The Swanky Pup - Stylish dog blog, dog forums, dog chat and directory

Mattel Tag Allows Your Dog to Tweet

2010-10-15T15:05:00.000-04:00

The new Mattel tag allows your furry friend to send out tweets. According to Sue Manning, Associated Press:

Puppy Tweets is an electronic dog tag with a sensor that you attach to your dog's collar. It detects your pet's movements and sounds and sends a variety of tweets to a Twitter page you set up for your dog on a computer or smart phone. You can invite all your friends to be followers, too.

You can find Puppy Tweets at places like Amazon.com. They retail for approximately $25 and would make an excellent gift for a dog lover.

Loving Pets Products

2010-07-24T01:37:00.006-04:00

I was recently able to receive products from Loving Pets Products and my furry family was so pleased!

The Bella Bowls are gorgeous! They're veterinarian-recommended stainless steel dog bowls and pet feeding dishes by combining a stainless interior with an attractive poly-resin exterior. A removable rubber base prevents spills, eliminates noise, and makes Bella Bowls fully dishwasher safe. Bella Bowls are available in an expanding palette of decorative colors and designs. Bella Bowls Stainless Steel pet dishes come in five sizes, sure to be a perfect fit for your dog, cat or any other pet. It's the only bowl on the market with a patented stainless steel interior bonded to the plastic shell as one unit.

The treats were a huge hit as well. We tried out the Vegitopia line in sweet potato and apple and all three dogs begged for more. Vegitopia treats are fresh picked produce from the farm. With simple, all natural, healthy ingredients, and a taste that your dog is sure to love, Vegitopia will become a favorite for you and your pampered pet. This simple, delicious, and healthy treat gives pets the vitamins and minerals needed for great physical and dental health, including Vitamins A, B, and C, Fiber, Potassium, Beta Carotene, and more.

You can visit their site and find stores near you that sell their products with the easy search function. I found about 13 stores close by and if that isn't an option recommend your local store carry Loving Pet Products or visit an online store such as Amazon or PetSmart.

Red Dingo Dog Tags

2010-07-20T03:25:00.003-04:00

I got the cutest tag for Swan today from Rover in Clover. It's their designer set of Red Dingo dog tags and I love it. Swan looks so adorable in her swanky pink dog tag and it even comes with her name and phone number on the back. That's a good idea too because Swan can never remember her number and if she got lost we don't know what we'd do.

Rover in Clover has a huge selection of dog tags and charms to make any furry friend feel in style and shipping is free in the United States! I highly recommend these gorgeous dog tags and charms for anyone looking to protect their dog with style.

Kiki Hamann Canine Couture

2010-07-14T17:42:00.002-04:00

For the first time, a fashion designer has turned their attention towards
man’s best friend. Kiki Hamann Canine Couture is a highly imaginative
brand that creates the very best in high-end canine merchandise. Aimed
at the stylish dog lover, designs are promised an exclusive hand-made
touch, and range from one-of-a-kind harnesses and handbags to chic
apparel. Kiki Hamann creates her unique products from top quality
materials such as leather, suede, faux fur, fine lace and silk, with
guaranteed durability and attention to artisanship.
All pieces are best known for their trendy and lavish detail and are
made in the U.S. This luxury brand is respected enough to attract
designer Uberto Gucci himself. Most recently, Kiki Hamann has
created a special trousseau for Uberto Gucci’s Chihuahua Prickly.
“Astonishing! What a super doggy bed. Kiki, my wife is crazy over it.
In my personal opinion, you have outdone yourself. Brava!” —Gucci.
The brand targets smaller breeds of dogs, but can customize items for
all breeds upon request. Kiki Hamann’s limited-edition products can be
purchased directly from her website, www.KikiHamann.com or from
one of the many exclusive retail partners around the world.

When elegance and passion is combined with functionality, the result
is a highly desirable product. The never-before-seen timeless dog
merchandise is made to match today’s trends in fashion. Only the best
materials are used in the manufacturing of the luxury items, and no real
animal fur is ever incorporated. KHCC collections are presented to the
public with the same respect and manner as those of the best Haute
Couture Maisons of the world. Kiki Hamann knows that the world
becomes more dog-friendly when style and fine craftsmanship is added
to traditional dog products.

Merchandise:
Genuine Leather Collection
• Handbags
• Pouches
• Beds
• Vest-Harnesses

“Ready to Wear” Collection
• Handbags
• Vest-Harnesses (Hand Painted Airbrush / Rhinestones)
• Pouches
• Casual Dresses

Signature Line
• Signature Dresses
• Signature Winter Coats
• Signature Beds
• Signature Vest-Harnesses

Travel Gear
• Airline Approved Carriers
• Reversible Pouches

Retailers:
• OnBlonde Pet Spa + Boutique- Palm Beach, FL USA
• The Pet Club- Miramar, FL USA
• Chic Chien: Luxury Pet Accessories- Germany
• Fluffy Boutique- Norway
• Glitzy Paws – Australia
• Tier Kollektion – Switzerland
• KHCC – Brazil

Websites:
• BitchNewYork.com
• doggiecoutureshop.com/
• GlitzyPaws.com
• Tierkollektion.ch/

With an unmatched visual arts and fashion background, celebrity
designer Kiki Hamann has built a successful Canine Couture business,
combining her love of dogs and fashion. For many years, she has been
designing and creating stylish canine merchandise that suits not only the
dog, but the distinguished dog owner as well. In the past, her high-end
work has been featured in the Luxury Living Fair in Norway, reviewed
by the Financial Times of Germany and made numerous appearances in
widely held red carpet fashion shows, local TVs and newspapers. Kiki
Hamann believes her highly desirable product is due to the combination
of three elements: uniqueness, elegance and functionality.

Facebook
Twitter
Website

You Lucky Dog

2010-06-23T20:04:00.005-04:00

You Lucky Dog June 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, 8C on The Hallmark Channel

Get ready to set your DVR's or make it a family night this Saturday. Hallmark Channel is premiering their movie, You Lucky Dog and you'll want to be there. I was privileged to be able to view this movie and within just a few minutes I was hooked.

You Lucky Dog stars Harry Hamlin and Natasha Henstridge and let's not forget Lucky, a Border Collie with tons of personality.

When Lisa's mother dies she heads back to the farm she grew up where her dad and brother still reside. You see, Lisa was rumored to be part of the New York City fashion scene. Her brother has spent all of his money on "special" sheep that produce a different kind of wool so he can help the farm finally make money. There is a lot of tension between the family about how the farm is run and it doesn't help whatsoever when Lisa wants to add a herding dog to the mix. This is where Lucky comes in.

Taken to the pound by a neighboring sheep rancher, Lisa decides to teach Lucky to herd and herd she does. Not only does Lucky become an excellent herder but she also becomes a local hero after a storm causes a fire. There's more to this story as it has a rich back story involving love, business and family matters.

To tell you any more would ruin this heartwarming and inspirational movie. I found myself captivated the entire time and plan to watch it again with my husband. You can find You Lucky Dog June 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, 8C on The Hallmark Channel. So grab your family and make it a family night with a movie that everyone will enjoy.

Wet Noses

2010-05-28T13:14:00.002-04:00

I recently got to try some of the wonderful Wet Noses products. My doggies got the peanut butter and molasses treats and the Little Stars sweet potato training treats. Needless to say, they loved it!

Everything at Wet Noses is 100% organic and baked in convection ovens for easier digestion. Even the packaging is environmentally friendly!

There are so many treats to choose from and I bet your dog would love every single one of them, I know mine did. You can even become a fan on Facebook to get special deals and offers.

Gorgeous leather dog collars for a great price!

2010-05-20T07:46:00.001-04:00

My sister-in-law Allie found these amazing dog collars on Etsy, a fabulous place to find handmade items for your pets (and you, too!) Michelle makes these collars from hand, in a variety of color choices for the leather collar and metal hardware accents.

The leather is distressed and available in the following colors: black, chocolate, brown, light carmel brown, red, mahogany, maroon, yellow, orange, purple, green, blue, royal blue, navy blue, deep teal, aqua, turquoise. The leather has been treated with an oil that both softens and protects the leather. It was then dyed deep teal and then gently distressed to have the perfect aged look. You can get the leather in a variety of thicknesses which is perfect to customize for your small, medium, or large dog!

The plate can be made of copper or brass, is cut with the dogs name stamped on it and it was attached to the collar with 2 dots studs to either side. ( studs can be left off if you dont want them) The entire collar is customizable and gorgeous!

Pricing depending on the size and type of color selected is in the $20-35 range, a steal for this type of customized and gorgeous collar. Check out Michelle's shop of collars, tags, and other items. They are gorgeous!

K9 Cuisine

2010-04-28T17:48:00.006-04:00

I was recently able to try some of the products from K9 Cuisine and let me tell you that their service, shipping and quality of products is top notch.

I tried The Verve and Force, Barking at the Moon Dog Food, Legacy Adult Dog Food, Salmon Bleu, Holistic Transition, Pumpkin and Cinnamon Dry Food Mixer, and Snap Bits.

We started with the Snap Bits and the dogs absolutely went crazy over them. I also tried Salmon Bleu and the food actually smells like fresh salmon. What's great about K9 Cuisine is that they do not do not sell products that contain additives or preservatives, or ingredients that may otherwise be harmful to your dog. Many of the brands they carry use human-grade ingredients. They even carry holistic food, RAW food and organic food, among a plethora of other choices to suit any need.

I found their company friendly and personable as well as professional and speedy. I'd order from them again any time. Check out their products and you can even get free samples - just pay shipping!

Pet Central

2010-04-19T18:57:00.004-04:00

CVS now has Pet Central products and I was lucky enough to get to review a few of them. I received Pet Central 5 Inch Natural Rawhide Munchy Sticks, Pet Central Leak-Proof Training Pads, Pet Central 5 Inch Pigskin Twists, Pet Central Oatmeal White Tea & Ginger Shampoo for Dogs and Cats and a gorgeous bed!

Pet Central's motto is "care, groom, play" and with these awesome products, you'll get all of your pet supplies at CVS from now on. The dogs loved the rawhide sticks. In fact, they want more! Now I haven't tried out the shampoo yet but the smell is divine and as far as the bed, Swan jumped right into it. She loves pet beds and best of all, it's washable!

The prices are awesome as well. The rawhide sticks are super inexpensive (under $3.00) and the shampoo is an entire pound for just $6.99. You can't beat the price for quality product.

With CVS being so convenient for all of your other needs, it's great to know that you can pick up quality pet products for low prices as well.

Welcome to our NEW Swanky Pup.... Gizmo!

2010-04-18T11:01:00.001-04:00

We are so excited and happy to announce the adoption and arrival of Gizmo, an adorable black pug mix. We're not exactly sure what he is mixed with (Brussles Griffon, perhaps? Maybe Shih Tzu? Let us know your guess in the comments field!) but he is a sweetheart! This one-year old little guy loves to cuddle, loves taking walks, and spending time with his canine sister, Maggie and human brothers. We can't wait to get to know him some more, and to review some new products with him. Stay tuned!!

This blog has moved

2010-04-13T19:23:00.001-04:00

This blog is now located at http://theswankypup.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://theswankypup.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Luxury Dog Houses

2010-03-19T16:29:00.003-04:00

You and your dog will love these breathtaking dog houses at Doowaggle. Each kit is a different way to pamper your dog with a luxurious home. The Victorian Kit shown includes:

2” x 3” Wood wall framing.

2” x 4” Wood trusses.

4’ x 8’ Enclosed area for your dog.

6’ x 8’ Kennel area for your dog to have some freedom.

Duratemp siding that is prefastened onto the wall panels to ensure the panels are square.

To save time with assembly the wall sections are panelized.

Gingerbread trim prefastened to panels. (see photo)

All other parts are precut and ready for you to assemble.

2 Working 14” x 21” windows with safety glass, grids and come with screens.

Decorative shutters and flowerboxes.

Reverse gable with painted heart on white plexi-glass window (see photo)

Dog entry door (40” high x 20” wide) entrance into the kennel area from the outside.

Pet door entrance between the kennel area and the inner enclosed area with a 10” x 15” flap with a locking panel.

Adult Dutch door on the side of the house (61” high x 34” wide)

All the necessary hardware for assembly (screws, latches, handles and nails)

White aluminum outside corner trim (see photo)

All trim and siding is primed and ready to be painted with a color of your choice.

Composite decking (7/8") in the kennel area that is more durable and long-lasting than wood (choose from 3 colors cedar cherry or oak)

5/8” Plywood in the 4’ x 8’ enclosed area.

Chain link fencing material for the kennel area.

Chain link fencing material for the interior enclosed area.

You just supply the paint, shingles and rain gutters. Prices are around $2500 but would be a perfect display piece for a luxury home. Your dog will love it too!

A Luxury Weekend of Wine Tasting and Tail Chasing

2010-03-11T00:23:00.004-05:00

For the second year in a row, the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana has asked Mutt Lynch Winery to be their feature winery at their 2nd annual Wine & Bitch Weekend this coming April 23-25. Featured events include hand made dog treats, a wellness seminar, spa treatments, a fashion show, dog parade, gourmet human treats and wines from Mutt Lynch Winery.

Fou Fou Sauvignon Blanc is featured on Friday's dinner and then Mutt Lynch Winery's 4 new Canis Major releases. Saturday's dinner at their Equestrian Center will be a bit more casual and have the Dog Series wines. Saturday afternoon will feature a fun wine educational seminar by Brenda.

Check out Wine and Bitch to book your reservation.

Hand Made Pet Beds

2010-03-04T15:44:00.003-05:00

Bonnie from SnacknSnooze makes comfy pet beds and yummy snacks. Everything from her shop is handmade with love. My favorite is this medium fleece bed. The colors are soothing and you can just imagine your pet resting comfortably on it with dreams of chasing squirrels.

Like they state at their store:
Snack 'n Snooze Home-made Pet Products came about from my love for our pets. We specialize in Pre-made and Custom-made fleece pet beds stuffed with quilt batting for cats & dogs, and also yummy dog AND cat treats. We also sell fleece tug toys for dogs & cat wand and catnip toys for cats, as well as cat scratch posts.

She's also a member of Etsy for Animals (EFA): Artists Helping Animals so you know that a portion of sales is going towards helping animals.

Duo Temperature Dog Bed

2010-02-25T19:43:00.003-05:00

Right now it's cold for most of the country but before you know it it'll be summer and with it comes hot temperatures. Wouldn't it be nice to have a doggy bed that heats and cools? Cozy Winters has a pet bed that does just that.

The first pet bed with an air channel cushion to offer both therapeutic cooling and warming to help pets stay active and healthy longer! The Dolce Vita Duo Temp dog bed provides comfort and promotes good health for pets. Hot weather or strenuous activity can leave a pet exhausted and overheated. Normally pets seek the cooling effects of laying on hard tile or concrete surfaces which can stress bones and muscles. The Dolce Vita Duo Temp delivers cool air therapy through a unique, patent-pending air channel cushion and provides your pet with the comfort of a cool therapeutic surface to sleep and relax.

The bed is listed at under $180 and comes with free ground shipping. Now you can provide year round comfort for your canine friend.

Folk Dog Art

2010-02-18T05:26:00.002-05:00

A graphic designer by day, Abby McMillen makes her home in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, where she knows more animals named Abby than people named Abby. She's a self-taught painter whose love of dogs and of folk art encouraged her to start pushing paint around on canvases.

Folk dogs (and cats) by Abby McMillen are playful celebrations of the furry friends we love. Disarmingly simple, each original painting is made in the true folk art tradition, capturing personality through color, whimsy and charm.

My personal favorite is the one I attached here. Abby's prints are absolutely charming and full of personality! Right now she's offering $20 off of a custom painting so get yours as soon as possible.

Pricing for custom folk dog art depends mainly on the size of the canvas, although there are a few other factors as well. The best way to get started is to email her and let her know what kind of dog(s) you have, and what size painting(s) you'd like. Once the canvas size is settled, all it takes is a few good photos to get your folk dog painting going.

Botanical Skin Care

2010-02-11T15:27:00.003-05:00

Jackson Sage has a botanical line of products for your special dog. I recently tried out the liquid herbal shampoo, conditioning mist and balm.

Since 2007 Doggie Sage by Jackson Sage has been handcrafting natural botanical dog shampoos, conditioning mists, paw and hot spot care products, and healing balms, all blended using canine aromatherapy. Look beyond the symptoms and try a holistic approach to canine care. When you properly cleanse, and treat their skin, you will see amazing results. Doggie Sage ingredients unlock the healing power of nature to nourish your best friend.

I loved everything! The balm is great to put on hot spots and dry skin and my Blitz has very dry skin. It worked great on his dry spot and seemed to have really helped heal them up fast. The conditioning mist smells simply divine and the shampoo is great for my doggies. Swan got to try that out first because she seems to get into all kinds of smelly situations.

You can find Jackson Sage products at select Whole Foods and dog boutiques as well as their site. Mention Swanky Pup and get a discount as well!

Puppy Rattles

2010-02-04T15:09:00.002-05:00

If you have a new puppy or know someone who does, trixie + peanut have the most adorable new puppy toys called Puppy Rattles.

Puppy Rattles are perfect puppy playthings. Charming animal designs with amusing rattle in luxurious plush with a sweet satin bow detail. They're available in green frog, black + white puppy, pink elephant, blue hippo + yellow bear shapes and are super adorable.

Named after founder Susan Bing's two rescued Boxers, trixie + peanut began as a mail-order catalog in 1999. trixie + peanut was born of Susan's desire to create a mail-order catalog of impeccable taste and beauty that would offer pet owners unique pet products of the highest quality. At the time, upscale pet stores and catalogs were virtually nonexistent. Susan's keen eye for design enabled her to assemble a wide array of distinctive products that were trendy, fashion forward, and fun. To this day, with its charming inventory and beautiful presentation, trixie + peanut continues to stand above the rest as one of the leading retailers in the rapidly growing luxury pet goods market.

Isle of Dogs

2010-01-21T03:23:00.002-05:00

Isle of Dogs is a company that strives to make grooming easier; a bonding experience with your dog. Their mission is to also to maximize every dog's health, beauty, and well-being, both inside and out. They offer an extensive line of products and I was fortunate enough to sample a few with my own dogs. Their site says it all, "We want to provide dog owners around the world with the products, tools, and customer service to keep their dogs clean, beautiful, and healthy. After all, these beautiful creatures deserve nothing less."

My dogs got to try out the organic treats and loved them. There's Treat for my Breath, Treat for my Nerves and Treat for 14 Days. Each provide a unique solution to different issues your dog may have. They're tasty too, according to my pups.

I also loved the Violet and Sea Mist Replascent and the shampoo. Everything was beautifully packaged, easy to use and a joy for my dogs.

Right now if the customer purchases 3 treats, they will receive a free Violet + Sea Mist Replascent. This is a value of $14.99. The promo code is 3treatswank. Just go to their site and choose your treats!

You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

Bully Sticks - The Gang Approved

2010-01-14T03:49:00.002-05:00

These things rock. When I first got my samples of Bully Sticks in the mail we weren't sure. They just looked normal, albeit perfectly packaged. Let's say that after I shared them with the gang an amazing thing happened; my dogs went nuts. I even took one away from Blitz just to see what he'd do and he actually jumped over me to get it. He only gets this excited over his bear that he likes to hug and love. I honestly wish I had more because the dogs loved these more than any treat I've given them lately. I'm definitely checking out more of these.

Right now you can get a 10% discount on everything on their site from now through Valentine's Day. The discount code will be: swankypup.

100% Natural, 100% of the time

Bully sticks can come from many different types of cattle and be processed in facilities with varying production standards. The bully sticks we sell come only from USDA and FDA approved facilities and are 100% vet approved. There are never any chemicals or additives added to our bully sticks.

Bully sticks come from grass-fed, hormone-free, free-range bulls. They are low in fat and high in protein. And they are fully digestible.

Memento/Memorial Boxes

2010-01-07T15:32:00.003-05:00

It's hard to lose a pet and I know it helps me out to keep their mementos. Memories by Karsun has memorial boxes where you can keep items from your pet. Whether you want to keep a collar or tags or even keep their ashes safe, you can find it all there.

Each box is handmade with real wood such as pine and walnut. Each item is then painted or stained and comes with embellishments.

These are perfect as a pet memorial and if you mention Swanky Pup in your convo to me, I'll give you a 20% discount.

You can even make it a gift for someone with a new pet or who has recently lost a pet. This is a unique item that will make a special addition to your home or the home of a friend or family member. Find them at the Memories store by Karsun.

Wear your dog next to your heart!

2010-01-04T08:40:00.003-05:00

Do you love to show off your dog, but are challenged on how to do it in a stylish and classic way?

Well, I recently got to sample a beautiful, classic necklace from Belladorn, featuring a photo of my two children, encased in an antique-looking, oxidized sterling silver photo charm with deep-set glass on a sterling silver ball chain.

Have Jody, the owner of Belladorn, create something special featuring your dog(s) alone or with you, your kids, or whatever photo you like.

This piece is a show-stopper. It is beautifully created and special. You will enjoy wearing your special animals and/or family members close to your heart.

Treat yourself with one of these amazing pieces today!

Thanks to Belladorn for providing an Antiqued Deep Set Glass Photo Charm and Necklace for review.

Custom Beach Writing

2010-01-03T00:23:00.002-05:00

What a perfect way to memorialize your pet with customized beach writing. Have whatever you want written in the white sands of Panama City Beach, Florida. Each 8x10 picture is custom made to your specifications and is as unique as each day at the beach.

These are perfect as a pet memorial picture and if you mention Swanky Pup in your convo to me, I'll give you a 20% discount.

You can even make it a gift for someone with a new pet or who has recently lost a pet. This is a unique item that will make a special addition to your home or the home of a friend or family member. Find them at the Memories store by Karsun.

Magic Hat

2009-12-24T03:43:00.003-05:00

I may have written about the "Hide-a-Toys" before but these are awesome. This is the next set I want to get. It's the Kyjen Magic Hat with Rabbits. Right now we have the Hide a Bee set and now my favorite thing is to tell my dogs to find their bee. They go nuts. They love the bees so I think the rabbits are the next thing I want to get them. By the way, for some reason the bees are a little cheaper and cheaper on shipping if you want to try them out first.

They're affordable at $8.99 with a semi-high shipping cost of $8.99 but you can find them at stores such as Pet Smart and save the shipping.

* Durable design and craftsmanship ensures long lasting puzzle solving fun
* Keeps pets occupied
* Eliminate boredom
* Interactive toy
* Puzzle for pets

Product Description
Magic Hat with Rabbits is a unique, interactive dog toy designed to challenge as well as entertain. Dogs will have hours of fun while sharpening their cognitive skills at the same time. Removable rabbits have squeakers.

Santa Buddies on DVD - a perfect gift for your dog-loving friends and family this holiday!

2009-12-19T11:46:00.005-05:00

My kids and I got to check out the new Santa Buddies DVD last week. We really enjoyed spending time together as a family watching this great Disney movie!

Take a fantastic journey with your beloved Buddies to the magical world of the North Pole! Join Budderball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha, and Mudbud in a touching twist on a Christmas classic. When Puppy Paws, the feisty son of Santa Paws, forgets the true meaning of the season, it’s up to the Buddies to remind him that Christmas is not about what you get; it’s about what you give. Unleash a stocking full of Christmas cheer for you and your family with this fun-filled film, featuring never-before-seen bonus materials.

My kids (ages 2 1/2 and 5) really enjoyed this movie and had their eyes glued to it the entire time. I thought the story line was very easy for my young children to follow, and I liked that the story teaches them about giving and about friendship. We all especially loved seeing each of the adorable and fun-loving talking dogs in the movie. It was heart-warming to watch! The songs throughout the movie are also great. I would recommend it for any age child that is capable of sitting through a movie. (It's 88 minutes long.)

Check out the Santa Buddies trailer here. You can pick up a copy on DVD or Blue Ray at most major retailers (I have seen it everywhere, from the Disney store to Walmart and of course online) It’s sure to be a holiday classic for years to come!

Thanks to DogTime Media for supplying a copy of Santa Buddies for this review.

Doggy Days of Christmas

2009-12-04T01:53:00.002-05:00

If you're looking for holiday cards with cute dogs then check out the selection at DogToys.com They have an adorable selection of cards to choose from for as little as $9.99 for ten cards. Jumping for Joy is my personal favorite but there are others to pick amongst. Including an assortment of cards so you can have more than one option. Have a look and let your friends and family see your holiday joy expressed with the love of a dog.

Beautiful Artwork

2009-11-27T01:00:00.002-05:00

Evelyn Morris Hecht, a basically self taught designer and artist, spent 15 years in the New York fashion industry but it was a rescue dog that got her started using her talent as an artist to do dog portraits. You might recall seeing her gorgeous pendant I wrote about previously. Well now I have to share her beautiful artwork.

Top Dog Art benefits a variety of rescue groups with donations of art.

The Labrador Retriever print that I received was beautifully done and a real treasure to own. Each fine art print is a reproduction of an original graphite drawing. The heavyweight matte paper and backing board are acid-free and suitable for framing as is, in a standard 8 1/2 x 11" frame. Comes in a protective clear presentation envelope. Each print is individually titled and signed by the artist.

Right now get a 10% discount (using the coupon code "swanky").

Dear to My Heart Pendant

2009-11-19T03:46:00.004-05:00

Evelyn Morris Hecht, a basically self taught designer and artist, spent 15 years in the New York fashion industry but it was a rescue dog that got her started using her talent as an artist to do dog portraits.

Top Dog Art benefits a variety of rescue groups with donations of art. Evelyn has also been a member of the Pastel Society of North Carolina since 2001 and creates custom portraits solely in pastel.

Her Dear to My Heart Pendant is a perfect way to memorialize a special pet. The pendant front is rich red enamel on sleek, beveled, high polish sterling silver. The flip side, inscribed DEAR TO MY HEART, shows the picture of your beloved (photo easily inserted and protected under a clear plastic window) and rests close to your heart. Comes with a 30" black silk cord and bears the artist's signature and date of release.

Right now get a 10% discount (using the coupon code "swanky").

A great holiday gift while supporting stray animals!

2009-11-12T15:18:00.002-05:00

I recently saw these adorable clay dog and cat figurines and a local craft show. The organization, Clays for Strays, raises money through the sale of handmade miniature clay figures for animal rescue, shelter, clinic, and sanctuary nonprofit organizations that service the needs of abandoned or unwanted animals. 100% of the proceeds goes to these animals!

Please support them by purchasing some dog and/or cat figurines for holiday gifts. These would make great stocking stuffers or a small gift for an animal lover! These would also make great gifts for kids to become their very own "pet"!

The animals are beautifully made with great detail and color. Check them out for yourself!

No more stinky dog

2009-11-05T16:38:00.002-05:00

If you have a dog that has bad breath, bad gas or both, Happy Tails has created a product just for you!

Dog Smog Remedy gives you the power to quell the smell from both ends of your dog. The all natural formula contains peppermint and fennel to slay the fire breathing beast but it’s more than just a breath freshener, Dog Smog Remedy gets to the guts of the problem with digestive enzymes papain and bromelain. All of these ingredients help calm the bubbling brute below and provide a long-term solution to an embarrassing problem.

You can spritz some in their mouth for bad breath or spray their water to help relieve gas. What more could you ask for?

Paw Plunger

2009-10-30T02:51:00.002-04:00

If your dogs are like mine, they come in with muddy paws. With the Paw Plunger you can eliminate paw prints all over your house and keep them where they belong, in your heart. The Paw Plunger gently cleans your dog's paws before they track mud and dirt across floors, rugs or upholstery. Just fill with warm water and plunge paws into the top, one-at-a-time. The water and soft, deep cleaning bristles do the work! Dry each paw with a towel, and your dog can have the run of the house or be ready to travel in the car mud-free. I think this is a great idea and they are reasonably prices at under $35. I liked that there were tons of excellent reviews as well.

Art by Aubrey

2009-10-22T02:27:00.005-04:00

Art by Aubrey does gorgeous, handmade artwork. The buyer can choose if they would like a square or rectangle canvas as well as the background color. Special things can be added such as the animal's name, birth date or date of death, the animals collar and tags, or any special item that the person would like to incorporate. If they are close to where she lives (Kansas City or Overland Park Kansas) she can even do a photo shoot with the animal to get the type of shot she needs. If not, you can e-mail me her a high resolution photograph. Her e-mail is ArtByAubrey@rocketmail.com They make great gifts!

One canvas (12x12) with picture is $40 plus shipping and handling. The larger the size, then the price changes accordingly.

Howloween at PetSmart!

2009-10-21T08:55:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite holidays, Halloween, is coming up. Bring your dog in on the fun and join PetSmart with their Howloween costume contest and photo event, on October 20th from 6pm to 8pm at your local PetSmart. There will be a pet parade, prizes for contest winners, and a free goodie bag for the first 100 customers. You can also purchase a 4x6 picture of your pet in a cute Halloween frame for $4.95 (using your PetPerks card). Have fun!

(You can also enter an online contest here, if you want, too!)

Portraits by Colleen

2009-10-14T15:25:00.002-04:00

Portraits by Colleen is a collection of beautiful artwork where your canine friend can be the subject. Right now she is offering 10% off on a commissioned portrait if you just mention that you found her here on Swanky Pup. She began doing portraits because she saw something in the subject (her own dog, relatives, friends, sanitation department workers) that she wanted to draw, sculpt or paint and the finished product is a special piece of art. You can browse all of her portraits and pick the style that you like best. Check out her site and tell her that Swanky Pup sent you.

From Stewart's Kitchen

2009-10-08T15:31:00.003-04:00

I was recently able to sample some HOWLoween goodies from From Stewart's Kitchen. I guess I should say that the pups were able to sample them but they smelled so darn good that I almost ate one myself. Since they have no preservatives in them, I could have. These peanut butter cookies were incredibly tasty according to my dogs. They were begging for more. Right now they have a special just for you Swanky Pup readers.

During the checkout process there will be an 'instructions to merchant' box. Type in 'The Swanky Pup' & receive a free 1/2 pound of treats with your order.
*The free 1/2 pound will be the same theme & flavor as treats ordered

You can't beat that kind of deal for such yummy treats. The site is more than just a store, by the way. There's an awesome Halloween contest and many things to do and see.

Go visit them and tell them that Karsun sent you!

Music for your dog

2009-10-01T01:28:00.003-04:00

Every now and then we need to have a calm and serene dog and while there are a plethora of items out there music is an effective way (according to some) to soothe your dog. At Bulldog Information they have a specific area of their site dedicated to music for your pet. According to a study done in Belfast, classical music contributes and encourages relaxation in dogs. There are quite a few different music CD's to choose from and some even have music geared towards the hearing ranges of dogs and cats. The links go to Amazon where you can find out more information and pricing but most are reasonably priced.

Tasty treats

2009-09-24T02:07:00.002-04:00

I recently opened a package from Dog and Bark and the funniest thing happened - my dogs immediately sat down. I believe it's because they could smell the yummy from the treats in my package. I got Bark Liver and Want a Cookie treats and they were instantly smitten by them. I think they liked Bark Liver best but then again, they are loving the Want a Cookie Treats as well.

Dog and Bark offers high end luxury pet products for the Cosmopolitan Canine who settles for only the latest of Hollywoods styles and Products. They carry Cruelty-free and environmentally conscious products that your pet will love. I know my dogs did!

Check them out. Not only do they have tasty treats, they carry a variety of gorgeous items for the canine connoisseur.

Canine Earth Lay Down Lavender Vanilla Dog Shampoo

2009-09-17T03:27:00.003-04:00

I was recently able to try out Canine Earth Lay Down Lavender Vanilla Dog Shampoo from Green 4 Your Soul and it's an awesome product.

First of all, it smells heavenly! Canine Earth’s patent pending formulation uses USDA Certified Organic Sucrose Cocoate to create a gentle cleansing foam. Canine Earth's dog shampoos are PH balanced to complement canine skin and coat needs. Your dog's skin and coat will be left soft and conditioned, not dry and itchy like commercial dog shampoos. This formula is naturally self-preserving and contains no petro chemicals, artificial colorants or fragrances. Now that's from their site but let me tell you, it's everything mentioned and more. They use calming all natural oils of vanilla and lavender and the scent is very soothing. My Swan just loved it. It made her coat the shiniest black with a smell to die for.

Here's the really neat thing about their products. A portion of the proceeds of all Canine Earth sales goes to the establishment of grants and funds for veterinary and consumer education programs throughout the United States.

Right now get 10% off of your order with the coupon code SWANKY.

Eco dog beds

2009-09-10T02:39:00.003-04:00

If you're looking for a dog bed that is swanky yet eco-friendly then look no further than Paw Digs. Not only are their beds stylish, they have cozy organic round beds with all-natural cotton and hemp covers, with supersoft IntelliLoft stuffing made from 100% recycled plastic bottles for less waste and surprising softness. The Tuckered Out Bed Premium comes in four sizes and has a Zipper closure cover that is easily removable for quick washes. Entire bed is machine washable, making it easy maintenance. Prices run according to size with a low of $79.99 and free shipping.

Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-06T09:33:00.002-04:00

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend (and check out some of the great dog swimsuit sales going on right now!!!)

It's not too soon to get Halloween costumes!

2009-09-04T08:39:00.000-04:00

I love Target's selection of Halloween costumes for dogs. They are so cute and so reasonable that they typically sell out very quickly, before October comes!

Check out the great selection of costumes, almost all priced between $9.99 and $14! (And I couldn't help posting this picture of the shark costume on a puggle, which looks exactly like my dog, Maggie!)

K9 Grass

2009-09-03T03:17:00.002-04:00

K9Grass by ForeverLawn is an artificial grass product created for the dogs in your life.

It has unique features, such as a knitted flow-through backing, durable blades, antimicrobial protection, and a no-infill design, that make it the ideal grass surfacing option for doggy parks, pet boarding, play groups and you can even use it at home. They sell mats designed for crates, patios, kennels and carriers so your dog will enjoy a place to "go" as well as the natural feel of grass. It's a great idea if you're housebreaking a new puppy and it's portable.

If you really want to go all out you can do your entire yard! What's more is that it can even be used for other animals such as cats and horses. Easy to install and gorgeous looking, K9Grass may just be the grass alternative you've been looking for.

Safe Pesticide Solutions for Pets and People

2009-08-28T11:12:00.003-04:00

I don't know about you, but a concern of mine has always been protecting my dog from poisons and pesticides - especially those I need to use to get rid of destructive backyard pests.

I was thrilled to find out about EcoSmart, manufacturers of 100% safe pesticides. Their products are based on the natural defenses that plants and trees have used for their self protection against insects and pathogens for millenia - essential oils. As a result, their pesticides have no effect on people, pets or the environment! There is thus no need to clear out pets and kids after application or be concerned if they are near EcoSmart products. EcoSmart products have no adverse effect on mammals, birds, and fish and also will not contaminate water sources.

EcoSmart products include: Ant and Roach Killer, Home Pest Control, Flying Insect Killer, Insect Repellent, Weed and Grass Killer, Garden Fungicide, Garden Insect Killer, Lawn Insect Killer, and Wasp and Hornet Killer. You can buy these pesticides individually or in value bundles. EcoSmart is offering free shipping on all online purchases over $45.

Agility courses

2009-08-27T04:02:00.007-04:00

If you plan to enter your dog into any type of competition that requires an agility course, Carson Agility has the kits for you. They have an awesome starter kit that allows you to train your dog right in your own back yard. This particular kit costs under $450 and has quite a few agility obstacles that you can use. Even if you never plan to enter your dog into a competition, this is a great way to have fun and get exercise for the both of you. If you're not ready for a kit, they have a plethora of equipment you can choose from.

Back Yard in a Box

2009-08-21T10:13:00.003-04:00

When I first came across "The Pet Loo" - I thought, what in the world is this? But the more I familiarized myself with the product, the more I liked it.

For those of you not familiar with toilet parlance, a "loo" is a toilet in Australian-speak. The Pet Loo is a hygienic, portable toilet for dogs and cats. It consists of a lightweight box that fits on a balcony or anywhere inside an apartment, so that the animal can relieve itself when its owner can’t be there or if for some reason the animal can't access the outdoors. On the box is high-quality synthetic grass that attracts the pet and encourages it to pee/poop. There is a draining board under the grass so that urine flows away from the surface and down angled channels to the base of the box. The box is made of material that is resistant to the acidity of urine and the stench. The box comes apart easily for cleaning, and no assembly is required.

The Pet Loo comes in two sizes to suit your cat and dog. It is priced between $159 and $239. The company also offers cleaning solutions and replacable synthetic grass.

Doggy Spa

2009-08-20T03:26:00.004-04:00

If you really want to treat your dog to the best spa experience at home, this package has it all. Oh My Dog Supplies has everything you could ever want in a spa package for your furry friend. My favorite has to be the bone shaped soap on a rope but to be honest, I think I'd have so much fun smelling and trying every single item in this package. The retail price is $63.95 but look at what all you get:

Each pack includes a 16 oz shampoo, 16 oz conditioner, 4 oz spritz, 1/2 oz Paw Rub, a bone shaped peppermint soap-on-a-rope, a lavender candle and, of course, the rubber duck! You can choose between lavender and peppermint scents and shipping is a low cost flat rate.

I think this spa set might just make bath time fun!

New Michael Vick Dog Chew Toy

2009-08-15T10:06:00.004-04:00

I don't know about you, but I am steamed that my home team, the Philadelphia Eagles, signed convicted animal abuser/murderer/torturer Michael Vick to a two year contract. I would imagine that if all the dogs in the world could understand what he'd done, they'd be mad too.

So leave it to industry to overnight transform the old Michael Vick Dog Chew Toy into a new version sporting an Eagles uniform! It sells for $14.95 and is touted as an "indestructible chew toy for dogs that enjoy a challenge. Selling via ebay for now, you can purchase it here. Find out more at www.vickdogchewtoy.com

ReadyLeash

2009-08-13T03:17:00.004-04:00

Wouldn't it be great if a leash actually allowed you to be able to pick up your dog's waste without carrying extra bags around? The ReadyLeash does just that! Available in red or blue, it's an innovative, non-retractable leash with bags built-in! The ReadyLeash features an comfort-grip handle with an integrated clean-up bag dispenser. The bags simply pull out like tissues and refillables easily pop into the handle. XtraLeashes can be attached to the ReadyLeash handle for walking multiple dogs. The ReadyLeash comes equipped with an adjustable 4-ft lead and 3 rolls of biodegradable bags. Refillable bags and XtraLeashes are sold separately.

* Built-in bag dispenser
* Comfort-grip handle
* Adjustable Leash
* Ability to walk 2+ dogs
* 45 biodegradable bags included

Available at just $19.99, the ReadyLeash can be securely purchased through Amazon and ready for your to use in no time. You owe it to yourself to try this handy item and see how easy it makes your dog walks!

Joyous Dogs Wear Jumperz

2009-08-08T10:02:00.002-04:00

Any dog can sport a bandana, but its the stylish dog that wears a Jumperz! So what is the difference you may ask? Well, a bandana is a swatch of fabric you tie around your dog's neck - if your dog is like mine, it comes off pretty quickly, interferes with his collar and leash and moves around the dog's neck. A Jumperz by contrast is a wonderful invention! It has a "tunnel" that the collar slides through - so that when you fasten the collar, the Jumperz stays put. It is much more comfortable for the dog as he isn't sporting a collar and a bandana, but a collar/bandana in ONE! It stays in place, and cannot fall off! Brilliant!

Jumperz are produced by AlleDogTogs's Shop - a shop with a charitable heart - $1 from the sale of each Jumperz goes to Wire Fox Terrier Rescue Midwest. Jumperz come in all sorts of wonderful patterns and themes -- and the latest range is jeweled and denim - they are gorgeous!

Jumperz are so affordable - between $2.50 and $12 - that you can buy a whole bunch of them. Take a look today.

Snuggies for dogs

2009-08-06T02:57:00.002-04:00

We've all seen the Snuggies ads and now your furry friend can have one as well! Allstar Products has launched the Snuggies for dogs in a version just like human Snuggies but with four legs and a furry friend size! You can get two for just $14.95 plus shipping with the buy one get one free sale going on right now. And you get a free bonus of a recordable dog tag and a 30 day money back guarantee. That's a deal that can't be beat!

Features include:
Warm, Ultra Soft Fleece For Indoor / Outdoor Use
Perfect for Every Dog
Adjustable Hook & Loop Fastener Tabs For The Perfect Fit
Sizes Range From Extra Small - Large
Available in Blue & Pink
Machine Washable

Traveling with your dog this month?

2009-08-03T09:38:00.000-04:00

My family is headed on some road-trips this month and I plan to bring my Maggie with us on some. Dog safety and comfort while traveling are so important. So I was excited to see that FetchDog is giving 20% off all travel gear right now. Some of my favorite travel products that they offer include this great bucket dog car seat cover (to keep your dog comfortable and your car in great shape!). The soft microvelvet fabric resists hair, stains and odors and the cover is machine washable!

I also love the Kibbles to Go dog travel bowl. This smart container packs up to 2 qts. of kibbles and has twist-off water and food dishes on the ends. Made of airtight food grade plastic with a convenient carry handle.

To receive 20% off, use code ECT3929 by Tuesday, August 4th at Midnight. Enjoy!

Furfection Perfection and Pawds from Le Pet Petite

2009-08-01T10:57:00.002-04:00

There are many pet spa products out there but after receiving a beautiful gift pack of Furfection Natural spa products from Le Pet Petite, I was impressed with the quality of their merchandise. The gift pack included Gentle "No Tears" Shampoo, Moisturizing Aloe Shampoo, Sensitive Skin Shampoo, Extra-Shine Moisturizing Conditioner and Kissy Face Pet Facial. As my dog has sensitive skin prone to seasonal allergies and hot spots, I was delighted with the results of their Sensitive Skin Shampoo - it smelled lovely and left Axel's coat gleaming and his skin cool (its usually hot as a result of his allergies). The shampoo contains oatmeal, tea tree oil, vitamin E, aloe vera and a host of other natural ingredients. A friend tried the "No Tears" shampoo and really liked it as she always dreaded getting shampoo in her dog's eyes. Also good to know that all Furfection products were created on the advice of veterinarians.

Le Pet Petite carries a large variety of other pet products. The company generously sent me one of their pet Pawds - a delightful cosy bed for your dog or cat. The Pawds are reversible, come in various colorful fabrics and are filled with 100% polyfil. It can be cinched as a nest-like bed or spread flat into a comfy mat. I've never seen a pet bed like this - they are unique and your pet will love it!

Stylish books with purpose

2009-07-30T03:05:00.003-04:00

If you have children or know someone who does, Faux Paw Productions offers a line of books that is perfect. Each book is illustrated and has meaning. Take for instance, Cha Cha the Dancing Dog. It's a feel good story about a hilarious, free spirited dancing dog named Cha Cha who believes you don't need to hear music to dance.

"Tap into your heart strings and give your feelings a chance". A story about expressing yourself and how joy divided multiplies.

Each book has an uplifting and inspirational message, all done in beautiful colors and feel-good verse.

Each book is just $14.95 and you can get a book and finger puppet to match for $18.99, a book and key fob for $19.99 or a set, which contains a book and finger puppet in a beautiful gift box for $24.99. These make the perfect gift for a child and especially for one with a new dog. There's even ones for cat lovers as well!

Check out Debby Carman's exquisite artwork and uplifting stories.

Embarrassed by your dog? You're not the only one.

2009-07-29T17:00:00.000-04:00

Are you a podcast listener? If so, you have to plug in your headphones and tune into Rob Sachs's podcast, "What Would Rob Do?". WWRD is a podcast and blog that explores life's most trying dilemmas, but not those life-or-death dilemmas, more the quandaries we face every day.

Rob recently put together a show about embarrassing things your dog does. His guest on the show was the dog guru herself, Victoria Stilwell. If you don't know who Victoria is, she is the dog trainer who rescues people from their dog's bad behaviors on the Animal Planet show, "It's Me or the Dog". Rob also has on fellow NPR reporter, Mike Pesca who is a dog owner himself, and talks about his embarrassing moments with his pooch.

So, if you are out running or just sitting on the beach, pull out your iPods and listen to "What Would Rob Do?". It will surley make you laugh.

Rob has a Facebook page where you can learn more about what he talks about on his show. Here's the link.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/What-Would-Rob-Do/55280742368

Sale Alert: Modern Pet!

2009-07-28T09:32:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite stores, The Modern Pet, is having a sale! There are several collars and leashes available at reduced prices. This cute peach-pie plaid leash is available for only $12!
The Modern Pet offers stylish, earth-friendly pet products for our four-legged friends. This store has a wide assortment of eco-friendly toys, accessories, leashes, collars and gifts. Check out all the sale items here.

Bold, Leather Leashes

2009-07-24T18:52:00.003-04:00

There are leashes and then there are Bold Lead Designs! This Colorado-based company specializes in top quality leashes which are adjustable and suited to a wide variety of activities. There are a wide range of different leashes designed for different functions and breed sizes.

The company sent me a Colorado Lead to try out. The leash is 6 foot long and adjusts to three different positions. It is perfect for training and for every day walks and includes a snap fastener on both ends and two solid rings for length adjustment. I felt very comfortable walking Axel on this leash - it is a good length to allow Axel the freedom to walk at a distance from me, but in situations when dogs were about, I was able to use the fastener to hook and shorten the leash, giving me more confidence to keep him under my control.

What is wonderful about these leashes is the rich quality of the leather, really soft so there is no burning of hands when your dog pulls. Leads range in price from $28-$59. Visit http://www.boldleaddesigns.com/ or contact info@boldleaddesigns.com for more. All leashes come with a lifetime guarentee too!

Eco Dog Abode

2009-07-23T01:36:00.002-04:00

Mike Rausch and his pals at Johnson Squared have created the perfect home for your pooch that provides the perfect balance of ecology and architecture and now you can buy the plans to make your very own.

The project was created for the PAWS of Bainbridge Island Charity event and features a 4x4 doghouse with GreenGrid planter modules that are filled with durable Sedum species plants. This dog house is the epitomy of "Barkitecture" and not only keeps your dog safe from the elements but is a work of art as well.

An inverted "L" shapes the modern lines of its roof and a vertical wall to protect your canine friend from wind and rain. Vented plywood partitions with interlocked joints provide minimalist walls which rest on a horizontal plane of Ipe decking.

Just contact the folks at Johnson Squared and get your design and construction drawings.

Organic, all-natural dog treats at wholesale prices!

2009-07-21T10:03:00.002-04:00

Bully Stick Direct offers all natural, odor free beef dog treats are made from free range, grass fed animals. There are no additives or preservatives, so you can feel good about giving any of these items to your dog:

* Bully Sticks
* Beef
* Moo Tubes
* Dog Rocks
* Beef Trachaes
* Straight flossies
* Full size pig ears
* Stuffed Bones
* Dog Jerky

Also available is organic shampoo, all at awesome wholesale prices! Check out their online store!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts today! (with stuff for dogs!)

2009-07-17T07:26:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite sales of the year is the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. They have a ton of stuff for everyone in your family, including your dog, at about 40% off (and it's all new stuff for the fall/winter!)

Check out the beautiful crystal collar charms, as well as the great, luxurious pet beds and blankets, collars, and more. Most items are well-priced between $10 and $20.

Happy shopping!

Bumper Sets for the New Puppy

2009-07-16T04:02:00.002-04:00

If you have a new puppy or know someone with a new addition to their home, why not get a unique gift such as a puppy crate bumper set? This baby bumper kit converts your dog's crate into a safe and soothing environment that fits all standard crate sizes and is easy to use. They even have soft ties that fasten them in so there are no rough edges or Velcro that can pull your dog's fur. What better way to welcome a new puppy into your home or give to a new owner than something adorable as this? This makes a perfect gift for a puppy shower or you can just surprise the new dog owner. They come in pink and blue and can make a new puppy feel right at home. Prices are $50 for the extra small and $5-10 more depending on the additional size you may need. You can find these at Fun Stuff for Dogs, where they have a multitude of exciting and unique products for your canine friend.

Bond with your dog through Yoga!

2009-07-13T19:09:00.002-04:00

If you love to bring your dog along for all of your activities, then why not bring him along during your next yoga workout too? Barking Buddha: Simple Soul Stretches for Yogi and Dogi by Brenda Bryan is a great book that teaches you how to incorporate your pooch into your yoga routine and not only will you get a good work out, but you will also explore a new and fun way to bond with your dog.

Brenda Bryan, who started teaching Doga in her Seattle-based studio, has outlined everything you need to know to practice yoga with your pup so that both of you will enjoy it and is appropriate for people and dogs at all levels of fitness and experience.

Barking Buddha is currently available from Amazon for only $10.15, which is a small investment to make to in order to bring more joy and harmony into your life and your dogs!

New Juicy 2009 launched!

2009-07-10T08:01:00.000-04:00

The new Juicy Couture line was released recently and there are tons of adorable (and may I say, lots of pink!) items.

I love this Juicy girls jersey dog tank. At an affordable $35 (hey, it's Juicy!) it's a cheap way to get your girl in Juicy this summer.

Check out all of the adorable bags, collars, toys, clothing, and more on Funny Fur! Should you decide to go a little crazy, enjoy free shipping when you spend $200.

All natural shampoo

2009-07-10T02:52:00.002-04:00

Does your dog smell bad? Do you have to wash him daily or do you have the problem of your dog having dry and flaky skin so you have to wait weeks in between bathing? Maybe you feel like you keep having to rinse your dog over and over and yet it still seems as if he’s not fully rinsed off. Well, Dinovite has a dog shampoo that is all natural and gives your dog that new dog smell.

Dogosuds has tons of useful benefits such as making your furry friend smell clean for longer, it lathers up wonderfully and rinses off like a dream, it has 100% all natural healing oils that works great for sensitive skin and contains not a single drop of perfumes, fillers or chemicals so your dog’s eyes are safe from being irritated. And get this; it also works on skunk odor as well. You can’t beat that in a dog shampoo.

Dogosuds comes in four blends including Essential Oil Blend, Lavender, Peppermint/Tea Tree, and unscented. Each one has different specialties such as the Peppermint Tea Tree and the Essential Oil Blend being a natural deterrent. Try them out and see which one is right for you and your dog, I’m sure that you’ll enjoy each one!

Free shipping on every order, today only!

2009-07-09T09:07:00.003-04:00

Check out this great sale! FREE SHIPPING all day today, on any order, big or small, at PetCareRx.com. Pick up pet medications (I need some Frontline!), supplies, and more, with free shipping. Great deal! Enjoy shopping! (Expires at midnight tonight, so hurry!)

Save-A-Dog on Facebook

2009-07-07T14:24:00.003-04:00

Support animal rescue efforts with a simple click of the mouse! Our friends at DogTime.com created Save-A-Dog, a Facebook application that allows you to virtually foster dogs. By virtually fostering dogs and sending them to your friends, you’ll score points that go towards cups of food and help real dogs in shelters!

For every 2,500 points you score, Dog Time donates the financial equivalent of a cup of food to RescueGroups.org, a non-profit organization that provides free and low-cost technology services to animal shelters and rescue groups across the country. To earn points, browse the photos of real-life adoptable dogs, and choose one to virtually “foster.” You'll earn 25 points by logging in every day and 25 points for "virtually walking" your dog. Earn 100 points when your your friends co-foster your dog, or any dog that you send to them for fostering.

The more you spread the word, the greater the chances these dogs will find happy and loving homes! This is a great application that raises awareness and money for dogs in need.

Sale alert! Don't miss the clothing sale at Modern Tails!

2009-07-06T16:33:00.003-04:00

During the summer we often keep our pups in the nude to keep them cool as the temperature rises, but now is the perfect time to find great deals on clothing for fall and beyond thanks to the fabulous clothing sale at Modern Tails Luxury Pet Boutique!

Modern Tails currently has a huge selection of tanks, tees, sweaters, jackets and more all at dramatically reduced prices that are super cute and budget-friendly.

Among our favorites is this adorable Batter Up Tee for only $11.95, the Bubble tank featuring adorable polka dots and perfect for the summer and the warm and stylish Coup D'etat Coat by Puppia which is currently 50% off.

Sizes are limited but the selection is huge, so make sure don't miss this great sale from Modern Tails!

Great patriotic clothing for your pet!

2009-07-03T07:42:00.003-04:00

I love dressing my dog up in red, white, and blue for the 4th. Granted, she isn't one for many frills, but she'll generally allow me to dress her in a cute collar or bandana.

If I had a smaller dog, though, I would totally get this adorable denim jacket, or one of the other awesome items from the Doggie Couture shop. From patriotic bikinis, to adorable ribbons, bows and jewelry, to great red, white, and blue collars and bandanas, they have a great selection. Browse the patriotic shop and enjoy dressing your dog up this weekend!

Good Dog Trixie

2009-07-02T08:47:00.003-04:00

If you haven't seen the Good Dog Trixie merchandise on author, Dean Koontz's Trixie area of his site then you're missing out. Trixie is a dog eternal, playing with angels and other dogs on the "other" side and she has a wonderful store full of items such as books, calendars and blinging collars. You can even start your Christmas shopping early!

Throughout July and August, PetSmart will be featuring a line of licensed Good Dog Trixie items in all of their stores. Now you can get pet bowls and journals, as well as toys and picture frames.

All income from any sales during this event goes to Canine Companions for Independence just as all royalties from Trixie's book. So not only can you get some great products, you can help out at the same time.

The perfect book for mixed breeds...

2009-06-29T09:57:00.000-04:00

As the mommy of a Puggle, I love finding cool mixed breed items that feature the fabulous new "mutt" dogs. I came across "A Breed Apart" by Amanda Jones, a sweet book featuring some of these fun new breeds.

From the Goldendoodle to the Sheprador, the Puggle to the Muggin, the Spollie to the Eskipoo, the American mutt is the most popular dog around. This book captures the faces, unique look and personalities of these dogs and also provides you a fun guessing game of what breeds make up the dog!

The author also has breed-specific books for Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Greyhounds. Check it out and happy reading!

Custom pet bowls

2009-06-25T03:46:00.002-04:00

FauxPaw Productions has the most gorgeous, custom designed products, including their gorgeous dog bowls. Each bowl is designed by artist Debby Carman with one of a kind original artwork. My favorite is Barnacle since I love seaside type art and trinkets. Not only do they have bowls though, they also carry trivets, treat jars, paintings, sculptures and even more. They also offer cat products as well. The dog bowls run about $45 for a large one but they are all hand made! So if you're looking for the perfect gift or just want something to spoil your pet with, check them out.

What can one do with a piece of driftwood?

2009-06-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

How about making a leash hanger out of it? That's what Diana from Carabella Studios does. She lives on the coast of Maine and often walks around looking for pieces of driftwood that she can then turn into beautiful pieces of functional artwork.

Since each piece of wood has been exposed to the sea and sand, it has natural characteristics of distress. Diana simply adds her artistic touch by custom painting on it whatever you want with non-toxic paints. In addition, she also adds as many hooks as you want to each piece.

My family has our driftwood leash hanger hanging up in our shore house. It's a perfect addition down there and we always know where the leashes are.

Diana and Carabella Studios can be found on Etsy.com.

Beautiful, Unique Gifts for the Dog Lover

2009-06-23T07:31:00.004-04:00

Behind this Collar is a new company based in Overland Park, Kansas. The company offers a very unique gift for us, dog-lovers: custom-made shadow boxes!

These beautiful boxes display mementos of your choosing such as a photo, a favorite toy or a collar. The shadow boxes are a wonderful way to celebrate your dog (or cat) and are available in three types: custom, standard and milestone.

The custom option lets you totally customize your box. The options are yours on the custom shadow box! You might like a custom portrait by Behind this Collar's artist or a custom poem that tells your dog's story created by the poet at Behind this Collar.

The standard option (shown left) provides you with choices for its creation such as the type of wood, items, nameplate color (plus many more options!). This shadow box arrives fully assembled and all you do to complete it is insert your favorite photo behind the mat and your pet's collar into the box.

The milestone box is a great way to celebrate the your pet's accomplishments. Do you have a super swimmer? Consider the Water Dog box (at right)!

Check out Behind this Collar for unique, custom gifts that celebrate your dog! And right now Sherri Shawgo, founder of Behind this Collar, is offering a $10 discount on any shadow box to all Swanky Pup readers!

Type "Swanky Pup" in the "referred by" option during checkout to get your discount $10 discount on any shadow box.

Help me win a trip to BlogHer 09!

2009-06-21T21:19:00.000-04:00

Eco-bags for your pup

2009-06-19T21:32:00.002-04:00

I am all about socially conscious, eco-friendly, yet still-hip products. And the PetPak, a hands-free small pet carrier, is exactly one of these products.

Your small pet (up to 10lbs) will enjoy snuggling with you in this colorful pouch made from repurposed mosquito netting. A removable inside lining is easy to wash and very durable. Your hands will be free with the PetPak, and it features adjustable shoulder straps with over-sized clips that are easy to fasten. It's also liquid resistant.

Check out this and other eco-friendly products at Little Green World.

Amazing Treat Machine

2009-06-18T02:59:00.002-04:00

I was recently the recipient of the Amazing Treat Machine. What this incredibly cool mechanism does is teach your dog how to drop the ball in to get a treat! Our dogs loved it and while I don't have video of them using it yet, we did get Donner to drop the ball in there and get his treat. Blitz is still obsessed with the ball but it's a work in progress. You can visit the site and even see a video if you scroll down a bit. This innovative dog toy is affordable yet ingenious in how it works. We put it together easily and was using it almost immediately. With just a little patience, your dog can figure out this "puzzle" and start using it.

Right now they also have some coupons you can use:
Coupon Value: $1 off purchase, 1 coupon per order. Unlimited number of purchases.
Coupon Claim Code: SWANKY09
Start Date: 6/17/09 at Midnight
End Date: 7/18/09 at 11:59pm PT

So not only can you get one for your furry friend, you can gift one to other dogs that you might know. They even have a convenient Amazon checkout so you know that their site is secure. Don't let your dog be the last one to get one of the Amazing Treat Machines! I promise to post a video link once we have one but for now, check out their site to see things in action.

Pet Medical Records-Online Storage!

2009-06-17T10:21:00.003-04:00

Our pet records are currently located in multiple manila folders in various bins in our house. We have several folders for all our dog, Jax, and three cats, Zora, Nola and Jasmine. Locating these folders can be tricky business. Especially if there is an emergency and we need to get our furry friends to the veterinarian quickly.

Now, I can store all the important medical information in a centralized electronic location with PetSummary.com. For a one-time subscription price of only $4.95, I can store all of the medical information for Jax, Zora, Nola and Jasmine!

This site has many cool features including the following:

PetSum Card--perfect for animal sitters, dog walkers and providing current information in an emergency. Click here to view a sample card.

PetSum ID Tag--Provides all the information you may find on a regular ID, plus the back side provides the pet's unique PetSum Code that when entered into PetSummary.com provides the pet's finder with contact information (you define how much information to include). This tag costs $15.

Vaccine Record Access--You or your vet may scan or fax the authentic vaccine record directly to your profile. This helps to save time if you move or change veterniarians.

Check out PetSummary.com and begin the process to simply store important information about your pet's health in one, easy accessible location!

Need some ideas for the perfect Father's Day Gift?

2009-06-15T15:43:00.002-04:00

Father's Day is coming up, and if you want to get something special for your dog to wear or use to recognize their daddy, then check out some of these cute ideas from Posh Puppy Boutique.

There are some adorable shirts you can dress your dog in, with sayings like "Daddy's girl" or "Daddy's boy," "My Dad is Single," "My Dad Rocks," and more. There are also some really cute Sugar Daddy squeaky toys, too! And we love the dog neck ties, if you want to dress up your pooch to look like dad ;)

Right now all orders get free shipping (use promo code "freeship"), so enjoy browsing this cute e-boutique!

Dog-On Television

2009-06-10T03:05:00.003-04:00

Dog-On Television is a great companion for your furry friends. It's an hour long DVD that continuously plays so you can have a babysitter of sorts for your dog while you're away. It's filmed from a dog's perspective with close up shots of dogs in front of the camera and at play. It's filled with barking, playing and just good ole dog fun that'll keep your dogs entertained for hours. I know my fur crew was enchanted by the other dogs barking and making noise. They seemed quite calm but were very alert to every noise. But don't take my word for it, you can go read testimonials of what others are saying like O Magazine, The Insider, Dateline NBC and the AKC. Right now you can even get it for free! All you have to do is pay shipping and handling and Dog-On Television can come right to your door. You can't get better than that. Go ahead and check out the testimonials and decide for yourself by getting this awesome video at no cost. You can even read about them on Entertainment Tonight. Your dogs will thank you for it.

Again, they are running the best deal they can right now which is FREE!!! You simply pay $4.95 S&H and that's it! This product typically retails from $9.95 to $19.95 plus S&H but for a VERY limited time they are giving it away for FREE! Get them while you can at this special price. Please use CCSP in the 2nd address
line when ordering.

Lasso Leash

2009-06-09T09:23:00.006-04:00

Th2 2009 Global Pet Expo--the pet industry's largest annual trade show--featured all kinds of innovative and stylish products for all types pets. Each year, the Expo awards "Best in Show" prizes for all types of categories including "dog."

This year's Best in Show winner for the dog category is the Lasso Leash from Dogmatic. The Lasso leash is a retractable leash that quickly and safely "parks" your dog while you run a quick errand or simply want to sit "hands-free" at a park bench. I am so excited to find this product because I often question my ability to safely secure Jax to a park bench.
To learn more about the lasso leash click here.

Want a chance to win a MILLION dollars?!

2009-06-05T21:36:00.003-04:00

All American Pet Company, makers of super premium dog food brands Bow Wow Breakfast Cereal and Grrr-nola Natural Dog Food, announces its first ever Bow Wow Million Dollar Look-a-Like Contest. Starting Monday, June 1st 2009, dog owners will have the opportunity to submit a picture of themselves and their dog to show the world how much they look alike. The finalists from these submissions will be given the chance to win the grand prize of $1 million dollars (plus lots of other runner-up cash prizes!). The deadline for submissions is Sunday, July 26th 2009. Visit www.bowwowmillion.com for all of the details! We hope a Swanky Pup reader wins!

A dog bed that heats and cools!

2009-06-04T02:57:00.003-04:00

If you have a dog that has sore joints or perhaps you just want to pamper your dog, now there's a dog bed that heats in the winter and cools in the summer. At Poochie Heaven they have a variety of designer beds, clothing, carriers and more and I found this fine bed called the All Season Snuggly Dog Sleeper. This bed has an interchangeable comfort system that allows you to keep your dog in the right temperature no matter what the season. The covers are machine washable and available in two sizes in both colors: sage and mocha. At under $115 and with free shipping, this is a bed that can help your dog stay comfortable in the most demanding temperatures. It'll make you feel good knowing that he or she doesn't have to worry about being too hot or too cold.

Stop Carrying the Poop! Let your leash do it for you.

2009-06-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

We all hate it, but every dog owner has to do it. Carrying the poop after your dog has done his or her business is just something that needs to be done. Or does it? Why not try the Port-A-Poo.

The writers at The Swanky Pup write many reviews about products that help in waste removal. I saw this product online and thought I have to tell our readers all about it. This is a hands free poop holder. You simply clip it to your dog's leash and after you have picked up the poop, you snap it open, place the bag inside and then snap it shut. It's that easy. The poop stays away from you and your dog.

The Port-A-Poo comes in two parts that are screwed together. Just unscrew the two parts, place the leash in the center, screw on the second part and you are in business. No muss, no fuss. The Port-A-Poo comes in a variety of colors to match your dogs leash or collar, and they even have a mini Port-A-Poo for retractable leashes. This is a must have if you are walking for a while and you just don't want to hold the poop.

Doggie Duvets

2009-06-02T09:06:00.004-04:00

Spring and summer cleaning revealed lots of old, worn towels, blankets and sheets. This year I've found multiple uses for these old textiles. I'm taking a few bags to the local SPCA to be used in the shelter. And I discovered a way to recycle these goods right in my own house---they can be Jax's new bed!

Molly Mutt makes stylish, durable 100% cotton dog duvets that can be filled with old blankets, pillows or sheets. These duvets are quite versatile. You can order the duvet alone and use over an existing dog bed OR order the stuff sack to fill the duvet with old textile products.

Molly Mutt offers six different patterns in the duvet and all are super cute and well-priced! The duvets range from $20 for small to $40 for huge. You can also get the DIY kit that includes two duvets and a stuff sack!

My favorites are Bird on a Wire (pictured above) and Your Hand in Mine (pictured below).
Check out Molly Mutt today and get free shipping with any order over $75.

Handmade, personalized "paw print" pet dog tags

2009-06-01T16:39:00.003-04:00

I recently got to try out a new Mom necklace from a great site called Baby Charmed. In addition to these beautiful necklaces and other jewelry, I noticed that they also make beautiful and classic looking dog tags.

I love the handmade look of the paw print and that it is made of pure silver and hand-crafted with your dog's name and your phone number centered around the paw print. The tag is (.999) pure silver and not sterling silver. All tags are antiqued to highlight the letters and numbers and then polished to a high shine, which makes it look very classic and unique. Each tag is attached to a ring ready to attach to your favorite collar. The tag size is 1-1/8" diameter. (Additionally, you can have more information, such as your address, stamped onto the back for an additional fee)

Available in both large and medium sizes, one is bound to fit your pet!

ps. Make sure you check out the pretty pet photo necklace, too.

Doggyspace

2009-05-28T03:19:00.003-04:00

I admit it, I spend far too much time on Facebook. But now there's a place for my dogs to meet and social network as well. It's called Doggyspace and in it your dog can meet new friends in the area, upload videos, take polls and trivia and even be featured on the front page in dog talk. It's free and there are tons of groups for your canine friend to be a part of. Whether your dog just likes meeting other dogs or showing off their latest picture or video, Doggyspace is the place that is all theirs. Browse by category, breed, region, general or special interest. Who knows, you might meet another dog lover who shares your interests as well.

Artsy Leash Holders

2009-05-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Are you like me and have a large collection of leashes for your dog? Are they just hanging around? Mine used to hang from a hanging fruit basket. I'd simply clip them to the basket and there they would hang down getting in everyone's way whenever someone walked by.

I recently solved my problem and, in addition, found a beautiful piece of artwork to hang in my house too. Dreaming Giggles Designs is a website that was created by a woman who used to teach art classes in a middle school. She has since put her creative talents to work and now she creates these beautiful pieces of artwork that are also functional.

Her leash hangers are hand-painted on 12 X 12 pieces of canvas with acrylic paints. You can design what you would like to have on your painting. At the bottom are hooks for the leashes. These make awesome gifts for any animal lover.

So, if you are in need of something decorative, yet functional, be sure to stop by at the Dreaming Giggles Design blog or check them out on the Etsy website.

For the Dog Who Can't Get Enough--Colossal Fleece Bone

2009-05-26T18:11:00.003-04:00

Does your pup go through fleece toys like they are going out of style? Fortunately, Jax savors his toys for a looonnnngggg time, unlike his cousin, Riley, who has been known to devour a fleece toy within a weekend.

I typically avoid buying fleece for Riley for this reason. But now I found the Collosal Fleece Bone from Sundance and will be purchasing fleece again for his birthday this July!

I love the uniqueness of this product. This toy also has a squeaker to engage your dog and give him something to really bite into! The bone measures 22"W x 12"D x 6"H and retails for $18. You can get your colossal bone here.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T07:18:00.000-04:00

The staff of the Swanky Pup (and our dogs too) would like to wish a happy memorial day to all of our wonderful readers and their pups! Enjoy the holiday and be sure to check back tomorrow for more fun and innovative products that you and your dog will enjoy!

Are you a Muttrosexual?

2009-05-22T10:31:00.003-04:00

According to Happytails, "inside every mutt there's a muttrosexual just dying to get out." To this end, the company has produced a wide array of doggie spa products. What is very impressive about Happytails Canine Spa Line Inc is their degree of community and social responsibility. They go out of their way to uphold the highest possible environmental, social and ethical standards from using recyclable materials, to donating some of their profits to Canine Companions for Independence to employing developmentally disabled adults to do their assembly work. Impressive and very worthwhile supporting! Animal Planet thought so too and recently featured their products on TV!

Their spa products are arranged into seven categories - problem areas commonly encountered by dogs such as tear stains, itchies, stink etc. In the stinky dogs and coat refreshment category is a wonderful product called Bubble n' Beads - a two in one shampoo and conditioner. It "contains exclusive micro-beads packed with conditioning vitamins. They penetrate the coat, burst against the skin, delivering their nutrients right where they’re needed; at the follicle. The result is a healthier, shinier more lustrous coat." It smells heavenly and when I washed Axel using the product after he rolled in goose poop - he was transformed from a stinky, dirty boy into a clean, fresh-smelling guy. A large bottle retails at $17 - it also comes in a gallon container for $110.

I will be reviewing more products in the Happytails range, so stay tuned for more...

Bow Wow Breakfast

2009-05-21T04:30:00.004-04:00

As pet owners continue to feed their dogs from the table, a drastic rise in the number of human illnesses in dogs is being seen.

More dogs than people (11%) suffer from heart disease. In fact, nearly 8 million dogs are afflicted with heart disease – 20 million more are overweight and millions more are diabetic.

It is a commonly accepted belief that dogs physically resemble their owners and, more and more, follow their every move…including diet. And, just as the "humanization" of pets continues to grow, some of the health problems that plague Americans—namely, obesity and diabetes—are trickling down to the canine world. As Americans gain more weight and the numbers of cases of heart disease and diabetes rises, so does it follow with their pets.

"Similar to dieticians, most veterinarians now recommend more frequent meals with smaller portions for pets," says Barry Schwartz, CEO and Director of All American Pet Brands, a California-based business that has made it its mission to make dog food healthy. "As people learn more about nutrition and the importance of healthy eating, and come to consider pets as part of the family, there's been an increased demand for better pet nutrition and wellness."

All American Pet Brands. has created the first and only dog food to be concocted and endorsed by Cardiac Veterinarians. With a premium blend of natural ingredients providing essential nutrients optimized to promote your dogs nutrition, health and vitality, All American Pet’s “Bow Wow Breakfast” is the paramount way to combat future health problems for your pet.

Bow Wow breakfast comes in a variety of flavors and textures, including: Chompions, Barkfast Squares, Chewa-Bunga, Fido Flakes, Pooch-Cheeze. Also, All American Pet Brands recently launched its newest product, Grrr-nola, heart healthy dog food. The first ever product to be endorsed by a Cardiac Veterinarian.

All American Pet Company Brands, Inc.
All American Pet Company produces healthy products for dogs, with the core product being super premium dog food. With the addition of chewable nutraceuticals, electrolyte and rehydration products, the core product categories are super premium dog food and pet wellness. All American Pet's products are manufactured in the U.S. under strict manufacturing guidelines and contain 100% American made ingredients. The expansion of the product offerings to include pet wellness products is targeted at taking advantage of a much wider approach to pet health trends which are being driven by the humanization of dogs. More than just the need for good nutrition, APPT is focused on complete “Pet Wellness”.

Right now you can get your own Bow Wow Breakfast and Grrr-Nola at All American Pet Brands.

Pamper Your Pooch With Quality Products from Mungo & Maud

2009-05-15T11:08:00.004-04:00

In May 2005, Mungo & Maud, an upmarket dog and cat store with an edgy new concept in the creation of elegant and well-designed accessories for the home, opened in London. The founders, husband and wife team Michael and Nicola Sacher, produce stylish, high-quality products with strong use of natural materials such as cotton, wool, leather etc. Their products include beautiful collars and leads, bowls, beds and special organic treats.

TheSwankyPup recieved a lovely box of Mungo & Maud products to review. First out the box was a most beautiful, red, leather poop bag holder. Now you may ask, how can a poop bag holder be beautiful? Well, the bag is made of soft red leather and has fastening inside that can be clipped onto a belt loop. The hand stitching and heart shaped fastener, make this the prettiest poop bag holder I've ever seen! It is on sale on their website right now reduced from £39.50 to £19.75 ($30*).

To accompany the holder, Mungo & Maud also sent us some biodegradable illustrated poop bags. There are 75 bags in a pack and the outer bag is resealable. I am always in favor of poop bags that do not harm our environment, so these bags are real winners. And they fold up easily into the poop bag holder. This product sells for £5.75 ($9*) which is a bargain!

And now for the piece de resistance...Mungo & Maud must have heard that my dog Axel loves to roll in stinky stuff - poop, charcoal, goose droppings...you name it, if it stinks, he rolls! Nestled in the package was Mungo & Maud's "Petite Amande" Dog Fragrance. Delicately made from a mixture of French blackcurrant, Tunisian neroli, mimosa, violet leaf, sweet vanilla bourbon with a little almond - this fragrance is to die for and can be used by humans too! Spray lightly onto your dog's coat. A 50ml. bottle is priced at £38.00 ($57*) - not cheap, but very worth it. This fragrance is so special, it has its own movie!

* Note: All prices converted from British Pound Sterling to US Dollars are approximate.

Pupperware Parties

2009-05-14T13:48:00.003-04:00

Pet Owners Pamper Their “Extended Family” While Laid-Off Workers Keep Their Income

While much of the $35 billion that is spent annually on the pet industry takes place in giant malls and super stores like Petco, across the country there is a new intimate shopping experience for pet owners called “Pupperwear Parties.” These intimate get-togethers organized by a Shure Pets Pet Consultant gives local pet owners the chance to get their hands on the latest pet products and meet other animal lovers in a relaxed atmosphere far different from the crowded malls. With unique high-end pet products like the “Yappy meal”, Bone Appetite Biscotti Bar, and the “Ulti-Mutt” candy bar among its hundreds of product offerings, Shure Pets is the premier direct seller of pet products.

Especially in this dismal economy, Shurepets’ direct selling program provides laid off workers a chance to make great money and bring friends and acquaintances together to network, pamper their pets, and just have a good time. Shure Pets makes “shure” that all of their products are pet and owner friendly, and by creating this unique method of purchase, consumers and consultants nationwide are finding out that there is just one more benefit to owning and caring for their animals.

As far as income opportunities are concerned, as with any direct selling venture, consultants really get out what they put in. The more parties a consultant hosts, and the more friends and acquaintances one networks with, the more successful they will be. The most successful consultants host up to one party a week, inviting new friends but also having a solid group of regulars each time as well. Interestingly, many consultants have turned to Shure Pets recently as a result of the economy. Previously, many consultants signed up as a fun hobby or as a way to spend time with their friends and pets, however, this has shifted recently as more and more consultants are looking for a supplemental income, either as a result of a lay-off or looking for ways to make ends meet.

People are looking for new and innovative ways to supplement their income in the economy, and hosting a Pupperware party is the perfect solution. Being a consultant also gives people the freedom to make their own schedule, all the while making money, meeting new people, and having a great time with pets! Pupperware parties have sprung up across the country as a solution for a fun and easy way for women everywhere to make money.

To get started, consultants can visit Shure Pets to learn more information about the company. There are two kits to get started, either the basic kit for $149.00 or the special economic stimulus kit for $99.00. To locate a personal consultant in your neighborhood and to find out about upcoming parties, visit the consultants area. It’s very easy to get started!

Get Ready for Summer with Posh Puppy Boutique

2009-05-12T11:12:00.003-04:00

Posh Puppy Boutique offers cute, fashionable products to keep your dog in-style for all seasons. This summer, they are offering an array of excellent products, like this Juicy Couture Beach Bum Tank and Terry Towel Set.

The Boutique also has many more products to get your four-legged friend ready for summer. There are summer-themed toys like the ice-cream cone and summer cotton collars. As a bonus, the Boutique is offering 20% the entire site through Wednesday, May 13th. Use promo code 'beach' when you check out.

Happy shopping!

New product alert: Collar wallets from Daisy Couture Collars!

2009-05-11T07:07:00.000-04:00

Recently we shared our great experience with the beautiful collar we received from Daisy Couture Collars. Now, I am excited to tell you about their newest product - the stylish and functional collar wallet!

If the constant jingle of our dog's tags are driving you crazy, there are several products out there to quiet the noise, but I can tell you from experience that most of them work well but are not very cute. Not only are the collar wallets from Daisy Couture Collars the perfect way to silence your pup's tags, but they are also made in the same prints as their collars so you can buy an adorable matching set.

To use the collar wallet all you need to do is slip your dog's tags in to the wallet and secure it to the D-ring of your pup's collar using the velcro strap. It will protect the tags and your sanity by saving you from jingling tags every step your dog takes!

Train Your People!

2009-05-09T10:42:00.004-04:00

Hello, Axel the Wire Fox Terrier here. Mom has agreed to let me write this review since it is a product called, "People Training Scarves." Are you a lover boy/girl who can't resist licking any stranger that approaches for a pat? Are you not the most friendly of canines? Are you possibly a service dog in training?

Well, if you answered yes to any of the above questions, you need to tell your humans to buy you a special people training scarf. The bandanas come in bright colors and bear messages that reflect your temperament.

The 22x22x31” triangle scarf is just the right size to tie around your neck. Each design is available in lovely bright colors. One size fits all. 100% cotton is machine washable. Silk screened by hand in Colorado just for Bold Lead Designs. They are just $10 each.

Keep your pet snuggly

2009-05-07T04:05:00.003-04:00

After a bath it can be hard to keep your furbaby nice and snuggly until he or she dries off. With the dog wrap from Bathrobes Online, you can keep your dog warm and they will dry faster. These doggy bathrobes come in an array of colors such as chicky (yellow), fuchia (pink) and royaldog (blue). They are 100% cotton terry and are accented with cotton piping and has an embroidered dog. Starting at just $9.95 with different sizes and colors, you can't go wrong. They also offer matching products at checkout such as dog bath towels. Keep in mind that there is an additional fee depending on what size you choose. Just think of how cute your dog will be wearing one of these after a bath. They may even forgive you for bathing them in this adorable robe.

Cute, Stylish Leash Bags from The Modern Pet

2009-05-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Modern Pet offers stylish, earth-friendly pet
products for our four-legged friends. This store has a wide
assortment of eco-friendly toys, accessories, leashes,
collars and gifts. One of my favorite items from
The Modern Pet is the Leash Bag. I take a million things --keys, phone, bags, ID--with me on my daily walks with Jax. This worked well in the Winter because I could just stuff everything in my pockets.
But now with the warmer weather, I need a more practical
solution. Enter the Modern Pet's Stylish Leash Bag.

These bags come in seven different colors. I'm partial to the pink polka dots. Afraid these cute bags may clash with your existing leash? Never fear, Modern Pet offers a matching leash so that you are walking in style. Simply contact Modern Pet to find out more about the matching leash. The leash bags are hand sewn and made of 100% cotton. Interested? Go here!

Unique and stylish accessories for your best friend

2009-05-04T07:07:00.003-04:00

I love finding cool and unique products for my dog that show off his personality and turn heads. That is why I was so excited when I received 2 collars and a leash from Besty Dog Collars! The products arrived in adorable boxes, tied with ribbon, and I was immediately impressed by the presentation. Opening them up though was like Christmas morning and I was so excited to find the cutest collars you could possible ask for inside!

Besty Dog Collars not only has a great selection of fun and unique collars, but they also allow you to design your own and create your own completely customized and personalized creation. Baxter's new collar features his name embroidered in red on a camo print collar with yellow stars on each end. I love the fact that it has his name on it and that it is totally a one of a kind creation. It is handmade to last and I couldn't be happier with how well my vision was executed to make this awesome collar! Best of all, I also got a matching leash that has the same embroidery on it and the set together has alread caused multiple people to stop me and ask where I got them.

I also got the Flying Hearts collar for Baxter made on black hemp material, simply because I just couldn't decide on just one collar to order. I love that it is eco friendly, handmade and has a punk rock look.

Like most of the collars from Besty Dog Collars, almost all of the designs on the site can be customized with different embroidery colors, fonts, rhinestone collars and more so you are guaranteed to find or make exactly what you have been looking for!

Now Our Pets Can Take to the Skies

2009-05-02T15:25:00.000-04:00

I guess it was just a matter of time. There is now an airways dedicated solely to transporting pets - introducing PetAirways! The idea for PetAirways was inspired by a Jack Russel Terrier. Zoe's family liked to take her along on their vacations, but air travel was always a hassle as Zoe was too big to fit in a carrier under the seat, and her family were not willing to put her amongst the cargo! So, instead of trying to convince the human airlines to treat pets better, Zoe's humans decided to start up an airline just for pets. And Pet Airways was born.

PetAirway's philosophy is simple, "On Pet Airways, your pets aren't packages, they're "pawsengers." And every step of the journey, we'll take care of them as if they were our own."

Find out about how PetAirways flies your pet, ticket prices (eg. just $150 from NY to Los Angeles - one way), destinations & routes and much more on their website: http://www.petairways.com/

Need to hang it up?

2009-04-30T12:00:00.001-04:00

I don't know about you, but I depend on my refrigerator for a lot of reasons. Yes, I need it to keep my food from not spoiling, but I also use it as my bulletin board. I have pictures, my calendar, coupons, and my daughter's artwork all posted to the outside of it. You can imagine my collection of magnets I have to keep all of this stuff hanging up.

I found great magnets on a artisans website called Etsy.com. The artist is Brianna Lennox and she designs magnets with dogs on them. There are six magnets in a package. Brianna is a very talented artist and her artwork will add such flair to any refrigerator. If you don't need any magnets, you should still check her out on the Etsy website. I'm sure there are other things that she makes that you will be interested in.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24291165

When you place an order, Brianna will offer you a $2.00 rebate when paying through PayPal. Simply enter "I have a Swanky Pup" in the note to seller area on the page. Happy shopping.