PetSugar

Happy Halloween From North!

PetSugar — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:00:07 -0700

Seems only fitting that my little food scavenger was fitted up as a pirate! Thanks to my mom, North didn't have to go costume-less today - and he thought not one, but two ensembles last year meant he would have a break in '09?! Not quite, little boy. Next week, we'll be rounding up all of your costumes so, if you're snapping pics, add them to the group. Happy Howl-o-ween and Meow-lo-ween everybody!

Do Tell: Do Falling Temperatures Change Your Routine?

PetSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:45:39 -0700

Since we're rather temperate out in SF, North still enjoys his trips to Baker Beach . . . but stays far away from the now-chilly water save a few sniffs. When the temperatures drop in your neck of the woods, how do you alter your pup's fitness routine, be it shorter trips outdoors or active indoor alternatives?

"Boston Terror" Chronicles: North Vs. TubNub (and Microfiber Towel)

PetSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:50:00 -0700

Although I like to think North is pretty neutral to bath time, his pals at Wag Hotel tell me he loved the hydromassage he got on his last stay. In an attempt to recreate that at home, I tested out the FURminator TubNub ($13) on my pooch. A rubbery tool with nubs to massage a pet, work in the shampoo, and stimulate hair follicles during bath time, North seemed to enjoy this easy massage and it left my other hand free to hold him steady.

I finished up his bath time with this Microfiber Towel ($18) - pretty and green, it was barely damp after I dried him off! Check out the products up close, and see how well they cleaned North's fur below!

View 5 Photos ›

Make a No-Bake Pupcake For a Special Birthday Treat!

PetSugar — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:00:58 -0700

Some special Sugar pup is celebrating his seventh birthday on Saturday - North! I bend the rules for my pup (and myself) and allow an extra "sweet" treat to honor the day. Inspired by Francesca and Sharkey's cupcake creation, I made up my own "pupcake" with seven layers . . . one for each year! Curious what's inside, and if North loved it? Follow along and see!

View Slideshow ›

North and Samson Enjoy a Dog Day on the Bay!

PetSugar — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:00:35 -0700

On Sunday, North, Samson, LilPeaPod and I joined the ASPCA, our local KOFY TV station, and a gaggle of other pooches for brunch as we sailed around the San Francisco Bay. Even though it was a nasty drizzly day in SF, we weren't about to let the weather hold us back from a doggie buffet, mingling, and (hello!), champagne for the two legged kind on board. The fifth annual Dog Day on the Bay took us on a scenic tour of our bay, around Alcatraz island, and even for an up-close look at San Francisco's AT&T Park, where the Giants played (and beat) the Colorado Rockies.

All the pooches had a blast shaking their tails on the dance floor, posing for pictures, and auditioning to be the next KOFY TV dog, but the best part of the day wasn't just fun activities, it was the fact that everyone who attended was helping to lend a hand to our local SPCA and animal shelters.

Check out some behind-the-scenes photos of our fun day on the bay in the gallery when you read more!

View 29 Photos ›

A Carabiner Lets Your Dog Carry His Own Weight Like North

PetSugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:00:22 -0700

"Awww, that dog has a purse," exclaimed one girl on my walk with North on a sunny weekend. (Shhh, don't tell him that – he'll get a complex.) Anyway I use this carabiner to clip a lil bag to my pup's harness so he pulls his own weight in poop bags and biscuits. Yeah, it's not the most stylish way to do this, but it gets the job done and frees up my hands when I want to go purse free!

I know it's not technically his whole weight (although he'd willingly try to lug that many yums around if I let him), as you can tell from his expression, he's thrilled. Actually I woke him up out of a deep sleep so I could snap these pictures before work last week but consider making an impromptu treats and baggies bag with an old change purse and a carabiner. Super easy snaps for snacks!

"Boston Terror" Chronicles: North Loves petLINENS!

PetSugar — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:15:01 -0700

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.

View 5 Photos ›

Would You Twitter For Pets?

PetSugar — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:15:25 -0700

You would not believe the mischief North has gotten himself into now! While I've been busy blogging away at work, he got his paws on my personal computer and started up on Twitter! Taking a lesson from his good pal, Samson, my smooshy's all ready for some tweeting action.

Now, even though I share our daily adventures on the PetSugar account, norththedog will give you his perspective on life in the big city. I won't be offended but is this something you could get into or am I taking the whole Twitter phenomenon way too far?!

(If you're already on Twitter don't forget to follow both me and North!)

Merry Christmas From North!

PetSugar — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 07:30:22 -0800

What have we here – Rudolph the red nosed smooshy? Your eyes aren't deceiving you – that's my silly pooch, North, in full holiday getup. What you can't tell is that both the nose and the antlers light up – thanks, Mom!

Don't worry, in addition to sitting still for this fab Christmas card photo shoot, North also had a blast opening up the tons of pressies he got again this year.
Check out some of the outtakes below.

View 5 Photos ›

Create Safe Spaces For a Happy Holiday

PetSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 04:00:26 -0800

If the arrival of company, presents, and more overwhelms you, imagine what it does to your furry friend? Whether you're staying home, or traveling away in the next couple weeks, try to maintain consistency for your pet's sake. Brush up on holiday dangers and come up with a plan ahead of time. Trust me, it's for the best.

One of the first ways to help minimize your furry friend's stress is to dedicate a room or section of your home (or the place you're visiting) to be the pet's zone. Put toys, treats, and bedding in that area and restrict access for other people. That way a shy animal can still grab some quiet time and have her familiar things gathered in one spot.

Also make sure to create safe spaces from seasonal dangers. If you've got a nosy pooch, set up a pen around the presents under the tree when Santa comes or put up a baby gate to keep four paws out of the cook's kitchen – 'cause safety can also mean keeping pets' nosy noses out. Do you have any tips and tricks for helping the holidays go by without a hitch? Share them in your comments below.