Fun and Yummy Dog Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Christmas + Waggin’ Train Jerky Treats GIVEAWAY!

December 22, 2015 by Jenni 594 Comments

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Waggin’ Train, however, all opinions are our own…and honest as always!

I’ve been finishing up our Christmas shopping the last few days. Naturally, Santa takes care of stuffing the stockings – and I think he has that all under control this year. He’s even got a few really fun and yummy dog stocking stuffer ideas!!

We never want to forget our furbabies at Christmas – so we hang a stocking for them too! In case Santa IS looking for a few good ideas this Christmas, we’ve got some!

A new food bowl

A pretty new food bowl! Momma loves getting new dishes, so do our pooches!! Treat them to a new fancy food bowl and send the old one outside! We keep extra food and water bowls outside for days that they’re hanging around out there.

A fun picture frame

Any dog and dog lover needs a sweet photo frame to display sweet memories!!

A new tennis ball or squeaky toy

Just like any kiddo, dogs love to get new toys too! It keeps them active, entertained, and comforted. Ours love to pull the squeakers out of the toys, so instead…we went with some new tennis balls.

Waggin’ Train Jerky Dog Treats

We always love to give our dog treats — and of course Izzy LOVES treats! These new Waggin’ Train Jerky dog treats, especially! They have 3 new real meat chicken jerky dog treats now! They’re all made with simple and high quality ingredients…perfect for our furbabies! This new line of products are slow-cooked to seal in those natural delish flavors, and the new varieties include:

NEW! Waggin’ Train Chicken Jerky Minis – Made using real white meat chicken, with just 2 simple ingredients and sliced into fun-sized pieces. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

NEW! Waggin’ Train Homestyle Chicken Jerkey Tenders – Made with real chicken that is slow cookied and then covered in little jerky bits of chicken to make it both crunchy and chewy. Made with just 2 simple ingredients, with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

NEW! Waggin’ Train Chicken Jerky Curls – These 100% real treats are made with just 2 simple ingredients as well, and are twisted into fun shapes that you can toss and flip ’til your dog’s heart is content”. No artificial flavors or preservatives.

All Waggin’ Train treats are backed by Purina – a brand we’ve trusted for years and years! You can find these treats in national grocery stores across the country! So, make sure to let Santa know that your pooch would love to find these in their stockings this Christmas!!!

Make sure to follow Waggin’ Train on social media. Easy links are below!

Ready for a GIVEAWAY?!

Enter to win one of EACH of the 3 new Waggin’ Train Jerky Dog Treats! US residents only, age 18 or older eligible to win. Just use the Rafflecopter form below to enter…and good luck! Giveaway ends Dec. 29th at 11:59pm EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Switch Your Dog’s Dinner Up with Alpo Meal Helpers!

September 21, 2015 by Jenni 1,629 Comments

This post brought to you by Purina at Dollar General. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sweet Pennies From Heaven.

I love pizza, and I say that I could probably eat it every day of my life, but I think that’s really a bit of a stretch. Okay, maybe not….but you’re feelin’ me, right? Do you ever think that your dogs are feeling the same way? Like, do you ever think that they’re thinking, “Geeze mom……do I have to eat the SAME thing EVERY. SINGLE. DAY?!” They like to switch things up a bit too! Purina has created the NEW Alpo Meal Helpers and you can find them at Dollar General! It adds a little “sum’n – sum’n” to their regular dog food. Simply add the Alpo Meal Helpers to your dog’s dry food. I really like these because they’re soft and not messy at all, like wet dog food can be. Bleck.

Each no mess mealtime mixer is in a 4 oz. package and you get 4 pouches to a box! Plus they come in yummy flavors like Porterhouse and Prime Rib, and Roast Beef and Chicken.

Izzy, our boxer, LOVED it. She didn’t come up for air until the whole plate was GONE. We hadn’t been outside 2 seconds when she started sniffing the air. She could smell the yummy-ness and was on the hunt for it. If you’re looking for an easy way to switch up your dog’s dinner, check the Alpo Meal Helpers out on your next trip to Dollar General! They’re around $2 a box, so it’s a nice deal too! When you grab a box, share a photo of your dog enjoying it on Instagram using the hashtag #AlpoMealHelpers! The dog with the most shares will win an Alpo prize pack with a coupon for a free Alpo Meal Helper & Alpo biscuits plus a $100 Dollar General gift card!! Be sure to check out other Dollar General Alpo Products!

Which flavor do you think your dog would love?

What Does My Dog Need? Here Are 7 Dog Owner Essentials!

May 19, 2015 by Jenni 3,258 Comments

This post brought to you by Sponsored by Purina. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sweet Pennies From Heaven.

So, you just got a new puppy and you’re working your way through the late night crying, puppy breath, pee and poo! Or do you have an older dog that just needs some extra care, love and attention? Either way, you may be asking yourself, “What does my dog need?“. Dogs are work, but they’re SO rewarding. I’ve got a list of some dog essentials that every new and seasoned dog owner has to have!

We shop at Dollar General a lot because it’s just more convenient and much more affordable. I don’t have to walk a mile through the parking lot or wait in ginormous lines to checkout. Plus, I can get all our pet related stuff there too, like Dollar General Alpo Products! I can get everything on my list and I don’t get super distracted by everything I don’t need. They carry awesome pet brands like Purina (dry food/wet food/treats) for both dogs and cats. They also have a great selection of dog toys and other things. The biggest reason I love them is because I can use their coupons! Okayyyy, before I get to the list of essentials – let me tell you about this fun contest!

Do you Instagram?

#DGPetDash Instagram Contest:

Get this ya’ll! If you’re a pet owner, you can enter the #DGPetDash contest on Instagram!!! Each participant will be asked to fill (1) Dollar General shopping bag with pet items from DG and upload the picture of your haul to Instagram. Make sure that you use the hashtag #DGPetDash in your post! The photo with the most likes will receive $100 worth of free pet food/treats from Purina (in the form of (5) $20 Purina manufacturer coupons).

— Alright….now on to those doggie essentials!

List of 7 Things Every Dog Needs

1. Squeezes, Smooches & Belly Rubs: Love those babies up! Dogs love hugs, kisses and good belly rubs! My dogs are both attention hogs. They love to be loved.

2. Healthy Food and Vitamins: Make sure that you’re feeding your dogs a healthy dog food, like Purina and pay attention to how it makes them feel. Some dogs need a special diet…others could eat an army tank and it wouldn’t bother their bellies! You can also give your sweet hearts vitamins if they’re picky eaters!

3. Yummy Nummy Treats: Give them a treat through the day! Even if they can’t do tricks – give them a treat just for being cute! Treats are a great reward for doing something right too whether it’s house breaking them or for coming when you call them. Purina makes ex

cellent treats. Our dogs love the Beggin Strips!

4. Toys, Toys and More Toys: I think our dogs have more toys than our kid does. Ropes, squeaky toys, toys with bells, balls, and even an occasional old shoe. Ugh. Yeah. They like shoes!

5. Control the critters: Keep your dogs treated for fleas, ticks and worms. I know, I knowww….gross! But we all have to deal with it when we have dogs! Whether you choose a drop on medication, flea collar or something natural – just make sure you’re treating them so they don’t get sick. Fleas and ticks SUCK – literally!

6. Doctor Visits and Clean Toofers: Yep! Make sure to always keep your dogs up to date on checkups and shots. Having a sick pet is no fun. One thing our vet always talks about is keeping their teeth clean. A dog with bag teeth means poor health. Just keep their teeth clean with a toothbrush or make sure to give them treats that help clean their teeth.

7. Outer Space: Okay, not that kind of outer space….but space outside to RUN and play! If you don’t have a fenced in area – then put up a lead that’s long enough for them to have plenty of space to run and play. My dogs love to be outside…especially right after a bath. They love to roll around in the grass and dirt when they get bathed. Ugh. Hahaha!

Here’s our haul of pet goodies from Dollar General.

Purina Beggin Strips (their fave!)
3 soft dog toys
rope toy
tennis ball
rubber star shaped chewie

Here are some of the Purina Dog Treats and Foods you can find at Dollar General:

Cat Chow, Kitten Chow, Kit & Kaboodle, Friskies, Deli Cat, Fancy Feast, Dog Chow, Puppy Chow, Moist & Meaty, Beneful, Alpo, Mighty Dog, Beggin Strips, Busy Bone, Friskies Party Mix, Waggin Train, Whisker Lickins, Tidy Cats

What are your dogs favorite treats and toys?

How You Can Do More With Your Dollar to Help Improve Kids Reading Skills

April 7, 2015 by Jenni 306 Comments

This post brought to you by Purina. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sweet Pennies From Heaven.

Reading is one of THE most important skills a child will learn. My little guy loves to read, thank goodness. That’s why I’m excited to tell you about what’s going on with Purina and Dollar General! During April, shoppers can Do More With Their Dollar. Not only will they save on Purina pet products, but they will also help improve kids reading skills and self confidence!

Purina has partnered with Dollar General to grow awareness and share the importance of literacy. I had NO idea, but studies have actually shown that when kids read to their pets, their reading skills and confidence improve! Say what??!! How incredibly awesome is that?! I’ve never thought about it before, but it totally makes sense. Sooo, we’re reading to our pet. Little man and daddy are reading a new book to Izzy, our boxer. She’s a captive audience, I tell you.

In 2010, the University of California did a 10-week study where young children read out loud to dogs and the result showed a 12% increase in their reading skills! Kids feel more relaxed and they know that their pets are faithful and true. Kids naturally enjoy interacting with their pets and pets teach so many great lessons to our children. Make sure to visit Dollar General and find out all of the other ways that pets can make a difference in the lives of your kids!

From April 5th – April 30th, 2015, for each of the 4 digital coupons below, Purina will donate $1 to the Dollar General Literacy foundation, up to $20,000. Now you can treat your pets AND help kids improve their reading skills at the same time! Woohooo! Since most of us shop at the Dollar General for household and pet supplies anyway, it just makes sense. These 4 coupons will trigger the donation once they’re redeemed instore. Click here to download them now!

Save $1.00 on one (1) 12lb bag of Purina® Friskies® Dry Cat Food
Buy ANY five (5) 5.5oz cans of Purina® Friskies® Wet Cat Food and get one (1) can FREE (up to 50¢)
Save $1.00 on one (1) 14lb or larger bag of Purina® Alpo® Dry Dog Food
Save $1.00 on ANY one (1) package of Purina® Tidy Cats® Scoopable Litter

For all of my friends on Twitter, make sure to attend the Twitter party hosted by @ModernDayMoms onApril 15th at 11:00AM EST. These are always so much fun and they always have really great prizes!!

Do you shop at Dollar General for your pet supplies? Share your photos of your kids reading to your pets! We’d love to see them!

11 Must Haves for Small Dogs #BBNshops #ad

November 10, 2014 by Jenni 1,659 Comments

I just posted a must-haves list for big dogs the other day, and I promised to post a fun list for small dogs. Small dogs are high-maintenance too, I know…we have one. We have both a big dog and a small one and I’m not sure which is the most “needy”. I do know that we get lots of use out of the FURminator deshedding tool. The dogs actually like it when we use it….I guess it feels good! Which do you think is the most needed for small dogs? Enjoy the list below!

No Stuffing Squeaker Toys – The latest craze to shake around. Pick the raccoon or the fox and no mess. Make your selection at Petsmart.
Pet Alive Essential Oils – Skin, bladder, ears, aggression – oils for all sorts of remedy solutions. Try them out from Abe’s Market.
Dog shaped dog toy – A little dog friend, without all the hassles of an actual second dog! What a cute handmade toy from Abe’s Market.
Treats for bad breath – These are great 100% all natural treats to make sure you get sweet doggies kisses. Order them now from Abe’s Market.
FURminator Deshedding Tool – Whether long hair or short, there’s a FURminator for the job. Highly recommended by all the animal lovers we know and found at Petsmart.
Angel Wings Harness – Martha Stewart has come up with the perfect harness for your little angel. Wear it year round and find it at Petsmart.
Pet Purse – Just like Paris Hilton! Hang that baby over your shoulder, and take the little one everywhere in style. You can pick this up at Walmart.
In Car Skybox – This is a skybox! Now the little dog can see out the window, while still being safely strapped in. Win, win from Petsmart.
Pet Bike Basket – Get your exercise and take them along.Biking is such great exercise and now the little prince or princess can some along! Order this now from Get Organized, in time for your fall rides.
Pet Rolling Case – This roll-around is amazingly convertible for any need, like those new-fangled strollers. The plane, the car or as a backpack, it is completely versatile, as you would expect from Get Organized.
Dozen Dog Treats – A dozen treats with doggy frosting. As much for you as for them! Order them now at World Market.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Boombox Network . The opinions and text are all mine.

12 Things All Cat Owners Must Have #BBNshops #ad

November 3, 2014 by Jenni 1,519 Comments

Are you a crazy cat lady? Okay, maybe you only have one cat…so you’re not that crazy, haha!! Cats are such fun pets, but they’re a little high-maintenance, right?! Here is a fun list of 12 must-haves for cats. I’m sure you would agree that these are necessary!

Attack Cat Sign – Could be a joke, or could be the truth. Ever had your ankles scratched from under the sofa? Still a great sign you can order now and pick up at Petsmart.
Motorized Cat Mobile Toy – Keep your cat engaged anywhere you can find a door. Get some exercise for that indoor cat with Pioneer Pet Tiger Toy from Kohl’s.
Paw Cleaning Litter Mat – Clean the Litter off those paws as they step out of the litter box. Order it from Wayfair.
Pounce Toy – Natural Bamboo and canvas, natural and durable for lots of fun by Ore Originals from Nordstrom.
Cat Paw Litter Scoop – If you must have that scoop hanging around, then at least make a statement! It’s an Ore Originals paw from Nordstrom.
Catnip Shaker – Wow, a shaker of catnip! Sprinkle it on those special places, like scratching posts, or perches for a special treat. Buy this organic catnip at Abe’s Market.
The Cat Whisperer Book – Secrets on how to talk to your cat, if your cat is willing to listen, right? Give it a go – you never know. Find it at Petsmart.
Heated Window Sill Bed – The perfect window perch for your indoor cat and heated for the winter. Order it from Wayfair and have a happy cat!
Kitty Cave – Easy to clean, more colors available, cat bed and a little cat cave, all in one. Find it at Kohl’s.
1000 Piece Cat Puzzle – Does your cat sit on your work? Let them walk across this puzzle filled with cats. Pick this up for yourself or the cat lover in your life from Get Organized.
Yoga Cats 18 month Wall Calendar – Really, cats in asana poses? Up Cat, Down Cat, and mostly Corpse pose, right? World Market carries this great calendar you can use right away.
Cat Shelf – Wall Art that doubles as shelves! Wayfair carries this fun series of cat perches.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Boombox Network . The opinions and text are all mine.

11 Must Haves for Big Dogs #BBNshops #ad

October 29, 2014 by Jenni 76 Comments

Big dogs are needy. Right?! Well, small dogs are needy too – but big dogs tend to be a little more needy. Here’s a cool list of 11 must haves for big dogs. Stay tuned because I’ll soon be sharing a list of must haves for the small pooches as well. We have a bigger dog, Izzy. She’s our boxer. Cute and cuddly……and she acts just like a 2 year old.

Bandana Collection – Big dogs don’t wear costumes, but they’ll wear bandanas! Get this Super Pack to have one for every occasion at Walmart.
Dog Frisbee – What a great way to spend time with that big dog and tire them out for the evening. This great Zisc can be found at Abe’s Market.
Chew Ball – Better known as the Green Ball. Tough as a Kong, but softer, with a place for peanut butter or treats. Buy it now at Petsmart.
Wooden Dog Feeder – Help them eat and digest, by raising their food bowls, while helping with the decor. From Wayfair.
Spirit Essenses -Essential Oils for pets! This is the Peacemaker Set. Check out all the other selections at Abe’s Market online.
Large Rope Ball – One giant knot of rope. Solves the body’s need to chew and the brain’s need to unravel. Get one now at Petsmart.
Chicken Pot Pie Training Treats -They’ll learn anything for the ultimate treat – Chicken Pot Pie might do the trick! Find them at Abe’s Market.
Large Corner Pet Bed – Fits in the corner, has bolster sides, comes in blue or green. Put that big dog out of the traffic, but with a place to call his/her own. Get Organized carries this unusual bed.
Water Trapper Mat – Winter is coming! Snow, ice and rain mean water, mud and dirt coming in the house on those big paws. These mats are a must to save your sanity if clean floors are a priority and are now carried at Orvis.
Reflective Collar -It’s getting dark earlier and earlier. Make sure everyone sees you both on those winter night walks. Order from Orvis and personalize with name and number.
Folding Crate – Traveling this fall? Take this folding crate so your big dog has their own home wherever you go. Find it at Walmart.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Boombox Network . The opinions and text are all mine.

Treat Your Dogs to the Beggin® Party Packs – Now Available at Sam’s Club

March 24, 2014 by Jenni 84 Comments

This post brought to you by Sam’s Club. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you give your dog treats? Maybe while teaching them new tricks or just because you love them?! Pepper, our ratty, loves her treats. There are so many treats out there but she’s always been a fan of the Beggin® brand of treats.

Sam’s Club members recently placed votes on the new Purina® Beggin’ Party Pack flavors and the winners are in! The winners are Bacon flavor, Bacon & Cheese flavor and then Collisions: Bacon & Cheeseburger! All of these flavors can now be bought together in a Beggin® Party Pack (each bag is 14 oz.) and can be found at Sam’s Club!

We got Pepper when she was about 6 months old. We instantly started house-breaking her when we got her and YES! We used treats to train her. She loves all different kinds of treats, but we stick to doggie treats and snacks. People food just don’t mesh well with her belly, although she tries. She follows little man around all the time just hoping and praying he’ll drop something.

All 3 of these new Beggin® Party Pack flavors will be a big hit with her. She loves all snacks with those flavors……who doesn’t LOVE bacon, cheese and burgers?!? I like to buy most things in bulk when I can, and that’s another reason why I love Sam’s Club. I can always find great deals there so I’ll be able to stock up on her favorite treats too.

I often have to bribe her with treats. We live in the country, and most of my neighbors have dogs too. If she accidentally gets loose off her lead, she’s GONE! Gone with the wind!!! It’s not uncommon to find me walking the road with a handful of treats. What can I say….she’s a little rascal!

What sorts of treats do you give your furbabies? Do you think they’d like these new Purina® Beggin® Party Pack flavors? The next time you’re in Sam’s Club, be sure to grab a pack! Your pooch will thank you!

How to Get Rid of Fleas Using Apple Cider Vinegar – All Natural & Thrifty

May 23, 2012 by Jenni 1,911 Comments

Photo Credit: Findavet.us

If you have pets that go outside regularly then more than likely, they have encountered a flea or 2…or 2000! I have a Rat Terrier dog, named Pepper, who has had her fair share of flea encounters! If you’ve had trouble with them, then you know how miserable it is for the poor pooches so I’m here to tell you how to get rid of fleas – the natural & thrifty way!

We live in the country where fleas are abundant!! I usually associate the word abundant with GOOD things, but fleas are – well…the pits!! We’ve tried all of the medications, shampoos, pills, and sprays known to man to help us get rid of fleas, but they kept coming back. I would even give her her monthly dose of “down the back” medicine a week early and it still didn’t keep them at bay!

I started doing some research and found that there is a little household staple that works in getting rid of fleas and I decided to give it a try. Within a week, she was FLEA FREE…literally!!! Apple Cider Vinegar! Yep…that’s it! Now, I will say that since we’ve been doing this (which has been for about 3 months now) I still see a flea or 2 every once in awhile when she’s been outside but they don’t stay on too long.

Fleas can’t stand the smell or taste of the Apple Cider Vinegar, however, for humans vinegar is a natural remedy for many ailments…some even say for Cancer!

Side note: check out this Health book on the Benefits of Vinegar…it’s crazy what all vinegar can do for our bodies!!

Personally, I use about a teaspoon a day of Apple Cider Vinegar added to Peppers food. You can also add it to their water, but I tried that and she wouldn’t drink it so I just started putting it in her food daily. Also, I have a small spray bottle that I add a 50/50 mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water to. I use it to spray her down sometimes before going outside to keep those little buggars from jumping on her.

The Apple Cider Vinegar is very good for many other reasons…check out how I clean with vinegar! Getting back on track – if your dog has skin that is too dry or too oily, this will help in balancing the PH in their skin! It’s also great for dogs who suffer from arthritis or even dust mite allergies. When you give them a bath, put a drop or 2 in their ears and it dries up any excess water which can cause ear infections.

Extra piece of advice. If your dog has fleas bad enough that you’re finding them on your couches, in your carpet, or in your bed – lightly spray those areas with the mixture I mentioned above. After the sprayed areas dry, vacuum really REALLY well. Take your vacuum away from the house immediately AFTER you’ve vacuumed and dump the filter/canister so the fleas don’t get back out and any eggs don’t hatch. I recommend doing this EVERYDAY or even a few times a day until you see less and less, then eventually none!

If you’re tired of paying all those high prices for Flea medications and shampoos that just aren’t working…give this a try. I think you’ll have success like I have!! Be sure and let me know if this works out for you!

A new food bowl

A fun picture frame

A new tennis ball or squeaky toy

Waggin’ Train Jerky Dog Treats

Ready for a GIVEAWAY?!

Which flavor do you think your dog would love?

Do you Instagram?

#DGPetDash Instagram Contest:

List of 7 Things Every Dog Needs

Here’s our haul of pet goodies from Dollar General.

What are your dogs favorite treats and toys?

Do you shop at Dollar General for your pet supplies? Share your photos of your kids reading to your pets! We’d love to see them!

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