Before, during and after walks and outdoor exercise:

• Coats and booties can help your dog stay warm. In particular, short-haired or elderly dogs benefit from wearing a coat or sweater. Look for coats or sweaters with high collars or a turtleneck that covers the dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath.
• Be mindful of a dogs age or condition. Sick or older dogs are more sensitive to cold weather. For any dog sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, paper train your puppy inside if he appears to be sensitive to the weather.
• Clip the fur between toe pads to reduce the amount of snow that collects between toes.
• During deep snows, shovel out a potty spot for your dog.
• Upon returning home, wipe snow and ice off your dog's feet, legs and belly. Little ice cubes can form in the sensitive spaces between the toes and toe-pads. Remove the ice carefully with your fingers since it may cling to the hairs between the paws.

Congratulations to our December Pick of the Litter: Ruby Bell! This 9-month old Great Dane gets the attention of everyone at The Barkley! She's energetic, loving and, well... huge! Her and Great Dane sister, Stella, love romping around The Barkley daycamp with their friends!

Please congratulate Ruby and her family for being awarded The Barkley's December 2011 Pick of the Litter!

Want us to feature your best friend? Fill out an entry form at The Barkley today to enter! If your pet is selected he/she will receive a Barkley gift!

As you and your loved ones gather for holiday parties, keep in mind that your pets may also have their hearts set on enjoying the holiday cheer! Here are some of Barkley's favorite secrets to keeping your pets healthy and happy during the festivities.

• Keep food and wrappers out of reach. Agile and clever pets have been known to take food and anything that smells tempting from the counters, floors, trash cans and dinner tables.
• Resist offering leftovers. Rich and fatty foods like gravy, dressing and pie can cause stomach upset, loose stools, and in some cases, serious health problems.
• Keep decorations out of reach. Climbing cats and dogs with wagging tails can knock over candles and other decorations. Some pets may also chew on decorations that look or sound like toys.
• Plan ahead. Have pet appropriate treats on hand for your four-legged friends. If needed, reduce the amount of the pet's regular meal to accommodate the treats. You may even consider cooking a special treat for your pet, which your guests might enjoy, as well!
• Set up a quiet zone. It's easy to get stressed around extra people, smells and the holiday chaos. Reserve a special place where your pet can relax. A special toy may also help your pet burn off some stress and enjoy the festivities safely.

You've spent hours researching your vet's credentials, from schools and training to his "bolster" bed-side manner. And now that you have a trusted provider, you rest easy at night, knowing that if something were to happen, your furry friend would be in good hands.

But how much research did you put into selecting an overnight or daycare provider? On average, your pet visits the vet twice a year while pets visiting The Barkley stay for an average of 5.3 days at a time!

Rest assured, your pets are in good hands when staying or playing at The Barkley! Our staff consists of responsible, devoted and detail-oriented animal care professionals - each trained to offer unparalleled customer service and animal care expertise. As reputable caretakers, we conduct business according to the highest professional and business standards.

The Barkley invests in ongoing training and development opportunities in an effort to provide the most knowledgeable, ethical pet care available. Our low ratio of pet guests to staff members promises proper attention to your best friend.

Ever wonder what your pet is thinking while being pampered and primped at The Barkley salon? In order to help owners understand how their pets do while in our grooming environment, we have developed grooming report cards.

Wondering what services are right for your pet? Click here to read about The Barkley salon offerings.

Now on sale in The Barkley lobby: Morton Safe-T-Pet Ice Melt!

• Developed with veterinarians to be safer for pets, people, plants and surfaces
• Formulated without salt or other chlorides that can irritate pets paws and stomachs
• Non-toxic and non-irritating
• Provides visibility during use with colored pellets
• Melts ice and snow below 15°F

One 8-oz. bottle sells for just $14.99. Stop by The Barkley and pick up your winter supply, today!