Imagine having a septic system just for your dog. That's exactly what the Doggy Dooley system does for you. We have three dogs and the waste in the backyard can get to be a little much, especially when we want to mow the lawn or play in the pool. Who wants to smell that?
The system is pretty easy to install. You just dig the proper dimension hole and drop it in. Add water and the Digestive Powder and you're all set. Once you place waste into the septic system, the enzymes and bacteria in the Digestive Powder breaks down the waste. It even has a handy foot-operatated lid opener. It comes in two sizes; one is for up to two dogs and the other can handle a four dog household depending on the sizes of your dogs.
The price is affordable as well. You can get a Doggy Dooley Septic System in the $30price range and it's well worth it. Check it out at Pet Smart!
Going out for a walk is a normal and frequent everyday activity for dogs. It's good exercise for your dog and for the dog walker. I feel it's important to have all the necessary equipment with you when you go out. Poop bags are a must have, maybe some water (if your walk is going to be lengthy), and of course a good leash.
I found a website called 26 Bars and a Band (www.26barsandaband.com). They sell fantastic retractable leashes and other cool accessories for your dog. The leashes are available in a variety of prints. Each leash has a plastic cover with a 12 foot nylon lead. The buckle is made of metal.
Some other things that 26 Bars and a Band sells are collars, t-shirts, and collar charms. Any of the items on the 26 Bars and a Band website would make a great gift.
When you order enter the word Swanky in the coupon code area and receive free shipping .
I have had my eye on the Furminator (grooming tool -- check out Lisa's review here) for awhile now, but it is an expensive product. I found it on sale, though, for 25-30% off! Check out BaxterBoo to order this great product!
A Holistic, Natural Dog Supplement (and it's tasty too!)
An impressive intelligence, a striking physique, and an utter fondness and devotion toward his or her person make the Pit Bull Terrier a perfect companion. But there are also a few minor ailments characteristic to this breed: My dog Ruby, a Pit mix, has some dry skin issues and a very weak stomach.
Last winter I noticed that Ruby’s ID collar was rubbing against her skin and causing the hair around her neck to fall out. I went to my local pet store looking for a “skin and coat” formula of some sort and found exactly what I needed: Nupro All Natural Dog Supplement.
Nupro is a holistic powder that, when added to your dog’s food with a bit of water, creates a tasty gravy. One of the ingredients is desiccated (dried) liver, a flavor that is very palatable to dogs, so even the most picky eaters are sure to enjoy it. The liver also works to supply your dog with Iron and Vitamin B.
Other ingredients include Norwegian Kelp, which is a great natural source of minerals and vitamins that work to benefit your dog's overall health, specifically aiding in bone strength and growth, a strong heart rate, and a sound nervous system. Norwegian Kelp will also sustain muscular strength, and is great for your dog’s coat.
Micro-pulverized Bee Pollen, considered a natural “superfood,” supports a healthy immune system, and also helps to control any allergies your dog may have.
Imported Yeast Culture is another awesome ingredient included in a dose of Nupro. Not only does it support a healthy coat, but also may control excessive shedding, hot spots, and dry skin. This ingredient makes Nupro especially superior to other brands, as most use cheaper yeasts made from grains in which many animals are highly allergic. Yeast Culture is grown on sugar beets, without the use of grains, eliminating the possibility of an allergic reaction.
Nupro also provides your pet with essential Omega 3 fatty acids, a healthy does of fiber, and works to ward off possible types of infection. Lactobacillus Acidophilus aides in digestion and produces healthy intestinal bacteria.
All of the all natural ingredients in Nupro are raw and human grade, and Nupro contains no Sugar, Filler, Preservatives, or By-Products. By adding this supplement to Ruby’s food every morning and evening, I not only made her meals more enjoyable, but I also helped control her dry skin and made her a more overall healthy canine in the process. For more information or a sample of the product call 1-800-360-3300.
Rarely am I at a loss for words. Even rarer do I have so much to say I don't know where to start.
In this case, both are true. I am speechless at the idea behind Smartpaks and I have so much to say about it, I'm totally tongue (or in this case, finger) tied.
First, I'll try to explain what the heck I'm talking about.
It's all about portions. I have a seven pound toy poodle. (see below in his nice Smartpak bandana)
I have had to buy his food in bags that weigh as much as , if not more than, he does. See?
(the poodle is very photogenic, donchathink?)
Once that bag is open, the freshness seeps out. It takes TWO MONTHS for my little guy to consume a 6 pound bag of dry food. Needless to say, that bag is pretty much stale halfway through. I have tried keeping it in the freezer in plastic quart size bags, but I always end up muttering bad words because I have to keep moving these aside to fit other things (a little matter of people food) in there. What's a poodle mom to do?
Find a solution, that's what. But in this instance the solution found me - in the person of Rebecca Hall, representative of Rebecca Minard, founder of a company called SMARTPAK.
Rebecca's company offers a variety of solutions for the care and feeding of your canine kiddies. So, what was her life saving solution that has me foaming at the mouth with her prase?
Pre-portioned, individually packaged, completely affordable pet food!
I spoke with Rebecca on the phone and gave her the breed, age, weight, energy level, food and treat preferences of my little guy and any special medications and/or supplements he takes.
Within a few days, I received a package from SMARTPAK that contained individual 3/8 cup packages of the type of food my dog eats (in our case it's Wellness brand, but the company can package whatever brand your dog prefers), all hermetically sealed, fresh and ready to be ripped open and poured into the bowl. No stale food, no freezer stuffed with baggies, no two month old chicken mix! I cannot overstate how convenient this has been for me! Bags of food that are big enough to hide a mountain lion in have always been a concern for me. Not any longer!
These little blue packages have made buying and storing food for my dog easier than I ever thought possible. Smartpak can portion food in whatever amounts you dog needs, whether it's 3/8 of a cup or a whole cup. Here's how it works (not word for word, but taken from the catalog directions):
You select the food and daily portion that's right for your dog. If you're not sure call them at 1-800-326-0282. They have product specialists - most of whom have animal science degrees- ready to help you.
They create individual serving pouches in the exact portion that you request.
They ship them to your door every month in 28 day supplies -56 total packs, enough for twice a day feeding, so you won't run out of food or have to lug those big bags around with you anymore.
And you get a free storage drawer with your first order to keep those individual packs in.
In addition to the food, I received some pre-packed treats to sample (no pics of the treats, Poodleboy ate them all before I got the camera out), as well as medications and supplements. They are labeled with your dog's name and complete ingredient listings and are measured in daily doses. What could make your life any easier? Forget that. Johnny Depp is not coming over to wash your windows. The Smartpak Feeding System is as good as it gets! Shipping is a fixed total of $6.95, no matter how much you're having shipped. So go heavy, it will be a savings in the long run.
And if you're traveling with your dog, you are going to bless the day you found this blog! Traveling with the furkids has been made so much better for you by Smartpak. Sorry, I don't know any products that make traveling with children any easier. (Rope and some duct tape, maybe?)
Now, I'm going to continue to peruse the magnificient catalog I received with my food order. It offers everything from the Smartpak System to doggie clothes, beds, furniture, toys, all things fun and functional as well as medications like Frontline Flea and Tick Control and Sentinel Heart Worm Preventative, to name a couple (all at discounted prices). I'm trying to pick out a nice new coat for the poodle. For some reason, he doesn't seem too happy with the one I picked out for him last year.
Don't hesitate! Point your browser here: http://www.smartpakcanine.com/ and make buying, storing and feeding your dog easier and more pleasant for you both!
Our weekly trips to the shore are great. We kinda have it down to a science now. We pack, we load the car, load the kids and we are off.
Of course, it's very important to make sure that all our bags have our ID information on them. There is a great website called Pet Luggage Tag (www.petluggagetag.com). This company makes fabulous tags to put on any bag. What I like best about them is that they are big and very noticeable, especially if it has your dog on it. If you do a lot of traveling, that involves waiting at the baggage carousel and wondering if you are ever going to find your bag among all the other black suitcases, then this tag is a must have. You will surely know which bag is yours and I know that when other people see your tag, comments will be made by lots of other travelers.
The Pet Luggage Tag are large, like I said, measuring 2.63 X 3.88 inches. For a comparison, a credit card is significantly smaller. The tag is made in a color that you choose. The front of the tag has a picture of your pet that you provide, and the back of the tag has any personal information you want on it. The tags are very strong. Since they are printed on plastic, there is no need to worry that the printing on the tag is going to rub off, fade or peel.
This tag is a must have! Don't think that you need to use it just for luggage. School will be back in session before we know it. Why not give your kids a tag for their schoolbags with their best friend on it? It's a great gift and something you'll have for a long time.
Order from Pet Luggage Tag and receive a 10% discount and free shipping when you enter Swanky Pup in the coupon code section.
Calling all dogs who love to destroy their toys. VIP Products have come up with the ultimate challenge for you – the world’s “tuff”est soft dog toy! All their products are measured against their “tuff” scale so you can buy the appropriate toy for your dog.
There are 68 different varieties of Tuffys toys. Tuffys are made from one layer of soft fleece, two layers of 600 denier nylon and one layer of PVC in the center. The four layers are bonded and sewn together to make one "tuff" layer. A layer is then added to cover the assembly stitching and then three more seams are added. Each toy is stuffed with non-toxic fiber and a protective pouch is added around each squeaker for safety in the unlikely event your dog gets to the core.
Weighing in at number 9 on the “tuff” scale is the Ultimate Ring. The Ring measures ten inches in diameter and contains multiple squeakers for the ultimate in fun. Axel and I enjoyed many playful tug-o-wars with the Ring. We also took it down to his favorite pond, playing Frisbee with it in and out of the water as it floats.
The Ultimate Ring retails at $14.99 on http://www.vipproducts.com/ but Swanky Pup readers get $5 off for one week when they use the coupon “tuffy1” at check out.
How many times have we wished we could tell our dogs to pick up their toys? Well, that still might not work but there is a handy little item that let's us store them.
If you're like me at all your yard and house can look like a daycare by nightfall. I found this handy little storage bin that is shaped like a bone. You can put your dog's toys in it and what's neat is that you can leave the top on or off depending on your mood. Let's say company is coming and you've just picked up all the toys, put the top on until your friends or family leaves. If you're home and don't mind picking up later, take the top off and let your furry friend pick and choose his toys from the toy box.
The Bone Storage Bin is inexpensive and easy to clean. The ads also suggest that you can store biscuits since it's made of plastic therefore being food safe, leashes or other pet items in there. I personally store toys but I think it'd be a cute place to put their many leashes and extra collars in there as well. It comes in two sizes: the small bin is 9-1/2"H x 16"W x 8"D and the large bin is 13"H x 23.5"W x 11-1/4"D.
It's July. We are in the middle of the "dog days of summer". The days are long and hot. Week after week, we hear about heat waves crossing the country. Let's face it... it's not fun when it gets really hot. If we feel miserable, can you imagine how your dog must be feeling?
I found a great solution to keeping your best friend cool on those hot days. It's called the Chillybuddy. It's a light weight mesh jacket that when worn, will keep your dog cooler and reduce the effects of exposure to the sun.
The jacket has two layers. The first layer is made of woven synthetic with an aluminized finish that acts as a mirror and reflects the suns rays away from the dog. The second layer is a liner that is made of cotton mesh that can be made wet to aid in the cooling process.
To use the Chillybuddy, you simply dampen the jacket so that the whole thing is moist. When your dog wears it, he or she will feel significantly cooler. On the Chillybuddy website, there is a fact section about the Chillybuddy jacket that gives information about the temperature change that occurs when a dog wears the jacket.
If you have a light haired dog the Chillybuddy jacket will aid in reducing sunburn on your dog's skin. In addition, the jacket will help in protecting your dogs coat from sun bleaching.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Chillybuddy jacket is a must have during the summer months. We all love our dogs and want what's best for them to keep them healthy and safe. Be sure to go to the Chillybuddy website (www.chillybuddy.com) and see what other products are available for your dog for the winter months.
It is so hot out around here, and there is nothing better than a cold ice pop to cool things off. But what about a cool treat for your dog? Well, I found the coolest (literally!) treat around, and one that your dog will have fun eating. It’s called Ice Lick. You simply gather your dog’s favorite toys and treats. Freeze them into the bucket mold, insert the base in your lawn and let your hot dog chill out! (Toys and treats sold separately.)
Decision making has never been my strength. Just ask my husband, who patiently waits while I hem and haw over whether to order the Veggie Burger or Veggie Chili. So you can imagine how long the decision making process took when we decided to adopt a dog.
I like to do the research before making any life-altering decisions. So when we agreed to add a dog to our family, I had a mission.
In my quest for information, my dad recommended Cesar’s Way: The Natural Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems by a dog expert named Cesar Milan. Little did I know that Cesar is a nationally recognized dog expert. I loved this book. It helped me understand that humanizing a dog actually harms the dog. I learned that dogs need rules, boundaries and limitations and that invoking these principles helps the dog become balanced. A balanced dog is a happy dog.
Cesar also asserts that dogs need exercise, discipline and affection [in that order] to be balanced.Key to Cesar’s approach is projecting a calm-assertive energy when interacting with your dog. Cesar defines a calm-assertive leader as relaxed, but confident. Cesar’s book really helped me prepare to be a pack leader and consequently Jax is a balanced, happy dog! I highly recommend this book to all dog parents. Get Cesar’s Way at Amazon.com for $11.16.
Picture this: on your day off you wake to a clear, bright sky. Your first thought: beach day. To confirm, you hop online and click the weather report. Sunny. Temperatures reaching up into the 90's.
Surely this is a confirmed beach day. If you don't go you'll sit around wishing you did.
You proceed to gather all of the beach necessities (shades, a good read, sun oil and block), step into your swimsuit, and head out.
But here is where you meet your first obstacle. [Your dog's name here] is parked in front of the door, blocking your exit to paradise with the my-owner-is-leaving-it's-the-end-of-the-world face. For many pet owners this look doesn't just indicate a guilty walk to the car. It means a urine soaked carpet, complaints of a shrill and unending bark, and quite possibly a destroyed couch. You now must decide which is more important: your tan or your living room.
Unfortunately, our pets don't speak English, so attempting to tell your dog that you'll "only be gone for the day," offers him or her absolutely no comfort. Your pet has watched you gather up stuff and move throughout the house, and has deduced that you are leaving, but has no idea as to when you will return home. This provokes anxiety which in turn leads to destructive behavior: the cushion-less couch is quite simply an expression of your dog's fear and stress.
So it seems as though, until either dogs learn to speak English or humans begin to bark, there is really no solution to this very big problem. Not so. A few savvy veterinarians developed a product called Comfort Zone® which, believe it or not, creates an atmosphere of safety and security for your pet.
Comfort Zone® is a plug-in air diffuser that lasts 30 days and covers up to 650 square feet. You simply plug in the room where your animal spends most of his or her time. Here's how it works: humans and animals alike both produce and react to pheromones. Through research, veterinarians have discovered that there are specific pheromones secreted by the parent animal to help their young cope with fear and stress. Comfort Zone® ingeniously mimics these pheromones to help your dog feel safe and invulnerable, which in turn works to control your pet's destructive impulses.
This product is also available as a spray that can be used inside a crate, on your dog’s collar, in the car etc. You can find Comfort Zone® at most pet stores. Be sure to print the coupon good for $10.00 off your next purchase.
I took my dog to puppy training class but I went unprepared. Everybody had their own personal drinking bottle for their puppy. Not me. I thought there would be water available in a bowl and all the dogs could drink from it. Silly me.
So the next week I went prepared with a semi-expensive small plastic bottle wrapped in red leather with a cute silver poodle-head charm hanging off the neck. When everyone whipped out their water bottles, so did I. Big mistake. My dog acted like I was trying to set his face on fire. I didn't know that dogs have to be trained to drink water out of a bottle. This is getting more and more complicated.
Last weekend, I was shopping in my favorite doggie boutique and I found the perfect solution: The Handi-Drink made by Guardian Gear. It's a water bottle made just for dogs that has it's own "bowl" attached. The "bowl" snaps down, the bottle is turned upside down and the tip is locked into a special socket. You then only have to squeeze as much or as little water as you like into the bowl part and hold it for your dog to take a drink. The flow valve will open and close automatically to control the quantity of water and prevent spillage. When your pup is done drinking, the bowl snaps back into place so you can hook the bottle onto your belt and go on your merry way. I paid $8.99 for the bottle in the store. It's $9.99 on the from Amazon.com. It's a dollar difference but it's priceless if you can't find one in your area.It comes with a belt clip and a carrying strap so you can choose whether to clip it to your belt or carry it around your neck. This is the best doggie travel item I have in my collection to date and it was a very timely find. Oh, and my dog is happy that he doesn't have to be wary of flaming whiskers.
Ever since my dog was a wee pup, he's been addicted to Dingo rawhide chews. Say the word "Dingo" around him, and he'll start jumping in the air like kangaroo on a trampoline.
I am very particular about the rawhide I buy - in fact, Dingos are the only rawhide products I allow my dog to eat. Dingo "Meat in the Middle" products are made from natural rawhide wrapped around real meat, pork or chicken. They are high in protein and low in fat, and protect against tartar build up in teeth. They come in various sizes and shapes to suit every size breed. Axel, my wire-haired fox terrier, though quite a big chap for his breed standard, is partial to the mini Dingo bones (pictured right). Upon receiving one, he usually carries it excitedly around the house in his mouth looking for a suitable burial spot. Once the ideal location is found, he will proceed to bury it with diligent intent, usually in the couch, dirty washing basket or under my pillow. After anything from a few minutes to half an hour, he will invariably cave to temptation, unearth the precious treat, and spend at least half an hour chewing and devouring it. Keeping a terrier out of mischief for so protracted a period of time, is what I have come to rely on Dinogos for. They have never let me down.
A pack of seven Dingo minis will set you back about $3.50 - a good deal for such a quality treat. All Dingo products are on sale online at Petco from now until July 27. Also look for the minis in the Pet food aisle at Rite-Aid pharmacies where I usually find them at their cheapest.
This sweet little pup is Humphrey Jack Webb -- a Mini Daschund and Border Terrier cross. He is 10 weeks old and is simply adorable.
Likes: He loves digging! (A trait he has picked up from both parents, and is currently helping out his Dad in the garden with gathering the lettuces!) He also adores his friend pictured here.
Fun Fact: Humphrey lives in London. What a posh dog! ;)
If you're like me, you often walk your dogs at night and that can be unsafe at times. The ASPCA has a wonderful new product that can help with keeping you and your dog safe. It's the flashing safety leash! This leash is 5 feet long and its flashing lights and reflective strip help drivers see you and your pet on those dark roads. We recently picked up two of them at Walmart, where they're now available. You can set the handle to a flashing mode or a solid light and the nylon leash is a sturdy braided material.
Another thought to consider is that it can also be very handy if your pet somehow got loose from you. If you have the light on, you'd be able to spot your pet immediately. The leashes are able to be seen up to 600 feet away. We tested them out as soon as we got home and were very pleased with how they look and feel.
I like a product that makes me want to walk my dogs more often and it's a bonus that I can feel safer doing so.
Ceramic Feeding Bowls and Treat Jars for Your Pets
I think it is so nice when I go into another pet owners home and see fun and whimsical things for their pets. It could be a pet themed picture frame or a cool piece of art having something to do with the family pet.
Why not show your love and admiration for your family pet with a beautiful piece of pottery that is also functional. At Petware Pottery (www.petwarepottery.com) you can find all kinds of bowls and treat jars for your favorite dog or cat. They come in all sizes and colors. Petware Pottery designs their products with fun dots or stripes, and in the middle of the bowls, you can find either a bone or a picture of a dog or cat.
What I like most about these bowls and treat jars are that they are made with lead free glazes and slips. In addition, they can be placed into the dishwasher and are microwave safe (in case your dog is like mine, and prefers his food heated up).
If you are a pet store owner and would like to purchase some of these bowls, the company is offering you a 10% discount on your order. For everyone else, please go to the Petware Pottery website to see a listing of where you can find and purchase these terrific bowls and treat jars yourself.
I love all things about our dog, Jax. His smile, the way he shakes with glee when he sees us and his eagerness to befriend our cats. The one small issue we have, through no fault of his own, is that our house is being taken over by balls of fur. It is everywhere-stairs, kitchen bathroom, closet.
About a month ago, while browsing in a local pet store, I became intrigued by the FURminator deShedding tool. I was mesmerized by the video that detailed the massive amount of fur that came off of one dog! I wondered—could this really work?Or was I witnessing the magic of TV?I broke down and purchased this purported miracle brush for $49.95.
I am happy to report that that this is one purchase in which I have no buyer’s remorse.The FURminator has been one of the best investments for our beloved canine, Jax.The FURminator removes the dead undercoat that typically causes shedding.It’s simple to use and makes brushing a fun, easy experience for all.Since using the FURminator, we have definitely noticed less fur around the house AND Jax’s coat appears shinier.The tool is a bit on the pricey side ($49.95 for a medium tool), but it is well worth the extra dollars. The FURminator comes in different widths based on the size of your dog.As an added benefit, it can be used on cats, too!
Get the FURminator at Petsmart and save 15% off orders $40 more with coupon code SUMMER15 through July 28, 2008.
Pearl, my entirely white ten-month-old Pit Bull Terrier mix, is so adorable that I can hardly contain myself. I say her name in silly voices, scratch her back and rub her belly, and I can’t kiss her enough. To me, she is altogether perfect. Well almost. She has one behavioral issue that doesn’t seem to mesh with her character: my little Pearly girl eats her own poop!
There are a few reasons why a dog may feel inclined to do this. For one, it’s a survival tool. Dogs instinctually know not to leave evidence of their presence for other potential predators to pick up on. So, if your dog senses danger, he or she may want to “eliminate the elimination.” Poop eating could also be a behavior your pup picked up from his or her mother. After all, don’t all children imitate their elders? And although it’s a strange way to blow off steam, dogs actually use this terrible indulgence as a way to relieve stress. Talk about comfort food!
Enter Nasty Habit, a chewable tablet by Nutri-Vet that works to prevent dogs from consuming their own feces. Each pill contains a healthy dose of Cayenne Pepper, a spice that is disagreeable to dogs and so defers them from “re-consuming” their food. Nasty Habit also contains Chamomile, an herb that works to calm canine nerves and lower stress levels so that your dog won’t feel the need to do this awful deed.
Nasty Habit is an effective and inexpensive product that can be found at your local pet store or ordered directly from the Nutri-Vet website. Since I started adding these caplets to Pearl’s morning and evening meals, she has stopped her unnecessary snacking, and she is oh-so-perfect again!
I love my dog. In fact, I'm such a dog fanatic not only do I let my own dog give me a kiss whenever it's offered, I allow strange dogs to cover my face with love as well. Sometimes, those kisses are not as fragrant as they could be.
Does your little pal have breath that could knock a buzzard off of a dung heap? Well, if so that could be a sign of dental disease and should be dealt with at the vet as soon as possible.
Normally, all dogs have an odor to their breath. It will be affected by the food they eat or the toys they chew, especially if you give them rawhide or pigs ears to name a couple. But their breath shouldn't be offensive.If you want your fuzzy friend to have fresh breath for those canine kisses, I have found a product that will do just that.
The product is a dental treat called Bright Bites.
These are star shaped little goodies your dog will appreciate without knowing how much good it does his mouth, his teeth and his relationship with you. They come in small, medium and large sizes and in three flavors as well: peppermint, cinnamon and spearmint. My little guy is partial to spearmint (he's also partial to dead birds so I won't make a recommendation on the flavor based on it's appeal to him).
Bright Bites were developed by veterinarians to help promote good oral hygiene and prevent gum disease. Gluten free and 100% soluable, I trust this product more than any other I've seen on the market. I found these little treasures in my favorite doggie boutique, The Animal House in my home town but you can look them up at http://www.brightbites.com/.
They have a texture that is smooth but not easily devoured. The star shape can get into the crevices of the teeth and scrape away food particles before they become plaque. As an added bonus, your dog will have whiter, prettier teeth. This may not mean much to you but you want your little friend to be smiling in social situations, don't you? Ok,maybe you never thought about it before, but I am a new convert to star shaped Bright Bite. My dog thinks he's getting a tasty new treat and my vet will hopefully have less dental work to perform as my young adonis gets older.
This product is not recommended for puppies under the age of six months and I always consult my vet before trying a new product just to reassure myself.The price is definitely a perk as I only paid $.50 each for my selection of small size stars. The medium size were $.79 each and for large you'll pay around $1.29Good dental hygiene is a gift you can give your dog, and fresh breath is a gift your dog can give to you with Bright Bites.
I love going into the greeting card store. I'm one of those people you see in the isles of the store, cracking up over funny cards. I can't help it -- some of them are really funny.
Well now you can crack up all you want and you don't even need to leave you house to do it. Sincerely, Fido (www.SincerelyFido.com) is a website that makes greeting cards, announcements and invitations for the pet parent from the pets perspective. Sincerely, Fido carries cards for holidays, birthdays, graduation from puppy training school and much, much more. Each card is meant to read like a dog is talking to you directly. You will for sure be able to find a card to fit every need.
Sincerely, Fido is also coming out with a line of t-shirts available in both mens and womens sizes. In addition, if you are in the market for dog party supplies, www.SincerelyFido.com has got you covered there too, with activities to do at the party and theme decorations. It's like one stop shopping!
Order 3 cards from Sincerely, Fido before September 30, 2008 and receive the 4th card FREE! Just enter SPB3G178 in the coupon code section.
Turn treating your dog into a stimulating game! The Dog Brick is an inventive puzzle from Nina Ottosson’s line of dog toys that will give your dog hours of fun, interactive play. The Dog Brick is a rectangular toy with eight treat holes. Each hole has a sliding 'door' to cover over the treat to hide it. Your dog’s job is to either learn to slide the 'doors' towards themselves or slide them away with their paw or nose in order to get to the treat.
Once your dog masters the game, you can also up the ante by adding smart blocks which lock the bricks in place. Your dog now has to remove the smart blocks before they can move the bricks to get to the yummy treat.
To see how the Dog Brick works, click on the YouTube movie above.
The Dog Brick is heavy and durable, made of a tough wood that is practically indestructible. Manufactured in the United Kingdom, the product is distributed in the USA by Paw Lickers Bakery and Boutique. It is not cheap at approximately $45, but if you want to give that special dog in your life a unique gift that will get his brain ticking and his tail wagging, you can’t do better than the Dog Brick. Shop now and use the coupon code SWANKY for 10% off your order.
Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits come in tiny shapes that are full of flavor. I love these because they’re tiny enough to make it a small treat but full of great taste. Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits are made by Buddy Biscuits and they come in an 8 oz box and each box has about 35-40 biscuits for your dog to enjoy.
Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits are made with human grade ingredients and there are no artificial colors or flavors.
All three of my dogs love them. I mostly buy the molasses flavor because the smell is out of this world. I either give them one as a treat or if I’m really in a hurry and want my dogs to come in or go out quickly, I’ll drop a tiny handful for them. They’re usually eaten in about 30 seconds flat. These are perfect for tiny dogs that’d like a treat that is perfect for their size or even for large dogs that love a little something extra. They also make great training tools since they’re the perfect size and there’s no need to have to break them into smaller pieces. You can find these at most pet stores and online as well and the price is usually around $3.75 per box. You can order directly from their site and use coupon code 063008 for a 25% off merchandise discount.
I like GW Little for their high-end and trendy products and their huge sale rack filled with tons of amazing buys. Most of all, I love when I get these great products at a discount (the rush of getting a great bargain really makes my day).
Now through July 12th GW Little is having a "walk the dog" sale featuring their best walking gear. Shop now and use the coupon code WLKNDOG for 10% off your order.
Beautiful jewelry that shows off the ones you love
It's all the fashion now to wear pretty necklaces that have your children's names and their birthdates on them. They come in all different shapes and sizes and they are made of different precious metals. They are very pretty.
I got one better though. There is a company online called Forbidden Fruit Jewelry (www.forbiddenfruitjewelry.com) and they make beautiful custom pieces of wearable art. Each piece features a photograph of that special someone you would like to keep near and dear to your heart. The necklaces include a sterling silver chain or leather necklace, Swarovski crystals, your choice of either a black or white pendant, and you get to choose the shape of the pendant, all of which you customize to your liking. The photograph is baked into a polymer clay and sealed. Each pendant is fade and water resistant, so there is no worrying that after a few wearings, it's going to look different or come apart.
To make your piece even more personal, you're able to have an eight word message written on the back of the pendant (excluding the mini pendants). Maybe you'd like the name or names of the people (or furry friend) on the back. Whatever you decide to have, I know you'll treasure your piece of jewelry for years to come.
I have to tell you, that I have a necklace and a pair of earrings from Forbidden Fruit Jewelry with a picture of my daughter (who was 7 months old at the time) and my dog, both wearing Eagles football jerseys. I can't tell you how many compliments I have gotten. Strangers have seen me wear the necklace and have made comments on how pretty it is. For me, it's just something special I have with my 2 kids on it.
Forbidden Fruit Jewelry is great for you or as a gift for someone. Enter in the coupon code "swanky", and receive 10% off your order.
In our house, we have a saying: another day, another dog toy. The time period between squeaky shiny newness and silent stuffing-less trash is not long. This can get expensive. My chocolate lab Hank chews nonstop and is always looking for something new. If he can’t find a toy, he’ll settle for a shoe—or a laptop.
During my weekly trip to the pet store, I spotted the Tuff Plush Round Hound. While being just as cute as all the other plush toys, the Round Hound has a canvas under-layer and reinforced nylon stitching. According to the tag, Tuff Plush products last 3 times as long as the average toy.
Hank’s been chewing his Round Hound steadily for a week now, and it doesn’t show much wear. The best part of the donut shape is that Hank is constantly sticking his nose through the hole and balancing it in the air. This toy is a must-have for dogs that need to chew.
Greatest American Dog premiers this Thursday on CBS
I am a sucker for reality TV. Yes, I love it. So when I learned about a new reality TV series featuring dogs, I couldn't help but be excited!
This Thursday, July 10th at 8pm ET, the show Greatest American Dog will premiere. 12 teams of dogs and owners from across the nation will live together and compete against each other in challenges that put the owners' ability to train their dogs to the test. The are competing for $250,000.
Check out the preview and let's hope the show is worth watching! Come chat about it on Friday on our boards so we can discuss, too!
Yes, if it’s the Lucky Brand Guitar Strap Leash!Since adopting Jax in May 2007, I have been on a mission to find a sturdy, yet stylish leash that withstands the elements while hiking in the Wissahickon Valley (part of the Fairmount Park System in Philadelphia).I hit the jackpot with the Lucky Brand Guitar Strap Leash.This leash is stylish—its intricate embroidery design in red, orange, yellow, white, black and a touch of green truly resembles a guitar strap.And this leash is durable.It features a rubber-lined hand grip that helps me keep a firm hold on Jax when he decides to chase a squirrel.We have been using this leash for six months and it still maintains its fashionable look.The leash is 1” wide and 60” long—perfect for medium to large size dogs.This leash is now on sale at Lucky Brand Jeansfor $19 with $6 flat shipping!
* Please note: We just learned these collars are now sold out on the Lucky Site. We'll let you know if they get any more in, and will keep you posted on future Lucky dog sale items.
My puppy Baxter LOVES plush toys. He carries them around, chews on them and then, after a few weeks, meticulously pulls out every little bit of stuffing leaving a gigantic pile of fluff all over the floor. Though I don't like cleaning up this mess, I know how much he enjoys having plush toys so I continue to indulge him (supervised only at this point). His new favorite plushies are the American Kennel Club Green Planet Collection toys available in a variety of different realistic animals shapes.
Baxter likes these AKC toys because of their fun shapes and textures and the loud squeaker inside. I like them because they are more durable than the typical plush toy and best of all, they are environmentally friendly and made from recycled (but safe) materials. The strong fabric is double stitched and all details are embroidered on so that there are no small parts your pooch could swallow.
These AKC toys are available in a variety of animals that almost look like the real thing, making them perfect for that little hunter in your home! We have the squirrel and rabbit, but there are plenty of other animals to choose from that are super cute. Though these toys are not indestructible, they are certainly more durable and higher quality than the typical plush toy you will find at the pet store. Currently these great toys are available at Dog.com in two sizes for less than $8 each.
Do you ever take your dog for a walk, and realize that you have so much more to schlep with you than just the dog? If my dog and I are going out for a long walk, I bring the dog, my cell phone, house keys, poop bags, and treats. I don't have enough hands for all this stuff.
Scoopdoggy.ca makes fantastic bags called Stroll Town bags, leashes and collars. The bags attach to the leash so that all you have to hold onto is the handle of the leash. The bags themselves are large enough to hold plastic bags, a fetch toy, treats, a cell phone, and a credit card. They are available in two sizes and come in three fabric choices, which allows the owner to customize their gear and their dog's gear to their own fashion sense.
So, if you are searching for a way to have everything at your fingertips, but not directly in your hands, the Stroll Town bags from Scoopdoggy.ca is what you need. If you order now through August 30th, be sure to enter SP2008 in the coupon code section and receive 10% off any item online.
The minute the blossoms appear on the trees in Springtime, my dog starts to itch. Welcome to the uncomfortable world of seasonal allergies! This year allergies kicked in very early, and before we knew it, Axel was biting his back and legs until they bled. Of course we took him to the vet, he had his allergy shots and anti-biotics, and then out came the dreaded Elizabethan collar! "We need to stop Axel from biting himself until the drugs kick in," announced the Vet, "He needs to wear the collar 24/7 for a few days."
The dreaded Elizabethan collar! God help us!
As if Axel was not miserable enough with his itchies, he now faced the indignity of hitting walls as he walked around our narrow rowhome, hitting his snout against the hard plastic collar going up and down our stairs, and forget about eating with it on!
Never content to see my little guy unhappy, I went online in a desperate search for a better product, and I found it! Introducing the BiteNot Collar, a comfortable, machine-washable, collar made of flexible plastic and foam that comes with a harness strap to ensure that it stays put. BiteNot collars are so comfy they make the Elizabethan collars look like an ancient instrument of doggy torture by comparison! Described as the "Collar that Cares", the BiteNot collar allows your dog or cat to eat, drink, play, run up stairs and sleep confortably - plus, they allow for complete peripheral vision! At the same time, they protect wounds and sutures on most areas of your pet's body. They come in seven size alternatives for dogs, and two sizes for cats; and range in price from $20-$45. Visit their Web site to find a supplier in your area as they are not sold at regular petstores.
After our BiteNot collar came in the mail, Axel and I made a happy trip together to the outside trashcan and bid the dreaded Elizabethan collar farewell forever.
Deedle Dudes Are as Much Fun for You as They Are For Your Pets
My dogs always look forward to new toys and Deedle Dudes are the cutest little pet toys that play a song when you push their belly. They’re inexpensive, cute and my dogs love them. The tune is similar to the Hamster Song; that’s the only way I can describe it but both my husband and I love to hear it. We never get tired of that cute little song. They come in assorted styles such as a cow, a monkey, a shark, a rabbit, a snake and a mouse. These are made by Multi Pet but you can find them at various stores including Amazon and Pet Supermarket. The prices are usually around $6.00 and although the instructions say to surface wash only, I’ve machine washed mine plenty of times with no damage whatsoever. Each measures approximately 6” to 7” tall and they are all embroidered with no sharp edges to hurt your dog. Try one out and it might just become your pet's favorite toy!
Yes, it's summer and we all do a lot of traveling. Maybe you are going on a plane or just jumping in the car for a quick trip to the shore. Wherever you are headed, make sure your luggage, and your dog, are clearly labeled with a cool tag from Shaggytag.com.
Shaggytag.com makes all kinds of tags for your dog. If you are doing some traveling, you may want to look into a luggage tag for your dog's luggage or your own. If your refrigerator looks similar to mine, all cluttered with papers and drawings from my daughter, you may benefit from getting a magnet. Or maybe you're looking for a great gift for someone... why not a mouse pad with their favorite furry friend on it? Shaggytag.com has got you covered, whatever your needs maybe.
Each tag is custom made, very durable, color printed on both sides and laminated with heavy duty plastic, for protection from everyday wear and tear. It resembles a drivers license, in that it has a picture of your dog and all of his or her personal information. The tags are made for all kinds of animals.
Our dogs are very important to us and you want to provide the very best for them. Give them something that is useful, informative, looks nice and will, for sure, make heads turn. When you order from Shaggytag.com between now and August 1st, enter swankypup in the coupon code area and receive free shipping.
Find a Pet Sitter (and more) online through Sittercity!
Did you know that you can find qualified, screened pet-sitters, dog trainers, groomers, dog walkers, and more on Sittercity? It's simple. Type in your zip code, and you will be able to see a number of people in your neighborhood willing to help you and your pet.
You can see basic information as a non-member, but to see detailed info and to contact sitters, you will need to join. (There is a fee to join, which comes out to about $7.99 per month)
Also note that if you have kids, you can use Sittercity to find qualified babysitters as well.
Check it out and save 10% on your registration fee with code SwankyPup.
These little blue packages have made buying and storing food for my dog easier than I ever thought possible. Smartpak can portion food in whatever amounts you dog needs, whether it's 3/8 of a cup or a whole cup. Here's how it works (not word for word, but taken from the catalog directions):
Don't hesitate! Point your browser here: 
