Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the Holiday with family and friends.

At Dogtopia we are all very thankful for our wonderful customers who have enabled us to continue to grow. All five of our open locations are bustling this Holiday with happy dogs! Dogtopia hit a new milestone this month with our 20^th franchise sale - with our two corporate-owned stores that brings us to 22 strong! Keep on the look-out for new Dogtopias across the country as we are now in nine states!

Dogtopia 2.0 is in the works, so if you get a chance check out my new blog. Be sure to check for new website upgrades in the coming months including online registration and ³live² help via instant messaging.

Have a wonderful and safe Holiday!

Warmest Regards,

Founder and CEO

A big thank you goes out to everyone who participated in this yearıs Halloween contest. We received some great entries and had well over 1,000 votes! We were happy to hand the responsibility over as the decision wouldıve been far too hard for us.

Once all votes were tallied Frank B., dressed as Yoda, was able to cash in on the seemingly endless popularity of Star Wars. Frank will receive a $50 gift certificate redeemable at any Dogtopia location.

Not to be forgotten, Miss Bree A. received the ³Prettiest Pup² award for her take on a Cute Cowgirl and Barry K. wins ³Most Original² for his Mary Kate Olsen (not to be confused with Ashley) impression. They will both receive certificates for complimentary baths and nail trims.

Congratulations to everyone!

by Glenda Cohen, Bark Buster Dog Behavioral Therapist and Trainer

The safety of our children around dogs is of paramount importance. Too often we hear stories in the news about dogs attacking children, adults, or other dogs. Would your child know what to do if they found themselves in a situation where they felt threatened by a dog? You can take steps to ensure your child's safety by reviewing the following tips, as well as discussing them with your child.

Rules For Children

1. Never pet a strange dog without permission, even if the owner is present.
2. Stay away from a dog when it is eating or sleeping.
3. Stop your bike if chased while riding.
4. Never retrieve a ball from someone else's yard.
5. Give space to a dog that has puppies.
6. If a dog is restrained on a leash or tied up, stay away.
7. Never pull a dogıs tail or ears.
8. Never tease a dog or make him angry.
9. Stand totally still if a dog runs at you barking. Cover your face with your hands.
10. If knocked down by a dog, roll into a ball, cover your face with your arms, and be as still as you possibly can. Do not try to get up.

This information is brought to you by Bark Busters Home Dog Training--the world's largest and most trusted dog training company. More dog training tips can be obtained by contacting your local behavioral therapist, by calling toll free 1-877-500-BARK or by visiting www.barkbusters.com.

Your coat is always so soft and shiny, Happy. Just how do you do it?

Benson - Clarksville, MD

A dogıs coat is not only important for the ³pleasing to the eye factor², but it also serves as insulation; helping us keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. My coat holds essential oils that keep my skin from drying out and serves as protection against scrapes and scratches.

Because of all these reasons my mom enlists a few simple steps to keep me looking and feeling my best!

• She brushes me frequently using a brush with soft bristles and follows it up by using a flea comb. She uses only light pressure and strokes with the grain of my coat. This keeps any shedding hair from getting all over the house and stops matting before it happens.
• I have a short coat, but if your dog has a longer, thicker coat mats and knots can be a problem. Loosen the hair gently. Never pull. No one likes to have their hair pulled.
• She always checks my skin for irritations, fleas and ticks or dryness while she brushes.
• Most skin issues are caused by excessive bathing and a lack of certain nutrients in your dogıs diet. My mom bathes me only when I need it and if I do seem dry she uses a moisturizing or oatmeal shampoo. Some dogıs coats react very favorably to adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to their food, but always consult your veterinary before any dietary changes.

By following a simple grooming regiment at home your dogıs coat will stay healthy, shiny and clean. Itıs a great time for bonding, too! Iım never happier than when Iım sitting in my momıs lap, having my coat brushed and my ears rubbed!

Once again we are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer peace of mind to all our clients during the holiday season by servicing your boarding needs. This year we are very excited to have a total of 5 locations!

This is a polite reminder that reservations do fill-up quickly. Please confirm your stay with your Dogtopia as soon as is convenient and we look forward to having your dog with us!

Send your friend to Dogtopia®. Once their dog attends a day of daycare or boarding, you'll receive a $25.00 gift certificate!

• No more funny Halloween costumes for an entire year!
• Shopping for extra special holiday goodies at local boutiques
• Impressing visiting friends and family with all the new tricks I learned this year
• Receiving treats for all those new tricks!
• Stays at Dogtopia with all my friends! (Look Mom... Iım on the webcam!!)

Gigi is a 3 year old buff cocker currently spending her days playing at Dogtopia of White Flint. As much as she loves playing with us she looks forward to finding a new home. She can be shy at first, but warms up quickly and once youıre ³in² sheıll be your pal for life! She will probably do best in a home with another dog she can be best friends with.

For more information visit Oldies But Goodies or send them an email inquiry.

Dogtopia of White Flint, MD has partnered with Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel rescue to foster dogs that otherwise would be kenneled for most of the day. At Dogtopia they are free to socialize, play and run around to their heartıs content as they await adoption. Contact your local Dogtopia to learn what rescue organization they are involved with.

Ingredients
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons dry yeast
• 1⁄4 cup lukewarm water
• 1 egg
• 3⁄4 cup chicken broth
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup cracked wheat

Directions

Preheat oven to 325° F (165° C).

Dissolve yeast in water, in a large bowl. Add egg, broth, and honey. Gradually blend in the flour and cracked wheat. Add enough wheat flour to stiffen the dough.

Knead on a floured surface until smooth. Shape the dough into a ball and roll to 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out biscuits. Place on ungreased baking sheets, spacing about 1/4-inch apart. You can gather up the scraps to roll out again and make additional biscuits.

Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool overnight. Recipe will make several dozen biscuits that freeze well.

Viszla

Country of Origin: Hungary
Group: Sporting Group
Life Span: 11-14 yrs
Color: Viszlas has a beautiful solid, golden rust color that comes in a variety of shadings. Some also have a bit of white on the chest or toes.
Coat: Short, smooth and dense.
Grooming: Very low maintenance. The short coat sheds moderately and only requires brushing with a firm bristle brush and bathing as needed. They lack an undercoat and therefore are hypoallergenic.
Height/Weight: 22 to 24 inches; 45 to 65 pounds.
Trainability: High. They are natural hunters and take to training quickly.
Activity Level: High
Best Home:
Viszlas thrive on attention, exercise, and interaction. They are highly intelligent and enjoy being challenged and stimulated, both mentally and physically. They make excellent family companions.
Interesting Facts: Viszlas are often called ³Velcro dogs² because of their loyalty and affection. The American children's cartoon character, Clifford the Big Red Dog, is a giant Viszla.
More Information: AKC Breed Profile

If you have any comments, please contact us at feedback@dogdaycare.com.

Dogtopia®™ 4920 Wyaconda Road North Bethesda, MD 20852 Phone: 240-514-0210 Fax: 240-514-0214

© 2007 Dogtopia®™