HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer

Someone was asking me the other day about vet clinics that take payment plans and the like. There is a very nice animal care center/vetrinary hospital in Freemont, California, called the Animal Care Center that takes pet insurance, has senior discounts, payment plans, and also accepts major credit cards. Of course, we all need to put money aside in case anything happens, but we don’t always have it “on us,” so to speak, or access to it immediately. It is good to know that a larger facility takes it. In fact you can read American Animal Care Center profile to check into it further.

There is even an American Animal Care Center coupon available for printing.   Actually, you can use one of three coupons.  One for a free initial exam.  Another is for $20 off vaccinations, and the other is for a free rabies vaccination with a regular priced exam. Heck it makes ME want to go there for MY checkups.

I have never heard of an arthritis prevention program, but AACC has one. Some folks just think it is inevitable.   I am going to have to look into it and see what it involves. Maybe it involves supplementation an monitoring a dog’s activity, or maybe it is merely being astute at detecting early signs or predispositions. As mom to an almost ten year old dog, I think it is a good idea to look into, even though for his breed, he is in the prime of his life as they live a long time. Maybe I will see if any of my California friends go to the American Animal Care Center and can tell me what it is all about.

What are you doing to insure the long term health of your buddy?

A few of my friends are planning their weddings. I gave them one tip. When you go to purchase certain items, don’t mention “wedding” or “bride.” Just say you are looking for flowers, bouquets, or fabrics. Also, consider looking for the same items at wedding suppliers outside of wedding suppliers. The reason I tell them this is that it seems there is a “wedding tax.”  As soon as you mention the “W” word, you are directed to things that are marked up beyond belief.  I recommend that they go to a florist looking for bouquets, and you will find things that are $7-20 rather than $50.  Just use a few of the pricey flowers in the bride’s bouquet rather than everyone carrying roses and hibiscus.

Another thing that you don’t have to needlessly pay a thousand dollars for are wedding invitations. Shopping online, you can get them for as low as $12.95 for 25 one sided, non folding invites. There are dozens and dozens of interesting designs from traditional to playful. You can even get them printed on recycled paper if you like.

I hope that these tips help you and your friends shave dollars off the big day, leaving more money to build a good foundation.  Of course, there will also be money to spoil your darling doggies and cute kitties.

My old computer was not particularly happy. In fact, it used to talk to my dachshund a lot.

“Hey, you.  Yeah, the hairy one.  I don’t mind if you sit next to me.  Well, I do, but this is a public place.  But I can’t take it when a storm comes.  You want to cuddle up to me and hide behind me.  I don’t know what the heck the problem is.  What do I look like, a teddy bear?  I guess so, because when I get opened up and cleaned up, there is all this dog hair inside me.  I could knit my own teddy bear or make my own dog to sit between us so you can’t get so close.  I am going to have to get a quieter processor and turn down my temperature so I you don’t think I am your heating blanket!

The computer died a few months later. Of course, one has to wonder if the operating capacity was improved by the “added ingredient” and just like taking an arrow out of a duck without knowing what you are doing, I did more harm than good. Perhaps the hair was closing a wound or provided a missing piece. Perhaps, it organically incorporated the dog hair into its being.  That sounds a bit like an old monster movie, doesn’t it?

If you have experienced similar pet/computer interactions and are in the market for something new, there are a few great offers on HP computers running through 10/31.  In other words, if you are reading this and wearing your Halloween costume, you have probably procrastinated. Restrictions and exclusions apply, and only while supplies last. By using coupon code SV2132, you will be entitled to receive $30 off orders of $150 or more at the HP Home Store.

There is a special discount for HoundsGood readers over at KiKi’s Fashions. KiKi’s is an online retailer of maternity clothes that don’t look like the tents you remember from decades past. If you have any public speaking engagements, even pitching your charity or cause to the local homeowner’s association, it is important to look well put together. Arriving in sweat pants just won’t cut it. If you look like you can’t manage, they will wonder how you will manage what you are pitching.

Now, for a limited time, if you use BLOGFRIENDS as a coupon code, you will receive 20% off of your order. If you use the codes on the website (Kikisfashions.com), you will receive 20% off if you spend $100 or more, so I think you will agree this is the better deal.

Would you believe that the dress, at top left, is a maternity dress? Of course, it is shown on a mannequin that is not portrayed as pregnant, but the style is something that works if you are pregnant or not. You could wear this pre or post pregnancy as well, and it would be perfect for that fundraising event where you have to dress better than jeans, but an evening gown would be a bit too much.

At right, this is something that could be very stylish when you have a cocktail party to go to all the sudden. Trying to squeeze yourself into your old hot numbers just will not work. Put on a cute pair of shoes and a beaded clutch and you are good to go. Alternately, you could dress it down with a cardigan and flat shoe, and a more casual bag when you have a business lunch to go to. It’s only $26.99. Of course, it would be a bit less with the discount.

A few days ago I wrote about Cryo-Cell and the discount they have on their U-Cord service.   I just wanted to add something, as I just found out that while that sale may be over, if you enrolled in U-Cord by midnight, July 26th, using promo code 995PS, you are eligible for a discount on another service that not only protects baby, but mom.  If you use promo code P2PS, you will not only receive U-Cord but also be enrolled in the C’elle program for the combined price of $1299.  You need to enroll in U-Cord before the July 26th deadline, and you have until July 31st at midnight to add C’elle.

With U-Cord, The umbilical cord of the baby is specially preserved for the possibility of later harvesting the baby’s own stem cells in case of illness. The mother’s stem cells from her menstrual flow are also preserved under the C’elle program. So far, there have been successful stem cell transplants this way that have not involved harm to animals or the harvesting of embryos.  Your own stem cells, or that of a sibling are proven to be much more effective.

I actually know someone who had a stem cell transplant.  He had a form of leukemia and the prognosis was very poor.   It was about eight years ago that the transplant occurred, and he is alive today.  His own stem cells were used in the procedure.

Of course, the best case scenario is to take care of yourself and your body every single day.  Many diseases can be prevented or at least made more manageable that way.  However, there are some illnesses that are genetic and people inherit them no matter how healthy they keep themselves.   This has actually extended the life or cured individuals and siblings over the past few years, and may become more widespread in the future.  I am sure the nonprofit organization concerning this idea is not far from being formed.

Alone, these services cost several thousand dollars.  If you have been thinking about it, what are you waiting for?

From time to time, we’ve discussed the importance of keeping your human and pet friendly safe.  Often, when people get a dog to intimidate or deter people, it does more harm to the dog.  Someone breaking in can harm the dog, or the dog can get into trouble.  There was a recent case of a dog being detained by animal control because he went after other dogs and people that had intruded on his property, which seems to counterintuitive.

Right now, HomeSecurityFamily.com is running a heck of a special. If you sign up for ADT service, they will provide you with free security system equipment. You would still need to cover the $99 installation charge, but you would be getting an $850 system. In addition, the internet special also includes $100 cash back. Depending on the package you select, that is just like getting several months of service for free as well. Check out the website HERE for details.

Dogs across the country know that such items as Anne Klein and born women’s shoes have even tastier leather in them than shoes that are bought at the discount store. Dogs must know that they taste like they are more expensive, some swear. I think they go after them because they are so comfortable, you wear them a lot. The shoes just smell like you. Of course, many dogs stop their destructive behavior with positive reinforcement for chewing things that are theirs to chew, patience, and keeping certain things out of their reach.

I was so bummed out when my dog, in his younger years, destroyed a pair of my favorite shoes, that I searched everywhere to find another pair. Luckily, there are sites like Shoesonastring.com that have great tag sales.

There is a yellow tag clearance section, where, just like some regular shoe stores, they mark items down. They encourage you that the price will continue to come down, but they also warn you that you can weight it out, but then they might be sold out.  Kind of like a reverse auction. It may be after the season, or just to keep their inventory moving.  Either way, you definitely win.

Even if you don’t find the need to replace shoes that have been destroyed by a canine pal, when things are tight it helps you stay within your budget, or to be able to splurge on something because it costs mere pocket change.