Feliz Navidog! It’s Torrey, writing to you from sunny Mexico. I’m spending a few days here, recharging my batteries before heading home to Idaho for Christmas. I need to be home, after all, when Santa Paws comes down the chimney dragging a sack full of presents for me with his teeth. Every year, I try to stay awake so I can see him but I always seem to fall asleep before he shows up. (Well, a girl does need her beauty rest, after all!)

Some of my friends, believe it or not, have tried to tell me that there is no Santa Paws at all, that he’s just made up. That’s simply ridiculous. I mean, how else could you explain the new chew toys, the soft fuzzy blankets, the boxes of treats and everything else I find under the tree each Christmas morning? And who eats those dog biscuits I always set out on a plate by the fireplace?

Now Santa, if you’re reading this, you know I’ve been extra good this year. Well, pretty good, anyway. I have tried not to bark so much at the office (I only bark when there is a very good reason) and have reduced my howling by as much as 50%. And I always work hard to keep my Dad happy. It hasn’t been easy, Santa, but I knew it would be worth it come Christmas morning.

As you know, Santa, I’m a simple dog with simple tastes. I’m easy to please. I don’t want to burden you with a long list of items, and after all, I already have everything a girl could want, so why not make it easy on yourself this year? Just bring me a simple diamond-studded collar. And if it’s not too much trouble, you might throw in a nice cashmere cardigan, size extra-small. Those Idaho nights do get mighty chilly, after all. You see? I’m quite easy to shop for.

Most of all, though, what I want is for my fellow dogs and cats, the homeless ones who have to spend the holidays in animal shelters, to find warm, loving homes. Santa, please tell everyone who has room in their house (and love to give) to think about adopting a shelter pet. My mom and dad do this, and even though I have to reestablish myself as top dog with each new pet, I do feel good about helping others. If they don’t have the room for a new pet, they should at least donate food or toys to their local shelters this Christmas; it would be best to call the shelter and ask what their biggest needs are.

And to all the rest of my friends out there, all of us at Pets Best would like to wish you health and happiness in the coming year. Try to stay warm and most of all, be good! After all, Santa Paws is watching you…

Merry Christmas!

Torrey

Dear Diary,
November 25th, 2008

Take it From Me, Darling:
You Can't Take Your Teeth for Granted.

Hi, it’s your old friend Torrey, writing from the Pets Best Headquarters. As my friends will tell you, I take my work quite seriously; much of my job involves running from office to office, encouraging each member of the Pets Best staff to work as hard as they can to protect pets like me.

Like a mail carrier, almost nothing will keep me from my appointed rounds, but I must admit there was one day this month when I was not my usual, perky self. I had been to the dentist, you see, to have some work done. I slept through the actual procedure, which was fine with me, but then I woke up feeling groggy and numb.

A day later, I was back on the job, but the experience reminded me that I should write to you about regular dental care and how important it is. Take it from me, darling, you can’t take your teeth for granted.

Sure, regular brushing keeps my breath fresh. And dad likes my kisses better that way. But it’s much more important than that—did you know that dental disease is the number one health problem diagnosed in pets? That goes for cats and dogs alike. The worst part is, it’s an even bigger problem for petite dogs such as myself!

Not brushing leads to an accumulation of plaque, which can cause tartar buildup. Above the gumline, tartar encourages the growth of bacteria which can lead to all sorts of nasty things, like tooth loss, abscesses, bone loss or infection. In extreme cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream where it can affect the heart valves, liver and kidneys. In the long run, this can actually shorten a pet’s life!

There are plenty of things you can do to stop this. For example, eating crunchy kibble, not soft canned food, may help keep teeth clean. And pet parents should brush pet’s teeth, using appropriate tools and pet-formulated toothpastes, daily or at least a couple times a week. (I’m a big fan of beef-flavor toothpaste! Yummy.) There are plenty of products on the market, including dental wipes and special chews, that may also help. Trust your veterinarian to recommend the best products and the best regimen for you.

Vets should also check pets’ teeth on a regular basis and may recommend in-office teeth cleanings. It’s very important for pet health, which is why the Pets Best BestWellness option includes annual benefits for teeth cleaning.

Remember, just a few minutes a day spent on dental care can add up to more years of healthy life for pets, which is invaluable when you’re as well-loved as I am. Until next time, keep smiling!

Torrey

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Hello, my adoring fans! As I’m sure you know, I’m something of a celebrity. I can’t help it. In my role as Customer Service Advocate for America’s Best pet insurance company, I’m a high-profile dog. And with my gorgeous looks and winning personality, well, let’s just say a certain amount of fame is inevitable. I’ve learned to live with it, darling.

Anyway, as a famous dog, I get a large amount of fan mail. I don’t read it, of course—my people take care of that kind of drudgery—but sometimes, if I’m in the mood, I will have my assistant read me a letter or two. Many of my fan letters ask for beauty tips, of course. How do I keep my coat so glossy? What’s my secret for long, elegant nails?

Well hold on to your hats, girls, because I’m about to spill it—my ultimate beauty secret. And that secret is, believe it or not, good health. I love pampering as much as the next girl, so far be it from me to downplay the value of a visit to the salon to get buffed, polished and pedicured, but let’s face it, without my overall glow of health, even the best groomer in Beverly Hills wouldn’t be able to make me shine the way I do.

As you might know, my Dad is a veterinarian, so I actually see the doctor every day. No wonder I’m such a specimen of health! But for most pets, an annual wellness screening is enough to keep them in the pink. And those that are middle-aged—relax, darling, you’re only as old as you feel—should have their people schedule an appointment every six months or so.

A good doctor will give you a thorough examination, including several lab tests, to keep an eye out for any potential problems that might keep you from being as attractive as I am—you know, bright eyes free of discharge, a sleek, beautiful coat with no nasty dandruff flakes, great-smelling breath, that sort of thing. I won’t promise that it will make you as beautiful and popular as me, but it’s a start, dear, it’s a start.

Until next time, keep those fan letters coming (who knows, I may just decide to answer one!) and remember, if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything, darling.

Let’s do lunch. Have your people call my people.

Torrey

Hello All! Oh it’s an excellent month to be a dog! The weather is changing and it is finally getting cooler in my office, I no longer have to lie around all day in the scorching heat! For a while now I thought I might have been gaining a few more ounces, since I haven’t been able to make my daily treat trips around the building which help me keep my slim figure!

For all of you who weren’t able to wish me a Happy Birthday, I celebrated my glorious 6^th year of life last week! It was fabulous! I was able to catch up on my beauty rest, had one or two treats here and there…… Ok, ok, I may have fibbed just a little, I had a few more than that, but it was my birthday, I deserved something special! Later that afternoon I had a few pictures taken for my portfolio. I was enjoying myself until they attempted to put a birthday bow on my head. Yeah right, like I was going to let that happen. I look fantastic just the way I am.

Some other current events that are going in my life… My dad enrolled me in these Positive Pet Parenting courses. So far I haven’t notice a difference. I am not surprised because, in my opinion there is nothing wrong with me. I may be a little bit more vocal than some of my fellow canine friends, but hey, I am pint sized and have to speak up or no one would be able to hear me. I also don’t think that “asking” politely and putting on my “cute face” really translates to “begging.”

So have you all seen the previews for this upcoming movie “Beverly Hills Chihuahua?”

Well I did, and I am appalled that my dad didn’t get any offers for me to be one of the main stars! I am cute, full of spunk and have a great talent for acting. I mean half of the people that work for Pets Best who give me treats, really think I like them. Now that’s “real” acting. I should get an Oscar for that….hmm maybe they should start calling them the “Torrey” awards, that has a nice ring to it. Anyway, not to babble on about how I am not in the movie, I am just thankful I am insured, because I bet most of the Chihuahuas in that movie aren’t. What happens if they were to get hurt on the job? Like break a nail or something? At least they would be protected by Pets Best Insurance. Hmm maybe we should give their parents a call!

Well my paw is getting awfully tired of writing, so until next time everyone!

Be good! I know I will try, just for my dad’s sake!

Wow! What a month! So much has happened and I hardly know where to begin. Since a few of you have asked (and because I personally enjoy being the center of attention), I asked my people to take a few beauty shots of me to help tell this month’s story.

To begin, we spent several busy and incredible days at the American Veterinary Medical Association annual meeting in New Orleans where it was hotter than sin. Thank God for air-conditioning as I’m not sure that I would have made it. As you know, real ladies never sweat, so that was a bit of a challenge in 510% humidity, even for a dog.

This show seemed even busier than usual for some reason. Dad was shaking hands a lot, and while we usually spend a lot of time talking to people, it seemed like there was hardly ever a moment when we were alone. Other people were really excited, and it all seemed to be a pretty big deal, something about Somebody Something Trust and some lady named Edna, but I just smiled and enjoyed the extra attention.

While we were there, Mom picked up J.P., short for Jefferson Parrish because he was adopted from, yes, Jefferson Parrish, a New Orleans shelter that Mom helped fix up with other volunteers while we were there. She said he was too adorable to leave behind. I don’t know about that, but I do know I’m glad *I’m* not stuck in one of those boxes!

As far as J.P. and I go personally, I’m glad that he seems to understand who the pack leader is, so he and I have not had any issues. Yet.

I’m glad that he’s a decent sort of fellow because Mom and Dad took us camping the weekend after AVMA and it was irritating enough to have to share my space with seven others, let alone seven plus the new guy who may or may not have deferred to me naturally, as he should have. I did the best I could and spent most of the time in my chair or trying to stay near Dad. Truthfully, I missed my cheetah couch as I am not a huge fan of the Great Outdoors.

Back in the office I settled back in to my daily routine of Office Guard Dog and Chief Giraffe Fetcher, along with my customer advocate duties.

All in all, it’s been a pretty good month. I have a celebration of the day I was born coming up next month, but since ladies never reveal their true ages, I’ll just say that I am in the prime of my life. (And not that I would share this with just anyone, but it’s on Sept. 10^th if you’d like to send jewels, treats or anything cheetah themed, my favorite.)

And to whomever shared the Animal Behavior website with my Dad, you and I need to talk. Fortunately, I was able to do a little damage control so that Dad remembers that I, of all people, don’t need behavior modification, but the phrase “I have a bone to pick with you” does not begin to describe the conversation I plan on having once I find you.

Remember, Darlings, well behaved women seldom make history.

Until next time,

Torrey

Torrey@petsbest.com

Recently, I was listening to a conversation in the office about pets with bad habits.  This wouldn’t be me, of course, but I do happen to know several pups here with some pretty poor manners.

Let’s talk about Bear for a minute. Now don’t get me wrong, everyone says that Bear is a great dog. However. That dog has some behavior issues. He barks – and I don’t mean just a bark or two like a hey-how-you-doin’ bark – it’s more like an I’m-going-to-rip-your-face-off bark, that goes on and on. You get my drift.

And then there’s Tallulah. I’m sure she’s a great girl – don’t get me wrong. But if she’s left alone for more than a fraction of a second, she starts howling. And Kiah. Bless her.  But that girl has more energy than everyone else in the office put together. I know we all need exercise, but that girl is over the top with her running around. (Perhaps I wouldn’t mind it so much if she wasn’t mowing me over, but she is and I do.)

Because they are disturbing my beauty sleep (and trampling me), I’m thinking of politely suggesting that their owners hook them up with Dr. Rolin Tripp and his team at the Animal Behavior Network.

Now, there is a *nasty* rumor circulating that *I* could use some lessons, myself, and I would just like to put my paw down and say that is the most ludicrous idea I have ever heard. Darlings, that’s just not me.

The others, though. That’s an entirely different story altogether. Love you all. You know I do. MuWah!

p.s. If you, or somedog or cat you know could benefit from a refresher course in etiquette, visit the good folks at the Animal Behavior Network at www.animalbehavior.net. Tell them Torrey sent you!

Dear Diary,

You’d think that a girl my size would have more trouble getting what she wants. Fortunately, this is not the case. And while I think that I would probably still get pretty much whatever I want if my Dad wasn’t the boss, I must say that I do enjoy the extra clout it brings.

Being Daddy’s Girl, I know that wherever he goes, I go, whether it’s to the office, or hanging out on a beach in Mexico for our annual trip. It is rare that you won’t see me by his side.

So for Father’s Day, I wanted to share a little secret with you. Ready? Here it is. Dads don’t like ties. Oh, sure, they act like they do, but really, they’re just being nice. And while some Dads may actually like that new golf club or trashcan basketball game (as if!), most Dads would appreciate your doing something that protects pets in times of need. Like me!

Remember: Ties stink. Choose something meaningful for Dad and buy him a policy so he can have the peace of mind knowing that he doesn’t need to worry if something happens to pets like me. Of course, it never will. I’m too amazing to get sick or hurt, but Dad says that you just never know.

Until next time,

Torrey

p.s. Giving a gift policy is easy. Call us to find out how! 1-877-PETSBEST. (1-877-738-7237)

Hi, my name is Torrey.  You may know me as the Customer Service Advocate here at Pets Best – a job I take seriously.  I may be small, but I’ve been told I have the heart of a lion and, truth be told, I rule the roost, whether it’s here at work or at home with my family.  Those other dogs, cats and people may be bigger than I am, but have no fear – I put them in their places just fine.

I do a lot here around the office, actually – am glad that my Dad (who most people call Jack or Dr. Stephens) brings me to work with him every day.  There are a lot of things I’m good at, and one of them is running off strangers.  I may only be a pound-and-a-half, but I can intimidate someone a hundred times my size.  I love it!

Take this guy Andrew, for instance.  I love to eat his lunch.  He came in to talk to Dad just yesterday and I let him hang out, just minding my own business.  I have him trained so that when he leaves, he inches for the door little by little because he knows I’ve got my eye on him.  It was so great.  He inched his way closer and closer to the gate that Dad puts up sometimes in his office door and then you know what I did?  I made him jump it!  HA!  I gave him a good barking to for a couple of minutes and feel pretty confident that I intimidated the *you know what* out of him.  I haven’t seen him since.  It’s all in a day’s work.

People like to use the words “tea-cup Chihuahua” and “Lil’ Tornado” around me, but all I know is that I have a voice and opinions and know how to use them, know how to be sweet when it will get me what I want, such as in my Dad’s lap or a treat from one of the employees here at the office.  Dad has told everyone lately not to give me as many treats because he found out that I make the rounds and have put on too much weight, apparently.  Humpft.  As if a little extra on a girl ever hurt anyone.  I work hard for those treats!

Speaking of working hard, one of my favorite things to do is to work hard to make sure that our policyholders are happy.  If you ever need me, e-mail me at Torrey@petsbest.com.  I have to find someone to help me type my responses, obviously, but if anyone can get what she wants around here, it’s me!