boston terror

It's been a while since North's tested out a new product. He's pretty occupied these days, Twittering and all. More online time means he's extra tired at night – yawn.Since the saying goes let sleeping dogs lie, I took a mini-break to blog about his new petLINENS bed. After all, if this snuggly, sleepy look is any testament, I think he approves. The cushions come in two sizes ($15 and $20) – this is the smallest – so both would be great options for even a dog much larger than North, lil pooches that like to sprawl, or a big home with space for the styles.

My favorite part is that you can get a petLINENS set with interchangeable slipcovers so, while one's in the wash, your furry friend can still enjoy naptime in clean luxury like spare doggy sheets. Since I couldn't resist sharing a couple more pictures of my pooch enjoying some rest, check them out below.

Not real sushi, but adoro impostors in the shape of Uni, Inside-Out Rolls, and more from Sushi Pups! The toys come separately ($7 and up) or in combos — I think this takeout set would make a great gift for a sushi-loving pet owner. I captured the pictures below of North devouring and nursing his Tamago in the hallway and, as I'm finishing up this post, I can hear his claws on the hardwood as he tries to get a good grip . . . he's sooo into it. I peeked over and his chompers haven't even totally killed it yet! Yum!

Meet Lex! Thanks so much for helping me name her – I agree it's a great suggestion so I've been referring my new alternapal by the pet name of Lexi. Before I share all the neat things a Pleo does later this week, I wanted to introduce North to the lil girl. Lucky for us, the Pleo is fairly quiet, doesn't move super quickly, and he didn't sense her as a threat . . . although he gave me (as I interpret it) a scornful gaze when I was holding the toy dino on my lap making kissy noises. Hmm, but I was the one holding a toy dino on my lap making kissing noises?! Either way, North eventually learned to love his new pal and enjoyed checking her out up close. Maybe he speaks Pleosaurus?

To see the rest of the images (even when North goes in for a kiss!) when you read more

With such a tough-sounding product name, I'll admit I was expecting the FURminator to work wonders terminating North's pet-hair issue. One local pet store has an actual TV playing this video of a man testing the product out on a heavy-shedding breed, the Golden Retriever, and that stack of dog hair was quite shocking . . . and definitely piqued my interest. Since I've got a pooch who does get hair on my clothes and my furniture, I was willing to try out anything to help me limit the shed. On the right, you'll recognize my cutie patootie and, on the left, a fairly ordinary looking brush said to do extraordinary things. Will it work out? Check out some pics and my opinions when you read more

Once again, North is getting put to the test (well, his hair anyway). I spotted this product on a trip to Cost Plus, and I totally fell for the language on the packaging. "Revolutionary! Instantly! Satisfaction Guaranteed!" I was sold. Those were fighting words, and North and his hair were definitely up to this challenge. Now I just needed to figure out what to test . . .

North is not allowed on my bedding, definitely can't reach my drapes, and I already cleaned my upholstery, so I decided to try it out on clothing. I took a fleece hoodie out of my closet, put it on, and picked North up for a snuggle. Then I took it off and rubbed him as if toweling him dry.

Yuck! Wanna see if this product worked, then read more

Hooray! I've started a new group on TeamSugar for my little "Boston Terror!" North and I are going to do the legpaw work and test out products to provide our full reviews (and proof!) when we're done. Wanna know if that plushie will last for your tough chewer? Curious how long it takes a pup to empty a frozen Kong? If you have a tip or question, post it here — I'll look for the product and we'll put it to the test!

I hinted in my February Must Haves that we have recently welcomed a new animal into our home – the Dyson DC16 Animal. North hates the vacuum so I was curious to see how this weapon would fare in his eye and ear shot . . . and how it would perform, of course!For good measure, I emptied my hairbrush and his hairbrush and dumped out my dingiest day-to-day purse. I crumbled up a snack (yum, crackers!), pulled some feathers from my pillow, and cleaned out my fabric shaver, too! Then, even though North is not allowed up on the couch, I placed him up there and tried to rub him around (note: if trying at home, dog will likely hate this or think it is a new game). Yeah, just so you don't think my couch is normally in that state. Curious to see how the Dyson held up in my home, read more