Meet Calvi – a 4 year old Boston Terrier with a great sense of fashion as seen by her vast collar and coat collection. She may be petite, but this muscular little girl sure can hang with the big dogs! She is a bundle of energy, always looking for a playmate to wrestle with and chase around the playgroups. Calvi also has an amazing repertoire of tricks that she is always ready to show off for a treat. True to the nature of her breed, Calvi is a happy-go-lucky, lively, and extremely loving, all of which are traits that have caused her to steal the hearts of our Fog City Staff.

Save the date for some of these great events!

Commodore Sloat “Treasure Island” Auction – Saturday March 3 from 6p-10p at 50 Darien Way in San Francisco

Clarendon JBBP Tomodachi Auction – Saturday March 3 from 5:30p-11p at the Scottish Rite Center, 2850 19th Ave in San Francisco

Holy Name School “Viva Spain!” Silent and Live Auction – Saturday March 24 at Ryan Hall, 1560 40th Avenue in San Francisco

Francisco Middle School’s End of the School Year Raffle

Junior League Fashion Show – April 13 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco

Jose Ortega Elementary School Silent and Live Auction – Held on March 10

What Should Your Dog Have? – A Nutrition Guide

Whatever way you prefer your dogs their food, canned, kibble or home made, essential and well-balanced ingredients -proteins, fibers and carbohydrates- are imperative for your dog’s healthy diet.

1. Proteins – This is one of the key components in a balanced dog diet. Since your doggie may not be as fussy as you are when it comes to meat eating, you can save a lot by purchasing large quantities of meat such as liver, green tripe, kidneys, and heart which are high in the protein. You can also give him legumes as well as eggs as alternative sources.
2. Carbohydrates – Though they are required at much lesser amounts than proteins, carbs are an essential part of any balanced diet. Leafy vegetables such as celery, spinach, broccoli and grains like wheat, rice barley, oats and corns are great sources of carbohydrates. Carrots are also rich in carbohydrates as well as nutrients such as betacarotene and vitamin A that are extremely beneficial for healthy eyesight.
3. Fibers – Apples, oranges, pears and the like have the necessary fibers and are beneficial for their intestines. However, not all fruits are safe for canine consumption, so be sure to ask your vet if you have any questions.

Getting the Best Food for Your Dog

The dog food market is teeming with products that are not authentic or very healthy for your dog. Look for foods that contain a stamp from Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) – this means that the nutritional composition of the food has been verified as complete and balanced.

There are also certain foods that are strict no-no’s for your dogs, including yeast dough, raisins, garlic, onion, chocolates and other sweets. As well, avoid beverages like coffee and tea which are high in caffeine and may be harmful for your dog’s nervous system and heart.

Your dog is precious, and paying close attention to their food will ensure that you have their company for long years to come!

Amanda Lyttle is a freelance writer and a dog lover. She is the owner of a pet store as well as a party supplies store online. Check out the birthday party supplies at her store, which are available at highly affordable prices.

Taste of the Wild is an all-natural, holistic, grain-free dog food. Boasting a variety of flavors showcasing various protein blends, Taste of the Wild meets all of the above criteria for a healthy, tasty, and well-balanced kibble for your dog!

Fog City Dogs is now selling a variety of Taste of the Wild flavors at both our Lodge and Marina location for your convenience!

Bellagio is a young boxer/shepherd mix that has recently joined our pack and has quickly become a Fog City favorite! Her incredibly sweet disposition has won over the hearts of our staff and everyone she meets. Bellagio is playful with all dogs -though she has found a favorite in Schultz and other young, high energy pups- and is a welcoming presence for new pack members. We affectionately refer to her as “BooBoo”, and her little nub tail makes her entire body wag when she gets excited. It is exactly this enthusiasm that has landed Bellagio the first Dog of the Month spot for 2012, and we look forward to spending the new year with her!

Remember when shopping dog boarding prices to always check what is included – Even with this rate increase, Fog City Dogs continues to be one of the best values for overnight boarding in San Francisco. Our all day playgroups, 2 outside daily walks, play group webcams, and private suite boarding are all included in our nightly rates so that you can have the peace of mind knowing that you’re pooch is going to receive the highest quality of care without you having to pay for all the a la carte additional services.

Schultz is an Australian Labradoodle – a multigenterational doodle! He is fondly referred to as a Muppet (perhaps a cross of Fozzie Bear and Animal?), and he sure provides our staff and his parents with the smiles Jim Henson intended! This fuzz ball of pure, unbridled love and joy makes fast friends with each and every person or dog he meets – his playful energy is highly contagious! Even though he only joined our pack at the beginning of the year, he has quickly made his mark as a staff favorite!