Author Archives: Julie Walton

About Julie Walton

Internet Success Website Designer from Boise, Idaho. Designing websites for small businesses in the Northwest. Dogblog writer "A Dog's Eye View".

Dog Toy Review: Why My AWOOF Snuffle Mat Is the Best Thing Since Peanut Butter

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A Review By Blue Belle, Canine Contributor

Dog enjoying Snuffle Mat - Review

Hi friends, it’s me—Blue Belle!

I’m popping in today with something very important to share. You know how some dogs have a favorite ball or a favorite stick? Well, I have something even better. It’s my AWOOF Snuffle Mat, and I am absolutely in love with it. I mean, truly, madly, deeply in love. Let me tell you why.

🐾 Sniffing Is My Superpower

Humans use their eyes for everything. Dogs? We use our noses. My nose is basically my GPS, my library, my news channel, and my favorite hobby all in one.

So when Mom spreads my kibble and treats all through the big orange flower and the soft, grassy folds of my snuffle mat, it’s like she’s created a whole world for me to explore. Every sniff is a clue. Every clue leads to a treasure. And every treasure tastes delicious.

It’s the perfect game for a smart girl like me.

🌸 The Big Orange Flower Is My Happy Place

Right in the middle of the mat is this giant, fluffy flower with layers and layers of petals. Mom tucks treats deep inside, and I get to dig with my nose until I find them.

Sometimes I pretend I’m a truffle‑hunting dog in France.
Sometimes I pretend I’m on a secret mission.
Sometimes I just wiggle my tail and enjoy the moment.
No matter what, it’s always fun.

🐶 It Helps Me Slow Down (Even When I Don’t Want To)

I’ll admit it—I get excited about food. Very excited. Mom says I eat too fast sometimes, but with my snuffle mat, I can’t rush. I have to sniff, search, and savor.

It’s like turning dinner into a puzzle. A delicious puzzle. The best kind. And Mom says it helps my tummy feel better, too.

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Meaningful and Emotional Ways to Honor a Beloved Pet’s Memory

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Guest Contributor: Nick Burton
Ourbestdoggo.com

Losing a pet leaves a quiet space in the home that words rarely fill. Whether your companion padded beside you for years or only a short time, the bond you shared deserves recognition that feels personal and lasting. Honoring a pet’s life isn’t about saying goodbye—it’s about keeping the connection visible in daily life.

Key Ways to Remember a Pet

  • Create small rituals of remembrance that match your lifestyle.
  • Choose memorials that preserve both emotional and physical traces (photos, ashes, or stories).
  • Include family or community in shared remembrance moments.
  • Use creative tools—art, writing, or digital design—to keep their story alive.
  • Balance grief with gratitude by celebrating what the pet gave you.

Building a Living Tribute

Sometimes the best memorials breathe, literally. Planting a tree, flower bed, or potted garden where your pet liked to rest allows their memory to grow season after season. Each new bloom becomes a quiet reminder of shared time outdoors.

Some people add a small engraved stone or tag among the roots, turning the space into a gentle corner of reflection.

Small Acts with Deep Meaning

Simple gestures often carry the greatest emotional weight.
Consider these ideas if you’re looking for everyday remembrance:

  • Donate or volunteer at an animal shelter in your pet’s name.
  • Frame a favorite photo beside their collar or toy.
  • Light a candle on their adoption anniversary or birthday.
  • Share stories about them online or in a family journal.
  • Commission a portrait capturing their personality rather than perfection.

Each act anchors the past in something tangible and ongoing.

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The Rescue Dog That Rescued Us: Blue Belle’s Story

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Dog gets adopted from adoption center.

Hello friends,

My name is Blue Belle, and I want to tell you how I found my forever family—and how they found me.

🌟 From Shelter to Second Chances

I wasn’t always called Blue Belle. At the shelter, my name was Bella. I had been rescued from a small-town pound where my future was uncertain. Lucky’s Place, a no-kill shelter in Wyoming, gave me hope. I wagged my stubby tail every time someone walked by, wishing they’d see me for who I was: a loyal, gentle soul ready to love.

One day, a family came in. They were grieving the loss of their beloved Maggie, and their hearts were heavy. At first, they weren’t sure about me—my tail was short, and I wasn’t the puppy they thought they wanted. But when they looked into my eyes, they saw something more: kindness, intelligence, and a spark of joy waiting to shine again.

💕 Healing Hearts Together

When they chose me, I didn’t just get a home—I got a mission. I became their comfort, their laughter, their reminder that love always finds a way back. They say I rescued them as much as they rescued me. And that’s the magic of adoption: it’s not one-sided. It’s a bond that heals both dog and human.

🐶 Why Adoption Matters

My story is just one of thousands. Every year, millions of dogs like me wait in shelters, hoping for a second chance. When you adopt:

  • You save a life—sometimes just in the nick of time.
  • You fight against puppy mills and unethical breeding.
  • You find a true match—dogs of all ages, breeds, and personalities are waiting.
  • You gain more than a pet—you gain a family member who may just rescue you right back.

 ✨ A Stubby Tail, A Full Heart

My stubby tail may not have been “perfect,” but it became a symbol of resilience. Every wag is a thank-you to the family who saw beyond appearances and chose love.

So if you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your life, remember: adoption isn’t just about giving a dog a home. It’s about opening your heart to a story that will change your life forever. 

READ more about how we found the rescue dog that rescued us.

READ how we handle it when our rescue dog got cancer.

AMAZON FINDS

Our dog, Blue Belle, is a cancer survivor. To help us pay for her various medications our family has become Amazon Affiliates. You can click on this AMAZON LINK to find some goodies for your fur family. We appreciate your support.

A Dog’s Perspective – Living With Cancer

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With the help of Gemini, Blue Belle shares her story.

Blue Belle Canine Contributor recovers from Cancer surgery.

My Little Bump: A Dog’s Take on My Mast Cell Tumor

Hey there, fellow humans and doggos! It’s me, Blue Belle, your favorite four-legged philosopher and Canine Contributor. Today, I wanted to chat about something that’s been a part of my life for a while now: my little bump.

It started a while ago, just a tiny little thing on my back leg. At first, I didn’t even notice it. I was too busy chasing squirrels (they never see it coming!), getting belly rubs, and napping in sunbeams. My humans, though, they noticed everything. Their fingers started exploring, and their faces got that crinkly, worried look they sometimes get.

Then came the vet visits. Oh, the vet! Not my favorite place, to be honest. All those strange smells, the cold examination table, and the poking and prodding. But my humans were there, holding my paw (or, you know, my head), telling me I was a good girl, so I tried to be brave.

They called it a “mast cell tumor.” Sounds like a fancy dog biscuit, right? But apparently, it’s not. It’s some kind of a “C-word” that makes my humans look extra sad sometimes. From what I can gather, it means there are some cancer cells in my body that are just a little too excited, causing this bump to grow. So, the vet made me go into a deep sleep, cut out the bump, and then I had to visit a specialist. My oncologist vet, Dr. Hume, is extra nice to me. I really like her. My humans say she saved my life because I got really sick and had to stay over night in their hospital for several days. Dr. Hume and my humans didn’t give up on me. I survived to tell this story.

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Respectful Renting with a Dog: Etiquette for Tenants

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Guest Contributor: Nick Burton
Ourbestdoggo.com

Calm dog looks at you.
Photo by Freepik

Renting with a dog isn’t just about paying the pet deposit, it’s about being a thoughtful neighbor, keeping your lease in good standing, and ensuring your dog stays comfortable and calm. Here’s how to balance your love for your pup with the realities of apartment life.

TL;DR

Keep noise low, clean promptly, follow your lease’s pet rules, and be proactive with neighbors. A steady routine, open communication, and good hygiene prevent complaints and protect your home life.

Top Etiquette Rules

  • Read and follow your pet addendum before move-in.
  • Create a predictable schedule for walks, meals, and downtime.
  • Always pick up after your dog — indoors and out.
  • Introduce your dog to nearby neighbors early.
  • Train your dog to handle alone time quietly (crate or calm space).
  • Use enzymatic cleaners for accidents; avoid cover-up sprays.
  • Keep current documents: vaccinations, ID, insurance.
  • Report any damage promptly — don’t hide it.
  • Respect hallways, elevators, and quiet hours.
  • When moving out, restore the unit’s cleanliness to its original condition.
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Strengthen Your Website: Moves That Build Trust, Keep Traffic, and Grow Conversions

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Many of our DogBlog followers have invested their time and talents in websites and blogs for dog parents and veterinarian clinics. I recently received a message from Sharon Wagner offering an article about how to strengthen your website. Let’s take a look at her advice.

Guest Contributor: Sharon Wagner

Laptop image
Image via Freepik

When resources are stretched, your website becomes your frontline. It shapes how people judge your business — whether they trust it, stay on it, or act. Clear navigation, fast loading, clean content, and smart structure can tip the scale in your favor. These aren’t bells and whistles. They’re basic survival infrastructure. Do them right, and your site doesn’t just stay afloat — it pulls you forward.

Load Speed Is the First Impression

When someone lands on your website and it lags, you’ve already lost. There’s no second chance. Speed is perception — and in a downturn, perception is everything. Customers are scanning for signs of reliability, professionalism, and ease. Instant load times send the signal that your business is operational, modern, and attentive. Even a one-second delay can spike bounce rates and chip away at the credibility you’ve worked hard to earn. Use this as your first gut check: does your site feel fast, like it’s ready to serve? If not, that’s the first fix.

Know What’s Working Every Week

Data is the gut-check. Don’t fly blind — especially now. Knowing where your traffic comes from, what pages people leave, and what converts best isn’t “advanced.” It’s required. You can log into Google Analytics and start tracking basic signals that tell you what’s working. Check it every Monday. Look for red flags. Spot weird dips. Use it to drive small experiments: move a button, reword a CTA, change an image. That’s how you improve week over week. When you monitor your bounce rate and traffic, you put decision-making back in your hands — not in your gut.

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