Angel & Tubby's Blog

Come visit us at Bark & Fitz in downtown Vancouver
561 Cardero Street (corner of Cardero & W. Hastings)
604.568.6096 coalharbour@barkandfitz.com


Bark & Fitz is a dog inspired retail health food store for you and your dog. We aim to provide all natural and holistic food and and treats for dogs to live longer, healthier, more active lives. We also provide grooming services and free local food delivery service.


April 23, 2009

Canucks Jersey




















Usually Tubby hates wearing clothes but not this Canucks Jersey. Recently I just got one for him and got it altered. Tubby doesn't look that big but he is size large. You can get this Jersey in any Bark and Fitz stores in the west coast. It's super cute and it's actually from NHL. It's retail for $52.

April 20, 2009

Food Allergy Solution

Both of the Coal Harbour and Victoria Bark and Fitz locations carry West Coast Canine Life Muffins. It's a complete diet and definitely one of the most healthiest ways to feed your dogs. It's perfect for dogs with allergies or health issues. You can choose to buy 6 pack, 12 pack, 24 pack pre-made muffins. Or you can buy the pre-mix and make your own muffins. Here is a very useful article I found from West Coast Canine Life website.

CANINE LIFE - RECOMMENDED FOOD FOR DOGS WITH ALLERGIES Canine Life is proud to be joining Spectrum Labs, supporting the special needs of dogs with allergies. Canine Life’s Hypoallergenic Diet is now on Spectrum’s list of recommended foods for dogs with allergies.

Since its inception in 1989, Spectrum Labs has been committed to providing the very best in veterinary allergy testing. Having performed hundreds of thousands of tests, Spectrum Labs is dedicated to utilizing and improving current testing methods, and it is with this in mind, that they developed their unique patented SPOT testing technology. This technology provides the highest specificity and sensitivity, placing Spectrum at the forefront of their industry. Veterinarians throughout North America, as well as more than 30 countries around the world, depend on Spectrum Labs.

For more information, visit http://www.vetallergy.com

Angel's new pictures






Tubby's new pictures






April 19, 2009

The Hydrant


















Bark and Fitz releases "The Hydrant" 4 times a year. Now the spring 2009 edition is arrived! Come to any Bark and Fitz location and get a free newsletter. In this edition, we talk about the raw truth, the latest hot products, bark talk with fitzy and meet the franchisees. You also get to see the newest update of all the Bark and Fitz locations near you.

April 12, 2009

Ruff Wear

Are you a Ruff Wear Products lover? I certainly am. Here are some of the Ruff Wear Products we carry.

Go Between Cinch Top
Just fill the bowl with your buddy’s favorite kibble, pull the drawstrings closed, and head out. No need for separate food containers or bags, and no stray dog food rolling around in the bottom of your bag.


Approach Pack
This pack was designed to be an everyday pack with excellent performance, fit and functionality. Comfort-fit Web Master Harness frame ensures good structure, stability, and load dispersion. The five-point adjustable fit accommodates dogs of all shapes and sizes. Good for one-hour to three-day hikes. Use to offset your load or for training and exercise. The Approach Pack gives your dog a load to carry and a job to do, generating instant four-legged motivation.


TurnUp
The TurnUp is almost round and it bounces all around – left, right, up, and down. It could turn up anywhere!







Knot-a-Leash
This tough, rugged, climbing rope-inspired leash is safe and secure with reflective trim and a locking carabiner. Climbing rope-style construction makes the Knot-a-Leash™ compact and comfortable for both you and your companion, and a locking carabiner keeps leash and collar securely connected. Whether it's a trot through town or a romp on the trail, humans will appreciate the Comfortgrip webbing handle while canine counterparts enjoy 5 feet of freedom.


April 6, 2009

New groomer - Kevin

We would like to welcome our new groomer, Kevin to join our Bark&Fitz team in Coal Harbour, downtown Vancouver. We will now be offering grooming 7 days a week. Walk in customers are welcomed. Kevin has 5 years experience in both dog and cat grooming. We will start to take appointments now and Kevin will start on Sunday, April 12 the Easter! If you would like to get your dogs or cats nails done, it costs only $10 and no appointment is necessary.

April 1, 2009

New family member - Einstein










A week ago, Dan called my cell and said a french bulldog owner, Coby had to find a good home for his dog, Einstein. Unfortunately, Coby's wife is expecting a baby very soon and they can't take care of him anymore. Einstein is a 3 years old French bulldog. He grew up with a 6 years old chihuahua. He is a real sweat heart. He listens very well. He doesn't destroy anything in the house. The most important thing is he gets along with everyone.

Since we aren't able to have another dog in our small apartment at this time, Dan was trying his hardest to find a good home for Einstein. Dan's brother, Nick, has always wanted to have a bulldog. He lives in a farm and with his parents. Einstein would have 3 yorkies to live with and runing around in the farm. This is the perfect home for Einstein. Nick had no problem adopting Einstein.

We have been to visit Einstein few times already and he loves his new home a lot. Even his skin problem is getting better. I am sure Nick will be a good dad and give Einstein lots of love and care which all dogs deserve. Welcome to your new home, Einstein. We all love you!

March 23, 2009

Roxxi, Tubby's daughter

I am so proud of Tubby's daughter, Roxxi. Tubby's whole family is all show dogs. Tubby's dad, mom, wife and daughter. Tubby could be a show dog too but he chose not to do that. Cuz he is too busy annoying other dogs.

Feb 22, 2009
On Sunday, at the "Renaissance Dog Association" show, Roxxi took FIRST IN CLASS, WINNERS FEMALE and BEST OF OPPOSITE (over Am. Champion) for 2 pts! An excellent start of her show career.

March 7, 2009
On Saturday, at the "Mt, Cheam Canine Association" show in Chilliwack, B.C., Roxxi took FIRST IN CLASS, WINNERS FEMALE, BEST OF WINNERS, BEST OF BREED, BEST PUPPY IN BREED, and then on to win BEST PUPPY IN GROUP.

Way to go, Roxxi! Tubby is proud of you too.

March 15, 2009

Cat Toys

Who says BF only carries dog stuff? Of course we love cats too! We have a good selection of the best and most popular cat toys. Most toys all have organic catnip in them. All the cat treats and food are all natural and it's definitely the best you can get for your cats.

March 10, 2009

Canine Genius

More toys just arrived! These toys are perfect for summer and dogs who love to swim. They are waterproof.

Brain Twisters are made for dogs that love to shake things up! Brain Twisters are giant spiral shaped stuffed toys made for canines that are looking for something a little different than your average plush toy. The Brain Twister has a specially reinforced inner seam that allows it to stretch from 14 to 30 inches in length! Brain Twisters are designed for wild fetching and shaking games - your dog will never know what to expect next as these toys seem to take on a life of their own! They are retail for $19

Nobel Peace Flower - So pretty they ought to win a prize! Your dog will love our 8-inch over-stuffed, squishy plush flowers complete with squeaker-filled center. The flowers come in three colors (orange, blue and hot pink) and are perfect for fetch, and look fabulous in the dog bed. They are retail for $15.

Good camera takes good pictures


March 9, 2009

Charming Pet Products are back











Finally one of our best selling toys is back.

Legend has it that the largest alligator ever trapped was more than 19 feet long and weighed close to a half-ton! Well, we have the one that got away! He’s bigger, he's badder - meet our All-American Gator, Tator, the Dog-Lovin’ Gator! Weighing in at more than one ton and measuring a record-breaking 25 feet in length, he goes down in the our book as the über-gator! Born restless in a Louisiana Bayou he headed for his home away from home, the land of orange & blue, home of the Florida Gator Bowl, and home to his Florida swampland gator holes!

Your dogs will love drawing “first bite” again and again with this durable, hand painted, poly-filled, latex toy built for endless hours of gator-play!! It comes in 2 different sizes. The large one is retail for $17 and the small one is retail for $9.

Henrietta Rubber Chicken is raised in a quaint little chicken farm in America's Heartland, Henrietta showed a flair for performing at an early age. As an adult, she moved to Las Vegas with dreams of fame and fortune. She quickly took the town by storm and was cast as a genuine Vegas Showgirl. During her twenty year career, she danced in numerous shows and even headlined the now infamous burlesque show Wild Chicken. Now retired, Henrietta lives a quiet life, far from the Vegas Footlights, in a swanky trailer park new Fort Lauderdale.

All the chickens are hand painted and poly-filled latex dog toys. They are very hormonal, range free, boneless latex squeaker toy. They contain no MSG and have been de-feathered for canine pleasure! Poly filled latex. The large chickens are approximately 17-1/2" long. They are retail for $17. There is also a smaller version of them for only $9.

March 2, 2009

Tubby's mom's new litter













Good News! Tubby's mommy, Tanzie, gave birth to 3 beautiful babies - 2 boys and a girl. They are all black masked with fawn. Aren't they just so cute and sweet? I wish I could get another franchie. I am not sure if all the puppies are sold or not but you can give them a call or email them. All of the info are on their website which is www.amberbull.com He is a very good breeder. All his dogs are show dogs, just like Tubby. Hopefully one day one of the puppies will show up at my store. Tubby and all the BF staff will be so happy to meet them. :)

February 27, 2009

Laser Eye Surgery











Finally I had a laser eye surgery last Friday just so I don't need to wear glasses or contacts anymore. It costs a lot of money but it's definitely worth it. My prescription was -5.0 both eyes and my vision should be 20/20 after couple more weeks. I am so excited and happy about this.

I had the surgery at Coal Harbour Eye Centre which is located on the 27th floor, penthouse suite at 1177 West Hastings Street. It's right by Coal Harbour Urban Fare. It's so close to my store and home so I can just walk to there. You don't want to drive after you had a eye surgery. Me and my friend, Jeffery did lots of research on finding the best price and the most experience doctor in Vancouver. Dr. Steven Kirzner is the best one. 50% of his customers are from US and Europe so he must be pretty well-known.

It was so weird to wear this big ugly looking sunglasses everywhere I go, but I don't need it anymore after a week. I can't wait till my vision is 20/20. Yeah!

February 16, 2009

West Highland White Terriers - Connie















West Highland White Terriers
, commonly known as Westies, are a breed of dog known for their distinctive white coat. This breed is commonly recognised on the packaging of Cesar brand dog food.

This dog's name is Connie. She is one of the cutest Westie I've ever seen. She loves posing to the camera. The first picture shows what she does when she asks for a treat. Jennifer, our groomer, did such a great job on Connie. While Connie was waiting for her mommy to pick her up after grooming, Connie got lots of compliments from all of our customers walked by the grooming room. She is just so CUTE! Hopefully sometime this year we can get a Westie too.

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everybody! I am not a romantic person at all but I do like going out for lunch or dinner on Valentine's day. I had a heart shaped pizza from Boston Pizza with my mother in law, husband and Ashley. Since Ashley is moving in to my apartment soon, we also went to ikea for some furniture shopping. It was so fun! Did you have a good Valentine's day? I did.

Allergic Reaction

Poor big Angel bum had a allergic reaction this morning. Dr. Ray says it could be something she ate, touched or smelled. Her face is all swollen. She could barely open her eyes. Usually it's not a big deal. However, it could get pretty serious due to bulldog's short nose. If the swollen doesn't go away by tomorrow morning, Angel will have a hard time to breath. Oh My God! What else will go wrong with my dogs?

February 11, 2009

Nice to meet you, puppy Elmo!









Sweet! Finally I got to meet a 9 weeks old French Bulldog, Elmo. He is such a cute little puppy. The owners have brought Elmo to the store couple times before. However, Me and Tubby weren't here. I heard from Jen (our groomer) and Kevin how cute Elmo is. Elmo is going to have his second shot at the end of this month and then Tubby will be able to play with him. :) Tubby's head is the size of Elmo's entire body. Hopefully I will be able to get another Frenchie and Bulldog in the future.

Tubby hurt his back

Poor little Tubby hurt his back on Saturday night. We didn't know he was hurt till the next morning. I tried to pick him up and come to work. He screamed so loud when I touched his back. And then he started shacking like crazy with his ears back. I thought he was just having a bad dream. But, he was still shacking and could barely walk when I brought him to work. I tried to call Dr. Ray and they were closed. I tried to call Yaletown Animal Hospital and they were closed too. Luckily, Andrea (a great customer) came to the store when I felt so helpless. She recommended Blueridge-Cove Animal Hospital in North Vancouver. Andrea got me an appointment right away. It was so nice of her offering to go to the vet with me. Tubby was still feeling achy on the way to the hospital. Dr. Kennedy found out that Tubby must pulled his muscle while he was jumping around and playing too much. Poor Tubby has to be on Metacam for a week. If he doens't get better, he will need a X-Ray and do a test to see if there is anything else wrong with him. Thanks so much to Andrea for everything. She is such a great customer and friend. I have always been only recomanded customers to Dr. Ray or Dr. Spooner. But, now I found another great Vet. I would totoally recomand Dr. Kennedy to everyone. She is great!

February 1, 2009

Coyote Alert

Recently I heard a sad news about a coyote that got a small unleashed dog in the Stanley park. It happened about a month ago while the owner was walking the dog. I took my dogs to Stanley Park sometimes during the summer time and I never worried about the coyotes till now. Because of this sad story, I hope all the dog owners will be more aware of unleashing your dogs in Stanley Park. Here is an article I found from City of Vancouver website.

Even though your pet lives in the city, Vancouver is home to a variety of wildlife species and there are dangerous predators out there.

An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 coyote live among us in the Lower Mainland. Although the coyotes eat mainly small mammals such as mice and rats, they will eat domestic pets. All small pets should be kept indoors at night and on a leash when out with their owners. Coyotes are generally no threat to people but should be treated with respect and never approached or fed. People with small children should be especially careful with their kids around animals.

What does a coyote look like?

Coyote
Coyote
  • small, dog-like, looks like a cross between a fox and a German Shepherd
  • average weight - 9-14 kg
  • length - 0.75 m - 1 m
  • coats are generally brown; some with reddish tinges
  • has a bushy tail that is 30 - 40 cm long, with a distinctive black tip
  • yellow eyes that help them see well in low light.
  • ears are large for their body size
  • have a distinctive, quick gait, and run with their tail down; can run at speeds up to 64 km/hour for short distances.

January 21, 2009

Tarter Buster

Tubby likes to guard these tarter buster bones sometimes. If he ain't getting it, nobody will. I give a tarter buster to Tubby and Angel once awhile.

It's all natural 100% beef bone. No preservatives or additives. It's guaranteed to clean teeth and gums. Also, it helps control dog breath. The absolute best oral hygiene product for your dog. Retail for $3.00