Going Shopping

I decided it was time to get a few new things for Lola.  So off to Petsmart I went.  (I like supporting local shops and owners but I was in a hurry and a had a coupon, and I was 99% sure they would have what I was looking for and I was not sure the local shop would.  So this time it was Petsmart. )   Lola did not get to go with me this time.  It was in the evening and way too busy.  She would have been way too excited.  Regardless, she was pretty excited when I brought home the bag.

I few large cow hoofs.  I have never seen any this large. I know Lola will love those.  I usually save those for rainy days, or days where she seems to have a lot of energy.

She also got a new bright pink collar.

Nice new collar

It seems like a lot of people don't know she is a girl.  Her old collar started out pink but looks more gray and brown now. It is so dingy and dirty that it is time to retire it for a new one.

Old gross collar

And now, hopefully, people will be able to tell she is a girl with that nice pink collar.

She got one more thing, the Sporn Harness.  We are still trying it out and working on getting it adjusted just right.  But so far it seems to be working well.  There will be an update on how it works.

Dog Supplies with Swagbucks

We all know having a dog, or any pet for that matter, is not cheap.  Between vet bills, food, supplies and toys it can get expensive.  And especially in this economy, I'm sure most of us are trying to safe wherever we can.

One thing I love using is swagbucks.  It is a search engine similar to Google, yahoo, etc., except you earn points or swagbucks when you search.   The Swag Guy or Girl also post "codes" from time to time to help you earn more swagbucks.  Once you have enough swagbucks you can then redeem them for gifts or items listed on the site. (Check out this how to post from Blogging With Amy.  She gives some great step by step directions.)

Swagbucks are basically free cash to me.  I almost always cash my swagbucks in for $5 Amazon gift cards.  But you can also get Starbucks gift cards, Barnes & Noble gift cards and so much more.  You can check out the rewards and the number of swagbucks you need here.

Now, I am a numbers girl, so let me tell you how much I have earned.  I started tracking my earnings in April.  (I joined prior to that but did not log my earnings.)  I have earned 5,427 swagbucks since April 1, 2010.  I have redeemed 3,150 swagbucks for 7 $5 gift cards.  That is $35 free dollars.  If I continue to earn at the same rate, I could potentially earn $180 in Amazon gift cards.  Now, that is quite a few toys and poop bags.

I typically use my gift cards for dog supplies, but I have used them for books or gifts too.  I bought a dog bed for Lola, toys, and even poop bags.  I was able to get them for free or for a fraction of the price.  You know the old saying "A penny saved is a penny earned."

If you are interested on joining I have a box on the right side of my page that will link you right up to swagbucks or just go to www.swagbucks.com.  I highly recommend.  I love it.  (And trust me I would not write about it if I didn't.)

I used swagbucks to partially pay for this Molly Mutt bed.

And finally, here is a picture of Lola with one of her free toy.  And trust me she does not care one bit that it is free.  She is just has happy to chase it and chew it regardless of the price.

 Do you used swagbucks?  What other cost saving techniques to you use for toys and supplies?