Happy

Take Your Dog to Work Day!

Which bag of treats would you select
for your dog?

 

Packaging can have a huge impact on a potential customer’s perception of the product; using the right type of packaging can help increase sales!

Whether for treats from a dog biscuit bakery, a fund raiser for a rescue group, or pet-theme products at a craft show, Cello Bags are our most popular packaging product!  (Cello is pronounced “sell-o” like cellophane…not “chell-o” like the musical instrument.)

The two most basic aspects of packaging are:
1) Protection: to protect the product (e.g., from moisture and dirt)
2) Containment: to hold multiples of the same product (e.g., a dozen dog biscuits).

But our cello treat bags don’t stop there…they provide many more benefits! How does your packaging stack up against our list below?

Food Safe: our cello bags meet FDA requirements for direct food contact.

Shelf Appeal: eye-catching packaging makes the product stand out and alerts the customer that a pet-theme product is inside the package.

Transparency: products are visible through the packaging (which isn’t possible with cardboard or paper containers).

Reclosable: cello bags can be reclosed after opening (which isn't possible with shrink wrap).
[See Accessories (below) for products to close the cello bags.]

Versatile: cello bags can be used to hold a variety of products/items...from dog treats, to goodie bags with party favors for childrens' birthday parties, to other types of products.  (For example, we use these bags to package the handmade dog-shaped cookie cutters sold on our website.)

Dogs AND Cats Welcome: in addition to the "dog and bones" pattern cello bags (photo at beginning of this blog post), we also offer the black paw prints pattern which is appropriate for both dogs and cats!

Seasonal Selection: the red and green paw print cello bags are a great choice for the “howl-iday” season.

Accessories: the black paw print ribbon and the gold seal with black paw print  wrap things up with a fun touch!

Packaging speaks to your customers about the product inside. What is your packaging saying?

SPECIAL OFFER!  Free shipping within the US on any $25 (or more) order of packaging products at Cloudk9.com
Just enter:   blogwrap    as the coupon code in the online shopping cart. Orders must be placed by May 31st, 2010 for free shipping.

It's a Wrap!

Carole
[Text and photos copyright Cloudk9.com   All rights reserved.]

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Celebrate with the Chihuahua Cookie Cutter!

I made this cute Chihuahua Cookie using the

Chihuahua cookie cutter from our Cloud K9® website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.
4. Add the eye and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo above. (It helps to use a toothpick for these features.)
5. Add the dog collar with red decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip (or an icing writer) as shown in the photo above.
6. Let the icing dry.

Adios!

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

National Pet Week

This is National Pet Week!


Per the Pet Week website, "National Pet Week was jointly founded in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Auxiliary to the AVMA, and is widely celebrated throughout the United States and other parts of the world. In 2010, National Pet Week is celebrated from May 2-8."

The Pet Week website also explains that: "The goals of National Pet Week are to promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate the human-animal bond, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine."

So do something extra special for your pet(s) this week!

For more information, visit www.petweek.org/index.cfm

Carole

"Adopt a Shelter Pet" Stamps to Raise Awareness

Starting on April 30, 2010, the US Postal Service will be selling stamps to raise awareness of the need to adopt Shelter Pets. 

The USPS website states that the goal is for "more Americans to know about the millions of shelter pets that need good homes. Nearly half of the animals that enter animal shelters are euthanized. Many of these cats and dogs would have made a wonderful pet...if only given the chance."

They say:  "You can make a difference. Adopt a pet, volunteer at a shelter, or just get the word out by buying these stamps."

There are 10 different stamps.  All of these pets had been homeless.  At the time the pictures were taken, all but one had been adopted!  Featured on the stamps are:
Teddy Jack Russell Terrier
Willow Maltese Cat
Trevor Yellow Lab
Bianca Calico
Buddy Golden Retriever
Peaches Gray White and Tan Cat
Bindi Sue Aussie Shepherd
Frankie Black White and Tan Cat
Jake Boston Terrier
Lucas Orange Tabby

The USPS website offers a variety of products including stamps, mugs, artwork and notecards featuring these pets.

Ellen DeGeneres (Animal Advocate and co-owner of Halo Pet Food) is the spokeperson for this campaign.  Halo will be donating meals to feed 1 Million shelter pets.  You can visit stampstotherescue.com to see an update of how many meals Halo has donated to feed homeless pets.

I have my stamps! Do you have yours?

Carole

English Setter Cookie Cutter

We are continuing our series on decorating cookies shaped like dogs...
Today, we feature a guest cookie decorator and model (@HankTheDoggy).  Hank is an English Setter and his Mom, Erin, decorated cookies she made with our Setter cookie cutter.

She iced the cookies and then used mini chocolate chips to create the spots.  (Note: since chocolate is toxic to dogs, these cookies are only for people to eat.) She also added a green collar with icing.

I think these cookies turned out great!
Two paws up for Hank's talented Mom...and Thanks to handsome Hank for being the English Setter model in the photo below!

Carole

[Text copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Scottie Cookie Cutter (Miss Fancy Pants)

I made this cute Scottish Terrier Cookie using the

Scottish Terrier cookie cutter from our Cloud K9® website.

This is a little bit fancier of a Scottie cookie than is featured from our post on February 16, 2010,
so I named her "Miss Fancy Pants."
1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the black decorating icing to the edges of the cookie. Before the icing dries, add black sugar 'sprinkles' to give a sparkly effect. (If needed, you may want to lightly press the sugar into the icing with the back of a spoon for it to adhere better.)  Let the icing dry.
4. Gently turn the cookie upside down to remove the excess sugar.
5. Use yellow decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip (or a yellow icing writer) to make a yellow oval for the eye.  Let the icing dry. (If the sugar has not firmly adhered to the icing, you may need to remove the black sugar where you plan to place the eye, for the yellow icing to stick properly.)
6. Use black decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip (or a toothpick) to make a small black dot in the center of the yellow oval.  Let the icing dry.
7. Use pink decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip (or a red icing writer) to make a small spot for the tongue as shown in the photo above. Let the icing dry.

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and pictures copyright Carole of cloudk9.com All rights reserved.]

Basset Hound Cookie Cutter

I made this cute Basset Hound Cookie using the

Basset Hound Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.
4. Add the black markings and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo above.
5. Add the brown markings with chocolate decorating icing as shown in the photo above. (Note: Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, so these cookies are only for people to eat.)
6. Let the icing dry.

Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Dog Cookie Cutter Series: St Patrick's Day (Irish Setter)

What would be better for St. Patrick's Day than an Irish Dog Cookie? Today we feature a whimsical Irish Setter cookie to celebrate the day, made with the Irish Setter Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.
4. Outline the dog with green decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip or use an icing writer.  Add the green shamrocks and collar as shown in the photo above.
5. Let the icing dry.

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Bouvier des Flandres Cookie Cutter

I made this great Bouvier des Flandres Cookie using the

Bouvier Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the black decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.

It's just that easy!
Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Dog Cookie Cutters: A Week of Poodles (Day 5 Rainbow Poodles)

How about making Poodles in a wide variety of colors! These pictures show just a few of many possible colors.  These would be great for a birthday party! (Blue poodle is shown on the right => )

Green Poodle                                        Pink Poodle

Yellow Poodle                                     Purple Poodle

I made these cute Poodle Cookies using the

Poodle Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the decorating icing (in the color of your choice) to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.

4. Add the outlining and eye using decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip, or an icing writer in the color of your choice as shown in the photo above.

5. Let the icing dry.

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Dog Cookie Cutters: A Week of Poodles (Day 4 Chocolate Poodle)

Just by using chocolate icing rather than white icing, it changes the whole look of the cookie!

I made this cute Chocolate Poodle Cookie using the

Poodle Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the chocolate decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry. (Note: Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, so these cookies are only for people to eat.)
4. Let the icing dry.

Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Dog Cookie Cutters: A Week of Poodles (Day 3 Apricot Poodle)

I made this cute Apricot Poodle Cookie using the

Poodle Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9® website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Toast grated coconut according to directions on the package.
4. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and (optional) quickly add the eye and nose with black decorating icing...do not let the white icing dry!
5. Gently press the toasted coconut into the wet white decorating icing as shown in the photo above.
6. Let the icing dry.
7. Gently turn the cookie over to remove the excess coconut.

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Dog Cookie Cutters: A Week of Poodles (Day 2 White Poodle in Show Cut)

I made this cute Poodle Cookie using the

Poodle Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and quickly add the eye and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo above...do not let the white icing dry!
4. Gently press the grated coconut into the wet white decorating icing as shown in the photo above.
5. Let the icing dry.
6. Gently turn the cookie over to remove the excess coconut.

Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Dog Cookie Cutters: A Week of Poodles! (Day 1)

This week, we will show 5 different ways to decorate the same cookie! 
We offer very simple and more difficult designs.  You choose the level of difficulty you want to use for decorating your cookies. Make them simple or complex.  Or use these ideas as a starting point and let your creativity take over when you are decorating cookies. Most important: have fun!

I made this cute Poodle Cookie using the

Poodle Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.

2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.

3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.

4. If you like, you can add the eye and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo to the right.

5. Let the icing dry.

Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Border Collie Cookie Cutter

In honor of the great dog frisbee show in our previous blog post, we are featuring the Border Collie cookie today!

I made this cute Border Collie Cookie using the

Border Collie Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.
4. Add the black markings and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo above.
5. Let the icing dry.

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Recycling Reaches a New Level

Recycled Frisbee

Recycling reaches a new level...with high flying frisbees!  Disc-Connected K9s has a clever recycling idea!  Some of the frisbees they sell contain pieces of recycled frisbees! (The streaks of color in the frisbee shown above are the pieces of recycled frisbees.)

Disc-Connected K9s also sells what they call "jaw-tographed" frisbees which show the teeth marks of the canine stars.  They can even tell which dog used the frisbee based on the teeth marks! Amazing!

I love "going green!"  Just another reason to feel good about this great group of amazing frisbee dogs (many of which are rescues)! 

For more information visit k9frisbee.com

(I do not receive any compensation for sharing this information.) 

Carole

Cloud K9

Disc-Connected K9s ~ Frisbee Dogs

Disc-Connected K9's performed at the St. Louis Home Show!

Some of their dogs are World Frisbee Dog Championships Finalists
and it is easy to see why...!

This dog is literally flying through the air...

and many of the dogs are rescued dogs!

If I remember correctly, this is Easy Rider.
He had been abused by his previous owner...

(I believe his hind leg was broken in 3 places and

the plate and pins are still in his leg). 

Yet, he is a superb athlete!

(See performance photo above.)

Two paws up to Lawrence and his wife for the love and time they devote to their canine kids!
This is an amazing group! If they come to your area, be sure to see them!
For more information visit k9frisbee.com

Carole
(I do not receive any compensation for reviewing this group.)
Cloud K9

A Sneak Peek at a Frisbee Dog Star

I went to the Home and Garden Show today and will have a great story about frisbees dogs and dog rescue for next week's blog!

The dogs at the frisbee show were amazing.

Here is a sneak peek at one of the stars (a Border Collie, of course):

Have a great weekend!
Carole

Wheaten Cookie Cutter (Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Cookie Cutter)

I made this cute Collie / Sheltie Cookie using the

Wheaten Terrier cookie cutter from our Cloud K9® website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Toast grated coconut according to directions on the package.
4. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and quickly add the eye and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo above...do not let the white icing dry!
5. Gently press the toasted coconut into the wet white decorating icing as shown in the photo above.
 (I put slightly darker coconut on the ear and muzzle area.)
6. Let the icing dry.
7. Gently turn the cookie over to remove the excess coconut.

Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and pictures copyright Carole of cloudk9.com All rights reserved.]