bare bones

Shopping

Bare Bones: Poop-See Scoop

You'll have to pardon the pretty ridiculous name on this product — maybe they weren't thinking when naming the Poop-See Scoop.


You'll have to pardon the pretty ridiculous name on this product — maybe they weren't thinking when naming the Poop-See Scoop. But, it will prevent those lil mistakes by shining a beacon on your cat's business. If that's what you want.

On hooded or furniture-incorporated litter boxes, it can get pretty dark in there when digging for buried treasure poop so $15 and a couple batteries lights your way. No oopsies involved.

Shopping

Shine a Light on Your Dark Walks

It never hurts to have some extra light when walking in the evening.

It never hurts to have some extra light when walking in the evening. Even if your nighttime walks stay on city roads with plentiful lamps, the Leash Light ($10) can illuminate the sidewalk and street to show cracks and bumps and make you a bit more visible to traffic, too.

Now for those of you who like to stroll on darker country roads or away from streetlamps, the six ultra-bright LED bulbs can really show you the way. The light comes with double-sided Velcro, so attach one part to your favorite Flexi — and if you've got Velcro to spare at home, make this interchangeable with your pup's rotating leash collection!

Shopping

Slow It Down With Portion Pacer

Gobble, gobble, gobble. Sound familiar?


Gobble, gobble, gobble. Sound familiar? If you've heard these noises coming from your dog's dish, he could use a distraction. The Portion Pacer should be placed along with a pet's food or water — the device simply gets in the way so the pooch has to work a little harder and take his time at meal time.

Coming in porcelain or steel with two sizes, small ($12) and large ($15), it can help your pup digest food better and reduce that water coming back up minutes later. I know there's food I practically shovel in my mouth — can you imagine what it'd be like if they made this for people?

Jackets

Bare Bones: Raincoat Roundup

I can't stand the rain, North can't stand the rain, and many of you also have pets that can't stand the rain.

I can't stand the rain, North can't stand the rain, and many of you also have pets that can't stand the rain. Even though it's a touch early for April showers, we've been drowning out here in SF. I've gathered up some chic ways to keep furry friends' fur dry, like this full-on rain suit. Whether your dogs want just the hairs on their backs covered or maybe even a matching hat, see my picks in the widget below.

Eco

Bare Bones: Wagging Green

It's hip to be green – and I don't mean the color!

It's hip to be green – and I don't mean the color! Although I love the hue, it's more about the principal of going green these days, and there's one company that wants to dress your dogs up in their eco-tastic love: Wagging Green. Making fun and earth-friendly pet products out of highly sustainable bamboo, they aren't only saving the planet, but they are proactive about giving back: Five percent of each purchase goes to conservation causes!

I like the playful designs of their doggie collars, but Wagging Green offers up cat collars, tees, and ID tags as well. Plus, if you've previously purchased a Wagging Green collar and want a new one to freshen up that seasonal wardrobe, they'll take Fido's used collar back, and create a brand new one from the old hardware in the pattern of your choosing. What a way to recycle! This is one company (and cause) that I can definitely bark about!

Travel

Bare Bones: Aqua Bol

With temps still reaching the 70s in SF lately, North and I have been taking advantage of the weather, and going for nice long walks on the weekends.

With temps still reaching the 70s in SF lately, North and I have been taking advantage of the weather, and going for nice long walks on the weekends. You can pretty much bet that two out of three times, I'll forget to grab his pop-up bowl from my car, leaving me to buy a sports cap bottle in the nearest convenience store and play drinking fountain with it as he laps water mid-air. Although there's nothing wrong with this practice, I've found a solution I will never run out of the house without (unless I forget my wallet . . . and then we're both in trouble): The Aqua Bol ($6).

This simple, yet stylish water bowl comes in three colors, and folds up to the size of a credit card so you can stick it in your wallet when you need it. No more using your hands! Although I'm sure it's the germaphobe in me talking, it feels a little unsanitary for North to drink from my grubby hands after petting other dogs during a walk in the park, and handling his dirty fetching ball. I know I wouldn't want to drink from those hands, so why should he? Either way, this is a genius solution that had me saying, "Why didn't anyone think of this sooner?"

Toys

Kitties Won't Worry About a Thing With These Three Little Birds

I know, I know.

I know, I know. Not all cats like toys. Friends with finicky felines have told me that the material of a toy makes all the difference so I've scoped out these adoro birdy designs with three different textures . . . all filled with magical catnip.

If your precious pet prefers "found" toys, try scattering these birds around your nest and let her make the discovery on her own!

Accessories

Bare Bones: Jax & Bones Toys and Accessories

While visiting the awesome Heathy Spot pet shop in Santa Monica, I spotted these super cute Rope Toys ($14) from Jax & Bones that I knew North would love to sink his chompers into.

While visiting the awesome Heathy Spot pet shop in Santa Monica, I spotted these super cute Rope Toys ($14) from Jax & Bones that I knew North would love to sink his chompers into. Made from 100 percent natural dyed cotton thread, you can be sure that these toys are not only good for hours of chewing fun, but are good for your pooch and the earth. Not only that, but for each toy purchased from Jax & Bones, part of the proceeds will be donated to the Rescue Train Organization, which helps find homes for pets and operates a no-kill rescue program.

But the goodness doesn't stop there — J&B's beds are all eco-friendly and made from 100 percent recycled materials! This brand leaves me with a full shopping cart, as well as good karma. Check out some of my favorite picks from Jax & Bones in the widget below.

Dogs

Bare Bones: SnoozAir Bed

I can't tell you how many beds North has gone through in his six years.

I can't tell you how many beds North has gone through in his six years. I have stopped counting. He has grown out of them, they got dirty past the point of cleaning, or he just stopped sleeping on them (which I assume means they are uncomfortable). Now that he has a pretty nice ergonomic bed, he seems content, but since I can't splurge on a posturepedic model, the SnoozAir might be a good alternative.

The SnoozAir is a claw-proof inflatable bed that not only keeps its shape with air, but seems as if it would be a dream to travel with as well. I can't tell you how many times my trunk was taken up by North's bed and essentials, leaving me with little room to cram my stuff into! Since the SnoozAir is washable, it doesn't hold odor or dirt as normal cloth beds do, plus it comes with a removable and comfy slipcover, and non skid pads on the bottom. It's pretty comparable in price to other pillow beds at $100, but it seems like a really great investment if you and Fido like to travel!

Travel

Bare Bones: Aud & M Leather Clutch

When North and I head out of town for a quick getaway, I need an extra tote to lug all his stuff around in!

When North and I head out of town for a quick getaway, I need an extra tote to lug all his stuff around in! Food, treats, poop bags, eye wipes, and toys are just a few essentials that I end up carrying in one of my bags. But thankfully, I don't have to shop at a baby supply store to find a nice "diaper bag" for all of my pup's stuff.

Aud & M's leather clutch is the perfect size for all of North's overnight things, and they come in a range of cool colors to suit your taste. Hey, I'm a fashionable gal, and there's no reason that my doggie's goods should be tossed in something that doesn't go with my new Fall coat. Since Aud & M doesn't have an online store, check your local pet shop for products and prices!