Sometimes I feel like my dog has a nicer life than me. She gets to sleep all day, eats great food and gourmet treats, and has fancy collars and clothes to wear. What's next? Now companies like Hepper are making pet furniture that rivals the style, quality, and function of furniture for us of the human kind!
One of our favorite Hepper products is called "The Nest" bed. This floor-level sanctuary is perfect for curling up for a nap, storing toys, or falling asleep to daydream the day away. The Wave is also pretty cool. It's a micro-suede, hammock-like perch that keeps your furry friend cool in the summer and toasty in the winter.
Check out this very cool and innovative line of pet products (great for cats or small dogs under 50lbs) and receive free shipping with any purchase! Use code iluvhepper.
Annie is an adorable chihuahua from sunny Florida, weighing in at only 3 pounds. She is extremely loving and cuddly and she is so swanky that she has an entire closet full of beautiful clothing...just one of the perks when your mommy works at a doggie boutique! (see all of her clothes down and to the left!
Likes: wearing fancy clothing, being the center of attention, playing with her fur-siblings Zoe, Chip and Maggie, being carried around
Like my daughter, my dog has a lot of toys. However, many of the toys he has do not last very long because he loves ripping them open and pulling out the stuffing. My floor ends up looking like a snowstorm blew through. I found a great toy that my dog is having a very difficult time taking apart, and its keeping him busy for hours. It's called the Leo and it is made by Caninegenius.com. The Leo is a great bouncing, fetching, tugging and challenging treat dispensing toy. The toy has openings in it, so you can put small treats inside. When the toy is rolled around, the treats come out and your dog goes back for more. Another great thing about Leo, is that if you have more than one, they can be connected to really challenge your pooch. Caninegenius.com makes Leos in all sizes so that all dogs can enjoy this great toy. On the caninegenius.com website, there are links to directions on the proper way to connect and fill the Leo toys. In addition, there are also links for treats and games and the benefits of having a Leo toy. I highly recommend getting this toy for your dog. It'll keep 'em coming back for more!
Tess Moody of Unleashed Pet Photography offers those of us obsessed with our dogs awesome artwork. Styles include dog pop art, traditional painting style and retro, which create a one of a kind pet portrait piece of your pet on canvas, fine art paper, or on clothing.
The Andy Warlhol-like print that I got of my dog Maggie (featured to the right here) is awesome. It is colorful, printed on a nice stock of photo paper, and very unique.
Ordering is easy. Just upload your photo and select the style and size that you want. The photos are affordable and make a great gift for a fellow pet lover.
One thing I love is that you can buy a help save animals by buying a piece of art from The "Adoptable" Dog Pop Art Collection -- a collection of different dog breed prints inspired by Dog Rescue Organizations. Purchase a print and $5.00 goes to the Rescue Organization represented by that print!
Make any purchase on the site and receive free shipping! Simply mention you heard of Tess through The Swanky Pup and you will be reimbursed shipping.
Everyday we continue to add to our extensive directory to help you find the best online shops out there for you and your pooch. Below are some of our newest directory additions for you to check out....happy shopping!
8 Paws Collars Collars for the coolest dog at the park Trendy and unique ribbon collars with lots of styles to choose from
Shimmer Glimmer & Sniff Custom made jewelry for your dog Beautiful jewelry styles and we love the mommy and me option so you can have matching jewelry too
Bings Barkin' Bakery An extensive variety of treats, bones, cakes and much more Their specialty cakes and cookies look delicious enough for humans
Music My Pet All of your favorite classical cuts designed to calm your anxious pet Perfect for the pup with separation anxiety
During those cold winter nights there is nothing I like more than getting in my pjs and curling up under the covers, but my dog does not have the same luxury. He gets in his dog bed with no pajamas and no covers, but now that I have discovered the custom fleece pajamas from Bloomingtails Dog Boutique that will no longer be the case. Now he has warm and snuggly pajamas of his own to wear to bed and he looks absolutely adorable in them too!
Not only are these pajamas warm and as cute as can be, they are also made out of high quality no-pill/low-pill fleece with a soft coordinating knit ribbing so it will be comfortable around the tummy, neck and legs. There are also many great prints to choose from (I personally love the camo prints) and they are custom made so that they will fit your pup perfectly. They are available for small/toy dogs and the slightly larger Chinese Crested size, but be sure to measure your dog carefully to determine sizing as both the front and back legs need to fit into these pajamas.
We love these adorable and comfy dog pajamas and you will be able to rest assured that your pooch is sleeping in style and comfort thanks to Bloomingtails Dog Boutique!
Be sure to enter TSP10 at checkout to receive 10% off of your order.
Last weekend Jen and I attended the 2008 Super Pet Expo in King of Prussia, PA. It was a big event, with hundreds of vendors but there were some definite trends at the show that we are excited to share with our readers.
The first major trend was healthy and all-natural dog food. After last years recall pet owners are becoming more aware of what is in their dog’s food and are finding all sorts of unhealthy and unnatural fillers. Companies like Nutro, By Nature and Natural Balance were all at the expo to show off their natural foods that leave no questions about what you are putting in your dog’s bowl. If you are not already on board with this trend, go to the pet store and talk to someone about natural foods for your pooch!
The next trend was high performance leashes for the more rugged dog owner. EzyDog’s shock-absorbing, stretch leashes were a big hit at the show as the unique handle adds a lot of control for large dogs and dogs that pull. Marine Dog also brought a leash that was very popular at the expo. Their leashes are made of double-braided nylon and are extremely durable as well as salt waterproof. This leash is perfect for the sporty pup or any dog that is very rough on their leash.
We also noticed a big trend with homemade and gourmet dog treats, many of them decorated and looking tasty enough for humans. Annie’s Pooch Pops brought some delicious treats for your pup and our favorite is their Pooch Value Meal which includes treats that look like a burger, fries, pizza and a hot dog. Bing’s Barkin’ Bakery brought a very impressive spread of doggie cookies and cakes that were beautifully made and sure to be delicious for your dog.
Lastly, the most popular trend in collars goes hands down to ribbon collars. There were many booths at the expo featuring tons of designs and ribbons so that your dog can wear a beautiful patterned collar to match his/her style and personality. In this category Persnickety Pup definitely stole the show for us with their huge selection of patterns, colors and sizes.
We had a great time at the 2008 Super Pet Expo and we will be sure to keep on top of the trends for 2008 so that you don’t have to!
A stylish and comfortable pet tag without the high cost!
I recently went to a pet expo where I saw a lot of new and interesting products. (Stay tuned for a post on some of our favorite new products and some of the hottest products out there!)
One of my favorites that I had to get for my dog Maggie was a Pawprint Pet Tag, which are sleek yet adorable looking silver ID tags. There are a variety of styles to choose from, including different colored paw prints, a superman logo, cross bones, dog bones, hearts, dog houses, and more, including some newly released styles. All of them are shiny and beautiful, and I love that the engraving is on the back (but is very clean and easy to read). You can also choose between large and small sizes. My dog loves her new tag as well -- though it looks substantial it is actually very light weight so it is comfortable for her to wear. And I love that it doesn't make an annoying jingle sound like her last (ugly) tag!
The best part about these tags is that they are $9.95 including engraving and shipping! And they ship within 24 hours! What a steal! Trust me, these tags look like they cost much more, so this is truly one of the best bargains I have seen recently.
Check out the site and view these great ID tags for yourself! I'm sure you will love them!
This week’s swanky pup is Buster, a 6-year-old Shetland Sheepdog from Langhorne, Pa. He is a beautiful dog with big expressive eyes and enjoys spending his free time herding his mom around the house and patrolling his territory. He acts a little crazy sometimes but he loves his family and is a loyal and loving dog!
Nicknames: Bussy, puppy, little monster, bad boy!
Likes: going for walks, being brushed, cheese, yum yums, patrolling the deck, stuffed animals, playing with his nephew Baxter, his brother Boomer
Dislikes: his family leaving the house, people knocking on the front door, strangers and strange dogs, going in the pool
Every dog has a personality. My dog is friendly, funny, energetic, lazy (sometimes) and very handsome. Ok, I am biased... he is MY dog. I found a website called Bigpawdesigns.com. They make beautiful collar charms for your dog or cat that say what is really on their minds (and their owner's minds too). There are 39 different sayings to choose from, each one made of pewter. Bigpawdesigns.com carries not only collar charms, but other dog and cat jewelry; and gifts for pet owners such as, earrings, picture frames, keychains and much more. All the gifts and charms are handmade from Bigpawdesigns.com, and are sure to please any pampered pooch, or pampered pooch owner, for that matter. At checkout enter code SWANKYPUP for free USPS shipping.
I just got back from a week long trip to Disney World. It was awesome, and the shopping was even better! I didn't realize what cool stuff Disney makes, including items for your pets!
One of my favorite items down there were vintage Mickey shirts. I ended up getting one for each member of my family, and I also found one for my dog! This rhinestone-studded vintage Mickey T-shirt is perfect for your pup and comes in sizes XS, S, and M. Currently on sale for $8.99, it truly is a big bargain.
Check out the other adorable Disney items for pets as well!
Dogs no longer need to settle for plain, nylon collars in solid colors when they can have beautiful ribbon collars from Loops Chicago. They have a ton of fun and unique prints for boys and girls so you can pick the one that best matches your pup’s personality.
Each collar is made with high quality ribbon sewn onto matching webbing and for many of the collars you can even pick the color webbing you like. They are made with metal hardware and a black quick-release buckle and best of all, each collar also has a matching leash (sold separately), which is equally as stylish and functional.
Baxter wears the red flames ribbon collar and it is very sturdy and well made and matches his punk rock personality. It also is very adjustable so it is easy to find the perfect fit for your dog. While you are shopping for a new collar for your swanky pup at Loops Chicago, bes sure to check out their signature reversible belts for yourself.
Love Funny Fur? We do and we also love it when they have a sale! As a special Valentine's Day treat they are offering an addition 15% off this weekend only.
Enter the code VALSPECIAL at checkout to take advantage of this great discount and shop your little heart out.
Imagine that your dog had to have a serious surgery that was going to cost you thousands of dollars…what would you do? How would you pay for it? That was the same dilemma that Wendy Barkett was in when she found out her beloved Dachshund Daisy Mae needed a dangerous and costly spinal surgery.
Instead of giving up Wendy borrowed money from friends and family so that Daisy Mae could live a healthy life. Now, post-surgery Daisy Mae is recovering and Wendy is making these wonderful Snuggle Sacks to help pay back the amazing people who lent her money for the surgery.
Each snuggle sack is made with a ton of love and 4 layers of high quality fleece. It measures about 20 by 30 inches and its perfect for the dog that likes to snuggle in under the covers or burrow in a warm blanket. The Snuggle Sack has an opening for your dog to crawl inside and my dog Baxter absolutely loves it and peeks his little head out to see what is going on while resting in his own little nest of fleece. It is perfect for those cold winter nights and lazy summer days and will be a comfortable resting spot for any snuggly pooch.
Not only will your dog being super comfortable in his new sack, but they also come in a variety of prints so you can chose the one that best matches your pet’s personality and style. Each Snuggle Sack sells for $30 ($35 in Canada) and comes with a thank you photo of Daisy Mae and Wendy until the surgery is paid for. This is a great product and a great cause and worth every penny.
Our very special Valentine's Day swanky pup of the week is Bogey. He is an absolute love who is very snuggly and cuddly and is the best dog his mom has ever owned. He even gives his own special Bogey Hugs to share the love! Because he is the ultimate lover boy he makes the perfect Valentine's Day swanky pup!
Nicknames: The Bogey-Dog, Boges, Bogster
Likes: Sleeping under the covers, having his chest scratched, taking walks, and snuggling with his mommy
Dislikes: Having his toenails clipped, having his picture taken, car rides, the vacuum, thunder, and being away from his mom.
Yes, it is true, Valentine's Day has become a bit of a Hallmark holiday...but it involves love and candy so I am on board! Anyway, we hope that you and your swanky pup have an amazing Valentine's day filled with love, kisses and treats for both of you.
One of our favorite collar designers Lindsay Designs now announces their great new site Pattern and Paw. They offer the same great high quality and handmade collars, but in a newly designed site that makes shopping for the right collar a breeze. With stylish colors and prints and sizes for tiny and large dogs, you will love Pattern and Paw!
Here are some great coupon codes to make shopping ever more exciting:
Get 15% off all orders under $50 (use code UNDER50 upon checkout)
Spend over $50 and get 20% off! (use code OVER50 upon checkout)
Have you ever gotten a piece of artwork that was just so terrific, you wanted to show anyone who came over to your house? Well, I did and the best part about it, is that it is a treat jar for my dog. I found this treasure at Fauxpawproductions.com. With a little paint and a paintbrush, the artist can make any dog or cat look like a whimsical, cartoon character doing everything from daydreaming on a sofa, to a dog chasing a cat around a house. Fauxpawproductions.com has a variety of dog and cat supplies to choose from. They not only decorate treat jars, but there are food and water bowls, as well. In addition, your pet can be painted on a trivet, a cookie jar or a spoon rest. The artist asks that you send a picture of your pet to her, so that she can replicate what your pet looks like and then she makes your pet come alive on her ceramic canvas. If you know someone who has just gotten a new furry friend, or just wants to get a really unique gift, check out Fauxpawproductions.com.
A little over a year ago, I found out that my dog has a food allergy. Every time he ate chicken, he would get sick. It wasn't fun! I changed his food to an all vegetarian diet. But, I was still having trouble finding treats that were easy on his stomach. I found a website called Henryandsons.com and they specialize in making all natural, vegetarian and vegan treats for dogs. Henryandsons.com dog treats do not contain any meat, chicken, pork or fish products. In addition, they also do not contain any lard, animal by-products, anything artificial GMO ingredients, added salt, wheat, corn, soy or chemical preservatives. In other words, this stuff is GREAT for your dog. Their treats come in a variety of flavors... each one delicious. My dog especially likes the sweet potato flavor. Easily digestible and allergy sensitive formulas are also available. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, or you just want to give your dog the very best, try the treats and biscuits from Henryandsons.com. Your dog will keep coming back for more.
As a swanky small dog owner safety and style are on the top of my list when it comes to my dog. Toy dog owners especially need to consider safety when walking their dogs because of the risk of trachea issues with pulling on their necks, making conventional collars an unsafe option. Most toy breeds are safest using a harness, and if you are using a harness don’t you want one that is both stylish, unique and well made?
My absolute favorite is the Diva Dog Harness Vest from Bloomingtails Dog Boutique, which is made with comfort and style in mind. It is much more than a simple walking harness, but it is an adorable outfit as well! Each vest is custom made so you won’t have to worry about seeing another dog wearing your pups outfit at the dog park or out on the town. Also they are fully lined so that they retain their shape and have a beautiful matching ribbon down the center with a D-ring where you can attach the leash. It has Velcro tabs, which close around the chest and tummy, so it is easy to put on and take off and it is double sewn for extra security.
All of the harness vests are embellished with matching ribbons and/or buttons, making each one stylish, unique and original. I tried the Breast Cancer awareness harness vest that had the signature breast cancer pink ribbons and adorable coordinating polka dot pink ribbons and bows for embellishments, and there are plenty of other great prints to chose from. Bloomingtails Dog Boutique also provides customer service above and beyond what you have experienced in the past, making this shopping experience extremely enjoyable.
Besides being safe, one-of-a-kind, and stylish, this harness vest is also extremely affordable, ranging from just $20-24! Best of all enter TSP10 at checkout for a generous 10% off discount.
Are you ready to spend Valentines Day with your Dog?
Valentine's Day is fast approaching! We know you all love your dogs and love pampering them, so here are a few things that you can share with your special furball this Valentine's Day (courtesy of Happy Tails Spa):
* If a movie on the couch is your plan for Valentine's Day forget the popcorn! Sammy Snacks Treats are created especially for owners to enjoy with their dog.
* Feeling a little dry? bowWOW Butter Balm is an indulgent shea butter treatment for relieving dry cracked noses and paws. This blissful balm will also moisturize your dry lips, elbows, cuticles and heels (and it makes a great massage cream should you be in the mood)
* Maybe you can't share clothes with your dog, but you can match. Check out the hip fashions from Ruff Ruff & Meow.
* If you want to take a hike on Valentine's day, now you and Fido can sip from the same Water Bottle. One bottle, two separate water supplies. Keeps you and your pet properly hydrated on those long hikes!
* Is your dog's bad breath and gas becoming a little overwhelming? Dog Smog Remedy to the rescue. This all natural breath freshener and digestive solution is sugar-free and delicious to both hounds and humans.
* The classic yoga pose, downward facing dog, has taken on a whole new meaning. Why not spend Valentine's Day getting even closer to your innerdog with some at home Yoga (or Doga). Check out Doga: Yoga For Dogs
* If you're really feeling frisky, why not share your bed with Fido this Valentine's Day? According to Sealy, the mattress company, 67% of US pet owners regularly sleep with their dog or cat.
* You and your little loved one can be matching fashionistas in co-ordinating newsboy caps and scarves from Barking Baby. Leopard fur, menswear plaids, and bold florals are just a few of the prints available.
* Okay, maybe this isn't your first choice in movies, but in every successful relationship there is compromise. On movie night why not also pop in the Movie for Dogs. Your dog will love it.
* So a night out on the town is in store for you this Valentine's Day? Put on your heels, your little black dress and spritz on your dog's Shimmering Mist. It can be sprayed onto your hair, décolletage or any other body part. This subtle glitter spray contains natural silk proteins that moisturize and restructure the coat (or hair), leaving it silky, smooth and glittery.
Trying to save some money and spoil your pup at the same time? Check out this weeks steals and deals for even more great products at great prices.
I love this "Lil Devil" tee from Pup & Co Boutique for pups that like to look good but act naughty. The teal and red color combo is adorable and it is light weight so your dog can wear it year-round. Plus, it is 50% off and only $9.98 which is definitely a bargain that I will take advantage of!
For the swankiest of swanky pups a pearl necklace is a definite must-have. This Madonna pearl pet necklace from Big Paw Design is part of a sample sale and though it is only $19.99 now, it was originally $50! Now THAT is what I call a steal! Made with Swarovski crystal pearls and a magnetic closure your dog will be ready for a night out on the town in style.
Is your pooch always going after your designer shoes? Now get her one of her own with this Bark Jacobs Shoe toy from G.W. Little. Originally priced at $15, but now only $9.65, it is a small price to pay for fashion and to save your own shoe collection from destruction!
Bailey Star is a beautiful, 4 year old beagle hailing from Colorado Springs. She is sweet and loving and enjoys taking long naps and begging for food. She is also very social and of course attention is a must-have for any swanky pup...and look at that face, who could resist?!
Likes: Peanut butter, snuggling, playing with her bobo, and kissing
Dislikes: being woken up from her many naps
Don't be shy! You know you want your dog featured on our site...email allie@theswankypup.com with the above information and your dog could be the next Swanky Pup of the Week!
When we first got my dog, it was very important that he have an I.D. tag. His first tag, was your basic metal tag. Then we got him a "fancy" tag that we had engraved for him with all his important information on it, as well as, a line that said he was allergic to chicken. This was a great tag, but it was too heavy for him to wear all the time. I was on a mission to find a tag that would be able to include all his ID information and the line about his food allergy. But, I wanted it to be light around his neck.
I came across a website called 1cutepooch.com. Right on the first page, I found the answer to my problem. This website carries a plastic, dog tags called PL8S 4 Pets. On one side of the tag, you can pick out the state license plate to match where your pet lives. In the middle of the tag, 1cutepooch.com prints out your dog's name. On the other side, there is a small picture of my dog in the corner, and then all his information. It also has room for that extra line of information about your dog.
We have gotten so many compliments on his new tag. People don't even ask us our dog's name anymore because they can see it for themselves. It makes a great gift for Valentine's Day. They have tags now for Valentine's Day with hearts on them. They come in either blue or pink. Order PL8S 4 Pets today from 1cutepooch.com and don't forget to include the coupon code "theswankypup" for 10% off your order.
We all love getting gifts on Valentine's Day from friends and the ones you love. Shouldn't your canine love get some lovin' too? At canineparties.com, they have delicious Valentine's Day treats that any dog would love to get their paws on called Peanut Butter Carob Bark Bars. We gave one to my dog and not only did he eat it right away, (usually he buries his treats and saves them later), but he came running back for more. The treats come in two shapes, a postman and a cat. Each box contains between 35-40 cookies, enough to share with friends or that special Valentine in your dogs life. Order your box of Peanut Butter Carob Bark Bars today at canineparties.com and receive it in time for Valentine's Day. Don't forget to add coupon code PCC1107 for 10% off your order.
Finally, jewelry for the style-conscious dog-lover!
It is well known by my family and friends that I love dogs and I have received many dog-themed gifts to help me show my love for the furry little things. Dog breed pins, key chains, t-shirts and charm bracelets are just a few of these gifts worth mentioning, though none yet have allowed me to express my love for dogs in a stylish and trendy way. That is, until I received a package from Ashley and Co.
When I opened the box I found a beautiful black box with a simple paw-print ribbon tied in a neat bow around it. Inside there was a beautiful, delicate paw print necklace in sterling silver and a matching charm for my dog’s collar. It was simple, unique and exactly what I have been looking for…a trendy way to show off my love for dogs.
Not only do I love the style and quality of my new Ashley & Co. necklace, I also love that Baxter and I have matching jewelry to demonstrate our special bond and that he looks stylish too. Best of all, a portion of each sale goes to helping less fortunate pups so while you are spoiling yourself, you are doing a good deed at the same time.
They have fabulous sterling necklaces and collar charms like Baxter and I have been showing off, they also have earrings, bracelets, key chains and more in a variety of sizes and in sterling and gold. I am extremely impressed with my new jewelry from Ashley and Co. and any swanky pup owner looking for a great way to display their love of dogs will be extremely satisfied.
Milk-Bone is turning 100 years old this year and to celebrate they are searching for their first SpokeDog ever. To do this they are launching the Make a Milk-Bone Moment contest with the grand prize winner receiving a $100,000 contract to serve as the first-ever Milk-Bone 100 Anniversary SpokesDog. A Milk-Bone Moment could be any special moment a pet parent shares with their dogs. View some of the current entries and enter today!
I recently switched all of my family's food over to natural, organic food. Then I realized my dog isn't eating organically, and I want her to be as healthy as she can be. So I started researching organic dog food.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that one of my favorite organic brands, Newman's Own, also makes organic pet products! They have dry food, wet food, and treats for both dogs and cats in different variety's.
I tried a number of their treats (peanut butter, chicken and more) and my dog loved each and every one. They are a great size for any dog. And she gobbled the dry food as quickly as her good old favorite. I feel better knowing I am giving her all natural food. There are no poultry by-products, no antibiotics or steroids, no chemicals, no artificial colors or flavors, and no wheat or corn. When you read the ingredients it sounds like something you would actually want to eat: organic brown rice, organic oats, natural chicken, organic peas, and more. This is so important for your pet's health!
If you are interested in learning more, check out the Company's FAQ page. You can purchase Newman's Own products from your local pet stores. Here is a list to find a store near you.
Sometimes I feel like my dog has a nicer life than me. She gets to sleep all day, eats great food and gourmet treats, and has fancy collars and clothes to wear. What's next? Now companies like Hepper are making pet furniture that rivals the style, quality, and function of furniture for us of the human kind!
Annie is an adorable chihuahua from sunny Florida, weighing in at only 3 pounds. She is extremely loving and cuddly and she is so swanky that she has an entire closet full of beautiful clothing...just one of the perks when your mommy works at a doggie boutique! (see all of her clothes down and to the left!
Likes: wearing fancy clothing, being the center of attention, playing with her fur-siblings Zoe, Chip and Maggie, being carried around
