories, mugs, cards and stickers. They even have an awesome Dog-Only Water Bottle of which I had the pleasure of testing for free from them for my dog, Prince. As you can see from the picture he took to it well and enjoyed the cool refreshing drink of water especially when we were on the road on trips. I wish I had this for him when we went on our cross country memorial tour because his bowl of water kept on spilling onto the floor of our van while we were moving. This water bottle is so convenient to take on bike trips too if your dog is trained to run along side you...it is the perfect size to fit in a pack, waterbottle holder, and/or cup holder. It has two openings: one for easy cleaning and filling and a smaller one that has the ball bearing that controls the water flow when your doggie licks it (think hamster water bottle and you will be on the right track). You can also unscrew the whole top of the bottle to use a cup for your dog to drink out of on those extra thirsty days. This is great to keep around for the summer when your dog needs to stay hydrated the most! It's BPA-free made of stainless steel and holds up to 24 ounces of water. Get one for your dog for only $21.99!

Dog is Good was launched in 2008 by Gila Kurtz, a professional dog trainer, and J. Nichole Smith, a professional pet photographer/designer, both of whom wanted a stylish way to capture and share "Dogvergnügen." Dogvergnügen is defined as "The unique joy you feel in the presence of Dog." DIG founders created the word and definition to give a name to the pure and complete happiness we all feel when we're with our dog.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to ChicExecs, a company which was created to promote small business campaigns, I was able to let you know about this product. Dog is Good provided me with the Dog-Only Water Bottle for free to test and review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Kung Zhu Pets Review

Kung Zhu Pets is the hottest new toy line from Cepia, the creater of the cute furry toy hamsters called the Zhu Zhu Pets. The Kung Zhu Pets are toys that are targeted towards boys and are 8 warrior hamsters that are separated into two groups, the special forces and the ninja warriors. These hamsters are trained through special training grounds that have obstacle courses. The hamsters have smart chip technology that allows the hamsters to remember and upgrade themselves once they have trained. Once transformed into ultimate battling machines to have their hand fighting opponents in the Battle Arena. Their armor also comes with a "Tablet of Zhu". Swipe the hamsters on the back of the "Tablets of Zhu" to power up the armor! Each set of Battle Armor also has its own unique action sounds!

The Special Forces of the Delta Forces Tribe Kung Zhu army includes Stonewall, Rock'O, Rivet and Sergeant Serge. These tough hamsters will evolve into Special Force Warriors after training in either the Alpha or Bravo training grounds with different weapons, armors and defense technology. In the meantime, the Ninja Warriors including Drayko and Yama from the good Dragon Clan and Azer and Thorn from the evil Skull Tribe, will transform into rough fighters after training in their Samurai and Ninja grounds using their own weapons and armors. Each of these Ninjas has a skull or dragon symbol on their fur while the Special Forces have either a star or comet army sign. You can get to know each hamster by clicking on their bio. Collect them all for your very own Kung Zhu Battle!

We received the Kung Zhu Pets Party Pack which included: 11 Kung Zhu hamsters with 11 sets of Battle Armor(most to give away to the guests), Kung Zhu Play Sets and Accessories (which included: Giant Battle Arena, Special Forces HQ, Training Ground - Alpha, Training Ground - Bravo, Combat Bridge, Missile Attack Tower, Ninja Dojo Base, Ninja Training Ground, Samurai Training Ground, Ninja Snake Pit, Dragon Alley U-Turn, Wheel of Fire, Dragon Hammer, Rhino Tank, Buzzsaw Tank, Spider Skull Tank, and Scorpion Tank. We didn't get the: Mission Control, Ambush Alley U-Turn, KZ-18 Fighter Jet and the Garages... but it does say on the box that they are constantly improving and updating their products so colors and contents may vary from those shown on the packaging.) themed games and activities, and easy-to-make recipes. My boys were even more excited to open these than the Zhu Zhu Pets! We set a date for our Kung Zhu Pets in-home party and everyone had a blast playing with the toys.

We also made all the recipes they suggested we make for the party. All were a hit especially the Kickin' Kung Fu Kabobs which were gone in a matter of minutes. Here they all are in case you want to try them out too:

Sgt. Serge’s Swamp Punch
Ingredients:
2 cups Boiling water
1 large Package lime-flavor Jell-O
2 cups orange juice
1 liter bottle seltzer
1 pint Orange sherbet; slightly softened
Optional: Thinly sliced Oranges and Limes

Directions:
Stir boiling water into Jell-O in large bowl until completely dissolved (approx. 2 min). Stir in orange juice. Cool to room temperature. Just before serving, pour into punch bowl. Add cold seltzer and ice cubes. Place scoops of sherbet and fruit slices in punch.

For an extra swampy treat, freeze raisins in your ice cubes. True Kung Fu warriors won’t mind a bug or two!

Kickin’ Kung Fu Kabobs
These fun little kabobs are so colorful, it will be hard for your pals to pass up…and they’re healthy too! Great for up and coming Kung Fu Warriors!
Ingredients:
1 lb. Brick cheddar cheese (cut in ½ inch slices)
Honeydew Melon (remove seeds and rind)
Strawberries (washed and hulled)
10-12 wooden skewers

Directions:
Using a 2 inch star-shaped cookie cutter, cut cheese and melon shapes. Alternating 2 cheese pieces and 1 melon piece on each skewer and place whole strawberries on ends. Serve with cottage cheese or yogurt dip – yum, yum!

Rocko’s Turkey Roll-ups
These turkey roll-ups pack a powerful punch of protein that will benefit all who study the art of battle! Cut them into small 2 inch sections to make them more snack-friendly!

Ingredients:
2 (8-ounce) packages nonfat cream cheese, softened
3 whole green onions, finely chopped
1-ounce package dry nonfat ranch salad dressing mix
6 low-fat flour tortillas
1/2 pound low-fat turkey breast, roast beef, chicken or ham slices
6 whole iceberg lettuce leaves (we used fresh spinach leaves)

Directions:
Combine cream cheese, green onions and ranch mix; blend ingredients until mixed. Divide cream cheese mixture among tortillas, spreading an even layer on each tortilla. Place a lettuce (spinach) leaf on each tortilla and top with 3 or 4 slices turkey breast. Roll tortilla tightly and cut into ½ or thirds and serve immediately or place in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 2 days.

We played some fun games that were included with the party too. Kung Zhu Pilot Practice which included making paper airplanes and seeing whose plane flew the farthest, Kung Zhu Basic Training which involved a homemade outdoor obstacle course and having the kids run through it and Hot Grenade which is a lot like hot potato.

After it was over we handed out the extra Kung Zhu hamsters and armor and some stayed to play with the playset for a while longer. Some of the hamsters got stuck in the tubes and turned over on their sides, but despite the little quirks in the toys the kids were having a blast and after everyone went home my boys couldn't get enough of the hamsters and their training base camp and fighting grounds. I highly recommend this toy for ages 4 and up (this age limit is also what is stated on the boxes)! Buy them at your local Walmart, ToysRUs, Target or online at eToys or Amazon.com!

DISCLOSURE: Thanks to MomSelect and BSM Media and Cepia LLC. for giving me information about the Kung Zhu Pets and for providing me a Party Pack for free to test and review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.