KONG NEWS - Holiday Issue
Happy Holidays and welcome to the 14th issue of the KONG Community Newsletter. Our international community has grown to over 95,000 since the release of the last newsletter. In this Holiday Issue, we include a special KONG Toy Focus, KONG Contests, KONG Activity and KONG Training Tips section.
 
Also included is a brief Newsletter survey to gauge the KONG community’s thoughts for the coming New Year. We want all KONG community members to know their opinion counts – let us know how you feel. Scroll down to find a link to a KONG Newsletter survey.

Safe Air Travel for Dogs and Cats
Have you ever tried to travel with your pet on a commercial flight and found it difficult to see your beloved pet headed to the cargo area of the airline?  Well, a new company, Pet Airways, is introducing a worry free method of travel!
 
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, approximately 76 million cats and dogs travel with their owners each year. Dogs and cats are found in at least one out of every three households and America’s love affair with pets is growing. Despite the high number of pets traveling, relatively few currently travel by air. This is not surprising, considering the questionable conditions under which most pets must travel.
 
Small pets have it best and may travel, stowed under the seat on some airlines, although most airlines will only accept one or two pets per flight. Pets too big to fit under the seat are relegated to cargo and unfortunately in many cases, are treated as such. Recently, several airlines have announced they will no longer accept pets on board their aircraft. Others will not accept them when outside temperatures are below 45 degrees or above 85 degrees, or in other words, during the most popular winter holiday or summer vacation months.
 
Now pet owners have a choice. Pet Airways is the first pets-only airline. Animals fly in the main cabin with trained pet attendants on board to supervise and care for your pet along the way. Plus an easy to view tracking system, allows you to track your pet in flight. Pet Airways flies their pet passengers in the main cabin of their planes for only slightly more than you would pay to send your pet in the cargo hold. Their goal is to keep the service affordable so all pets can be safe and treated well. Fares start as low as $150 depending on the size of the pet and the distance traveled.
 
Pet Airway’s mission also includes helping the animal community. Dan Wiesel, Pet Airways’ President, is committed to reducing euthanasia in shelter animals. As such, Pet Airways plans to donate excess capacity to non-profit organizations needing to transport unwanted pets to alternative shelters or adoptive homes. KONG shares Pet Airways’ commitment to pet safety and animal welfare, and we’re happy to help our community members learn about this new resource. For more information go to www.petairways.com

Get in the Holiday Spirit
During the season of giving, it’s a great time to consider supporting animal welfare organizations. Reach out to your local pet shelter to see what they need in the way of supplies, or consider volunteering. You can also make a donation to a national pet organization.

Take Our Newsletter Survey
We want to make sure the KONG Newsletter is as fun and informative as possible.  We’d love to know what you think. Simply click on the link below to take a quick survey:
KONG Newsletter Survey

GUEST ARTICLE
Zap’s Toy Recognition Update
By Bob Mitchell
Zap, my Border Collie, was initially introduced in volume 10 of the KONG Newsletter. Since then, an article about thinking animals, and a Border Collie named Betsy, was published in the March 2008 National Geographic magazine. Since Betsy and Zap share similar thinking abilities, I decided to increase Zap’s toy recognition challenges and expand his learning skills.

Having reached our goal of recognizing and retrieving 100 different toys by name, I decided to challenge Zap to recognize and retrieve similar toys of different colors, and different sizes within similar groups all having different names. I thought the answer would be positive since I have been using ten different ball shapes of various sizes, colors, and configurations without problems.
 
Before I began the actual recognition phase of the new exercise, I presented Zap with two similar, but different sized toys and their appropriate names:
 
• Large Red Wubba – named “Wubba”
• Small Red Wubba  - named “Junior”
 
Having successfully introduced the two new toys in the house, it was out to the training field. I placed approximately 20 of Zap’s normal toys at a distance of about 100 feet along with “Wubba” and “Junior” separated by about 25 feet.
 
From the “sit” position I successfully sent Zap for five previously known toys. I then asked him to seek and retrieve the “Wubba”. He got it first try. I couldn’t praise him or reward him enough. We played tug, catch, short retrieves, plus all kinds of petting. Feeling proud I sent him for “Junior” and he nailed it perfectly. Again, he was greatly rewarded. Zap then retrieved some more toys and we called the day a huge success. We repeated these training sessions every third day for a nine day stretch.
 
At the third training session I introduced a new Wubba:
 
• Large Purple Snugga Wubba – named “Fuzzy”
 
I placed it with the other two Wubba toys and regular toys to see Zap’s acceptance. He correctly retrieved all three Wubba toys, so I decide to raise his new found skills to a higher level.
 
Using KONG Stuff-A-Ball toys, Classic KONG toys and KONG Air Dog Squeaker toys in various sizes and colors, I introduced the newest grouping of similar toys using the same method as above. Zap now retrieves similar toys in groups as large as seven. Zap made our excursion into the unknown a huge success. What a treat it is to work with him. He truly is an amazing dog. I believe all dogs are capable of higher learning when challenged.
 
Just a side note on the quality of KONG toys. Zap has been retrieving KONG toys for more than four years. We are still using all of the original KONG toys less one Squeaker tennis ball that just recently was punctured during a catch and fetch exercise. Since I train twice daily and use some KONG toys in combination with a Frisbee, it is great to know I don’t have to replace toys. KONG really cares about the quality of their toys.

KONG COMMUNITY LETTERS
This month the KONG Company would like to share two letters. One sent to us by a grateful member of the KONG community and the second sent by a wonderful non-profit organization. It is great to be part of a community and product line that truly makes a positive difference in the lives of companion animals and their owners.

KONG Community Letter:

Our KONG Story
Dear KONG,
Our KONG story starts six years ago with Ellie the Mini Schnauzer. She had issues with us leaving our home everyday. She actually ate all the molding around one of our windows. It was at that point we realized we needed to do something.
 
Reading about separation anxiety and talking with trainers in our area, we heard the same thing over and over. Dogs with separation issues are most destructive the first half hour you are gone from the house. So we knew we needed to keep her busy from the moment we leave.
 
We invested in a Classic KONG toy. We stuffed the toy with wet food that matched Ellie’s dry food since she has a sensitive stomach and could not handle most products. We froze it over night so it would take a little longer for her to eat. We also took the advice of placing her in the crate with it, so she would be occupied with un-stuffing the KONG. After using the frozen food KONG several times, she would see us go to the fridge just before we leave and RUN to her kennel.  She was happy we were leaving! What a difference!
 
Now six years later and three more dogs in our home, all the dogs have been trained with the KONG toy. Our dogs are never crated anymore (after being housetrained), and all are content when we leave. I believe the KONG saved Ellie from her separation panic attacks. I now help with canine rescue, and tell all the new owners to invest in a KONG. It is the best product for new dogs and training.
 
Thank you for all you have done for our family!
 
 Jennifer Harrison and Ellie, Brodie, Camden and Tori too!

Jennifer Harrison and her dogs Ellie, Brodie, Camden and Tori are this issue’s KONG Letter Contest winners and will receive a KONG Gift Basket. Your letters of success, like the one above are always welcome and appreciated. If you would like to share your KONG experiences or any KONG news with the KONG community, just email us at: KONG@KONGcompany.com. If your letter is chosen for the next KONG Community Newsletter, you will receive a KONG Gift Basket valued at $120.00.

Non-Profit Letter:
Dear KONG –
I wanted you to know about our fundraiser and thank you for the awesome toys.  Below is the message we sent out.  We had a tremendous response and to date have raised enough for 60 additional KONG toys.

All over Dallas, shelters and rescue organizations are trying to find a place for thousands of homeless dogs & puppies.  
Being in a shelter is boring, stressful and frustrating for dogs and can cause all kinds of stress related behaviors and illnesses. We support many shelters and rescues in the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex with training and behavioral modification programs, so we see these anxiety behaviors all the time.

Dogs like to chew to relieve stress and to relax themselves. The Classic KONG Toy gives them a positive outlet to relieve stress, as well as provides mentally stimulating problem-solving games. A treat-stuffed KONG toy can provide hours of chewing fun.

We decided this would be a great program to help reduce stress and anxiety while mentally stimulating and energizing the dogs. With this program we hope to keep the shelter dogs happier and healthier until they find their new “forever home”.

KONG Toy Therapy Program -
When I arrived at the Second Chance SPCA to observe a KONG toy therapy session, most of the volunteers and dogs were returning from their evening walks. All of the dogs & puppies dove right into the stuffed KONG toys. Some even acted like they had seen one before and wagged their tails as I walked toward their kennal with one. I was amazed to hear all the barking and whining turn to complete silence once the treat-stuffed KONG toys were served.

Thank you to the KONG Company and everyone who donated KONG toys for this effective and enriching program.

Anne O'Neill
Owner, Certified Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Specialty Pet Training

Specialty Pet Training will receive a special KONG Gift Basket. Letters of success from non-profit organizations, like the one above are always welcome and appreciated. If you would like to share your KONG experiences or any KONG news with the KONG community, just email us at:  KONG@KONGcompany.com. If your letter is chosen for the next KONG Community Newsletter, you will receive a special KONG Gift Basket.

NEW KONG PRODUCTS
The KONG Company is proud to be the recognized leader in quality pet products. All of our new products are tested under veterinarian supervision by happy family pets. Here are the latest additions to our ever-expanding product line.

KONG Dog Products:
Puppy KONG Squeaker
The Puppy KONG Squeaker is the most fun, challenging, and exciting rubber squeaker toy available. Made with our exclusive Puppy Rubber Formula, the squeakers are sure to be a hit with your pup. These can’t miss toys are great for puppies up to nine months of age. The softer squeak is great for noise-sensitive owners, yet loud enough to keep your dog occupied for hours. KONG Puppy Squeakers are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large, and in bright pink and blue.

Watch Video Example >>

KONG TOY FOCUS
Visions of Dog Toys Dance in Their Heads
Tis the season of joy and giving, a time of year we gather with the ones we love to share good cheer and exchange gifts. As typical KONG people, we love to include our furry friends in the festivities. So when you’re out this season, shopping for holiday goodies, don’t forget to include your loyal dog. After all, she has given so much to you throughout the year.
 
Remember, dogs, much like their human family members, love variety. The KONG Company offers over 300 different pet toys and treats to make holiday gift giving a breeze. In the past three segments of KONG Toy Focus, we discussed the essential dog toys categories and the importance of each. These articles may aid in your gift shopping decisions.
 
Many dogs love the excitement and challenge of unwrapping gifts. If you wrap your dog’s gifts be sure to use a non-toxic wrapping paper like food safe butchers paper, or paper printed with vegetable dyes. Skip the ribbons and bows or other small decorative elements that could present a choking hazard. If this is the first time you have wrapped a present for your dog you may have to show him how it’s done. Always keep edible gifts (people and pouch) out of reach. Teach your dog proper gift opening etiquette. Let him know which gifts he is to open, the rest are off limits.

KONG TRAINING
This issues’ KONG Training section was written by Dr. Ian Dunbar, world renowned veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the largest association of professional trainers in the world.
 
Dr. Dunbar also founded SIRIUS® Dog Training in 1980. SIRIUS revolutionized pet dog training. In fact, it created the field of pet dog training, especially the development and acceptance of puppy classes. Before SIRIUS, there were simply no family puppy classes, virtually no food lures and rewards, and not much fun in dog training. Most classes only taught adult dogs repetitive on-leash obedience drills.

KONG Cup Challenge
In one of the most exciting and fast-paced games, dogs have just one minute to accumulate as many points as possible by retrieving toys of different point values from an enclosed retrieval area. Light blue (water) Cool KONG toys are valued at 5 points, red Classic KONG toys at three points and black Extreme KONG toys are one point. Click here to view a record breaking KONG Retrieve video.

The handler stands in a two-yard square “Handler's Box” within a five-yard square penalty box. In order to score points, the handler must be able to take or pick up the object (with at least one part of their body remaining grounded in the Handler's Box) and place it in a plastic bucket. If the dog brings back a Bonus “Kitty” (soft toy) the final score is doubled, whereas if the dog’s paw enters or cuts the line of the Penalty Box while he is carrying a “Penalty Bone” in his jaws, the final score is halved. Retrieving a KONG Biscuit Ball increases the allotted retrieval time by 15 seconds. The dog with the highest score wins.

Training Tips
Practice as a group in many different places, with other dog’s KONG toys and make sure to teach your dog discriminated-retrieves, (i.e., your dog needs to be trained to reliably retrieve a Kitty or a blue Cool KONG when requested).

Many owners fall into the comfortable trap of only training in familiar settings with familiar objects — the dog’s own KONG toys. When it comes time to compete, the dog spends the entire minute running round the arena sniffing each KONG toy in turn, looking for his own, and the final score is zero. It is important to practice with other dog’s KONG toys and to do so in a variety of settings — in different people’s homes and yards and in parks and on walks. It is essential that your dog is as reliable in the arena as he is at home. Walk your dog with friends and their dogs and every 25 yards each person puts down a KONG toy for another dog to retrieve.

Many handlers think that it is sufficient to compete with a “retrieving fool” — a high-speed retriever who simply lives to retrieve and will bring back object after object non-stop. Usually they fair pretty well in competition because they bring back so many objects. However, sometimes their tally consists of toys with a low point value, or even Penalty Bones. For example, the dog may bring back ten objects within the one minute period — six black KONGs, two red KONGs and two Penalty Bones, the total score is only three points. Compare this to a dog (competing in the Toronto Sky Dome), who picked up three stuffed Kitties and shoveled the fourth Kitty back to his handler on his very first run. This meant that his next three retrieves — three blue Cool KONGs — were each worth double-double-double-double five points (80 points) for a total score of 240.

To win this game your dog needs to be taught which specific objects he should retrieve. Teach your dog discriminated-retrieves in the same way that you would teach your dog to find your lost keys, or the remote control for the television.

Dogs that compete successfully in KONG Retrieve become absolutely KONG-centric and seldom become destructive chewers or excessive barkers when left at home alone. They have become KONGaholics and would much rather lie down and chew their food-stuffed KONGs than destroy the house or bark all day. Also, dogs are taught not even to touch, let alone pick up, forbidden articles, such as Penalty Bones but instead, to redirect their retrieving urges to KONGs.

For more information please visit: http://www.dogstardaily.com or http://www.siriuspup.com

At KONG we like to say, “It’s not just a toy it’s a KONG”. In fact, KONG toys have been recommended by trainers and behaviorist for over thirty years as the tool of choice for addressing numerous canine behavior problems. These include stress and boredom, destructive chewing, separation anxiety, assistance in crate training, problem barking and digging. KONG’s are truly, more than your average dog toy!

Ask KONG
This forum provides our community a way to ask questions related to KONG toys, KONG treats, training, behavioral issues and more. As a bonus, four questions will be selected quarterly as winners. Winning questions will be printed in the upcoming newsletters and winners will receive a KONG Gift Basket. Below are the four winning questions from last quarter.

1)Winter has arrived in Minnesota, can you recommend indoor games I can play with my dog and any KONG toys that will help calm him down?
- Barb Nelson, Minneapolis, MN USA

A)There are a number of great ways to alleviate pent up energy in your dog during the cold winter season. Short distance games of fetch with a softer indoor toy like Snugga Wubba or a Puppy KONG Flyer work well. Puzzle Toys like KONG Stuff-A-Ball or KONG Goodie Bone are perfect toys that entertain mentally as well as physically. Advanced stuffing of Classic KONG toys is also a great way to burn up energy, try using a KONG ZIGGIES and wedge other treats alongside it to make un-stuffing the KONG more challenging and time consuming.

2)Much of my family lives in Germany. Are KONG toys and treats available in other countries?
- Anita Browning, Saskatchewan, Canada

A)KONG toys and KONG Stuff’N treats are sold in many countries. In fact, KONG can be found in six of the seven continents. The KONG Company distributes product to: European Union countries, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Columbia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and Taiwan.

3)I noticed at Petsmart the other day that they had a couple different styles of Wubba toys?  How are they different?
- Jerry Goldwin, Belmont, Kentucky USA

A)The KONG Company provides many different styles of Wubba. Currently, we have six versions of the KONG Wubba to choose from: Regular, Camo, Snugga, Puppy, Wet Wubba and the Mega Wubba. They each come in assorted colors and sizes.

There are a few differences that stand out between the styles, for instance the KONG Puppy Wubba comes in smaller sizes to better suit your puppy. The Snugga Wubba is made with reinforced fleece for night time snuggling and soft indoor play. The Wet Wubba is covered with a neoprene fabric on the outside for dogs who love to play in the water or snow. The Mega Wubba is the largest Wubba, more than two feet in length and caters to larger breeds or those “large at heart”.

Got a KONG Question?
Simply email your question to AskKONG@KONGcompany.com. Each quarter, our group of Pet Experts will answer your question(s) and enter you into the "Ask KONG" contest for a chance to win one of four KONG Gift Baskets.

KONG STUFF'N RECIPES AND ACTIVITIES
KONG Toys are the original treat-dispensing toys. A properly stuffed KONG Toy will keep your dog busy and content for hours. Along with relieving boredom, a stuffed KONG Toy will provide an enriching activity that stimulates both physically and mentally. Remember to reduce your dog’s bowl feeding when offering two or more stuffed KONG toys daily. Clean KONG toys thoroughly after each use. We recommend cleaning rubber KONG toys by hand or in the top shelf of dishwasher with no dry cycle.

Basic Stuff’N Suggestions
For quick and easy KONG stuffing use any of our KONG treats, pastes or ZIGGIES. KONG treats are specifically designed to fit your KONG toys. Experiment with combinations of two or more KONG treats, pastes or ZIGGIES for a longer lasting stuffed KONG session.

Winning KONG Stuff’N Recipe
Each quarter, KONG Company staff tests and chooses a winning KONG Stuff’N Recipe from those sent in by KONG Community members. Recipes can be entirely original or utilize any combination of KONG Stuff’N Treats. Be creative and feel free to stuff any model of KONG toy. Winners will receive a KONG Gift Basket stuffed with a variety of fun KONG toys and tasty KONG Stuff’N treats.

This newsletter’s winning recipe comes from Tara Jakubik from Bedminster, New Jersey. Her dog Chocolate loves this recipe.

Chicken and Vegetable KONG-Sitter
For long-lasting, healthy KONG stuffing, I take all my KONG toys and make my dog a batch of frozen KONG toy treats. This stuffed KONG recipe lasts a long time and should occupy your dog for hours – hence the name KONG-Sitter. This treat can be a bit messy, feed outside or on easy clean surface.
 
First, boil a few boneless skinless chicken breasts, a bag of frozen broccoli and a bag of frozen carrots until everything is cooked through, about 15 – 20 minutes. Drain all but a cup or two of liquid and then put the entire mixture through the food processor or blender.  
 
Seal up the small hole on the top of five – six KONG toys, using a dab of peanut butter. Spoon blended mixture into the KONG toys.  Place them upright in a muffin tray and then freeze the whole tray.

My dog LOVES it!  Enjoy!

KONG Activity
Find the KONG
You my recall a childhood game called “Hide the Thimble”, a simple indoor game in which one person hides a small sewing thimble for others to find. In some versions the hider lets individual seekers know if they’re getting closer to the hidden thimble by calling out “hot” for near and “cold” for far away.
 
"Find the KONG" is played in a similar way. First, stuff your dogs' Classic KONG with a small favorite treat. With your dog in another room or outside, hide the treat-stuffed KONG toy. For the first several games, hide the KONG so it’s easy to find. Bring your dog into the room and command “seek the KONG”. You will need to lead your dog to the KONG for the first several games. Once he has found the toy praise him and let him un-stuff the toy.
 
Repetition and consistency of reward is very important in dog training and the same is true for “Find the KONG”. Always begin the game with the command “seek the KONG”. This phrase will act as the stimuli by which, your dog will realize the game has begun and trigger the seeking behavior. Always use a high value treat. After repeated sessions, you can gradually increase the challenge by progressively hiding the KONG in more difficult to find hiding places. Your dog will love you for it!

KONG CONTESTS
New Member Gift Basket Winners
Sue Mullen
Christy Shirilla
Michelle Wright
Laura Bax
Robin Morris
Gail Girven
Amanda Morgan
Deb Crandall
Jan Dohr
Marti Lottes
Christy MacFarland
Jason Griffith
Brandy Close
Meg Pruner
Josephine Freeman
Monica Amparo
Lorainn Kostek
Dave Milthaler
Amy Stewart
Laura Branch

If your name appears, please email us at KONG@KONGcompany.com to claim your prize.

Photo Contest Winners – From Volume 13 Contest

The “You and Your KONG Dog - Part Two” Photo Contest, grand prize winner was Gerri Weber of Torrington, Connecticut and her new puppy. They have won $250.00 and a KONG gift basket.





Our second place winner is Eric Heisey of Bel Air, Maryland, and his dogs Ralphi and Lucy. They are the lucky recipients of a large KONG gift basket.






The third place winner is Sammy and his human pet, Eric Stein of Lock Port, New York. Sammy and Eric will receive a medium KONG gift basket.

The KONG Company would like to thank all the community members who submitted "You and Your KONG Dog" photos. As usual, your participation in the photo contest was overwhelming and the photos superb. It was truly a pleasure viewing all the KONG dogs.

Check out the New KONG Photo Contest in this issue for another chance to win.

Volume 14 Photo Contest - KONG Wubba
Win a $250.00 cash prize and or valuable KONG Gift Baskets! It’s simple. Photograph your dog using any version of KONG Wubba toy and email digital image to: KONG@KONGcompany.com. Be sure a KONG Wubba is visible in the photograph. Please click link below for more contest details and rules.

Or mail photograph to:
KONG Wubba Photo Contest
16191 Table Mountain Parkway
Golden, CO 80403-1641
(Photos mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned)

Please read rules and regulations

Welcome to the fourth issue of KONG Kids. We hope you enjoy the fun features and articles within. This section is geared toward young dog owners 4 to 15 years old. Be sure to enter the fun contests. You and your dog could win a KONG Gift Basket, full of KONG toys and treats.

KONG Kids Dog Care Tips
In this section the KONG Company will offer Dog care tips and advice designed to help you and your furry friend. We would also love to hear from you, if you have any dog care questions or tips of your own. You can email us at: KONG@KONGcompany.com

Cold Weather Care
If you and you dog live in a colder climate it is important to keep your dog healthy and safe. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia when it gets cold outside. Follow these simple tips - your dog will love you for it!

• Don’t leave your friend out too long on very cold days.
• Provide a doghouse or thermal pad for when your dog is outside.
• Make sure your dog is well fed and has a source of non-frozen water to drink.
• Brush your dog regularly to keep his well insulated coat fluffy and warm.
• Check his pads for packed snow or ice balls. Ask your parents to remove. For longer snowy walks, a little petroleum jelly between the toes will keep snow and ice from sticking.
• Never let your dog walk on frozen rivers, ponds or lakes.

KONG Kids Art Contest
Calling all young artists! Show us your talent. Create your KONG-related masterpiece today. Your artwork can be a drawing, painting or sculpture, using any style or media you wish.

The winner of the 4 - 7 group is Connor Paintin, age 7, from Omaha, Nebraska.

The winner of the 8 - 11 group is Alicia Muir, age 11 from Milton, Vermont, USA.

The winner of the 12 - 15 group is Hannah Rankin, age 12, of Rapid City, South Dakota .

Artwork received will be judged by KONG Company employees and one winner will be chosen for each of three age groups: 4-7, 8-11 and 12-15. Winning artwork will be showcased in the next KONG Kids section. Best of all, each winner will receive a KONG Kids Gift Basket. You and your dog will love it!

Scan or photograph your masterpiece and email it to: KONG@KONGcompany.com

Or mail artwork to:
KONG Kids Art Contest
16191 Table Mountain Parkway
Golden, CO 80403-1641

(Artwork mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned.)
Please read rules and regulations

KONG Kids Letter
Tell us about your KONG experiences. You can write about anything KONG related. Examples include: KONG games you play with your dog, funny things your dog does with KONG toys or treats or how KONG has helped your dog. We love to hear from our young KONG users and will choose one winning letter for each upcoming issue.

This issue’s winner is Victoria Huston, age 11 and her dog Roxy from Denver, Colorado. Victoria has won a KONG Gift Basket full of KONG toys and treats.

Dear KONG,
All of your toys are great! When I go to the dog park I always see dogs enjoying KONG toys. Dogs seem to jump for joy when they get a KONG. I have noticed they’ve been getting more and more popular for dogs and cats.
All my friends are telling me about the new KONG toys their dogs have.
 
My dog Roxy loves it when we give her a treat-stuffed KONG. We usually put KONG Stuffing Liver Treat and KONG Beef and Liver in hers. She’ll bark and run around like crazy waiting for it. Thanks for being a great dog toy and dog treat company.
 
From,
 
Victoria
Denver Colorado

NEW KONG CAT SECTION

The new KONG Cat section is off to a great start! We continue to get positive feedback from our cat-owning, KONG Community members and the response to our KONG Cat Photo Contest was phenomenal.

Several more exciting cat toys have been added to the lineup – see below for details. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome and help shape future segments and articles.

Cat Activity
Having a Cat-Friendly Holiday
During the holidays we take time to remember and give to all those we love, and your cat should be no exception! Here are some tips for feline-friendly festivities:
 
1. Though you may be distracted from your daily routine, try to keep your cat’s schedule relatively intact. Feedings should be held in the same time and place with the same food, and limit holiday table scraps. Give your cat a quiet place of refuge if guests are around, so that they are not too upset by the hustle and bustle.
2. Make sure that any holiday decorations are safe for all your pets. Especially avoid tinsel, ribbon, and other small items that cats may ingest. Other hazards include low-hanging ornaments, electrical cords, holiday plants, and lit candles. If you have a live tree, cover the water bowl as your cat may drink from it.
3. Take time to spoil your cat with a holiday toy or treat! We like to think a KONG paw stocking with a new KONG cat toy or two makes a wonderful gift. You can also consider purchasing some of your cat’s favorite treat. Or, just let your cat play with your own holiday gift boxes for a while!
 
All of us at KONG wish you and your cat(s) a wonderful holiday season. Thanks for being friends of KONG, and we wish you the best in the New Year to come.

New KONG Cat Products
The KONG Company is proud to be the recognized leader in quality pet products. All of our new cat products are tested under veterinarian supervision by happy family cats. Here are the latest additions to our ever-expanding line of KONG Cat products.

Kickeroos Redo
Due to the overwhelming reception and sales of Kickeroo, we decided to rerun the new product announcement so all the new community members can add this active toy to their holiday gift lists. This catnip wrestling toy is filled with a generous portion of KONG’s premium catnip and made of the softest fabrics. Your cat will enjoy attacking, wrestling, and hind-paw-kicking at this fun and flexible toy with an animal-like tail. The oversized Kickeroo may seem large for a cat toy, but cats at the KONG Company love them. The Kickeroo is available in three distinctive patterns.

See Kickeroo in action!

Cat Behavior
Listen to Your Cat’s Meow
There once was a fictional product on a popular TV show called the “Baby Translator” which would translate a baby’s nonsensical gibberish into common phrases such as “I’m hungry” or “I need a new diaper”. As pet parents, we often long for such straightforward communication from our pets to know exactly what they are thinking. However, by listening carefully to your cat’s vocalizations, you may be able to understand what they are saying.

Some cats are normally more talkative than others, so take some time to study your particular breed of cat. Siamese cats, for instance, are particularly communicative. Other cats, regardless of breed, are just looking for a little attention. If you react to this by giving food, treats, toys, or attention, it will reinforce the behavior. So unless you like a noisy cat, it’s best to ignore the mewing and reward him when he is quiet instead.

If your cat is unexplainably noisy when normally silent, or vice versa, it may be a distress signal indicating a physical problem. Check your cat for any obvious signs of discomfort. If you don’t see anything, it’s a good idea to speak with your veterinarian for advice.

Cats tend to vocalize more during a time of unexpected transition or stress, such as:   Major changes to schedule or routine

• Moving from one residence to another

• Someone moving in or out of the house, including other pets

• Home repairs or refurnishing

Over time the vocalization will decrease as things return to normal. A great way to navigate such times is to keep a similar schedule every day and to provide good nutritious food, a safe hiding spot, regular playtimes and lots of cuddling!


Notice: Cat Photo Contest Deadline Extended
The KONG Company would like to thank all the community members who submitted Cat Wubba photos. Your participation in the new KONG Cat photo contest was overwhelming and the photos were wonderful. It was truly a pleasure viewing all the happy KONG cats. Check out the New KONG Cat Photo Contest in this issue for another chance to win.

NEW KONG Cat Photo Contest Volume 13 - 14 - KONG Naturals
Win $250.00 cash and or valuable KONG Cat Gift Baskets! It’s simple. Photograph your cat using any KONG Naturals cat toy and email digital images to: KONG@KONGcompany.com

Or mail photograph to:
KONG Naturals for Cats Contest
16191 Table Mountain Parkway
Golden, CO 80403-1641

(Photos mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned.)
Please read rules and regulations

For more important KONG Cat toy information and suggestions please refer to our website at www.KONGcompany.com