The year-long campaign, entitled “Rug Doctor to the Rescue,” will focus on bringing pets and people together and supporting the ASPCA’s mission to fight animal cruelty.

As of May 1, we announced a Facebook contest wherein you, our fans, can submit a photo of your pet to have a shot at winning some fabulous prizes!

We’re excited to announce that tons of our fans have submitted photos of their pets, and that you still have until Friday, May 31, to submit a picture of your pet and a brief story of why they’re special to be considered.

Here are some key dates to keep on your radar:

• Now through May 31: Visit our Facebook page to submit your pet’s photo
• June 6-18: Come back to the page to see if you’re one of the top-15 finalists, and vote on your favorites
• The week of July 1: Stay tuned to see if you’re one of the winners! Don’t miss out on these prizes!
  • The Grand Prize Winner will receive $2,500 cash, an ASPCA® Collection grooming brush and pet toy and a $2,500 donation to an animal shelter of the recipient’s choice
  • One lucky First Prize Winner will receive $500 cash, an ASPCA® Collection grooming brush and pet toy and a $500 donation to an animal shelter of the recipient’s choice
  • Three Second Prize winners will receive a 16 GB Apple® iPad® Mini and an ASPCA® Collection grooming brush and pet toy
  • Sweepstakes prizes given to randomly selected winners will include five 14.2 Megapixel Samsung SMART cameras and 25 Visa® gift cards valued at $25 each

Lauren McCann is the Rental Brand Manager and Spokesperson for Rug Doctor.

While at the ASPCA Adoption Center, several of us from the Rug Doctor team were able to spend time and volunteer at the shelter getting a behind-the-scenes tour and getting to know the ins and outs of the organization’s paw-friendly operations.

Our anticipation started to grow as we assembled more than 200 kitty litter boxes knowing we were going to have the opportunity to see the dogs and cats available for adoption.  The shelter has recently undergone a renovation, and let me tell you, these animals have great living facilities! One thing I really liked was the fact they played classical music in their living areas to help soothe them.

Another cool thing we got to participate in was clicker training – what a neat concept! Clicker training is a type of training that uses the sound of a click to help praise an animal when he or she does something right.  We were all given our own personal clickers and got to practice on a couple of dogs to help commend their good behavior.  Be sure to check out the ASPCA website for ASPCA’s great tips on clicker training to try with your pets.

Our trip was great, and I am so thankful that Rug Doctor employees could personally spend some time to volunteer with the ASPCA.

Lastly, if you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, our Facebook contest is still up and running! Prizes include a donation to a local shelter so you too can give back to animals in need.

Lauren McCann is the Rental Brand Manager and Spokesperson for Rug Doctor.

At Rug Doctor, we strive to provide our consumers with products that deliver excellent results at a reasonable price. Thinking the way that we do, we feel it’s important to note that Mother’s Day does not mean you have to buy Mom an expensive gift. In fact, there are numerous ways to give your  mom an affordable gift, and often times these can be more meaningful and touching.

If you don’t already have a gift planned for Mom, or if you are looking for a fun gift your kids can put together to give to her, Rug Doctor has a list of five affordable (and creative!) ideas to show Mom how much you appreciate all that she has done for you.

1.  Mom Time: Get Mom a gift certificate to her favorite nail salon, and tell her to take the afternoon off.
2.  “Chore Coupons”: A Mom rarely has the chance to sit back and have her chores done for her. This easy gift that the whole family can make is as simple as getting the kids together to assemble a book of coupons Mom can redeem at any time to take some of the load off of her shoulders. This could include a coupon for a quick clean around the house with a Rug Doctor machine!
3.  Flowers: So what if they are a little clichéd, flowers are beautiful, smell great and can be a very personal gift.
4.  Car Wash: Moms spend a lot of times in their cars. Take Mom’s car to the car wash and get it a really thorough cleaning, or better yet, detail it in the driveway at home.
5.  Pictures: A framed family photo or a picture of you and your mom together is an excellent reminder to her of those who care about her even when nobody is home.

Finally, the most important thing to do on Mother’s Day is to remember to thank your mom for just being “Mom.” What do you have planned for the moms in your life on Mother’s Day?

Lauren McCann is the Rental Brand Manager and Spokesperson for Rug Doctor.

We are proud to work with an organization so invested in giving back and helping pets in need. The year-long campaign, entitled “Rug Doctor to the Rescue,” will focus on bringing pets and people together and supporting ASPCA’s mission to fight animal cruelty.

We hope you’ll join with us to support this important cause that is both close to myself and my colleagues. Here are a few ways to get involved:

Now through July 31, for every purchase of our Pet Formula Carpet Cleaner or Urine Eliminator™, we will donate $1 to ASPCA, up to $100,000.

In celebration of National Pet Month in May, you can join in on the fun by participating in our online Facebook contest. Visit the “Rug Doctor to the Rescue” Facebook tab throughout the month to enter a photo of your pet and check out the other entries in the photo gallery. The top-15 finalists will be announced June 6, and then you, our fans, will be able to vote on your favorite entries. Winners will be announced July 1. Prizes will include a 16 GB Apple® iPad® Mini, an ASPCA grooming brush and toy and $2,500 cash for the grand prize winner, as well as a $2,500 donation to the recipient’s ASPCA-affiliated animal shelter of choice.

In addition, we will have employee volunteer events, in-store events with our retailer partners and local shelter events.

We look forward to sharing more updates with you throughout the year!

Lauren McCann is the Rental Brand Manager and Spokesperson for Rug Doctor.

Remember, Rug Doctor has some great go-to products for some of the most-common stains encountered

Don’t see what you’re looking for? You can find more useful information about removing a variety of common spots and stains by visiting Rug Doctor’s Stain Guide.

Lauren McCann is Rental Brand Manager and Spokesperson for Rug Doctor. 

Throughout the years at Rug Doctor, we have realized how much Rug Doctor users love their pets. In fact, 70 percent of our customers are pet owners.

Apart from manufacturing pet-friendly products such as our Pet Formula Carpet Cleaner and Urine Eliminator™, Rug Doctor holds pets near and dear to our hearts, as well. Several of Rug Doctor’s employees are pet guardians, too, which led us to the decision to partner with a pet-related not-for-profit corporation.

National Pet Month begins in May, so Rug Doctor is preparing a special collaboration that will strengthen the bond between pet owners and customers of our cleaning products. Be on the lookout on our blog and social channels for the upcoming announcement May 1!

Lauren McCann is the Rental Brand Manager and Spokesperson for Rug Doctor.

And never once did we pee on the carpet of a hotel room.

However, that’s not always the case in our travel these days. While we personally might not be a risk to the rugs, our two travel companions can get a little excited in a new destination. Now that we specialize in dog travel and often broadcast our Dog Travel Experts radio show on the road, our 70-pound dogs Irie and Tiki accompany us whenever possible.

Although their housetraining is flawless at home, in a new location (which may carry scents from previous four-legged guests) we have to keep a careful eye on both dogs. Fortunately we have very little cause for worry but, in those rare instances when a dog mess might occur, we’re ready thanks to packing and preplanning.

One item we always carry is Rug Doctor Urine Eliminator Wipes. These take up no room in the suitcase, we don’t have to worry about leaking liquids, and, most importantly, they do the job. Hefty hotel pet deposit fees mean that we make sure to leave the room in as good, if not better, shape than we found it!

The Rug Doctor Spot & Stain Wipes are always in our bag as well, ready to clean up muddy paw prints (especially important when we’re traveling anywhere near water!) The wipes are also excellent for cleaning vomit stains if a dog has experienced carsickness.

One way we prevent messes, though, is to always travel with our dogs’ food. It does take up some room in the luggage but the trade-off is well worth it. No one wants an upset tummy on the road!

A little pre-trip planning can also buy peace of mind on a trip (and that’s the whole point of a vacation after all, right?) We take the time to research emergency care facilities before a trip, making an online search for veterinary clinics (including emergency clinics for off hours) at the destination. We always recommend that travelers also have a contact for a pet sitter or boarding facility at your destination in case you should fall ill on your trip.

A pre-trip talk with your veterinarian is also a good idea to learn whether you need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and any other paperwork required by your destination.  If your dog isn’t already microchipped, your veterinarian can chip your dog (a quick and easy process) and you can register the microchip number to identify your dog if he should become lost.

We also love the new GPS trackers for your dog’s collar that will help you locate him using your smartphone. An ID tag with your cell number and the number of your hotel is also extremely helpful.

We love traveling with our dogs and they get excited whenever they see their car harnesses come out. Vacationing with your dog is a great way to explore a destination, unleashing fun for both you and your dog!

About the Author: Paris Permenter, with her husband John Bigley, is the author of over 30 travel guidebooks including the upcoming Texas with Dogs and is the publisher of DogTipper.com and DogTravelExperts.com. A certified dog trainer, Paris hosts the weekly DogTipper’s Dog Travel Experts radio show on Radio Pet Lady Network.

When it comes to spring cleaning, we’d like to address (and bust!) a few myths about using Rug Doctor machines:

Myth #1 – Using a Rug Doctor machine takes too much time to clean:

The idea of cleaning a large space may seem like a long, daunting task, but Rug Doctor can actually help you spend less time cleaning.  In fact, it can take fewer than 20 minutes to clean an entire room! Bottom line: Rug Doctor will actually save you time and allow you to go spend more time doing what you love.

Myth #2 – Rug Doctor machines are hard to use:

Rug Doctor prides itself on its easy-to-use products and machines that help keep your home clean and you happy.  The machine rolls for simple transporting and is easy to maneuver.  With proper usage, your carpet will be deep cleaned quickly and effectively.

Myth #3 – Renting a Rug Doctor machine is expensive:

The spring season follows a number of holidays that may have put a weight on your wallet. Rug Doctor, however, will not!  As a top-of-the-line deep cleaning machine, Rug Doctor offers a professional-grade service at a fraction of the price.  As a matter of fact, you can spend fewer than $25 for a 24-hour rental to refresh your carpet and upholstery.

Lauren McCann is the Rental Brand Manager and Spokesperson for Rug Doctor.

For additional information on Rug Doctor machines and products, visit: http://rent.rugdoctor.com/.

We did talk endlessly of finding her a new home over the years. A home with a family who would try just a smidge harder to love her than we did. When we moved across the country two years ago, we had the perfect opportunity. People were lined up to take her off our hands but, alas, she had become a part of the family and my husband and I simply couldn’t let her go.

I blame it on her ears and her adorable face.

Diabolical…

I really do love this dog. She is sweet, gentle and full of personality. However, three weeks ago I had a moment when I seriously reconsidered our decision to keep her around. The moment came at around 2 in the morning when I heard that terrible, awful, get-up-and-run sound of heaving.

It was dark in the room and I could hear her, but not see her. I stubbed my toe. I tripped on a pair of shoes, I grabbed her collar and tried to get her out of the bedroom to the tile floor where the impending upchuck would be easier to manage.

Then she yacked on my socks and on the floor.

I am not myself at 2 in the morning. I knew she felt bad and I felt immediate remorse for my desire to kick her to the curb over a little upset stomach. So I did what any responsible, completely exhausted person would do. I put her on a blanket in the laundry room and went back to bed, determined to deal with the mess in the morning, but of course I didn’t feel like dealing with it so I did what any lazy dog owner would do. I put a towel over it and ignored it for a week.

Gross.

Usually I’m not this lazy or disgusting about cleanliness. The only reason I got away with this little stunt is because I knew I had the ultimate weapon to fight this carpet stain in my garage.

I love that it’s called the Mighty Pro. It’s like the double positive of awesome!

I finally worked up the determination to take care of our little middle-of-the-night escapade and I pulled out the Rug Doctor, filled it with hot water and cleaner and ran it over the spot of horror. In less than three minutes the carpet looked like new, which excited me so much I ended up cleaning the entire room.

So thank you, Rug Doctor, for saving my carpet AND making me feel awesome about my housekeeping skills.
(I’ve chosen to ignore the fact that I let the stain sit for an entire week before dealing with it.)
(I think I’d rather label it an experiment of the Rug Doctor’s effectiveness in treating tough stains).
My dog’s place in the home is further secured now.
*wink*

Spring will be here until June 21, and if you abide by Carrie’s tips and the ones listed below, you’ll be sailing into summer with a clean home, a clear mind and perhaps a few extra dollars in your pocket for something fun.

• Combat spring cleaning by short, daily tasks

Spring cleaning can seem daunting if you take on everything at once. Make a complete list of to-dos, and break it up by what you can feasibly tackle on particular days in the week. Do the kids have a soccer game or ballet practice? Don’t forget to pencil in these appointments so you know how much time you really have.

• Save big on spring cleaning by DIY activities versus hiring a professional

Rug Doctor machines and products are easy, effective and best yet – economical. Consumers can find significant savings when looking to Rug Doctor for machines and products that can make carpet and upholstery look brand new and increase the longevity of it. They’re also great for time-pressed schedules as you can clean a room with a Rug Doctor machine in as little as 20 minutes. Rug Doctor has a 98 percent satisfaction rate and more than 30,000 locations nationwide where you can rent.

• Take into account specialized cleaning if you have pets, children in the home

While the EPA suggests deep cleaning your carpet every six months, it moves up to every three months if you have pets and / or children in the home. For pets, Rug Doctor has a great Pet Formula and Urine Eliminator to get stains and odors out of carpet and upholstery. For tough spills kids can cause such as juice, ketchup, pizza or soft drink stains – Rug Doctor’s Spot & Stain Remover is usually the go-to product. However, you should review Rug Doctor’s Cleaning Tips to ensure you pick the right product.

For additional information on Rug Doctor machines and products, visit: http://rent.rugdoctor.com/.

Lauren McCann is the Rental Brand Manager and Spokesperson for Rug Doctor.