pet bowls

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?"

Wine is definitely my weakness and, even though I've yet to share it with my pooch, I love the idea of this cork-designed placemat ($4.50). It's totally perfect for my wine cellar . . . errrr, I mean kitchen (but a girl can dream). Not only is the matching treat jar super cute, I think this dish mat would look perfect with a Whiner and Diner feeder up top. Is this subtle style perfect for the wine lovers in your life, too?

Now I've been a fan of the well-designed Wowo feeders for quite some time now, and I am totally digging the new metallic models. There's something about the tiny circles and glossy red underbelly that makes my heart pitter-patter.

The Aluminum Wowo 2 Series HD Feeders ($165 and up) still come with removable stainless-steel bowls and in three heights, but now boast a pebbled or hammered aluminum veneer option, in addition to the four wood finishes. Fear not cat lovers, this series has wider and shallower dishes making them better for kitty whiskers, too.

Remember the DogPause for those speedy eaters? Well, there's another version, the EatBetter, as well as this model especially for fluids. I'm especially interested because, although my pooch is quite the gobbler, he most often gets sick by throwing up some clear liquid when he drinks too much too fast.

The DrinkBetter ($25) slowing bowl encourages speedy pups to take their time sipping without slopping or soaking their entire faces. The design features a floating obstacle to control the water's flow; they can only access a small amount of water at a time making them wait – and work – for more. I definitely like the idea, and the aesthetic's not bad either – do your doggies need this?