#Seattle: Get a Free Day of DogVacay Daycare!

Did you know? 85% of dogs show some kind of anxious reaction when left alone. (source) Often, signs such as howling, chewing, destruction and digging don’t begin until after your dog has been alone for about 5-35 minutes. Your pup could be experiencing separation anxiety without you even knowing it!

We take Spike to doggy daycare regularly. He's a social butterfly and it's important to us that he socializes with his canine homies at least once a week, in addition to the adventures we go on as a family. If you're looking for a dog sitter while you're at work, school or away from home during the day, DogVacay has just launched Daycare here in the Seattle area!

DogVacay is an online community that connects dog owners with over 20,000 vetted and insured pet sitters across the US & Canada. All reservations include vet insurance, 24/7 customer support, and daily photo updated of your pooch enjoying his vacay. You can finally travel with peace of mind, at prices half the price of the local kennel.

Just like their overnight boarding service, DogVacay sitters will watch your dog in their home or yours while you're gone. Daycare provides great benefits like exercise, less separation anxiety, and socialization with other pups, which is great for puppies or newly adopted dogs.

How to use it:

  1. Go to www.dogvacay.com and type in your zip code to find a PAWesome sitter in your neighborhood
  2. Schedule a meet ‘n greet to meet your Host, then book your pup’s vacay or daycare and pay online
  3. Receive photo “pup”dates showing how much fun your pup is having!

The average cost is just $20 a day, and each daycare visit includes:

  • A no-commitment meet & greet
  • 24/7 emergency support
  • $25,000 of vet insurance
  • Daily photo (p)updates

If your pup is anything like Spike, they'll come home from daycare totally wiped from all of the fun they had during the day.

Try a free day of DogVacay Daycare! Head over to DogVacay.com and use code 'BESTDAYEVER' for your complimentary trial ($40 max value.)

Disclosure: Service provided by DogVacay for this post. All opinions are mine!

Adopt from Bulldog Haven NW! - Winter 2015

Here's the latest round of bulldogs currently available for adoption from Bulldog Haven NW. I am always trying to help get these sweet faces into their "fur-ever" home! As regular Fresh Jess readers know, I am a big supporter of Bulldog Haven NW & PAWS, with one bulldog angel in the sky and one adopted from BHNW. 

An up-to-date list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

A Seattle #DogVenture with Spike! (Sponsored)

Let me start off by saying this is probably my favorite brand campaign to date. DogVacay reached out to me for a DogVenture around the city, and Spike, Jacob and I were only too happy to oblige. Seattle is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country, and Spike is always up for an adventure. We're so happy to have DogVacay in the Emerald City, so that even when we're out of town, we know Spike will get lots of active fun in.

What is DogVacay, you ask?

It's a website and app that makes finding great pet sitters simpler than ever! Pet owners can search for pet sitters nearby, book stays and pay online, all with a couple clicks.

All DogVacay reservations include free pet insurance, 24/7 customer support, and daily photo "pup"dates, so pet parents can rest easy knowing that their best friend is in great hands. DogVacay Hosts work hard to take pups on walks, to the beach, to parks, etc. whenever they have a Vacay. If your pup doesn't return home pooped, they haven't done their job. :)

We took Spike on a DogVenture at some of our favorite places to walk and frolic. Hope you enjoy following our Sunday Funday!

Our DogVenture started at the University Village, where Spike loves to charm all the families into giving him a piece of that Trophy Cupcake.

C'mon dad, one cupcake!

The bronze animal fountain is just as much fun for canine kids as it is for human ones!

Water! -- Whoa where'd it go?

Menchie's for some more people-watching (or yogurt-watching.) Don't worry Spike, they've got treats for the dogs too!

The next morning, our DogVenture continued at Alki Beach, where Spike quickly charmed a few Alki Beach 5k runners. Can't ever walk Spike on Alki without taking a half-hour to make it down one block. He looooves the attention!

It's exhausting being this handsome yo. I gotta take a seat!

We even played cheerleader for the awesome runners!

Way to go girls!

Quick pit stop at Hamilton Viewpoint Park for some frolicking in the grass. There had to have been a wedding there the night before, because rose petals were everywhere! So romantical.

Dad & Spike playing chase

DAD THAT TICKLES!

OH COME ON SPIKE

The final stop on our DogVenture was Marination Ma Kai, home of the best patio view in the entire city - and dog-friendly to boot.

Gettin' kinda tired...

I'd say our DogVenture was a success, because Spike was out for most of the afternoon and evening!

One tired pup

TKO

Thanks for this fun weekend, DogVacay! Visit DogVacay.com for more info & to find your next pet sitter. Follow more #DogVenture excursions on FacebookTwitterPinterest, and Instagram.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by DogVacay for this post. All opinions are mine!

Adopt from Bulldog Haven NW! - Summer 2014

Here's the latest round of bulldogs currently available for adoption from Bulldog Haven NW. I am always trying to help get these sweet faces into their "fur-ever" home! As regular Fresh Jess readers know, I am a big supporter of Bulldog Haven NW & PAWS, with one bulldog angel in the sky and one adopted from BHNW. 

Bulldog Haven NW
Bulldog Haven NW
Bulldog Haven NW
Bulldog Haven NW
Bulldog Haven NW
Bulldog Haven NW

An up-to-date list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

Happy 4th of July! (Happy Birthday Meatball!)

Happy 4th of July!

The Independence Day holiday is always about time with the family to me. There have been a couple of years where Jacob and I stuck to ourselves but it never really felt right. It's not the Fourth unless we're with family, enjoying BBQ & other good food, lighting or watching fireworks, and just chillin'. 

For me, it's also a time to celebrate our angel. Our first bulldog, Meatball would have been nine today. What an old man! We miss and love him so much; while Spike is the light of our lives, there's always more than enough room in my heart for that immense love and sorrow for Meaty Pie. Hope he's enjoying birthday cookies and squeaky toy hamburgers in heaven!

Friendly reminder to take care of your pets on this holiday! They're not fans of big noises (like fireworks) and I can't believe I have to state this, but don't leave them in hot cars. Just don't. Don't be that asshole. 

More about Bulldog Haven NW:

A list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

Bulldog Haven NW: Rosemary's Babies & More

Under the watchful care of the kind folks over at Bulldog Haven NW, this sweet face gave birth to 8 little bulldog pups earlier this week. Rosemary herself was left on the side of the road, super pregnant, by whoever awful soul decided that was okay. A good samaritan found her and BHNW took over from there. Her pregnancy and subsequent care (she's back in her foster home now but on watch for low blood counts) has racked up some serious vet bills, and BHNW is currently seeking donations to help cover Rosemary's costs as well as ongoing care for the rest of the dogs getting some foster love. 

Here's the latest round of bulldogs currently available for adoption from BHNW. I am really trying to help get these sweet faces into their "fur-ever" home! As regular Fresh Jess readers know, I am a big supporter of Bulldog Haven NW & PAWS, with one bulldog angel in the sky and one adopted from BHNW. 

An up-to-date list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

Seattle: Lost Bulldog Alert! & Latest from Bulldog Haven NW

Hey Seattle, need your help! Please spread the word on a lost english bulldog, Deuce! Check out the photos & info below. If you have any tips on want to share on Facebook, go over and like the "Bring Deuce Home" Facebook page. Any and all help appreciated!

While we're at it, here's the latest round of bulldogs currently available for adoption from Bulldog Haven NW. I am really trying to help get these sweet faces into their "fur-ever" home! As regular Fresh Jess readers know, I am a big supporter of Bulldog Haven NW & PAWS, with one bulldog angel in the sky and one adopted from BHNW. 

An up-to-date list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

Bulldog-Haven-NW
Bulldog-Haven-NW

Adopt from Bulldog Haven NW!

You know I love the bulldogs. It's been awhile since I've shared the latest round of pups available for adoption from Bulldog Haven NW and I am really trying to help get these sweet faces into their "fur-ever" home! As regular Fresh Jess readers know, I am a big supporter of Bulldog Haven NW & PAWS, with one bulldog angel in the sky and one adopted from BHNW. Please help spread the word on these fine little canines to get them their human soulmate!

SERIOUSLY. LOOK AT THESE FACES

Bulldog-Haven-NW
Bulldog-Haven-NW
Bulldog-Haven-NW
Bulldog-Haven-NW
Bulldog-Haven-NW
Bulldog-Haven-NW

A list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Bulldog-Haven-NW
Bulldog-Haven-NW

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

Bulldog-Haven-NW
Bulldog-Haven-NW

Happy birthday, Spike & Meatball!

Happy 4th of July to you! Hope you're somewhere sunny and warm eating good food with family and friends, celebrating all that we are blessed to have in this free country. I'll be with my family today, and I'm whipping up a few superfood recipes to balance some of the other food we'll be eating.

We're also celebrating our babies' birthdays! Yesterday was Spike's birthday, we think. Haha! When we adopted him, we got all his papers; read through all of his medical records and found four different birthdates. Awesome! We decided July 3rd would be the one since today is his big brother in heaven Meatball's birthday. Spike is now 6, while Meatball would've been 8. Time flies and so does bulldog slobber!

Spike reflecting on life as the sun sets on Alki - one of his favorite drives.

Yung Meatball in my tiny studio apartment back in my UW days.

Spike trying to get to the Ministry of Magic :)

Meatball inspecting his birthday cake, which he decided not to eat.

Spike practicing butterfly guard with dad

Meatball was Georges St. Pierre for Halloween one year.

Hanging with my boo Spike at Greenlake.

Meatball getting some quality time with dad.

More about Bulldog Haven NW:

A list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

Please Help Gumbo the Frenchie & Bulldog Haven NW!

'Sup FJ readers! Sharing another bulldog in need - you know I can't resist those bully faces!

Gumbo is an 11 month old French Bulldog who was hit by a car and ended up at a local shelter needing extensive surgical repair. The shelter's vet said it is the worst broken pelvis they have ever seen! Broken in multiple places, Gumbo needed emergency surgery and is now in the care of Bulldog Haven NW.

Help Gumbo the Frenchie!
Help Gumbo the Frenchie!
Help Gumbo the Frenchie!
Help Gumbo the Frenchie!

He underwent a successful surgery yesterday, and Bulldog Haven NW is looking to raise funds to cover his emergency expenses plus the care of 22 dogs currently being fostered. Can you help?

DONATE HERE

Every bit counts! Thank you!

Help Gumbo the Frenchie!
Help Gumbo the Frenchie!
Gumbo at Bulldog Haven NW
Gumbo at Bulldog Haven NW

Thank you bulldog/BHNW/Gumbo fans & rescue supporters. You make this happen!

Watch the Bulldog Haven NW Facebook page for more Gumbo updates and photos!

30Fresh. 30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!

Meeting Buddha

Remember Buddha, the english bulldog who went missing in Seattle back in February? By the grace of your favorite higher power, he was found relatively safe and sound, returned to his family three weeks later.

Today we met Buddha & family at a thank you/birthday celebration for the little guy. I cannot imagine losing Spike, so I didn't hesitate to help however I could despite being in the midst of the IFB conference during New York Fashion Week. It was so great to meet Buddha and his family in person to exchange hugs, stories and slobbery doggy kisses in the cold rain. Buddha's mom also remembered meeting Meatball a long time ago and gave me a pic of him with their Frenchie! It is truly a small world. Bulldog life is grand.

Happy birthday Buddha, and welcome home!

30Fresh30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!

Spike Rules Everything Around Me

Oh Spike, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

When Jacob and I first talked about getting a dog, I wanted one that'd fit in a purse. Luckily, Jacob talked me out of it and we got our first bulldog, your brother Meatball. Sadly, sweet Meaty passed away suddenly in 2010 (read that story here.) A year and a half of grief passed and I swear I couldn't define who I was anymore. Then you, handsome Spike, came waltzing into our lives via emergency rescue by Bulldog Haven NW. Though Jacob and I had been supporting BHNW, PAWS, The Humane Society and other animal-related non-profits since Meaty passed, we'd never owned or fostered a rescue before. But when I saw your face, Spike, it was game over - Gatorade, wet towel. You had to be mine. 

Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog

Words can't really express what it's like to be a bulldog mom. I tell people I went freelance to focus on my blog, but a big part of it is so I could spend more time with you. Our schedules are built around you, Spike. No matter how much mom & dad have on our plates, you are absolutely number one over everything.

Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog

I love your personality boo. You are so full of life and love to meet other doggies wherever you go. You love meeting other humans too. Like, a lot. We like to joke that you're plotting to leave us for richer and better-looking parents :) I am convinced you are the leader of the pack at doggie daycare and that you flirt with every lady you meet. Such a little Romeo you are. (Don't worry - I won't tell the ladies you chase around lasers like a cat.) You're the perfect co-pilot for all of our adventures.

Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog

I wrote this letter so everyone could meet one of the biggest pieces of my life. I also wrote this as a little thank you to you, Spike. I'm meant to be your mama and life feels like it has a lot more definition with you in it. Bulldog Haven NW sent you off to a new home, but what they really gave me was one of the greatest gifts life has ever brought me. You were the key to bringing me back to life post-Meaty. I love you boo bear!

Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog

A list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

30Fresh. 30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!