Category: For Owners
Adorable doggie note cards
In this crazy digital age of Email, sometimes it's nice to communicate the good old fashion personal way--a written note. Dog lovers everywhere will get inspired to pick up a pen with these adorable cards from British Stationer, Willow and Flo. Meet Harold, the insanely-cute, furrylicious pup and his friends in these beautifully illustrated cards by renowned children's book illustrator, Sophie Windham. And when we say insanely-cute, we mean it. Choose from a variety of styles--like Harold hanging with his duck pal, or Harold getting a ride from his donkey pal, or Harold on a retro-plaid picnic blanket dreaming of bones, or Harold chillin' on grandma's tufted yellow chair with red hearts. All Harold cards are a stylish 6"x6" square and printed on high-quality, responsibly sourced papers. Each card is left blank for your own message and comes with a white envelope.
[$4, willowandflo.com]
Loews Hotel healthy lifestyle package for guest and pet
Still procrastinating on kick-starting that New Year's diet and exercise regimen? You're not alone. Why not enlist a trusty partner to get your healthy new lifestyle party started--your precious, but plumping-around-the-middle pup! Studies actually show that people who diet and exercise with their pet stick to the program. And Loews Hotel is doing its part to help you and your pup get into shape for 2010, too. Guests and their pets can be treated to the Pumped-Up Pets package, which includes a deluxe room, workout tips for both guest and pet, a Zisc dog Frisbee, and a specially-created, veterinarian-approved “Scratch My Flat Belly” meal for pets. How cool is that? Seventeen Loews Hotels currently offer the program through May 1st, 2010. So what are you waiting for, it's time to get crackin'!
[More info, loewshotels.com]
Hands-free puppy carrier
For those longer outings when lil' pooch needs a lift, the Papooch Carrier is just the ticket. Think "Baby Bjorn" carriers, but for your four-legged bitty. The Papooch slips on sling-style and keeps pup close and snuggled while you remain hands-free to go about your business. It is made of techie Dupont Hydrology water-resistant leather, which translates to stylish, durable and 100% washable. This convenient carrier features a small zip pocket in front for necessities like keys, wallet, cell and mp3 player. It also boasts solid brass hardware and an interior latch to connect pup's collar for extra security. The Papooch holds dogs up to 12" long. Now you've really got it in the bag.
[$135, papooch.com]
"Dog Walker" womens tee
Carry on, Ma'am--with poop duty, that is. This clever "Official Dog Walker" military-inspired tee lets all hands on deck know your role. The stylish, khaki-hued tee by the gals at Dog is Good, epitomizes their whimsical collection of hip wares touting authentic sentiments that emphasize and immortalize the relationships we have with our precious pups. The short-sleeve Dog Walker tee is made from super-soft, long-wearing pima cotton that is pre-washed for a vintage'y feel and shrink-proofing. Choose from a wide range of women's sizes small to 2XL. You're now officially deployed for active "doody."
[$18.99, dogisgood.com]
Stylish doggie clean-up bags
There's nothing glamorous about picking up after doggie on your daily jaunts, but Business Bag Purses make poopie duty just a little more bearable. These adorable purses by the family-owned company, Doggie Walk Bags, attach to any leash, belt or collar, adding pizzazz to a mundane chore. "Business" bags dispense right from the bottom of the purse when needed. There are a "poop-load" of chic purse colors and patterns to choose from to suit you and your pup's fashion sense. Our faves include Black/Silver Dots, Silver Croc, and Black/White Skulls. Each cute Business Bag Boutique Box comes with a purse and two rolls of tie-handle, unscented, 100% biodegradable bags (12 bags per roll). Bag refills are also available in a huge assortment of colors and scents. Getting down to business just got a heckuva lot fresher.
[$19.95, dogbag.com]
Universal pet hair vacuum tools
We love our fuzzy friends. But the "fuzz" all over the house, not so much. The Pawsitively Clean "Ugh" universal vacuum tools by Bissell takes sucking up all that annoying pet hair to another dimension. There's no mistaking these tools for the sheepskin-lined boots, these Ughs attach to your own vacuum and kick some serious pet hair booty on your floors and furniture. The specially-designed Ugh tools set includes a 6" rotating Turbobrush with special "sticky" rubber fingers for picking up mounds of pet hair instantly. The Pet Contour Tool reaches into crevices and other hard-to-reach places where pet hair likes to hide. Both Ugh attachments include handy adapters to fit all major vacuum brands including Bissell, Dirt Devil, Dyson, Eureka, Hoover and Kenmore. Say adios to pesky pet hair as you know it.
[More info, pawsitivelycleanpet.com]
Pug fridge magnet
On the hunt for some quirky stocking stuffers for your pet-lovin' posse? This adorable, buggy-eyed pug fridge magnet from UK-based online emporium, CentralCrafts.com, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Taking cues from the pug's origin in ancient China where they were companions for royalty, the ceramic pug magnet is dressed for the part in a gold crown and long, opulent red robe. The little shmoosh-faced cutie measures about 1" high and we love how it even has a chamber to fill with salt or pepper if you'd like. Chillin' on the fridge or the dinner table, this precious pug is brilliant holiday swag.
[8 euros, centralcrafts.com]
Black onyx puppy paw pendant
If you like it, shoulda put a "pendant" on it. Your precious pup is the closest thing to your heart. Seems only fitting to pay the proper homage by donning an unstoppably-glam Black Onyx Paw Pendant charm by Ellie Rocks. This lavish pendant is available in 18K white or matte yellow gold and features a hand-cut black onyx puppy paw surrounded by a slew of micro-pave white diamonds. A white diamond clasp is the perfect finishing touch. The charm measures 7/8" in diameter and has a TCW of about .76. You can also add a separate, weighty 18K bead- or cable-style chain-- available in a variety of lengths--to complete your luxe pendant. This piece of blinged-out eye-candy is literally "off the chain."
[$2400, ellierocksnyc.com - NOTE: click on "Collections" then "pendants" from main menu and scroll to find Black Onyx Paw Pendant.]
Gentle dog training system
Got a furry friend with a "Dennis the Menace" disposition? You know--endless barking, chewing, digging, jumping, indoor potty accidents (need we say more). A fresh approach to dog training, the genius shakeTrainer puts an end to your pup's unwanted behaviors quickly and gently--without harmful training collars or expensive obedience classes. In fact, the shakeTrainer system was created by professionals, approved by vets, and proven to work on virtually all dogs in a matter of minutes. The sound of the shakeTrainer deters doggie's menacing behavior in an easy to use, two-step training process. You'll see results immediately. A user guide and five-minute instructional DVD are included with it. Time to shake that "good dog" maker.
[$23.99, miaandmaggie.com]
Obama-style 26x32 doggie poster
Yes (your pup) can! Give your #1 furry friend the presidential treatment with a way-cool "Obama-style" custom portrait poster from Allpopart.com. It's so easy, too. Just submit your own photo, choose your poster size and personalized text, plus any other add-ons like special finishes and framing. The Allpopart.com team then goes to work creating your portrait and, with your approval, voila, you've got a unique pet portrait worthy of the Oval Office within about two weeks. Check out their other merch options and re-use the artwork for holiday cards, invites, postcards, dry-erase boards, and more. Move over Bo, there's another doggie in the (white) house.
[$237, allpopart.com]
Dog bone shaped muffin pan
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man. The holidays are officially here and that means it's time to get into serious baking mode. Add a little whimsy to breakfast this season with yummy confections that are an ode to doggie's most fave treat. The Six Dog Bone Shaped Muffin Pan from luxe pet retailer, Funny Fur Dog Boutique, will have you turning out whitty and de'lish delights in a snap. Pet lovers on your gift list will be giddy to get a basket of these winkingly-cute treats, too. This sturdy pan is constructed of high-quality, non-stick carbon steel for even baking, easy clean-up, and durability. The pan measures approximately 9"W x 13"L x 1.25"H and bakes 2" x 4" muffins. Won't want to bury these!
[$22.50, funnyfur.com]
Shakespeare dog film
What's done is done. Or so Lady Macbeth thought. The idea for the Dog Film Company's, Shakespaws, first came to creator/NYC actor, Seamus Mulcahy, while dog-sitting as a day job. Why not create a cheeky film that's nurturing and visually stimulating for dogs and entertaining for dog lovers, as well? Hence, Shakespaws was born, a film for dogs BY dogs displaying their acting chops in Shakespearean adaptations donning full regalia. The adorable film casts a wide variety of breeds--big and small--appealing to the gamut of furry, frenzied fans. Check out the "Meet the Stars" section of the website--the cast includes several red carpet-worthy pooches with some impressive film credits to their names. What's more, Mulcahy has found that the film captivates kids and serves as a great first-exposure to Shakespearean verse. Seems like that "winter of discontent" could be over.
[$19.95, thedogfilm.com]
Designer doggie travel bag
If you plan on traveling with your pooch over the coming holidays, stocking up on mod-cons for the trip is a must. A super-functional, yet stylish bag should be at the top of the list to ensure smooth travels with your furry friend. You'll find that the Pet JetSetter by Metzger Designs is up to the task. It's like a tricked-out, designer doggie diaper bag that puts all of your pup's essentials at your fingertips. There are six (count 'em 6) outer pockets that are clearly labeled for easy access to stainless steel water and food bowls (included--BONUS!), treats, grooming brush, water bottle, and bones. The large inside pocket holds toys, food, blankie, sweater, and other essentials your 'lil lovie' can't do without on the road. Our fave feature is the detachable and adjustable nylon shoulder strap that doubles as a temporary leash. The light-weight, durable canvas JetSetter comes in four chic colors--black, pink, khaki and blue. And to make sure everyone knows this ultra-cool bag belongs to your pup, it can be personalized with your dog's name embroidered right on front. Dimensions are 18"L x 5"W x 11"H. Happy trails!
[$39.99 and up, petjetsetter.com]
Canine genealogy kit
Knowing the breeds in your dog's ancestry can be a key ingredient in making sure your precious one maintains a long, happy and healthy life. What was once a difficult or even impossible feat--especially in cases of rescue or adoption--is now as simple as a cotton swab and a stamp. The Canine Genealogy Kit from Hammacher and Schlemmer analyzes your dog's DNA, identifies the breeds, and provides scientific confirmation of the physical characteristics, behavioral tendencies, personality traits, and potential health risks your dog has inherited. All you have to do is rub a cotton swab inside your dog's cheek, send it to the professional lab in the provided envelope, and the lab tests and compares the unique sequences in your canine's genome with DNA markers from a database of thousands of purebred dogs. The DNA test recognizes 63 different breeds (93% of the most common breeds in the U.S.) that can make up your pet's genetic profile. Within about three weeks, you'll receive a certificate listing your dog's ancestry and a detailed explanation of each breed's dominant characteristics that likely have been passed on to your dog. Gotta love modern technology!
[$59.95, hammacher.com]
Pet hair broom
Hair ye, hair ye. We love our furry friends. But that's just it, they're well, furry. And keeping floors and rugs pet hair free can be a daunting daily ritual. Frankly, breaking out the bulky purple Dyson (though a miracle worker) on a daily basis is a real pain in the "tail." Bissell's light and airy but tough-enough pet hair broom saves the day. Bissell thought of everything when designing this pet-hair wonder. We think the most ingenious feature is the flexible rubber bristles that literally attract pet hair like a magnet. The broom works on both bare floors and rugs and is angled to tackle corners. The handle adjusts to three heights and includes a soft, nonslip grip for comfort and to prevent slippage when leaned against walls. The broom head's soft bumper protects furniture and its lean profile stows away in a snap. Its pearl and orange color scheme is even kinda groovy, to boot. A no-brainer in our book.
[$24.99, bissell.com]
