DVD's birthday

We sure haven't posted anything in a while!  We have been so busy with other social media sites, that we have neglected our Blogger account!

Today is February 14, 2013... which is not only Valentine's Day, but it is also Doggie Valentino's birthday.  Well, at least this is the day, the humans decided would be his birthday, because the truth is that we have no idea when his birthday is.  Doggie Valentino (aka DVD) was adopted from a local shelter two years ago... so this date is also special, because two years ago, DVD became part of the family.

The humans have been reminiscing about the day they adopted DVD.  Human mom had been regularly checking the North Central Animal Shelter's website and she had spotted a cute pup named "Henry."  Something about the sweet look in Henry's eyes that told human mom "he is the one!"  So, on Saturday, February 12th around noon, the humans went to the shelter and after meeting Henry, they decided to adopt him.  The volunteer at the shelter suggested that the humans look at other dogs, but human mom wouldn't consider that possibility.  Henry was renamed Doggie Valentino, but wasn't able to come home right away, because he had to be neutered.  The humans were told that they could pick up DVD after the surgery was completed.  Finally, on Monday, February 14th, DVD came home!  

In the beginning, DVD wouldn't even bark.  He also had a nasty case of kennel cough.  The humans didn't realize how sick he was, and eventually, they discovered he was even suffering from tapeworm.  Slowly and with much care and love, DVD grew stronger and happier.  After about a month of being home, he barked for the first time!  That's when the humans knew, he would be just fine   :)

Now, the humans can't imagine their lives without DVD (or without K9 too).  Taking care of doggies sure is a responsibility.  The humans have made several changes in their lives, but it's all worth it.  The unconditional love they receive every single day from both pups can't be expressed with enough words.  It is such a  joy to  cuddle with them every day.  It is so much fun to go for walks and watch them sniff and discover the world.  It is such bliss to have experienced such beautiful love.

Finally, a new post!

Our lives have been so busy and our humans have been working hard on our website, that we haven't posted anything in 3 months!  Goodness!  But we're back and would like to share that part of the reason why we have been absent is that we're going to move in a few months!  In order to move, we had to get our home cleaned up big time and there were many repairs that had to take place... which took a lot of our free time.  We had planned on moving before the holidays, but the humans think is best to wait until the new year.

We are happy to announce that we have become true pals now!  When Kubrick 9 (aka K9) first joined the family, Doggie Valentino (aka DVD) had a tough time adjusting.  He became somewhat insecure, as if the humans were trying to replace him... and K9 is such a ball of energy that he was a bit rough with DVD.  After 7 months, the humans decided that perhaps getting more control over K9 would help the relationship.  So, K9 began going to obedience class and the change in his behavior has been wonderful!  He doesn't pull his leash much now when we go for walks and he's learning 'sit' 'down' and 'stay.'  DVD now sees that K9 has to follow rules, and they seem to enjoy each other's company a lot more.

Yesterday, it rained all day and this is the picture the humans snapped.

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving... and we'll be visiting the town of Templeton, CA!  We hope everybody has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

My little brother Kubrick is doing well!

My little brother, or as I have been calling him lately Franken-Kubster is doing very well.  The surgery went well, then he was out of it because of the sedation.  He's got some mean stitches and they should come out in a few more days.

The vet sent the mass to the lab, because it didn't look like fatty tissue.  The results are in, and it was a benign tumor which resulted from an allergic reaction to a vaccine.  Because he was vaccinated at a shelter before being adopted, we don't know which vaccine caused such reaction.  The vet thinks that in the future, a titer test can be administered to avoid vaccinations.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful warm thoughts/prayers/vibes/virtual hugs everybody sent.  Our next trip was put on hold, but now that he's healing, we're headed to Long Beach, CA at the end of July!

Visited Solvang!

If you'd like to check out the full episode, click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZa7Tl_qkw8&feature=plcp

Solvang is a really cool, Danish-influenced town, north of my home in LA.  It's in Central California in the Santa Ynez Valley region.  If you find yourself there and you're hungry, stop by and check out the many bakeries for good eats and treats.  We also visited Buellton, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Santa Ynez, and Lompoc.  In Buellton, check out the wineries plus Andersen's Pea Soup.  In Los Olivos, check out the wineries and http://losolivosgrocery.com/.  In Los Alamos, stop by http://www.losalamosca.com/losalamosdepotmall.html.  In Santa Ynez, visit http://www.santaynezmuseum.org/.  And in Lompoc, make sure to tour their awesome murals http://www.lompocmurals.com/.

Now get out there and explore your world!

Buellton, California EPISODE

Buellton, California is North of my hometown in Los Angeles... it's a very laid back town, near Solvang.  It's a very chill place and great to recharge your batteries.  I felt no need to rush anywhere and enjoyed every moment there.

My humans really liked Andersen's Restaurant and they said the food was very good.  My human dad really doesn't love soup (he likes it, but doesn't love it, you know what I mean?), but he said the split pea soup was quite good.

In Buellton, you can enjoy a nice glass of wine too... there are several wineries that have popped up in the last few years.  You can also visit a couple of places from the movie Sideways... here's the map in case you're interested:
http://www.santabarbaraca.com/includes/media/docs/Sideways-Map.pdf

Hope you enjoy the video  :)

If you can't see the video for whatever reason, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6w6rgHPeNw

Introducing my little brother Kubrick 9!

Here's a quick video of my little brother Kubrick 9 (we call him K9).  He was recently adopted less than a month ago.  He's definitely been a challenge for my human parents, because he's got so much energy, plus he doesn't want to follow the house rules!  But he's such a lovable mutt (Dachshund, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel and who knows what else!) and we have fallen completely in love with him  :)

The Jet Set Pets Directory

I just found out that 2 of my listings were approved and now appear at the Jet Set Pets Directory!  I'm so happy  :)  The first one is for my blog and the second for my youtube channel.  You can view the listings at:

http://directory.thejetsetpets.com/dog-friendly-travel-with-doggie-valentino/

http://directory.thejetsetpets.com/travelingwithdvds-channel/

or together at:

http://directory.thejetsetpets.com/new-posts/

This is yet another great media tool for us furry creatures.

San Simeon Episode

My humans and I visited San Simeon... which is a beautiful beach community about 230 miles North West of my hometown of Los Angeles.  We had a wonderful time.  Here is the video if you want to check it out:

My videos :)

I wanted to share a few videos of my travels  :)  These are just previous, but full episodes coming soon!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWHEsjfppOQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg-5wIs2lhc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHl6gMoIGAY&context=C44010d3ADvjVQa1PpcFPQDpfCBpt9rGzu31rOhZ5jrQPtmCq89rY=

Enjoy!

San Simeon, California preview

This is just a quick preview... full episode coming soon.

Check out my channel: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelingwithDVD?feature=mhee

Humans decide to definitely adopt

After seeing this article and watching the video in it:
http://dogtime.com/blind-dog-rescued-has-vision-restored.html

My humans decided that they definitely want another dog!  I'm so happy because I could really use a companion/friend/brother/cousin.  Yesterday, as we walked around the neighborhood, they talked about getting more than one furry friend.  They want a home with a huge yard, so they can adopt 2 or 3 more dogs!

But that's in the future of course.  When a family lives in a city like Los Angeles, sometimes it's not easy to find a lot of land, unless we were willing to head to the suburbs.  But we like the city too much, so now it's a matter of finding the right place, which could be affordable and with a big yard.  I have a feeling it's all going to work itself out in due time    :)

Adopting another dog

My humans recently began to talk about adopting another dog.  They visited a pet store, looking for a new 'stimulating toy' (not crazy about Kongs) when they saw a sign for adoptions.  They didn't find an interesting toy, so they visited a second pet store, and what do they see?  A sign for adoptions happening April 14-15!  So, they took it as a sign that it's time to adopt again. 

Here's more info, in case you're interested in adopting: http://www.petco.com/petco_Page_PC_storeadoptions.aspx

PETCO works with local shelters, and my humans want to see how I interact with the new guy (they're pretty sure they want a boy, and I think they even have a name picked out).  I'm so excited!  My humans were told to wait a full year to bond with me, because I had some abandonment issues (don't laugh, it's a real condition LOL).  Anyway, it's been more than a year, so it's time to add to the family.  I'm so excited.

Griffith Park, Los Angeles

This morning, we visited Griffith Park.  I love going there, and for the first time, we checked out the dog park.  I met new furry friends and had a great time!

It's so important to remember that when visiting a dog park, humans and doggies must be aware of observing good etiquette.

1. Be careful when coming in and out, and opening gates.  Don't let any furry creatures out.
2. Pick up poop and maintain area clean.  Nobody wants to step on another doggie's logs.
3. Yes, some dogs play rough, but don't let it get too far.  Nobody likes to get stitches after a visit to a dog park.
4. Don't feed your dog treats, because it will make other dogs jealous.
5. Don't bring people food either.  It's not nice to eat in front of dogs, because they feel left out.
6. And be courteous and friendly, after all dogs are there to socialize.

Here's the video of our visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRmfbbDf23M

Traveling to dog friendly places

Before my humans adopted me, they traveled a lot.  They didn't want to stop, but with a dog (me) adjustments had to be made so I could join in the fun!  Now, we do tons of road trips, and this has led to a re-discovery of California.

A great inspiration has been Huell Howser, because he's been pretty much everywhere in the state. http://www.kcet.org/shows/huell_howser/

Usually my human mom will do the research about dog friendly places.  Then, once we arrive at the new place, my human dad takes care of the filming.  I just relax and do what they tell me which is usually "be yourself."  We have gone as far South as Solana Beach in San Diego County, as far North as San Simeon in San Luis Obispo County, and as far East as Laughlin, Nevada.  Not much you say?  And we agree!  This is why we can't wait to continue to visit new spots. 

It really is easy to travel with furry companions.  All you have to do is a little bit of planning.  We usually pack travel bowls for food and water, water, dry food, poop bags (we like BioBags), a couple of toys, and my leash of course!  You'd be surprised how many hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, etc. are dog friendly.  So with a little planning and researching, it's possible to get out there and explore with your pets!

Hermon Dog Park in Highland Park, Los Angeles

There's nothing better than being able to run around without a leash!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVDHAw1M-RY&context=C47e58e7ADvjVQa1PpcFPQDpfCBpt9rP16ajRXdmSt_8SlGdCffWM=

Second Episode. Carlsbad, California

We visited Carlsbad during Christmas.  It was nice because it's their slow season for tourism, so we had a very relaxing and chill vacation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yiw6DS86GpU&context=C4469ae6ADvjVQa1PpcFPQDpfCBpt9rPEKdKGd31szX3RN4TG6huk=

My humans love how accommodating Motel 6 has been, because we're all able to stay at their locations without extra charges, unlike other motel chains.  

Thee Dog Bakery, in Pasadena, California

I love the treats at the Three Dog Bakery!  I had to make a video to show my love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmPr3Jh2GRQ&context=C4f23c77ADvjVQa1PpcFPQDpfCBpt9rDsV96QQvRnYp_XU2YoKhHk=

First Episode. Paso Robles, California

Here is my first full episode:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN_8g4IgP5o&context=C41b446fADvjVQa1PpcFPQDpfCBpt9rGuj39NJER4rPnUwIJsekXs=

We had a blast!  And my humans were able to bring me inside the Donati Winery tasting room.  It was almost closing time, but the friendly people in this winery opened their doors to us.  My humans were so grateful that they bought a few bottles of their delicious wine.

My first video!

Here is a preview of my very first video.  We were in Cayucos, California, just north of Morro Bay Rock.
Cayucos Beach has an area for dogs!  I was able to run around and enjoy myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqSfyBdRRFo&context=C4eed39aADvjVQa1PpcFPQDpfCBpt9rLsU62EFRc5B7sPRLVxaEC4=

My very first post!

Hello world!

I'm a 3 year old half Beagle, half Rat Terrier.  My humans rescued me a little more than a year ago on Valentine's Day of 2011.  That's why my name is Doggie Valentino.  Because my humans love to travel a lot, they take me pretty much everywhere they go.

If you'd like to see some of my travels, check out my youtube channel:

Doggie Valentino at Hermon Dog Park

https://www.youtube.com/user/TravelingwithDVD?feature=mhee

Follow me on twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/DVDinLA

I'm on Facebook too:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Doggie-Valentino-Dorio/384489654901824

I consider myself lucky to have been adopted into a loving family. 
That's why I promote adoption from shelters.