Carolina Mountain Dog

A Holiday Gift for You!

Carolina Mountain Dog would like to thank all of our loyal readers with a free gift this holiday season. 

We've put together "The Best of Carolina Mountain Dog," a compilation of more than 100 blog posts with all links included. This publication is packed with information from more than two years of Carolina Mountain Dog, the most popular dog blog in the Carolina mountains, all in one convenient eBook.

To get your free copy, simply go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/110357 and download the eBook in the format of your choice. Tell your friends about "The Best of Carolina Mountain Dog" too. Enjoy it with our compliments and best wishes for Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year!

New! Dog Lovers Bookstore

Just in time for holiday shopping, Carolina Mountain Dog is pleased to announce our new Dog Lovers Bookstore!

We've selected some fine books especially for dog lovers and made them available in one convenient place. Just click on any title in the store and get more information about the book, or you can purchase it online at a great price, thanks to our association with Barnes & Noble.

Take a look right here and see what's in store for you. You'll also find a link to the bookstore in the navigation at the top of this page.

Win a Free Copy of the Asheville Doggie Guide!

Carolina Mountain Dog is celebrating its second year anniversary -- two years of publishing what to do, where to go, and information for dog lovers who live in or near the Carolina mountains. Not only that, August 26 is National Dog Day!

In honor of our birthday and National Dog Day, we're running a contest and it's easy to win. Simply tell us 3 things you would like to see us cover in the next year. What do you need to know? Where do you want to go? What information would you like to see?

Just submit 3 things you would like to see covered in Carolina Mountain Dog. Submit your entry using the Comments link below this blog post.

One winner will be chosen on the basis of originality. The winner will get a free printed copy of the second edition of the Asheville Doggie Guide. The guide has hundreds of listings for everything for dogs in Buncombe and Henderson Counties, plus a "best of Carolina Mountain Dog" section. It's a $15 value, yours free if you win!

Contest closes Sunday, September 4, so submit your 3 ideas today!

Blackout the Dog Featured in New Thriller, "Water's Edge"

Of course you love dogs -- but if you also love a good story with a dog as the hero, Water's Edge is a new book you might enjoy. An extra bonus: It takes place in Asheville.

Water's Edge features Blackout, a 3-year old female black mixed breed dog -- some lab, some shepherd, and who knows what else. She's jet black with a few white highlights. She was adopted from a shelter by David Samuels, an environmental consultant from Boston, who named her Blackout after a blackout that occurred around the time he adopted her.

David taught Blackout to sniff out chemicals and other substances. She became so good at it that David began to use Blackout as his "secret weapon" in helping to uncover pollutants and even track them to their source. As a result, Blackout became something of a local celebrity.

David has relocated to Asheville to retire, but he gets a strange call from his former employer. Apparently, someone is polluting the French Broad River with benzene. Knowing that Blackout's special skill could help, David reluctantly agrees to get involved.

David and Blackout get caught up in a chain of events that’s more sinister than anyone can imagine. In fact, river pollution is just the beginning of this wild ride. Ultimately, Blackout plays a key role in uncovering the plot -- and David finds out that “retirement” is more than he bargained for!

Water’s Edge is an environmental thriller with plenty of twists and turns. This novel marks the beginning of a new series with two unlikely heroes, Blackout the dog and his baby boomer owner.

Water's Edge is available as an eBook for just $2.99. Get a free sample at the Amazon Kindle store, on the iPad and nook, or at Smashwords.com . You can also follow Blackout the dog's blog.

Recommended Reading: "Strays" - Book Signing June 11

Strays, a novel by Western North Carolina author Jeanne Webster, will be available in June from Personhood Press, at online booksellers, and in bookstores. Jeanne will be signing her book at Accent on Books, 854 Merrimon Ave., Asheville on Saturday, June 11 from 2 to 4 PM. A portion of book sales will be donated to Animal Compassion Network, who will be bringing some of their adoptable dogs to the event.

Strays is the compelling story of a spiritual journey taken by Jane Morgan, a young woman in search of life's answers. Jane connects with nature in a unique and unusual manner. Along the way, Jane meets a stray dog, Max, who becomes not only her companion but her spiritual guide. Max is an endearing character you can't help but love.

This fanciful tale is beautifully written in flowing, evocative language. The author does a masterful job of weaving in age-old stories of the mountains and the Cherokee Indians, which adds to the mystical flavor of Strays. If you suspend your rational mind and let your imagination go, you will be enthralled with this story. So many of us have "strayed" in our lives from the things that have true meaning. This is a book that just might lift your spirits.

Karen Allanach, Associate Director, Animals and Religion for the Humane Society of the United States, says: "In Strays, Webster sagely guides us on a revealing journey about the importance of animals and the environment to our whole existence -- physical and spiritual. The scruffy canine, Max, is sure to win hearts of readers in this inspiring story."

To learn more about the book and to read free excerpts, visit: www.straysthebook.com . And be sure to meet the author on June 11 at Accent on Books in Asheville.

New! Asheville Doggie Guide in Kindle Format

The Second Edition of the Asheville Doggie Guide is now available as an eBook for Kindle for only $5.99. Kindle eBooks can also be viewed on an iPad or iPhone using the free Kindle app available in the Apple App Store.

The Asheville Doggie Guide, published by Carolina Mountain Dog in assocation with the Asheville Humane Society, is chock full of useful information for WNC dog lovers. Covering Buncombe and Henderson Counties, the guide is the most comprehensive up-to-date listing available of pet-friendly accommodations, adoption organizations, dog bakeries and boutiques, boarding facilities, dog-friendly campgrounds, doggie daycare, dog parks, emergency services, groomers, dog sitters, dog therapy, hiking trails, pet stores, veterinarians -- hundreds of listings with names, locations, phone numbers and website addresses.

The 160-page Asheville Doggie Guide includes a bonus section of material that represents the best of Carolina Mountain Dog. You'll find pages and pages of information reprinted from this blogazine listing favorite Canine Cruisin' locales, Pooch Paths and lots more.

Get the Kindle version of the Guide for just $5.99 here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SHJEH6
Purchase the regular eBook edition (file download) or printed version here: www.ashevilledoggieguide.com.

Gift Idea for Dog Lovers: Asheville Doggie Guide

Here's a great holiday gift for anyone who owns a dog in the greater Asheville area (including yourself): A copy of the all new Asheville Doggie Guide!

This guide is your complete resource for dogs in Buncombe and Henderson Counties. It features hundreds of listings for accommodations, adoptions, bakeries, boutiques, boarding, daycare, dog parks, grooming, sitters, therapy, trails, training, vets and more! As a bonus, the guide contains over 50 pages of material from the past year of Carolina Mountain Dog. It's like getting a library of the best information from this blog!

The guide is available exclusively from Asheville Humane Society, and a portion of the sale of every guide supports the care of homeless animals of Buncombe County.

To get your hands on a copy of the Asheville Doggie Guide for just $10.95, get on over to the Asheville Humane Society's Adopt 'n Shop store at the new Adoption & Education Center, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville. It's open Tuesday through Saturday, 12 - 6 PM and conveniently located near the WNC Farmers Market, at the intersection of Brevard Road (Route 191) and Pond Road, right behind Deal Motor Cars.

The guide is also available online in print and as an e-book at: www.ashevilledoggieguide.com .

Discount and Free Shipping on the Asheville Doggie Guide!

Know where the dog parks are in Asheville? Is there anyone who can scoop the poop in your yard? Do any vets offer alternative medicine? Where are the best places to hike with your dog in the Asheville/Hendersonville area? Where is there a campground that actually caters to dogs? 

You'll get the answers to these questions in the new 2010 Edition of the Asheville Doggie Guide -- everything for dogs in the Asheville, Hendersonville, and Black Mountain, NC area!

This handy pocket-size guide includes adoption organizations, animal services, dog bakeries and boutiques, boarding facilities, dog-friendly campgrounds, doggie daycare, dog parks, grooming services, dog photographers, poop pick-up services, dog therapy, hiking trails, dog training, sitters, vets, and more, plus adoption information, safety tips, and pet rules and regulations for Buncombe and Henderson Counties. It has hundreds of listings -- names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and websites -- saving hours and hours of research time! You will refer to it often. There is no other resource available like the Asheville Doggie Guide.

Pick up your copy today at Three Dog Bakery, 21 Battery Park in Asheville (a block away from the Grove Arcade). Or order the guide online via this special offer:

The publisher's list price for the Asheville Doggie Guide is $19.95, but you can get your copy of the guide for $13.95, a savings of $6! You'll get a $6 rebate when you purchase the Asheville Doggie Guide directly from the publisher! Learn about this special offer here. 
Added bonus: Enter the code FREEMAIL305 when you order online and get free shipping through May 1!

Everything for Dogs in Asheville and Hendersonville

Know where the dog parks are in Asheville? Is there anyone who can scoop the poop in your yard? Do any vets offer alternative medicine? Where are the best places to hike with your dog in the Asheville/Hendersonville area? Where is there a campground that actually caters to dogs? 

You'll get the answers to these questions in the new 2010 Edition of the Asheville Doggie Guide -- everything for dogs in the Asheville, Hendersonville, and Black Mountain, NC area!

This handy pocket-size guide includes adoption organizations, animal services, dog bakeries and boutiques, boarding facilities, dog-friendly campgrounds, doggie daycare, dog parks, grooming services, dog photographers, poop pick-up services, dog therapy, hiking trails, dog training, sitters, vets, and more, plus adoption information, safety tips, and pet rules and regulations for Buncombe and Henderson Counties. It has hundreds of listings -- names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and websites -- saving hours and hours of research time! You will refer to it often. There is no other resource available like the Asheville Doggie Guide.

Pick up your copy today at Three Dog Bakery, 21 Battery Park in Asheville (a block away from the Grove Arcade). Or order the guide online via this special offer:

The publisher's list price for the Asheville Doggie Guide is $19.95, but you can get your copy of the guide for $13.95, a savings of $6! You'll get a $6 rebate when you purchase the Asheville Doggie Guide directly from the publisher! Learn about this special offer here.

Celebrating Senior Dogs

 We own two wonderful dogs who are considered seniors, and we're not alone. In the U.S., about 40 percent of households with dogs have at least one that is considered a senior, aged seven or older. Senior dogs make great pets -- they tend to be laid back, know and accept the routine, and always provide unconditional love.

If you have a senior dog, you'll be interested in a new website called SeniorDogs.com. You'll find articles and resources for senior dog owners all in one place, covering medications, health insurance, nutrition, financial assistance and more. The site provides a full spectrum of pertinent information, as well as message boards where owners can find support and guidance from others who are experiencing the same challenges and joys of caring for an older dog.

To receive a free e-book entitled "A Guide to Caring for Your Aging Companion," simply send an email to: info@seniordogs.com and put in the subject line: FREE E-BOOK.

Recommended Reading: The Secret Lives of Dogs

 Ever wonder why your dog dislikes having his feet touched? Or why he lifts his leg to urinate? Or why he might eat grass... drink from the toilet... or be afraid of climbing stairs? These and other mysterious canine behaviors are explored in the fascinating book, The Secret Lives of Dogs. Jana Murphy, a former editor of Pet Life magazine, tells you why dogs do these things and more -- she covers fifty-two behaviors in all.

You'll learn all about a dog's natural instincts, breed-specific features, and ways to modify your dog's behavior. Enhanced with beautiful full-color photography and case studies, The Secret Lives of Dogs is highly recommended. Buy The Secret Lives of Dogs online at a special price.

Recommended Reading: "What I Learned from the Dog"

  It's often the books about dogs written by ordinary people that have the most impact. "What I Learned from the Dog: 101 Stories about Life, Love, and Lessons" is one of those books. It is part of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. While it seems there's a "Chicken Soup" book for just about every type of person, this one is a winner for dog lovers. Why? Because it pays off on the promise of providing 101 delectable slices of life, written by everyday dog owners. These little gems are divided into such categories as Learning to Have Courage, Learning to Listen, Learning to Overcome Adversity, Learning to Put Things into Perspective, Learning to Heal, Learning about Unconditional Love, and Learning to Say Good-bye.

This recently published volume will make a great gift for anyone who loves dogs. "What I Learned from the Dog" is availabe from Barnes & Noble at a special limited time price through this link.

New! 2010 Edition - Asheville Doggie Guide

Know where the dog parks are in Asheville? Is there anyone who can scoop the poop in your yard? Do any vets offer alternative medicine? How about a campground that actually caters to dogs? 

Find it all in the new 2010 Edition of the Asheville Doggie Guide -- everything for dogs in the Asheville, Hendersonville, and Black Mountain, NC area!

This handy pocket-size guide includes adoption organizations, animal services, dog bakeries and boutiques, boarding facilities, dog-friendly campgrounds, doggie daycare, dog parks, grooming services, dog photographers, poop pick-up services, dog therapy, hiking trails that are good for dogs, training, vets, and more, plus adoption information, safety tips, and pet rules and regulations for Buncombe and Henderson Counties. It has hundreds of listings -- names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and websites -- saving hours and hours of research time! You will refer to it often. There is no other resource available like the Asheville Doggie Guide.

Special Offer for Readers of Carolina Mountain Dog!

The publisher's list price for the Asheville Doggie Guide is $19.95, but you can get your copy of the guide for $13.95, a savings of $6! You'll get a $6 rebate when you purchase the Asheville Doggie Guide directly from the publisher! 
Learn about this special offer here.

Recommended Reading: Inside of a Dog

Have you noticed that more and more books about dogs are on the shelves of bookstores and libraries these days? Both non-fiction books about dogs, and fiction books with dogs as characters, are fetching a lot of interest. One recently published book that's creating buzz goes where no human has gone before (kind of): "Inside of a Dog." Author Alexandra Horowitz takes a novel approach -- she tries to understand, and make us understand, the world from a dog's perspective.

Dog lovers already know, of course, that dogs are driven by their acute sense of smell. Horowitz points out that humans have about 6 million receptor cells in their noses, while a beagle has more than 300 million. She explains what that means in terms of a dog's life -- how a particular odor conveys a message to a dog. More than that, Horowitz says, a dog's sense of smell is the means by which he categorizes and identifies things. Sniffing another dog's urine, in fact, provides a lot of information about the other animal -- "who the urinator is, how often he walks by this spot, his recent victories, and his interest in mating," says Horowitz. Dogs view objects differently too. While we know what a chair is, for example, Horowitz says a dog may see it as just an obstacle that stands in the way of a path to their food bowl in the kitchen.

Unlike their wolf ancestors, the author writes, dogs like making eye contact with humans: "...dogs seem to be predisposed to inspect our faces for information, for reassurance, for guidance."

All in all, going "Inside of a Dog" is fascinating stuff. You can read Chapter One, courtesy of The New York Times, by clicking here. If you'd like to purchase the book online, click Inside of a Dog book now.

Best Hikes with Dogs in NC

Recommended Reading! Best Hikes with Dogs North Carolina by Karen Chavez is a great resource, both for its basic information about hiking, as well as its extensive details about trails. You'll find essentials about canine trail etiquette, permits and regulations, a doggy first aid kit, and more. The book is loaded with Western North Carolina trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway and beyond. For each trail, Chavez provides length, hiking time, best time to hike, difficulty, and lots of other details, including elevations and maps. You'll find yourself referring to this book often, so buy it today! Buy now.

Got Fleas? Get Book.

Oh those pesky fleas. Sooner or later, your dog will get them, unless you follow a flea prevention and control regimen. But you may be hesitant to use the standard treatments available because they are expensive and, in many cases, toxic. That's why you may be more comfortable with methods and substances that are natural, safe, and won't cost you a fortune. This eBook may be the answer to your flea-fighting dreams. Find out more about it at www.fleacontrolbook.com.

Everything for Dogs in Asheville

Asheville is dog-friendly, sure... but how do you find everything for dogs in Asheville? The handy "Asheville Dog-eGuide" is an e-book that lists accommodations, adoption organizations, animal services, bakeries, boutiques, boarding facilities, campgrounds, daycare, emergency care, groomers, dog parks, dog photographers, dog sitters, stores, dog therapists, trails, trainers, vets, and even poop-scooping services! It's 58 pages of must-have information that would take hours to compile on your own. If you're an Asheville dog owner, or you're planning a trip to Asheville with your dog, this guide's for you. As an added bonus, it also includes listings for Black Mountain and Hendersonville. To learn more about the Asheville Dog-eGuide, visit www.ashevilledog-eguide.com.