March Madness- Canine Style!

In the animal kingdom, they have their own version of "March Madness!"  :D

Here's a true story.  I don't watch sports.  I know very little about sports.  The first year my office did a March Madness pool, they wanted everyone to contribute $5 and guess who was going to win it.  I got talked into participating.  When I picked my teams, I didn't know the numbers next to the team names meant anything.  So I lost very quickly!

The next year, I still knew nothing about sports.  (Other than that number by the team name was their ranking.)  So this time, I made my selections mostly based on which team was ranked higher.  And when it was close, I guessed based on 1) if I had been to that city, 2) if I liked their team colors, and 3) what their team mascot was. (which animal I liked better.)

And guess what... that was the year I WON!!!  I won the whole office jackpot for March Madness.  Of course, everyone was mad because they knew I didn't even watch sports!!  And they knew how I had made my selections! (Because I had to ask what the team mascot and colors were!!)  LOL.  (They weren't really upset, it was all in good fun.)  They have no one to blame but themselves... they made me enter!  Because I won, they "encouraged" (made me) spend the jackpot by buying lunch for the whole office.  But it's all good.  ;)  We still joke about it... 

That's when I decided to stick to what I know best.  DOG TRICKS.  I decided to create my own Canine Basketball Team!  :)

We are friends with trick dogs from all over the world!  (Mainly because of Facebook and YouTube!)
So I wrote them and asked if they wanted to join our FIRST EVER Canine Basketball Team!  (Of course the answer was yes!)   

So here they are- meet the Canine All-Star Basketball Team:



This video showcases dogs from all over the USA, as well as Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and England!  And even better, all of these dogs were trained using positive reinforcement.  (Just like Jaz!)  I just love watching it.  It always makes me smile.  We are miles apart, but our love of dogs brings us together.

So, this is pretty much the only sports I like to watch!   Hope you enjoyed March Madness- Canine Style!

P.S.  Clips from this video were featured on Animal Planet last December!  (On a show called "A Year in Pup Culture".   :)

Traveling w/ Dogs

My friend was recently telling me about how her dog gets so nervous traveling in the car that it's literally a struggle to get him in.  (And he's a big dog.)  She asked me how I get Jasmine so comfortable.  Well, the answer to that is easy.  I'm pretty sure the only time my friend's dog gets to leave the house is to go to the vet.   Where as Jasmine has been riding in the car with me ever since she was a puppy.  She comes with me to visit my family, we go to agility class, we go to Petsmart, we go to the dog park.  Practically everywhere we go is a fun adventure.  (Plus lately, we've been traveling for auditions.)  So Jaz is a very seasoned traveler.  She just chills out anytime we're in the car. 

 This is from our most recent trip to LA for the call-backs.  Sometims she's watching out the window, but she was so tired from performing that she slept practically the whole ride home.

So I that's my opinion why Jaz loves road trips.  9 times out of 10 we end up somewhere fun.  (and then there's the slight chance we may end up at the vet or the groomer's.)  But for the most part it's fun stuff.  ;)

I've been noticing more and more Subaru's on the road lately.  (Their commercials are the ones with the cool dogs in it- like this one:)   http://bit.ly/WW7C2Y

They even designed an app on Facebook where you can make a driver's license for your dog!! 

http://subar.us/USzh6V

 Right now, I have a little car.  But it's almost 15 years old.  The poor car is about ready to retire.  So I have been looking around at different options.  As silly as this may sound to some of you, one of the factors I'm considering in my next car purchase is if it will hold all of Jasmine's stuff!!!  She has SO MANY props and things I smash into my car when ever we are performing.  That it would be nice to have something a little more roomy!

I found out Subaru's having a contest- thru Rafflecopter (to win a visa gift card)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
But you have to hurry- it ends tonight!

Just thought I'd share that!!  Good luck!  I'll be sure to keep you posted about Jasmine's next adventure!



By the way, this post is a sponsored by Subaru. We're compensated for helping spread the word about the "Dog Tested, Dog Approved" Campaign. I am very picky/ selective on who I choose to do sponsored posts for. So I only do it for companies that I agree with and/or support. (In the case of a dog product, I'll only do sponsored posts for products that I would use or give to Jasmine myself.) But in this case, it's a car. Jaz likes car rides. :) So I figured she'd approve of this one. ;)

Who Let The Dogs Out - 2013 TV appearance

                                                     
 On Fri. Feb. 8, 2013, Jasmine and I appeared on Season 2 of "Who Let The Dogs Out"!  :)

This was a REALLY fun episode for me to watch- because it brought back all my memories from my trip to BlogPaws!   Jasmine and I met up with our best friends Lauren and Paige in Salt Lake City.  And there we taught a class on "How To Make Your Dog A YouTube Rockstar."  (Basically teaching about YouTube.)  This was a pet social media convention, so we learned all kinds of things.

Jaz posing for the cameras.  

We spent a lot of time at the Natural Balance booth.  Taking pictures, talking with friends (that I met when Jaz was on the show last year.)

If you missed that- here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lztKNisz_IY

I got to interview our friends Karen (and her scooter riding dog Norman).  As well as Ron (and his famous skateboarding riding dog Tillman!)

They showed little clips of our interview on the show!





Here's the full episode in case you weren't able to watch it.  (It was on the Hallmark channel last Friday.)

A Doggy Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day!!  (From me and Jaz!)  :D

For me, Valentine's Day isn't about whether you have a significant other in your life.

For me, it's about showing and telling your friends and family that you love and care about them.  

For me, it still has the same youthful innocence of when I passed out kiddie valentines to all my classmates in elementary school.  I still do buy those kid valentines to give to my friends that live near me.

But this year, I decided to make one for all my online friends.  :)   So- here's a pic of Jaz- asking you to be her Valentine.  That's the great thing about dogs.  They just love everybody.  (at least Jaz does.)

I think there's a lesson to be learned here.  Share your love.  Be friendly to everyone- even total strangers.  You will make a difference in their day, and maybe their life.  :)

Happy Valentine's Day my friends.  :)

#Dogs are Family.

The fact that I consider dogs to be part of my family should not come as a surprise to anyone that knows me!!  

This is one of my most favorite pictures ever.  My two favorite things- kids and dogs.  :)

Jasmine's favorite sleeping position- upside down on my bed.  Sometimes Jaz talks in her sleep.  She makes little "woof" sounds- which sound more like "uff".  But every time I try to turn on my video camera to record it, she wakes up.  Maybe one of these days I'll capture it!

Sometimes Jasmine has "playdates" over at her cousin's house.  I don't have a big backyard, so I take Jaz over there to run around.  She loves it!  

Jasmine loves to go with me anywhere she can.  Somehow she knows the difference between going on a car ride around town, and when we're traveling somewhere big.  (Like when we went to LA for that audition, or if we're flying somewhere to be on TV.)  She normally gets excited when we go somewhere.  But she gets super excited when we're going on a trip.  (I think she knows the difference because I'm usually packing her props if we're going on a trip. (To use for her tricks.)   That's how she knows something's up!

Remember how I've been watching Subaru dog commercials lately?  To see if I can train Jasmine to do the tricks in them?  (to put on her resume?)   This one would be easy!    http://bit.ly/XBvlE5 

 I think it's fun that the people at Subaru are such dog lovers.  (and not necessarily cat lovers!)  LOL- check out this one...  http://bit.ly/14e4PrJ

They are making some fun apps on their Facebook page.  (Like making a driver's licence for your dog.)  I totally am going to make one of these for Jasmine!!   http://subar.us/USzh6V

Although- if Jaz DOES get a license... there will be no stopping her!!  She's already known on YouTube as the shopping dog!!!  LOL  





By the way, this post is a sponsored by Subaru.  We're compensated for helping spread the word about the "Dog Tested, Dog Approved" Campaign.  I am very picky/ selective on who I choose to do sponsored posts for.  So I only do it for companies that I agree with and/or support.  (In the case of a dog product, I'll only do sponsored posts for products that I would use or give to Jasmine myself.)  But in this case, it's a car.  Jaz likes car rides.  :)  So I figured she'd approve of this one.  ;)

Jaz is on TV Fri!! #WhoLetTheDogsOut

I'm so excited!

Jasmine is going to be on Season 2 of "Who Let The Dogs Out"!  :D  
(THIS Fri. Feb 8th- on the Hallmark channel!)

Jasmine and I were on this show last season too!  Last year, they had a trick talent contest, and we were flown out to Universal Studios, California to perform live for the finale!  

Here's the video if you missed it:



We actually came in 2nd place (even though they didn't show it on the finale.)  It was SO MUCH FUN!!  Jaz and I have been all over the country performing for different TV shows, but I can honestly say that our experience on "Who Let The Dogs Out" was the best of them all!  It was so fun, and everyone was so nice!!  We became friends with Karen (and Norman).  And Ron (and Tillman).  I don't get star-struck meeting celebrities.  But I do get star-struck meeting celebrity dogs!!  I didn't know how they would be.  But they are both SUPER SUPER nice people.  They just made it such a great experience!  We had a blast!

Then in June, Jasmine and I were speakers at the BlogPaws convention.  (Giving a presentation about "How To Make Your Dog A YouTube Rockstar!).   Natural Balance was there.  (Which means our friends Norman and Tillman were there!)  It was fun seeing them again!  We got to interview them, and Natural Balance recorded it.  And I found out they are going to use it on the show!

So be sure to watch "Who Let The Dogs Out" THIS FRIDAY, FEB 8th- and you can see the interviews and find out what BlogPaws is all about!   :D

Norman and Jasmine 

Tillman and Jasmine (the sun was in their eyes!)

Jasmine performing on the Season 1 finale of "Who Let The Dogs Out" 

Talking with John Fulton - the host of "Who Let The Dogs Out" and "Must Love Cats"

Jasmine and I after the show!  I was so proud of her!!

Call-backs for a commercial! :D

Wow- what a weekend! 

Last Friday, I got a phone call from a friend (who is a human talent agent) asking if she could submit Jasmine for a Green Giant audition in LA. I said- sure, why not?   Little did I know, later that evening, she would write me saying that Jasmine went straight to call-backs!  (Which means they want to see us in person.) She wanted to know if we wanted to go LA for the call-back, even though it was super last minute.

  

I debated if I should go for a while.  It's a long drive for such a slim chance.  But I still kinda wanted to do it anyway...  just even to take that chance.  (and to have the opportunity to have Jasmine perform in front of casting directors.)   So after consulting with friends and family, I figured why not.  :)   I have family that lives out in California, so I could stop in and see them briefly before going to the audition...

Um... Jasmine?  Where am I supposed to sit??

It was about a 7 hour drive to LA.

Jaz is wondering why I won't play with her?!?

  Maybe because it was past midnight by the time we got to the hotel!

  Jaz- the next morning... wondering why on earth we were getting up so early??

Jasmine looking out the hotel room- checking out LA.

 Our call-back time wasn't until 2:30 pm, so we had some time to kill.  I met up with some family members for lunch in downtown LA!  Then we took some pictures (which was good practice for our audition!)   Jaz was sure being a cutie.  :)

Jasmine can be a little TOO friendly!  I went inside the hotel restroom to wash my hands, and Jaz stuck her head until the stall door to say hi to someone!!  (I came back later to take this pic!) 

Jasmine - waiting for our turn to audition.  She was PERFECT!!!!  We sat in a small room with other people until it was our turn.  They try to get through all the auditions pretty quickly, so I knew we wouldn't have much set-up time.  When it was our turn, some people helped me get our props into the room.  There were about 8 people sitting on an L-shaped couch.  There was a coffee table with snack foods on it.  And there was a man behind a professional video camera. 

A guy named Adam was being a mock reporter, and "interviewed" us.  He said "I hear you have an unusual dog here."  I said, "Yes, this is Jasmine.  She's pretty talented."  Then I showed 4 of her tricks, and he made funny little commentaries about it. She pushed the shopping cart (which was on business-style carpet, so it wasn't super fast, but you got the idea.)  Then we did the mailbox trick. (Bringing me the mail.)  Adam quipped "So does she rip up the junk mail?"  Then the suitcase trick (opening, then hiding in the suitcase until I say okay.)  Adam quipped "I see you've found a way to save on baggage fees!"  Then finally we did the Basketball trick.  (Making a slam dunk with the basketball.)  Adam commented, "Looks like you should start your own NBA team!"  It was nice having him making the small talk, because then I could just focus on the tricks!

For every single trick, Jasmine was SPOT ON.  I was SO PROUD of her.  Sometimes she'll look at me, and the basketball will go to the side of the rim.  Or she'll fumble trying to open the lid of the suitcase.  Or she'll try to bring me the mail, but drop it before I grab it.  But not this time.  She did EVERY SINGLE TRICK PERFECT!!   I finished our routine, and said thank you, and was back out in the hall.  What a whirlwind.  But it was fun!  

It was nice having my family around to distract me before the audition.  And so I really didn't start getting nervous until about 2 hours before the audition.  I texted my friend Lauren (who has the trick dog Paige.)  She told me "Don't be nervous!  Be yourself!  You can do this!  Just do what you do best and remember... WE LIKE DOING THIS!!"   LOL

That was hilarious to me- because that's exactly what I had told her the week before when Lauren had told me that she was nervous about Paige performing on a talk show!  Now here she was telling me the exact same thing I told her.  LOL.  It was what I neeed to hear.  I wasn't too nervous after that.  I really do like performing with Jasmine.  (Jasmine LOVES doing tricks.)  It's me who has to remember not to get nervous.  (Especially for auditions and live TV appearances.)  I love doing commercials and TV spots, because you can always redo anything that doesn't go perfect.  (and in fact, sometimes you redo shots that seem like they were perfect!)  So that's more my comfort zone!!   

After the audition, we headed straight for home.  Jaz was one tired baby on the drive home.  She just slept in my arms almost the whole way...  So we left on Sunday, and came back on Monday.  Yikes.  Crazy whirlwind trip.

But all in all, it couldn't have gone any better.  If they don't end up picking Jaz, that's okay.  It was a good experience overall.  And like I said, Jaz did everything perfect.  So they'll either want to use her or they won't.   But I won't have any regrets.  She was awesome.  :)

Meet Jasmine! (in the 202 Magazine!)

This month (Feb) Jasmine has an article in the 202 magazine!   I scanned it, so hopefully you'll be able to read the words if you click on the picture!

They asked me what Jasmine's best trick was.  (How do you pick?)

What her favorite local hang-out was.  (Going with me to get take-out at Joe's BBQ)

What her favorite food was.  (Natural Balance)

And then, they wanted to know about her life.  

So I told them about everything we've been up to in the last year!  

2012 was quite the busy year for us!   

We traveled to both sides of the country, and made quite a few TV appearances!  

(The big ones being:  Who Let The Dogs Out, Good Morning America, 

and Anderson Cooper!)   

Then I talked a little bit about our work as a volunteer therapy dog.   

It was definitely a busy fun-filled year, and I can't wait to see what the future holds in 2013!  :)

PUPPY BOWL APP! :D

This time of year seems to divide the Sports fans... from the Animal fans!

There's the SuperBowl... and there's the Puppy Bowl.  And individuals have to choose for themselves which is going to get their attention this year!

For me, dogs always win.  I'm not a huge sports fan.  (Although I did watch part of the SuperBowl last year- because they aired one of Jasmine's videos during half-time!! (here in AZ).  (She was the Channel 12 - "12 Seconds of Fame" winner!  (click here if you want to see it.)

But other than that, I never watch the SuperBowl.  If you haven't heard of the Puppy Bowl, it's on Animal Planet at 3 pm EST.  (on 2/3/13)  It's cute.  Animal fans love it.

This year, Subaru came up with an app that you can download!  (As you watch i the Puppy Bowl live on TV, the app brings up additional content (like facts/ photos/ trivia/ polls/ discussions, etc.)   It will be syncing up with live TV. (Did I even spell that right??)  Syncing?   It basically works in unison with the broadcast (the sounds on the show trigger activity on the app.)  Pretty cool, huh?  (I borrowed this picture from the Animal Planet's website)

http://blogp.ws/Wxa8ia

It looks like a fun way to make the Puppy Bowl more interactive.  (a way to engage with other animal lovers.)  I went to go download it, but then I found out it's only available this Sunday, Feb. 3rd.
  
So... here's the link for future reference!  http://blogp.ws/Wxa8ia  

As most of you know, Jasmine has an agent, and we're always trying to get her in more commericals/movies, etc...  (In fact we just had a call-back in LA last weekend which I'll be blogging about later!)   Anyway- I like watching commercials with animals in them, so I can figure out which behaviors/tricks they ask of the dogs.  (So I can make sure Jasmine has those on her resume!)

Here's a Subaru teaser that has some pretty easy dog behaviors:    http://bit.ly/14i6dbE   Jaz can do those tricks (heel/speak), but I think it  looks better with a bigger dog.  (Dogs are type cast!!)   She could totally do that cat part though...  I've already started teaching her how to drive!  ;)  LOL- just kidding.  (Unless she takes the car without my knowledge!!)

Here's another video:  http://bit.ly/XBvlE5  That one's easy.  Have Jaz hide behind the seat, then paws up.   Jaz could have done that one. :)  (and they used a small, fluffy dog for it!)  That's the kind of parts Jasmine usually gets.

So... that's what I do in my spare time.  Watch commercials/movies with dogs in them, and try to analyze which behaviors are used!!  ;)  (and then train Jaz to do them!)

I thought this was a cute pic:   Look at that CUTE doggy smile.  :)  :)   Just makes me happy.   This is one of the dogs that was in last year's Subaru commercial.

Have fun watching the PUPPY BOWL!!  (I'm just assuming you'll be watching the puppy bowl... most the people who follow Jasmine's blogs are obviously dog lovers.)   ;)






By the way, this post is a sponsored by Subaru.  We're compensated for helping spread the word about the "Dog Tested, Dog Approved" Campaign.  I am very picky/ selective on who I choose to do sponsored posts for.  So I only do it for companies that I agree with/ support.  (In the case of a dog product, I'll only do sponsored posts for products that I would use or give to Jasmine myself.)  But in this case, it's a car.  Jaz likes car rides.  :)  So I figured she'd approve of this one.  ;)