I am always looking for ways to stimulate my fox terrier's brain and by so doing, keep him out of trouble. There is a wonderful company out there dedicated to this mission. Introducing Canine Geniuswho go by the tagline, "Smart toys for your dog." The company sent me two products to test - the Mini Mike and the Mike. The only difference between the two toys is the size - the Mini Mike is suitable for a dog in the 15 pounds range, whereas the Mike toy is perfect for a large breed dog like a German Shephard or a labrador.
The toys are made of durable, chewable plastic and shaped like a small tower. The toy encourages your dog to exercise his/her hunting and foraging skills working to remove the treats you put inside. These toys can be used individually or you can connect them to other toys in the Canine Genius range so that as your dog learns how the toy works, you can make it more and more challenging for him to get to the treats. Like Kongs, you can also feed your dog in a Mike or Mini Mike though it is considerably more difficult to extract food from a Mike than it is from a Kong because the opening is smaller.
Axel had a great time playing with his Mini-Mike and it took him a while to figure out that he had to throw the toy around in order for the treats to tumble out. He also enjoyed playing catch with the toy once the treats were gone - he seemed to really like the chewable plastic.
Mini-Mikes retail at $12,95; the bigger Mikes at $18.95. You can purchase them directly from the Canine Genius website.
I love unique pet items and at Animal Love Pet Boutique and Gear, they have quite a few items to choose from. However, what better way to be unique than to give back at the same time?
The Save the Boobies dog collar is a way to show how much you care about breast cancer. This stylish collar not only looks great but 20% of all sales of it and other breast cancer items goes to Pink Link to support the survivors, victims and families of breast cancer.
The collars come from sizes x-small up to x-large and you have a choice between dark pink with light ribbons or light pink with dark ribbons. They have sturdy D-rings and each collar is 1 1/2 inches wide. At $21 this collar lets you give to help with breast cancer as well as making your furry friend stand out in a crowd.
I am a very organized person. I write things down to the point where even my notes have notes. I keep a calendar on my refrigerator with all the upcoming goings on, as well as, a palm pilot in my purse.
The calendar I keep on my fridge, came with stickers that say things like birthday party, doctor appointment, dentist, haircut, vacation (which I really need right about now) and other events that you would put on your calendar. I love them. Not only do they look kinda cute, but they are good visual reminder of things that are coming up.
At Organized Planet, you can find something called CalenDots that are specifically geared to the needs of your pet. Not only do they have dots for vet appointments, vaccinations, and grooming, but they also have ones for doggie playdates, your dog's birthday, and reminders of when you need to pick up more dog food or medicine.
Organized Planet makes these CalenDots for just about anything. You'll find exactly what you need from Bills Due Reminders to reminders for your kids activities. With these on your calendar, it'll be hard to forget about an event or appointment.
Astrology has gone to the dogs!Now you can showcase your pup’s sign with a delightful charm from DogOscopes!This line of astrology-inspired pet accessories features bright, quirky artistic representations of the zodiac.Is your pooch an Aquaruffus—one who loves freedom and wide-open spaces? Or maybe your four-legged friend is a Gemutti—one who is friendly and curious. Don’t know your pet’s birth date because he is a rescue? Never fear, DogOscopes even have a sign for the rescued pups—Ruffscue!
The charm is available in two sizes: small (7/8" diameter) and large (1 1/8" diameter). Each lead-free charm is constructed of ruff tuff nickel-plated steel with a smooth back for easy engraving of your pet’s name and contact information.In addition to these fun charms, DogOscope offers stationary.Let your four-legged friend’s inner soul shine through with a unique ID from DogOscope!
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and of course I am going to buy something for my puppy Baxter to show him how much I love him! Since he is not really a fan of dressing up (even though I would love to see him in a pink sweater) I decided a toy that he will really enjoy is the best way to celebrate the holiday. This talking rose stuffed toy is exactly what you need to show you care - since it actually says "I love you" when your dog bites down on it!
Baxter definitely enjoyed this toy when I gave it to him to test out, but I got more enjoyment out of watching him carry this rose around in his mouth. He went crazy each time it talked to him and would bark back at it! I should note that while this toy is very cute, it is not indestructible and since Baxter is rough on his toys he did manage to rip all of the stuffing out after a while. This fun and adorable talking rose toy is now on sale at The Sassy Pup, so order yours in time for February 14th this year!
No, not that Pooh, but poo! Book of Poo has a unique concept to hide unsightly doggy waste. Each individual book of poo looks like a book so that when you're walking your dog and need to make a quick clean up you're not toting around a bag of poo. Instead, it's carefully hidden away in the Book of Poo and can be discretely thrown away at your convenience. The books are inexpensive with a month's supply only costing $10. Not only that, you get a free doggy treat and biodegradable clean up bag in each box and can donate to The Humane Society right from their site. I thought these were a wonderful idea and very cute. You can even send in a picture of your dog to be placed on your order so that you're carrying your own personal Book of Poo. Check them out and keep in mind that they're Karsun used and approved!
I remember when I first got my dog, he was so little that I was able to pop him in a dog tote bag and take him with me wherever I went. People loved seeing his little head sticking out of the bag and I do believe, that he enjoyed seeing everyone and walking around the city.
If you are looking for a way to tote your furry friend around, you should look into getting a Fundle from Gramercy Pet. Essentially, the Fundle is a sling that your dog fits into comfortably. The strap is adjustable, so that, you too, are comfortable carrying your pet. What I like most about the Fundle, is that because you wear it across your chest, your hands free. The Fundle comes with side pockets for keys, cell phone and treats, as well as, cushions on the top for a headrest. We wouldn't want your baby to go without one of those now would we?
There are a lot of other cool features to the Fundle. Check out the website, and if you need or know of someone who might be interested in a Fundle, tell them about the Gramercy Pet website. Happy traveling!
Chicago artist, Anne Leuck Feldhaus, creates beautiful, contemporary paintings and ready-to-hange prints of our favorite four-legged friends. Much of her work is based on her own two best friends-Izzy and Alice. These bright, whimiscal paintings and prints will brighten any decor and add a smile to anyone who views them. In addition to the many prints and paintings available to purchase, you can commission a custom-portrait of your own pup.
In addition, Anne is committed to using her work to encourage pet adoption and support animal welfare organizations--she offers a 10% discount on portraits of pets that are adopted or rescued. View available prints here and Anne's website here.
I support animal rescue and spay and neuter programs, but most rescue-themed clothing and accessories are far from stylish. When I found this vintage Rescue Spay and Neuter Tee I was excited to see a trendy shirt with a meaningful message that I will actually wear!
This graphic tee is made of eco-friendly organic cotton and recycled poly, and will help spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering and of course, rescuing pets. It is unisex, soft, comfortable and machine washable and now available from the Humane Society's online store the Humane Domain.
So if you are looking for a trendy way to show your support for a good cause, then add this tee to your wardrobe or buy it for your animal-loving friend for a gift they will be proud to wear.
Introducting the Hoppy Dawg Tag - A customizable bottle cap ID tag. Inside the tag is a tiny area that can include your dog's I.D. The tag can accommodate most round engraved and license tags, and stops that irritating tag jingle. The back of tag is stamped with the Hoppy Dawg logo and "I.D. Inside" to alert people to that pertinent information in case your best friend is lost. The Hoppy Dawg Tag is made from a non-toxic, FDA approved rubber like material and is anti-microbial.
This is the perfect gift for folks who enjoy their beer and love their dogs. You can also swap out the Hoppy Dawg cap with your favorite bottle cap. The gimic is not cheap - it retails at $8.99 each. Find out more at www.hoppydawg.com
I just learned that all local Pier One stores are discounting their dog merchandise (which is very cute, I have to say) 50-75%. They have dog carriers, dog beds, treats, bowls, clothing, and more.
I love this Miso Sleepy pet cushion. Adorable and only $19!
If you have yet to check our Pier One and their pet items, now is definitely the time. Have fun shopping!
I collect wine. Not just any wine though, it has to be unique and it has to have something I love on it or something that makes me laugh. One of the first wine clubs I joined was at K9 Wines. Every bottle that you purchase comes with a unique label featuring a rescue dog. Your wine will have the information on the dog and the wine itself such as release date and date it was bottled. For every bottle that is purchased $5 goes towards helping animals with rescue partners receiving that portion of sales. It's a great way to help rescue animals and enjoy an excellent wine. Or if you're like me, have a unique wine to display.
We all have the same problem. You take your pooch for a walk, he or she does their business and then you are left carrying in a bag the poop until you get back to your house to throw it immediately in the trashcan.
Now, when you leave your house, you can carry around with a mini trashcan, called the Muksak, that you can use to deposit the poop into. It's a gray can that comes with a strap so you can carry it on your shoulder. The lid on the Muksak is smell and leak proof. There is nothing worse than picking up a bag and finding that it has a hole in it. Having the Muksak solves this problem.
At some point, you may have to clean your Muksak. It's easy. Just clean it with soap and water and you're good to go (no pun intended).
There are other dog related products available on the Muksak website. Check them out and when your dog has to use the "can", grab this can!
This Friday, January 16th, Hotel For Dogs opens in theaters nationwide!
Hotel For Dogs stars Lisa Kudrow (Friends), Emma Roberts (Nancy Drew), Kevin Dillon (Entourage) and Don Cheadle (Traitor). This film looks like a great family movie and includes many different breeds of our favorite four-legged friends! The story is about 3 young kids that have to find a new home for their dog, and during the search find several stray dogs who need a place to stay as well.
As an added bonus, for every ticket purchased Pedigree will make a donation to help shelter dogs! Check out the movie trailer here. And clickhere to find a movie theater near you!
If you love Ed Hardy's tattoo-style clothing and accessories, then I have great news for you! Christian Audigier, the mastermind behind the Ed Hardy brand now has a hot new line of clothing and accessories for dogs that is a must-have for any swanky pup.
Whether you pick up a crystal encrusted, tattoo print tee, a trendy dog bed that you will not mind leaving out in the middle of your living room, or a dog carrier that is hotter than your purse, everyone at the dog park will be jealous! This collection is unique and extremely stylish, and though it is certainly not inexpensive, if you are looking for high-end style for your pup then check out the entire Christian Audigier line at The Pampered Pup.
NFL gear for your dogs, just in time for the playoffs!
It's that time of year again- the NFL playoffs. This means that every Sunday we are watching football all day long and everyone in my house has playoffs-fever, including my dog Baxter.
While we aren't feeling quite ready to take off his Philadelphia Phillies collar, on Sundays when we are all wearing our Eagles jerseys we don't want Baxter to feel left out so we just picked up an Eagles collar for him from MVP Dogs! Not from Philadelphia? Not a problem! MVP dogs has merchandise available for every NFL team.
This heavy-duty nylon collar is fully adjustable and features a Tuff brand clasp and silver D ring where you can attach a matching NFL leash(not to worry, they sell these too). Also, it is avaialble for dogs of all sizes, including extra large dogs, so that dogs large and small can show their NFL spirit.
If you and your pup are cheering on your team in the playoffs, be sure to pick up some stylish gear from MVP Dogs to show your team spirit. Shipping on orders over $60 is free, so stock up now!
Tripawds is Jerry’s place to learn about and cope with amputation, canine osteosarcoma or other dog cancers, and life on three legs. You'll fall in love with Jerry and can help out by choosing some of their wonderful merchandise. I just love Jerry's motto, which is, "It's better to hop on three legs than limp on four." Merchandise is reasonably priced and don't forget to read Jerry's blog while you're there. You'll be inspired and fall in love with Jerry.
We have just gotten through the holiday season and, if you are like me, you purchased gifts for your pets because they too, are one of the family and deserve gifts just like everyone else. But, let me ask you this question. Did you wrap the gift or did you just take it out of the shopping bag it came in and give it to your pet?
The owner of the company was inspired to create Printed Puppy after she found her dog on the streets while on her honeymoon. The whole story of "Niva" is on the About section of the site. It is a great read (yes, you might even shed a tear or two) so be sure to check it out when you need to take a break from shopping. Part of the proceeds received, go directly to local animal rescue centers.
There is always a reason to buy a gift for your furry friend or a human friend. Think about jazzing it up on the outside with some fabulous wrapping from Printed Puppy.
Are you tired of the same old, metal dog tag available at local pet stores? Are you looking for a more sophisticated, modern tag that will withstand wear and tear? Then check out the Sterling Silver Pet ID Tags and Charms from Oh My Dog Supplies.
These gorgeous tags are available in eight different shapes to suit your style. The tags may be engraved and used as an identification tag or leave them clean and add it to your dog's collar for a beautiful charm.
As an added bonus, Oh My Dog Supplies offers a 12% discount on your first purchase simply by registering on the site!
An indestructible frisbee for hours of chewing and fun
My dog Baxter is only 23 pounds, but he can destroy pretty much any toy in under 5 minutes. Even toys labeled indestructible do not stand a chance against him, but I still keep buying them hoping to find one that will actually last. I am happy to report that I have finally found a toy that Baxter has yet to destroy (or even make a dent in for that matter) - the Petstages Orka Flyer has passed the chew test! We have now had the disc for 3 whole weeks and it is entirely intact!
This unique toy is made of a nontoxic synthetic rubber that is durable yet soft enough to be easy on your dogs mouth and fun for him to chew. The frisbee shape makes it perfect for lots of fetching and best of all it floats, flies and bounces.
You can find this new and popular product at Pestmart.com and at most Petsmart stores for $12.99, and since it will actually last, Baxter and I think it is worth every penny!
How about adorning the little fur princess in your life with some doggy bling? Next Day Pets has the cutest little collars called the Chrome Bones Bling Paws 3300 Collection. Hand placed crystal paws adorn the collar with faux crocodile and genuine leather backing. If you get any size other than XX small you also get a paw that hangs from the D-ring. They're adorable and while a little expensive, certainly unique!
Happy New Year! Does your dog have any exciting resolutions for the New Year?
My dog Maggie's resolution is to lose a little weight this year. She seems to be packing on the pounds with all of the food she begs from my kids... but no more! We are going to slim her down! How about you?
Whatever your resolutions may be, we wish you and your family and canine companions a very healthy, happy, and fun New Year!
