PetSugar

New Year of Gifts: Doggie Driver

PetSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:15:18 -0800

If getting fit is a petsolution in your family, and someone else has already clamored for doggie walk duties, let another family member get doggie driver responsibilities. Brookstone's new Doggie Driver ($29.95) works like a golf club, while also throwing a tennis ball up to 300 feet. Have pooch sit and wait at a safe distance while you work on your follow through, his doggie instincts take over as he fetches it back, and then the modified golf club even snaps up the ball for you, saving your swing hand from slobber.

New Year of Gifts: Wild Calendars

PetSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:00:23 -0800

Ever since I could tell May from June, my mom would let me choose a new calendar for Christmas each year. Not surprisingly, almost every time they featured some sort of animal. To kick off the month of January, here are some super-cute calendar ideas to add to your home or office. From monthly ones to those that feature adorable critters 365 days a year, it's a great way to have a furry friend put a quick smile on your face! I've collected some of my favorites in a widget below so read more to check them out.

New Year of Gifts: Treat of the Month Club

PetSugar — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:00:00 -0800

There are bunches of pet barkeries, bakeries, and bake shops that will ship treats straight to your lucky pooches . . . you can order up a new batch for special holidays or when your supplies run low. However, if you're like me and can't be bothered with the little details, sign up for a treat of the month club. Some companies offer a pay up front for 12 months plan, others have series of 3 month plans you can add or cancel at any time, and fear not, kitties, there's even one for you, too!

If you're not sure where to start, my top pick is the freshly-baked snack offerings of the Kool Dog Kafe (very popular in our Your Snack or Dog Snack challenges) – they have 6- and 12-month plans . . . and they include a free birthday cake for your pup's special month, free-of-charge with a 12 month membership. The yearlong package costs $19.99 a month, and includes all shipping charges. If you've got a house full of pups, here's a nice way to celebrate them – and, maybe they'll even learn the months while you're at it!

New Year of Gifts: Instinctive Cats

PetSugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:30:23 -0800

The holiday gift giving season may be near over, but your favorite feline still deserves some treats! If you happen to have a frisky, instinctive cat - or know someone that does - you can never go wrong with toys that spark playful fun and a little exercise.

I love the Fling-ama-String, a $25 battery-operated cat toy that aims to improve "paw eye coordination" and keep your cat on the move. It's essentially a long plastic tube with a string that moves up and down to tease your kitty. It hangs on a door knob, counter top or chair and will entertain your cat even when you're not around. To check out some other frisky cat toys I like, read more.

Cats Claws Interchangeable Toy System ($5)	Mews Ments 5-in-1 Laser Pet Toy & Exerciser ($6)
Tick Tock Teaser ($24)	Fling-ama-String ($25)

Pet-Present Extravaganza: Kiehl's For Canines

PetSugar — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 10:35:57 -0800

It looks like Juicy isn't the only trendy human brand that's created a line of luxurious pet body products. I was doing some shopping for my nonfurry friends and noticed that Kiehl's has a whole selection of cleansers specially formulated for dogs.

Apparently the line was created to remove dirt, debris, and odor, but is soap free, which means it's perfect for pups with sensitive fur. It has a faint lavender and chamomile scent.

The woman at the counter informed me it works for big and small, long-or short-haired dogs. Looks like my nonfurry friends are gonna be jealous when I give their pups their presents this year!

Cuddly-Coat Grooming Shampoo ($16)

Cuddly-Coat Conditioning Rinse ($16)

Spray-N-Play Cleansing Spritz ($16)

Pet Present Extravaganza: Pillows For Animal Lovers

PetSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:00:35 -0800

Gone are the days of cross-stitched, kitty-cat pillows that look like they were handmade by your Auntie Sue and born is a new breed of chic animal pillows that appeal to pet lovers, children and design aficionados.

How can you not adore the soft and cuddly pals by Areaware? They are made of organic cotton in fanciful colors and come in gorilla, bunny, terrier, zebra, and penguin shapes for $28. Check out some other great animal pillows in the widget below.

Rise and Fall Animal Silhouette Pillow ($20)	Fox Pillow by Eleanor Grosch ($26)
Birds Pillow by Eleanor Grosch ($26)	Raccoon Pillow by Eleanor Grosch ($26)	Amy the Pitbull Pillow ($80)

Pet Present Extravaganza: Heavy Chewers

PetSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:00:29 -0800

Chewing is a natural habit for dogs. It not only relieves the pain of teething, but it also cleans teeth, gums, and releases endorphins when your pet is anxious or upset.

If you have a super-chewer on your hands - one that tears through his toys as soon as he gets his paws on them and is constantly gnawing on one thing or another (including your favorite pair of peep toe pumps) - I have some great gift ideas for you.

To check out these ultra strong toys to keep your heavy chewer occupied all day long, read more.

Everlasting Fire Plug Dog Toy ($17 and up)	Ultimate Rumble Ring for Dogs (14 and up)
Cool Kong Dog Toy ($8 and up)	Rack of Ribs BBQ Tough Toy ($7 and up)
Bodhi Bamboo Dog Chew ($9)	Tuff Dice Dog Toy ($11)	Eggplant Dog Chew ($14)

Last Minute Gift Giving: L.L. Bean

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:00:43 -0800

L.L. Bean stocked up on new products just in time for the holiday season – as long as you order by Dec. 21, they'll make for happy Christmas morning pups. My faves are these totes that come completely stocked with gear for the big dogs or the new, little ones. It couldn't be easier to give a themed gift as they've eliminated multiple stop shopping by offering items produced and packaged specifically for L.L. Bean by Planet Dog for under $30. To see the rest of my top present picks from the site, read more.

Pet Present Extravaganza: For Fishies

PetSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:30:42 -0800

While it's generally a good idea to get a big tank to give fish plenty of room to swim about, some species like the Betta need less water than others. The minimum amount of recommended water for these colorful creatures is one-gallon-per-one-inch of fish. Keep in mind that, if you are keeping your Betta in a small tank or bowl (especially one without a tank or filter), you will need to change the water every few days while adjusting it to room temperature before adding fish. To see some sweet fishbowls and get started with a new friend, read more.

Pet Present Extravaganza: Patches' Pinot

PetSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:00:49 -0800

If you're stopping by a holiday party at the home of a dog lover, consider toting a bottle of Dog House wine as a tail-wagging good gift. The Napa-based winery offers five different wines on this label: Patches' Pinot Grigio, Zeke's Zinfandel, Charlie's Chard, Maxie's Merlot, and Checkers' Cab. As an additional bonus Dog House Wines donates fifty cents for each purchased bottle to Guide Dogs for the Blind, an organization that provides guide dogs and training free of charge to the blind and visually impaired. I grabbed a bottle of Patches' Pinot at Cost Plus to sample over the weekend – it was doggone good and had a price tag of under $10! Don't forget, no matter how dog-friendly it is, wine is for you and never for pooch.