Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my human and canine customers! Irish or not, everyone loves to celebrate, so be sure to include your dog in the festivities, and what better way to do that than with our Irish & Celtic Dog Collars & Harnesses!

I hope you like our new email format. I know we've changed it a few times, but we think this one is a keeper. What do you think? Email Us and let us know, particularly if you are having problems viewing it in your in box or browser window.

I am thrilled to announce that The Artful Canine now offers adjustable dog harnesses and martingale collars in all of its current designs. While we dont' stock our martingales and harnesses in every style and color, all items will be shipped within 5 days.

Just a few woofs (doggie "shout outs") to some of my canine clients for allowing me to publish their photos our website and in this email. Thanks to Starlet and Bella!

This has been the worse year yet for dogs suffering from itchy and flaky skin issues, particularly here in Florida. While the causes can vary widely, the most common cause is dry winter skin. Simple as it sounds, it can cause real discomfort for your dog.

Dry skin looks much like it does in humans. Your dog will scratch and lick its skin and coat. You'll see lots of skin flakes on his/her back and legs, which may or may not be accompanied by redness and irritation.

To eliminate dry skin as the cause of the problem, follow these simple steps to minimize an unnecessary trip to the vet;

• Reduce bathing. A dog shouldn't be bathed more frequently than once a month. If s/he must be bathed, use a moisturizing shampoo and follow up with a conditioner designed for dogs (human shampoo/conditioner is a no-no due to PH imbalance).
• Brush out your dogs coat with a soft bristle brush regularly. Doing this accomplishes two things: it rids your dogs coat of the skin flakes, and stimulates natural oil production in the skin.
• Add a coat oil to your dogs food once or twice a week. Products like Lipoderm are great supplements for promoting a healthy coat in your dog.

As always, consult with your Vet if the symptoms persists. Skin conditions are complex and are difficult to diagnose. If you eliminate the issue of dry skin first, you'll be one step closer to solving the the skin problem that your dog has.

Kids chase fewer squirrels and postal works than dogs, but the way we pamper our poodles and great danes and mutts has a lot in common with how we treat our toddlers and teens.

Click here for full story

Below are three new designs, of which only one will be produced for sale on theartfulcanine.com next. We figured why not let our customers vote for the styles they want! So cast your vote today - the winning design will be the one with the most votes, and will be made available on TheArtfulCanine.com sometime this Spring.

Click here to cast your vote now!

Many of you may know this dark furry face. It's Pepper Ann, the Schnauzer that I foster for The Schnauzer Rescue of Florida.

Pepper Ann has been with us for quite a while now, in part because she needed some extra "transition" time, and also because she's an older gal completing with a lot of young adoptable dogs. So I though I'd feature her in this issue with the hope that someone might have the room in their home and their heart to adopt her.

I've written a bio on Pepper Ann that you can read (and apply for her adoption) on Petfinder.com. She has a few issues (how many of us don't!). but they are minor in comparison to the love and loyalty she has to offer. She's a real sweetie, and just needs to find the right home. My recommendation is someone who doesn't have any other dogs, so that she can be the one and only apple of her owners eye!

Congratulations to our January & February Collar & Leash Set winners!

Kim G. of Bristol, CT and her sweet Sadie are our January winners. Kim chose our ever popular Furberry design for her little Yorkie/Maltese Mix.

Molly F. and her 7 month old chocolate lab are our February winners.

Congrats to all on your win!

• Support the "Happy Act," legislation in support of allowing individuals to file tax-deductions for qualified pet care expenses.
• Click here to visit our News & Events Page for more events and stories.

• Pet First Aid & CPR Classes being offered by the American Red Cross in Sarasota. Click here for dates & more info.
• Check our News & Events Page more local happenings, which you can bookmark and check in between our newsletters.