Children and Pets Archives – Page 12 of 16

American Red Cross announces new cat and dog first aid online course

August 8, 2017

The following is a press release from American Red Cross:

For more than 100 years, the American Red Cross has been training people to perform first aid skills so they could save the lives of others. Now, the organization announces the release of its new Cat and Dog First Aid online course so that owners will know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available.

“It’s so important for people to know what to do if a person is experiencing a life-threatening emergency,” said Deborah C. Mandell, VMD, DACVECC, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, and professor at Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Now, the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course provides owners, pet-sitters and dog walkers with an easy and convenient way to learn life-saving skills for their pets.”

People can access the course on their desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid and go through the content at their own pace. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the course. Participants can stop and pick up where they left off if Fluffy needs a treat or it’s time to take Fido out to the dog park.

The interactive course includes:

How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so that owners can notice if there are any irregularities;
Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound, or is having a seizure; and
Information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet’s well-being.

DOWNLOAD THE PET FIRST AID APP
The Red Cross Pet First Aid App complements the course by providing cat and dog owners with instant access to expert advice, an animal hospital locator, pet-friendly hotels, content on how to include pets in family emergency preparedness plans and more.

The app can be downloaded for free in mobile app stores or by texting ‘GETPET’ to 90999. American Pet Nutrition is a proud sponsor of the Pet First Aid App.

Petco signs on as sponsor of Clear the Shelters pet adoption campaign

August 7, 2017

The following is a press release from Petco:

Petco returns as a national sponsor of NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations’ “Clear the Shelters” pet adoption campaign for a second consecutive year. On Saturday, August 19, 2017, Petco partners will be present at participating animal welfare organizations to answer questions from potential pet adopters and their families. Petco will also be distributing “Welcome to the Family” packets containing information for new pet parents along with coupons for pet supplies.

“Clear the Shelters” is a nationwide pet adoption campaign that is spearheaded by NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations, a division of NBCUniversal that includes 30 NBC and Telemundo-owned stations. The stations’ “Clear the Shelters” third annual pet adoption campaign has become a popular event for communities nationwide and includes the participation of hundreds of animal welfare organizations. On August 19, participating animal shelters will offer low cost or waived pet adoption fees. The NBC and Telemundo owned stations’ third annual “Clear the Shelters” effort has helped to inspire local communities to take action and open their homes to animals in need. Since the effort was expanded nationally in 2015, the stations’ “Clear the Shelters” pet adoption campaign has resulted in more than 70,000 pet adoptions.

“Petco has been an fantastic partner to the owned stations and we’re excited to work with a company that is deeply committed to pet adoption issues and helping families have the resources and information they need to provide the best care to their newly adopted pets,” said Bruce Kallner, Senior Vice President of Strategic Sales and Marketing, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations. “The Petco Foundation has also been a great supporter of our “Clear the Shelters” campaign and we’re pleased to work with a non-profit organization that shares our goal of matching homeless pets with new, permanent homes.”

“With more than 50 years in the pet specialty business, Petco understands and celebrates the importance of the incredible bond between pets and pet parents,” said Charlie Piscitello, chief people officer at Petco. “‘Clear the Shelters‘ allows us to extend our year-long animal adoption efforts and offers our immensely passionate store partners the ability to help even more families start out with the tools and knowledge they need to make their relationship with their new pet as rewarding as possible.”

For more information about the pet adoption campaign, visit ClearTheShelters.com. You can also follow the effort on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by using the hashtags #ClearTheShelters, #ThinkAdoptionFirst and #LoveMyPet.

Mattel launches Enchantimals franchise

July 18, 2017

Mattel's Enchantimals — Mattel’s Enchantimals (Photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

The following is a press release from Mattel:

Mattel reveals a new brand franchise, Enchantimals™, a fantastical world celebrating the special bond between kids and animals, as pets are often a child’s very first bestie. Enchantimals joins the Mattel girl’s portfolio of well-known brands offering products and engaging storylines that ignite imaginative play.

Launching with 14 small dolls and 3 playsets, Enchantimals product inspires stories of friendship, empathy and compassion towards all living things. The characters and stories come to life through a variety of short-form YouTube content and 60-minute televised special this fall.

“At Mattel we are passionate about introducing properties that are both on-trend and purposeful,” said Lori Pantel, SVP and GM for Girl’s Toy Box, “We’re essentially bringing a popular animal aesthetic inspired by social media filters and marrying it with product and stories encouraging empathy and friendship.”

The Enchantimals dolls are loveable characters who share a special bond with their accompanying animal bestie. Each doll shares a ritual with her animal friend celebrating their unique traits and personalities.

Enchantimals product ranges from $8.99 – $34.99 rolling out to retailers nationwide this fall. Follow along on the Enchantimals journey on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

THE WORLD OF ENCHANTIMALS
The Enchantimals™ are a group of lovable girls (who are half animal) who have a special bond with their animal best friends. Each character is complete with her animal sidekick with whom they share unbreakable bond of friendship. These pairs of animal besties use their abilities and compassion to maintain balance, peace and harmony amongst all living things. Fans will have fun discovering new characters and collecting them all!

CORE CHARACTERS

Felicity Fox™ & Flick™: Felicity is quick, clever and completely curious about anything and everything. Felicity and Flick love to go exploring together, especially to places they have never been to before.
Danessa Deer™ & Sprint™: Danessa is the shy and quiet type whose actions speak louder than her words. Danessa and Sprint’s favorite game is to race each other through the forest to see who is the fastest.
Sage Skunk™ & Caper™: Sage has a mind as quick as her feet and she’s an ace problem solver. When Sage and Caper aren’t working on a new song together, they’re usually planning some elaborately clever prank.
Bree Bunny™ & Twist™: Bree is always up to her ears in creative do-it-yourself projects. Bree and Twist are like twin fountains of bubbling creativity. No one has more fun making something together than they do.
Patter Peacock™ & Flap™: Patter is proud of her fashionable feathers, and she loves to encourage her friends to be proud too. Patter may not have the best singing voice, but when she teams up with Flap their songs are always belted out in perfect harmony.

Gymboree closing about 350 stores as part of bankruptcy restructuring

July 12, 2017

by Patricia Garrett

Gymboree, a prominent retailer for children’s clothing and toys, is closing about 350 of its stores in the U.S. as part of its bankruptcy reorganization. The company will be left with about 900 stores after the closings. USA Today has a list of all the stores that are closing.The San Francisco-based Gymboree also operates the retail stores Gymboree Outlet, Crazy 8 and Janie and Jack.

Gymboree, which owes about $1.4 billion in debt, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2017. Gymboree was founded in 1976. The company reported $1.25 billion in sales for 2016. In July 2016, The Gymboree Corporation sold the Gymboree Play & Music business to Zeavion Holding.

Petco Foundation and the NUTRO Company launch ‘Be a Lifesaver’ Campaign

June 30, 2017

The following is a press release from Petco:

This weekend the Petco Foundation, a leading funder of animal welfare, and The NUTRO Company kick off their “Be A Lifesaver” campaign, promoting everyday lifesavers throughout the country and encouraging all people to be lifesavers for animals this summer.

Everyone can be a lifesaver with five simple actions:

Adopt: Find a new family member by adopting a pet at a local animal welfare organization.
Foster: Fostering pets can save animal lives and can be a fun, educational family-friendly summer activity. Learn more at participating Petco stores on July 22, during the Petco Foundation’s “Be A Foster” event.
Volunteer: Local shelters always need volunteers for a variety of activities like walking dogs, socializing cats or folding laundry. Talk to local animal welfare organizations about how your skills and interests fit with the organization’s needs.
Spread the Word: Share on social media how you’ve acted as a lifesaver for pets with #BeALifesaver
Donate: Donate at checkout at Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores to help the Petco Foundation reach its goal of raising $2.1 million to provide lifesaving investments to animal welfare organizations.

Be A Lifesaver events:

Be A Lifesaver Adoption Weekend: Adopt your new family member
Saturday and Sunday, July 1 and 2 at participating Petco and Unleashed by Petco store locations.

Be A Foster: Learn more about fostering and apply to be a foster family for pets
Saturday, July 22 happening at select Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores.

The NUTRO Company generously donated $75,000 to kickoff the Be A Lifesaver campaign. From July 1-23, guests in Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores are invited to Be A Lifesaver by making a donation at checkout to support animal welfare organizations throughout the country.

“Summer is a busy time for animal welfare organizations. There is often an increase in animal intake and demand for services,” said Petco Foundation executive director Susanne Kogut. “Our Be a Lifesaver campaign aims to inspire individuals to take action to help save animal lives in their own communities. Through collecting donations — $2, $5, and $20 at a time at checkout in Petco stores — we hope to raise more than $2.1 million to support lifesaving animal welfare work nationwide.”

Mattel’s Barbie brand launches most diverse Ken dolls so far

June 20, 2017

Dolls in the Barbie Fashionistas collection (Photo courtesy of Mattel)

The following is a press release from Mattel:

Barbie announced the expansion of its Fashionistas line with 15 new and diverse Ken dolls, featuring three body types—slim, broad and original—and a variety of skin tones, eye colors, hairstyles and modern fashion looks. The new Ken dolls join an expanded Barbie Fashionistas line, making it the most diverse fashion doll line in the marketplace.

In 2016, Barbie introduced three new Barbie body types—tall, curvy and petite—along with new skin tones, eye colors, hairstyles and countless on-trend fashions and accessories. The Barbie brand has always reflected the times, so modernizing Ken is the next step in the brand’s evolution to offer more diverse products.

Dolls in the 2017 Mattel’s Barbie Fashionista Collection (Photo courtesy of Mattel)

“By continuing to expand our product line, we are redefining what a Barbie or Ken doll looks like to this generation,” said Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Barbie. “Evolving Ken was a natural evolution for the brand and allows girls to further personalize the role they want him to play in Barbie’s world.”

The line includes 15 new Ken dolls with three body types, seven skin tones, eight hair colors, nine hairstyles and modernized fashions, ranging from casual business attire to athletic wear. The brand is also introducing 25 additional diverse Barbie dolls. These dolls join the 100+ diverse looks launched in the Barbie Fashionistas line in the last three years.

The Barbie Fashionistas segment continues to exceed expectations, as sales of the line see high double-digit growth globally and was named “Doll of the Year” at the Toy Industry Association’s Annual T.O.T.Y. Awards. Diversity continues to roll out across brand content, marketing and product, including the Fantasy, Entertainment and Careers segments.

2017 Ken doll – broad body type (Photo courtesy of Mattel)

2017 Ken doll – slim body type (Photo courtesy of Mattel)

2017 Ken doll – original body type (Photo courtesy of Mattel)

DOGTV premieres ‘The Adoption Show’ showcasing adoptable rescue dogs

June 8, 2017

DOGTV's "The Adoption Show"

The following is a press release from DOGTV:

DOGTV, the world’s first and only television network created specifically for dogs, is airing a new show for human viewers, aiming to help dogs in need. The DOGTV “Adoption Show,” which will begin airing on Friday, June 9, is a 15 minute program featuring 10 adoptable dogs per episode from various rescue shelters across the United States, including information on how to adopt them. The show is hosted by actress Maggie Lawson, and features renowned dog trainer Victoria Stillwell, who provides tips on helping adopted dogs cope in their new home. DOGTV will be gifting those who do adopt dogs featured on the program with a DOGTV goodie bag and a special adoption kit with $600 worth of product for their new pup.

The first episode is already available for pre-viewing online at dogtv.com/adopt where viewers can also find information about all of the dogs featured on the “Adoption Show” and how to adopt them. An important component of DOGTV’s adoption initiative will be spreading the word via social media. Be sure to visit facebook.com/dogtv for adoption success stories, tips for adopting dogs and more.

“DOGTV subscribers are passionate about their own pets in addition to the wellbeing of all animals. Launching the ‘Adoption Show’ across our network will inspire this dedicated group to help dogs in need, whether they are adopting a dog themselves, or sharing information on adoptable dogs with their friends,” says Ron Levi, Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer, DOGTV. “We are looking forward to rewarding those who open their hearts and homes to a rescue dog from our show by offering special adoption kits to help make the transition smooth for both the pet and their owner.”

DOGTV has a history of partnering with rescue shelters, providing free DOGTV programming that is scientifically designed to combat dog boredom, separation anxiety, hyperactivity and more, and has been especially helpful with calming shelter dogs and increasing their adoptability. For the “Adoption Show,” DOGTV is partnering with several shelters including the San Francisco SPCA, Chicago Canine Rescue, Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, San Diego Humane Society and SPCA and more.

In addition to partnering with rescue shelters, DOGTV has also partnered with several dog-loving brands to support the “Adoption Show” and prep new pet parents who adopt dogs featured on the show with a great care package including a DOGTV goodie bag and the following items:

Find my Pet – A smart real time tracking collar for dogs
Thundershirt – A dog anxiety vest and calming solution, helping millions of dogs
Foscam R2 Indoor Home Camera – A camera that keeps an eye on your dog and allows you to talk to him right from your phone.
G.O.A.T. Smart Pet Speaker – A speaker that plays music for your dog and even takes selfies with him
I and Love and You – 6 bags of food and treats including Naked Essentials Kibble and treats, which are made with real meat and contain no grains, fillers or any artificial ingredients
Three Dog Bakery – All natural dog cookies, including a case of Classic Crèmes Carob with Natural Vanilla Flavor Filling
My Dog Nose it – Sun protection for your dog’s nose
The Secret Language of Dogs – The new book from popular dog trainer and “Adoption Show” regular Victoria Stilwell

DOGTV’s “Adoption Show” will air everywhere DOGTV is available including on Comcast’s Xfinity On Demand, DIRECTV, RCN, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV, Roku, iOS, Android and DOGTV’s Social Media Channels.

Link AKC partners with Kate Upton for ‘smart collar’ video series for dog owners

May 10, 2017

Kate Upton and her dog Harley for Link AKC — Kate Upton and her dog Harley (Photo courtesy of Link AKC)

The following is a press release from Link AKC:

Do you “speak dog”? If not, Link AKC, Kate Upton and her dog Harley can help! Link AKC, creators of the Link AKC smart collar for dogs, is launching a content series starring supermodel, actress and dog lover Kate Upton and her Boxer, Harley. The entertaining and informative six-part video series is part of a brand partnership between Link AKC and Kate Upton to support the national launch of the smart collar and educate consumers how this product can strengthen the bond between owner and dog. Fans will get an up close look at the special bond between Harley and “his human” and how the cutting-edge technology in the smart collar helps Kate play a more active role in managing Harley’s health and happiness. The first two videos are available to view starting today on www.linkakc.com/kateupton.

A self-described “dog mom,” Kate Upton is one of 60 million U.S. households that consider their dog a member of the family and are looking for ways to better understand their best friend. The Link AKC smart collar and app incorporates sophisticated smart home, wearable and mobile technologies in an easy-to-use product that provides valuable insights for dog owners to give them peace of mind that they are doing what is best for their dog.

“Everyone knows I am obsessed with Harley. And I’m pretty sure he feels the same about me! When we’re together, the LINK AKC smart collar allows me to record and share our hikes and other adventures,” said Kate Upton. “When Harley can’t be by my side, I can still feel connected to him through his smart collar, which tells me his location, environment and activity levels from anywhere, right on my phone.”

The Link AKC smart collar launched in September 2016 and began shipping to consumers in February 2017. CES recognized the smart collar as a 2017 “Best of Innovation” winner. With a range of valuable features and great user experience, the Link AKC smart collar is poised to lead a new category of luxury technology for a large and growing consumer demographic. The pet wearables market, alone, is expected to reach $2.4 billion by 2022.

The Link AKC smart collar is made of high quality, durable leather that is both fashionable and functional and is the only curved smart device designed to comfortably fit the natural shape of a dog’s neck. Collars are available in four different sizes to fit a wide range of dogs, from small to extra-large.

Dog owners will appreciate the many features that provide benefits for both the dog and owner, including:

GPS tracking and location: Gives dog owners peace of mind with the ability to track the dog’s location and receive alerts if the dog becomes loose.
Activity monitor: Provides insightful activity recommendations to help owners take a more informed role in managing their dogs’ wellness. Owners can monitor and track their dogs’ daily activity levels to help ensure their dogs are getting the right level of activity for the dog’s breed, age, and size.
Remote-controlled light: The only smart collar with a remote- controlled light to help an owner find their dog in the dark.
Temperature: Alerts to notify you if your dog may be in an environment that is too hot or cold.
Adventures: Record, save and share your special adventures together on social media.
Training: App controlled sound that can assist owners in training their dog.

Havaianas launches Mommy & Me flip flops by Jessica Alba and Jenna Dewan Tatum

May 3, 2017

Havaianas' Baby2Baby flip flops — Havaianas’ Baby2Baby flip flops (Photo courtesy of Havaianas)

The following is an excerpt from a Havianas press release:

Havaianas, the world renowned Brazilian sandal brand, and Baby2Baby, the nonprofit that provides low-income children ages 0-12 years with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves, come together to create an exclusive collection of Mommy & Me flip flops by Jessica Alba and Jenna Dewan Tatum.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, the collection will launch May 3, 2017, and include exclusive mother and daughter styles. Baby2Baby Board Member Jessica Alba and Baby2Baby Angel Jenna Dewan Tatum incorporated summer-inspired pins with fashion-forward colors to create a collection that embodies each of their personal styles.

The collection features two matching sets of flip flops, including the Women’s and Kids’ Slim Logo Pop Up in Mentha Green and Slim in Sand Grey/Light Golden. With each purchase, 100% of the proceeds will support Baby2Baby and prices range from $22 to $34 and are offered in Women’s 6-12 and Toddler 9-Youth 4. The collection will be available in select Havaianas stores and www..

2017 CatCon: talent lineup and ticket details announced

May 1, 2017

CatCon

The following is a press release from CatCon:

Tickets go on sale May 2 for CatCon, the only cat-centric, pop culture convention in the world. Tickets can be purchased at catconworldwide.com.

Both human and feline celebrities and influencers will be on hand for the event taking place at the Pasadena Convention Center, August 12 and 13, including Ian Somerhalder (“Vampire Diaries”), Mike Bridavsky and Lil BUB, Moshow the Cat Rapper, Cats of Instagram, Julie Newmar (“Batman’s” Catwoman), Pudge the Cat, Nala Cat, Kitten Lady, Aaron Benitez (‘Aaron’s Animals’), Jonathan Zurbel (‘Catstradamus’), Michael Nielsen (‘Monty Boy’), Oskar the Blind Cat, Simone Tipton (‘Doc’), White Coffee Cat, and Luna Rose. More to be announced.

Seminars for this year’s show include: They Put the Special in Special Needs, The Furrocious Fashion Face-Off, CatCon Video Festival presented by The Pet Collective, Kitten Lady Tells All presented by ASPCA, Men and Cats: a Love Story, and The CatCon Awards, presented by the Maker of Frontline Gold.

CatCon 2017 is presented by Rachael Ray Nutrish. Additional sponsors include: Frontline Gold for Cats, The Pet Collective, BuzzFeed, ASPCA, ModCloth, Blue Buffalo, VIP Petcare, World’s Best Cat Litter, Litter Robot, Sleepypod, and Petsafe.

CatCon 2017 Info:
Dates: Saturday, August 12th and Sunday, August 13th, 2017
Location: Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
Hours: Saturday, 9AM- 5PM; Sunday, 10AM – 5PM
Tickets: $30 per day for adults, $15 for children ages 5-12, under 5 free

August 1, 2018 UPDATE: On Sunday, August 13 at 3:00 PM, the 1^st Annual CatCon Awards, presented by the Maker of FRONTLINE® Gold will be held. Hosted by Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica” and “Lucifer”), winners will be honored in such categories such as Freshest Loaf and Biggest Newcomer. Plus, actor and animal activist Ian Somerhalder (“Vampire Diaries”) will present Kitty Lady Hannah Shaw with the Advocate of the Year Award.

Current list of talent includes: Ian Somerhalder (“Vampire Diaries”), Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galatica”), Gilles Marini (“Switched at Birth,” Sex and the City), Julie Newmar (Catwoman from “Batman”), Hannah Shaw (“Kitten Lady”), Addison Riecke (“The Beguiled”), Nickelodeon’s Lizzy Greene, model Tess Holliday, Lil Bub, Aaron Benitez, Prince Michael, and Phil (“Aaron’s Animals”), Moshow the Cat Rapper with Ravioli, Cats of Instagram, Pudge the Cat, Nala Cat along with siblings White Coffee and Luna, Oskar the Blind Cat and his dad Mick, Chris Poole (“Cole and Marmalade”), Jonathan Zurbel (“Catstradamus”), Michael Nielsen (“Monty Boy”), Scott Stulen (Internet Cat Video Fest), Angie Bailey, (‘Texts from Mittens’), Kate Benjamin (“Catification”), Rachel DeMita (TV host), Simone Tipton (“Doc”), Dr. Paul Koudounaris and more to be announced.