Tag: Canine Companions for Independence

Need holiday Cheer, Buy Spunky, My Dear
Brands that Give Back · Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · Holidays · Obsessions · Steiff · Stuffed Animals · Uncategorized

Need holiday Cheer, Buy Spunky, My Dear

ElissaLeave a comment

For the person who has everything what will you buy?

We know, a great idea, get a Spunky dog from  CCI. wp-1480348447674.jpg

These adorable Steiff plush Goldens are each made by hand.

Also 100% of your purchas goes to changing lives and taking a stand.

Spunky is adorable plush little animal full of spirit and funk.

For yourself, for a kid..this gift is a slam dunk.

Buy an original Spunky sporting  a Dodgers blue cap.wp-1480348136766.jpgOr a Rat Pack styles Spunky who is one cool cat.wp-1480348266998.jpg

Opt for the Royal version with a cape and crown for the king.wp-1480348129131.jpg

This one wears his outfit with boldness and bling.

Step up to the bat for the fab CCI.

And remember these doggies are in limited supply.

Join Team Spunky, hop on board our train.

Is there anything more that I need to explain?

Www.sassafrassjones.com, $55

Tails in the City: Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Your Dog
Canine Companions for Independence · Company Profile · dog toys · Dogs · Holidays · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Stuffed Animals · Uncategorized

Tails in the City: Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Your Dog

ElissaLeave a comment

Now that we have a few seconds to breathe before the holiday rush is upon us, I just had to take a minute and talk about my favorite all time favorite-like can’t live without kind of thing- boutique. For dogs of course.  Hey, just because I happen to be a Perky Pekingese Steiff named Sassafrass Jones does not mean I don’t get to enjoy the finer things in life…or at least admire them like a doggie in the window.

This window: Tails in the City.

Located in Chicago, this dog boutique is about as chic as they come. The owners, are Mama Sassafrass’ good friends, Phillip and Bruce. And boy do they know how to spoil the pooches. I have heard all about them over the years, but I actually got to meet these two genius’ at Dry Bark, our big party to raise awareness for Canine Companions for Independence in Atlanta. Can you believe they came all the way down to Atlanta just to support the cause.

And since the holidays are almost here (We have already started counting down the days), I decided A Holiday Wish List from Tails in the City just what the doggies ordered. So, Mama Sassafrass (AKA Cathleen Smith) please take note, these are the top five gifts for our pampered dogs that we are lusting for this season from our fave retailer Tails in The City.

  1.  Dog Perignonn Champagnehdd-dogpn-2

    because what dog can resist this plush squeaker toy from Haute Diggity Dog? It’s always Happy Hour at Habersham Forest. Click here to buy!

  2. Red Monkey Face Pajamas  kli-12000004-2

    Because these are beyond adorable and they are so comfy for your little pups. I mean what dog would resist a PJ made from super cozy polar fleece?  And, they are only $32 here

  3. Hugglehounds Hannukah Bear Dog Toyhh-hkbr-2

    For our friends that celebrate Hannukah, we choose this Hugglehound.  Whether you are big or small, there are two sizes you can pick but they both are from the ultra plush Holiday dog toys at Tails in the City. And this little sock teddy is wearing an oh-so-adorable Hanukkah sweater.  And don’t worry, we won’t eat right through this one. It is lined with Tuft Technology for added strength

  4. Animal Matters Shag Fur Snuggi (White with Brown Tips)

    Need I say more?  Comes in large and small and is for the ultimate cuddle dog…Be warned, you may have to pry your little one out of here to get in your own snuggle time. I mean look at this Snuggi.  Who would ever want to leave? Click here to purchase
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  5. Doggies love Couture…So here is our final pick…a couple of designer pieces from Haute Diggity Dog

    Maybe the Black Americanine Express dog toy for those big spenders, a Chewnel classic for the prissier pup, or an Hairmes Gift Box for the dog who enjoys only the finest things in life.ddd-amx-2 ddd-cnlb-2t ddd-hgb-2All of these an more are available online at www.tailsinthecity.com or in the flagship Chicago store.

Rub-a-dub-dub, Big Boi and Bobbi bring all the Dogs to the Tub
Canine Companions for Independence · Company Profile · Dogs

Rub-a-dub-dub, Big Boi and Bobbi bring all the Dogs to the Tub

ElissaLeave a comment

News alert: there is a new line of pet shampoo that is pretty much the Kérastase for the canine set. And guess who is behind this line of luxury? Rapper/mogul Big Boi (half of the duo from Outkast) and Chicago entrepreneur and socialite Bobbi Panter.

This duo makes quite the pair and more importantly quite the line of hair products to fit all types of needs for our fellow furry dog friends. Just launching (and already to much acclaim) , dog owners and their canines are chomping at the bit to get their hands on the hottest shampoo on the market. 

  

Here are some of the reasons why this shampoo is a MUST-have beauty need for all the dogs in the park.

  • Natural
  • 2x more washes
  • Tear-free (thank you Big & Bobbi because I know my fellow dog buddies just hate it when those tears start coming)
  • Salt Free
  • They smell divine!

 

I mean, how much better can it get when your dog comes out of the bath and feels like a million bucks? Luckily i am just a little Steiff dog, so my fur stays nice and clean, but (and let’s keep this between you and I) I think the real-live dogs living in Habersham Forest could use a little hydration and a good-smelling wash.

But on a more serious note, these shampoos address all types of ailments and hair types (or should i say fur-types) with specific smells and formulas to give your dog the wash of their life. Some of our faves (the canine-set has been abuzz since we got word of this new shampoo) are Hydrate (which smells like Blue Agave) and Invigorate (my personal favorite) which smells like Peach Rose. Can you think of a more delicious smell? And this formula, straight from the website, ” Restores and revitalizes dogs’ skin and fur with kiwi extract, rosemary, ginger root extract and chamomile, to leave your dog feeling rejuvenated.”

 Of course we had to reach out to these two brilliant partners, and we have some exciting news to announce in the pipeline. And it has to do with dogs, Canine Companions for Independence, more dogs and Big Boi & Bobbi Dog Shampoo. So stay tuned and make sure to follow these guys on social media and order your own shampoo. 

https://www.facebook.com/BigBoiBobbi-Dog-Shampoo-981895131889717/?fref=ts

7 Reasons Nick Cannon is our Hero
Brands that Give Back · Canine Companions for Independence · Company Profile · Dogs

7 Reasons Nick Cannon is our Hero

ElissaLeave a comment

Nick Cannon is one cool guy and today we are going to share the reasons why.  Pay special attention to reason #2.

  1. He just joined up with Men’s Wearhouse to donate and collect clothes for men reentering the workforce. #giveasuit
  2. Canine Companions for Independence and the whole gaggle in the Habersham Forest love him because he partnered with NexGaurd to tell stories of the CCI service dogs and their owners. Check out the stories, narrated by Nick Cannon, at http://herotails.com 
  3. He loves toys!  (Nick if you read this…we do too!)….and he makes them too.  Like this Ncredible Rocket Copter  (pictured below) . Thus bad boy launches up to 150 feet and has LED lights that can be seen up to half a mile away. 
  4. He works hard and started young. At just 17, he had already secured a gig as the warm-up comedian on Nickelodeon’s “All That”
  5. He is one dapper fellow. And you know how we love fashion. Recently all eyes were on him at the Perry Ellis show at Mens Fashion Week. Check out the article on Women’s. Wear Daily here.
  6. He was married to Mariah Carey. We love her and she sure loves her dogs. 
  7. He loves his dogs. So much in fact that when he and Mariah Carey got divorced they could not decide over the custody of their eight dogs. It was a bitter argument because they did not want to split them up and they both loved them all dearly. Check out the story here

    So Nick, I, Sassafrass Jones, and the rest of us in the forest, humans and Steiff alike, think you are amazing. Keep up the good work. 

    Spunky and the Summer Stories
    Brands that Give Back · Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · Steiff · Stuffed Animals

    Spunky and the Summer Stories

    ElissaLeave a comment

    Hi everyone. It’s been a long time since I got my paws back to the blogging block but here I am !

    For those of you who don’t know me, I am a perky Pekingese Steiff stuffed animal by Steiff and I was created by my mom Cathleen Smith Bresciani. I am modeled after the character in mom’s first book Sassafrass Jones & her Search For a Forever Home. Because of my delicate eye condition, I was teased and picked over for adoption many times until my forever family of mice came and adopted me and we lived happily ever after. (That was the very abbreviated version, but I am too excited to talk about me).

    But that was all years ago. Now, all grown up, I am one of the main Steiff’s in charge and running the Forest. But back to what I am writing about.

    Let’s just start by saying this summer is one that none of us will ever forget. Personally for me, it is the summer where I met my other half, my best friend.

    So, ladies and gentlemen and Steiff buddies around the world, meet Spunky. He is the wide-eyed limited edition (just like me)  Steiff Golden Retriever to honor Tommy Lasorda’s (baseball VIP, hall of famer, Dodgers superstar) late son Tommy LaSorda Jr. who passed away exactly 25 years ago. Why Spunky? Glad you asked.. My mom, who was his fiancé and was with him until the end, and his family all called him Spunky. That was his name.

    Mama Sassafrass, AKA Cathleen Smith Bresciani, works so hard to keep his name out there and leave a legacy that he would have wanted. The legacy he did want. You see, Cathleen and Spunky were engaged and they had a very special place in each other’s hearts . Mama once told me that all this hard work and effort she puts into raising awareness and money for Canine Companions for Independence is all in the name of Tommy Jr. Wow. My mom is really something.

    Back to Spunky. He is the real deal. He is so special in so many ways. He is so adorable and i love the way his head turns almost like he is always around and looking at what’s going on. Just seeing the name Spunky on his Steiff tag makes my mom cry sometimes. Only out of happiness though. download

    He was first introduced to the world at the beginning of June on the field of Dodgers stadium before the team played. He was presented and introduced to the Lasorda family and guess what, Spunky got on the Jumbotron. I was a little jealous!

    But here is where it gets even better. Spunky is a Steiff animal made specifically to raise money for Canine Companions for Independence.  Each purchase of this cute little dog goes entirely to CCI. This is the real deal, there are no fees taken out, no profit to be made..it’s is all for the amazing organization CCI.

    So you see, with Cathleen’s determination and hard work, Spunky AKA Tommy Jr. lives on. He is helping countless people get the service dogs from CCI that will change their lives and give them hope. And these dogs are not cheap.  Each dog needs $50,000 to put into the training, raising, placement, and to make sure the dog is the perfect companion to their owner.

    Interested in helping out and getting your very own Spunky? Order yours today through Canine Companions for Independence website. Click here…Spunky has his very own page! Www.cci.org/spunky

     

     

    The Coolest Coloring Books
    Crafts · Dogs · Jewelry · Obsessions · teddy bears

    The Coolest Coloring Books

    ElissaLeave a comment

    The coloring book craze has swept the nation…finally and there are so many fabulous coloring books to choose from.  Mama Sassafrass was saw they are even selling these books next to our favorite mags (US Weekly of course is our top pick) in the grocery stores. Wow..everyone is coloring. People of all ages!

    Of course the creative critters and minds on Team Sassafrass took the craze up a few sassy notches to make our very own special coloring books.

    Sassafrass creative artist Jason Bunin worked hand-in-hand with the woman behind the entire brand who happens to be my fabulous mom, Cathleen Smith,  the most creative and talented person I know) to create our first coloring book last year: Haute Dog LA.  This was for a Canine Companions for Independence charity event in Los Angeles and boy it is so cool! Think doggies in Beverly Hills dazzled in jewels.

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    Next was a special limited edition one just for the Vedura holiday soiree. The coloring book, called Rhinos and Tigers and Jewels, Oh My took all of the animals from the Sassafrass ABC book and decked them out with Verdura jewelry.

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    But here is the best!  It’s brand new and it is going to knock the teddy bear socks off of you!

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    Introducing Teddy Bears Grand Tour: a coloring book journey of the United States for all ages.

    Just wait till you see the amazing Bears taking  over the country.
    Here are just a couple of sneak peeks. If you are coming to the Tea Party on May 14th the books will be available to buy. Otherwise we will let you know as soon as they are on sale on the website and on Amazon. If you must have one now just send us a note and we will get it to you as soon as possible. You don’t want to miss this one.

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    Adopt Buster: The One-Eyed Chihuahua
    Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · Humane Society of New York · Uncategorized

    Adopt Buster: The One-Eyed Chihuahua

    ElissaLeave a comment

     

     

    The Humane Society of New York is one of our favorite organizations around. They save countless dogs and cats, nursing them back to health and finding them forever homes with loving families. In fact, Sassafrass Jones, myself was inspired by a Pekingese with one-eye who My Mama adopted from the Humane Society years ago and named him Sammy Davis Jr. She fell madly in love, as did the perky Pekingese and Sammy Davis lived a full and happy live in the Smith Bresciani family.

    Years later, the Humane Society of New York is still doing fantastic things and stories of abandoned dogs and cats finding forever homes continue appear on their website. And still they hold events and fundraisers all around the city, to make sure they stay current and no puppy dog or cat gets left behind. Personally, I have a special place in my heart for the Humane Society of New York. My mom, myself and all our family in the Habersham Forest do whatever we can to help with awareness and donations.  In fact, we donated proceeds from many of our sales to this organization (along with Canine Companions for Independence).

    Last night, as I often do, I was pawing around the internet and decided to check out the latest on the HSNY Homepage and see what dogs and cats were up for adoption.

    And there he was…Buster, the one-eyed adult male Chihuahua. I barked and howled trying to get mama Sassafrass’ attention. “It’s another one-eyed dog, just like Sammy Davis Jr., and what if he doesnt get adopted,” I whined to mom.  “With tears in her eyes, she sat down next to me and we found out a little more about little Buster.

    192389927
    Buster

    How much he reminds the Habersham Forest Family of the late Sammy Davis Jr. Sadly, Buster was brought the Humane Society of New York in bad condition. He was underweight, and one of his eyes was in terrible shape when he was found and brought to the HSNY.  He is neutered and in good health (who needs two eyes anyways?) and his birthday is December 16, 2013, so he is still young.

    But, sadly, he is not the pick of the litter and needs an experienced adopter because he is not good with kids, not good with dogs and not good with cats. But we pet he has a whole lot of love to give to his human.

    Buster was underweight and one of his eyes was in really bad shape when he was found by someone and brought to us. Now that he is all cleaned up and healthy again, he is ready to find a home. His birthday is December 16, 2013.

    We really appreciate your wanting to give a shelter animal a home. The Humane Society of New York was founded in 1904. The Vladimir Horowitz/Wanda Toscanini Horowitz Adoption Center is a no-kill shelter. Our on-site clinic and staff of skilled Veterinarians looks after the health and well-being of every animal here. We offer FREE Vet care for the first 3 weeks after adoption. We also have a great adoption matchmaker who will gladly take your profile and match you or your pet with just the right cat or dog companion. Please feel free to submit your application!

    If you’d like to sponsor this pet, please email sandra.hsny@verizon.net. You can give as much or as little as you like. Your donation is tax deductible. Thank you!

    FOR APPLICATION, please visit http://humanesocietyny.org/adoptions/ and download then email it to sandra.hsny@verizon.net, fax it to (212) 752-2803 or bring it in to the adoption center.

    I think Buster needs a pair of chartreuse cat-eye glasses to help with his eye sight. Maybe even a little crown would make him feel better.  What do you think?

     

    Music Video:Parody on Call Me Maybe
    Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · Uncategorized

    Music Video:Parody on Call Me Maybe

    ElissaVideoLeave a comment

    This is a must watch!  So adorable. It is a take on Carly Rae Jepsen’s song “Call me Maybe” and it’s called “Trust Me Baby”. It was created by Southeastern Guide Dogs.

    Scott Foley Is Our Hero
    Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · press · Sassafrass Jones · Uncategorized

    Scott Foley Is Our Hero

    ElissaLeave a comment

    As you know Canine Companions for Indepedence is a cause near and dear to our hearts. In fact, we have lots of exciting things and new products that will be released this year with all the proceeds going to CCI.  But enough about us, let’s talk about the adorable Scott Foley.

    Because we couldn’t say it any better, we grabbed the press release from CCI’s website to give you the run down on Scott Foley’s latest good works….

    And we quote:

    “Actor Scott Foley, star of ABC’s hit drama series Scandal, has a new best friend named Esther. Esther is an adorable Canine Companions for Independence puppy being raised to be an assistance dog to help a person with a disability. Scott wants to tell you how great it is to be a volunteer puppy raiser for Canine Companions.

    While Esther can only use her wagging tail and cute wrinkles to talk about becoming a Canine Companions puppy raiser, Scott has her covered. In addition to lending his voice to Canine Companions’ new puppy raising public service announcement (PSA), Scott Foley has chosen to become a celebrity ambassador for Canine Companions.

    “It’s such an amazing non-profit and I’m happy to help increase awareness of Canine Companions,” Foley tells CBS News in a recent interview. His ambassadorship will help raise awareness for Canine Companions, including its puppy raising program. Foley explains in the new PSA that Canine Companions is looking for dedicated volunteers who are willing to turn a fuzzy fur ball into a well-socialized and obedient Canine Companions dog ready for professional training.

    “Volunteer puppy raisers are the heart and soul of Canine Companions for Independence’s mission,“ says CEO Paul Mundell. “We couldn’t offer life-changing assistance dogs to people with disabilities entirely free of charge without the dedication of each volunteer puppy raiser.”

    Loving volunteer puppy raisers care for a Canine Companions puppy for 14-18 months, exposing the puppy to real-life scenarios and attending fun training classes. Each pup is returned to Canine Companions for professional training where they learn 40 commands to enhance independence such as opening doors, retrieving dropped items or alerting a handler who is deaf or hard of hearing to sounds in their environment.”

     

    Here is the PSA: https://youtu.be/AO4VeT-9Lh8

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Brands that Give Back: Flutter Eyewear (Be Still My Heart)
    Canine Companions for Independence · Company Profile · Dogs · Jewelry · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Uncategorized

    Brands that Give Back: Flutter Eyewear (Be Still My Heart)

    Elissa2 Comments

    Many people know that I am a perky Pekingese with a delicate eye condition, and therefore, I have become known for my chartrefooter-guse cat-eye glasses that I wear around. They have become a staple in the Habersham Forest and they are even the logo for our Sassafrasss Jones brand umbrella. Pretty cool!

    But here’s where things get interesting. The other day I was pawing on the internet, looking up the usual stuff..cool eye glasses, fashion blogs, jewelry, and Canine Companions for Independence.  For some reason, I decided to explore the whole site for CCI (usually i leave the reading to my mama and I  just look at the pictures) and I saw a business name as a contributor that popped out at me:  Flutter Eyewear.

    Hmmm…I thought. What in the world is this about? And, boy am I glad that I did my research because I have now found my new favorite online shop and I think my mama and the two woman who started the company would make great “forever friends”.

    Here’s a little background on Flutter Eyewear:  Two woman Gayle Haworth and Patti Lee Hoffmann up and started this company when they could not find reading glasses that were stylish. After searching the displays at Neiman Marcus and Saks, they decided to create their own line.

    The philosophy written on their website is brilliant.

    Flutter reading glasses are little personalities just waiting to be put on. With our frames, you can slip on a whole new image. Flutter reading glasses can be instant sex appeal or instant stature or instant glamour, depending upon your mood. Just slip your eyes into them. And our reading glasses are fun to buy. There is a Flutter eyeglass that will perfectly frame the masterpiece that you are.120709_portraits_093_500

    But here is what the absolutely coolest part about their company is: they love dogs and they support our favorite organization Canine Companions for Independence. Hey, that is just like us.  Did you know that the  proceeds from all of our book sales on www.sassafrassjones.com go to Canine Companions for Independence.  And at Flutter, they donate 50 cents for each pair of glasses that is purchased. 

    After reading that, I decided I had to peruse the site and see if i could find some new frames. I mean, it is hard to fit a little Steiff dog but stranger things have happened. I tried the virtual try on app, but I am pretty sure that is just meant for human faces. I understand. It’s not everyday a dog goes prowling for new frames.

    But they have this cool option where you can download the paper doll version of the frame you like. Then cut it out and try it on. How brilliant?

    Check out some of their stylish frames:

     

     

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    CRAPANDCOUTURE
    And look at their beautiful packaging. Mama Sassafrass is very big on presentation. There is not an order that is sent out without her approval and magical touch to make it look fabulous.