Blog Posts by Purina

Getty ImagesMost days, I really can't handle the news. Each morning brings another atrocious story about a kidnapping, a robbery, or some miscellaneous tale of humans being cruel and deceitful to each other. But at 7:00 am every morning, I dutifully turn it on anyway, and hope for a glimmer of positivity.

A few days ago, I actually got it. And it came in the form of a remarkable story - about a faithful dog coming to the aid of his owner.

Most of you probably watched it with me. Because, incredibly, it was recorded by a camcorder mounted on the inside dashboard of a police cruiser. And what the video showed was something straight out Lassie. I watched, enthralled, as the story unfolded, and a German Shepherd named Buddy led a lost police car through winding, woody roads to a house the officer couldn't find. A house that was engulfed in flames.

I couldn't stop thinking about how amazing that story was. So later that day, I Googled "pet heroes," and what I found was simply extraordinary.

Getty ImagesI believe that every street side bookstore should have a cat that sits in the windowsill. I love being welcomed into a local business by a family pet. And I think it is simply awesome that more and more companies are allowing employees to bring their pets into the office.

Having pets at work helps reduce stress, boosts happiness and improves job satisfaction. It helps foster communication and assists in team building. And some businesses even claim that it makes their employees more productive.

Granted, there are downsides too. Some employees may be allergic to certain types of dogs or cats. You may have customers or clients that are wary of animals. Or your pet might simply not be work material (overly hyper, aggressive or un-potty trained pets should probably stay home . . . no matter how cute you think they may be).

But, for the most part, pet policies are receiving a positive reaction from employees - myself included.

Now, I don't actually bring both my dogs into

Getty ImagesParis Hilton may be able to spend $325,000 on a designer dog house, but, for the rest of us, spoiling our pets has slightly lower price tag. And with budgets being slashed all across America, we're getting more frugal than ever when it comes to our four-legged friends. Luckily, there are lots of ways to spoil your pet without breaking your budget:

Quit catnip toys for good. Tired of buying catnip-filled mice for your kitty, only to see them torn apart? Don't keep buying replacements. Start an indoor garden instead, and ensure your cat always has a steady supply of that irresistible herb. Cat grasses do take a little time to grow, but seeds won't set you back too far. And your cat will absolutely adore having her own private patch of greens to play on.

Abstain from ordering online. Organic dog biscuits and special order pupcakes may come in fancy packaging, but it's a good bet that your dog doesn't care. They'll taste just as good to him if you bake them yourself. And you can

Getty ImagesThere's Mother's Day, Father's Day, Administrative Assistant Day, Earth Day, and now, on this day - April 25th - there's Don't Step in the Poop Day.

Yes ladies and gents, today is Don't Step in the Poop Day, a part of national Scoop the Poop Week. And it's the perfect day to ponder and reflect upon that lovely part of pet owning that many of us would just as soon forget.

It is, however, something that all pet owners do need to think about. Because, after all, no one likes to scrape their walking shoes (or any shoes, for that matter). And picking up after your pet is just another part of responsible pet ownership.

There are scented, biodegradable doggie bags available that are easy to carry with you on walks, and you can even use them in your own backyard to help neutralize odors when you're cleaning things up. Pooper scoopers always come in handy (and help you keep your distance), and if you really can't handle taking care of … well, business, then there are always

Getty ImagesThis spring seems to be bringing a lot of travel our way (hello wedding season and out-of-town invites) and that means a lot of upcoming weekends away from our pups. I know it sounds ridiculous, but after a few days away, I really start to miss their furry little faces. And by the time we get back, I'm giddy with excitement at the thought of seeing them again.

Knowing that they're well taken care of is my one consolation. We're lucky enough to have family close by, and they take great care of our boys when we're gone. But more often than not, I can't help but wish we could simply take them with us.

I don't think I'm alone in that sentiment either. And it seems like a lot of hotels are catching on to this new mindset.

Paying an extra fee at most major chains makes your dog or cat a bona fide guest. Though some hotels won't allow certain breeds, and many have weight restrictions. Other hotels take things one step further - offering pet packages - complete with daily walks,

Getty ImagesSo you've found the perfect little fluffball to add to your family. Congrats! But before you bring her home, make sure your house is ready. Of course, kitties will always be curious, and there's a pretty good chance she'll get into something before too long. But you can make sure the results aren't disastrous by taking note of these tips:

Watch the windows. Chords are no good for kitties. Keep 'em up high and out of reach. And don't forget to make sure your screens are secure. Cats love to look out windows, and sometimes that means sitting in the sill. If you've got long drapes, you might want to consider tying them up too - or your little furball might mistake them for something to scratch.

Close the lid. Now, I tend to think this is just good advice on the whole, but it's especially important if you're bringing home a new kitty. Our four-legged friends tend to view the toilet as a watering hole, and they're just as likely to fall in as the rest of us.

Keep the floor clean.

I've heard of kickboxing kangaroos. But kitties that pack a punch? Now that's one I've never witnessed . . . at least, until now.

Check out this feline featherweight, courtesy of Petcentric. Looks like he's picked up a move or two from the pros. All that's missing are some little red silk shorts and a teeny RFC belt.

Want to see more? The original video is posted here on Petcentric's site - along with a plethora of fun, furry, and downright delightful dog and cat videos.

What boxing nickname would you give this feisty furball? Come up with an imaginative moniker and share it in the comments below.

Getty ImagesHaving a lab/beagle mix means having a pup that's slightly mis-proportioned . . . and prone to putting on weight. Poor Gunner. He just has squat little legs on a body that's way too big for his frame - and that means we have to be extra careful about keeping him fit and trim.

A lot of dogs and cats have this very same problem, and I know there are owners out there who share our plight. But rest assured fellow weight-watching animal lovers. Keeping your pets in ship shape is as simple as following a few basic rules:

Re-read the instructions for feeding your pet. Some of us fall into the trap of just filling up the food bowl, but our pets don't need a bottomless pit of kibble. Feed them the recommended amount. And if you're worried your pet will go hungry, split that amount into two separate feedings, so they don't have to go too long without eating.

Turn a blind eye to begging. I know. Those big, baleful eyes can be hard to ignore. But think about your pet's well being, and