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Trend Setters: Qi Pao and Cheongsam

PetSugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:00:12 -0800

Share a culture with your pet with traditional Chinese apparel! Choose from cheongsam (formal attire for men) or qi pao (slender-fitting dresses with a high slit on the side for women), styles dating back to the Qing dynasty of the 17th century. Although the cheongsam is traditionally a two-piece outfit, both the pet cheongsam and qi pao are offered as a single piece for easy slipping on and off. Brocade designs with contrasting piping details will surely make your pet the envy of any Chinese New Year celebration! I've PetMarked some of my favorite colors of both the qi pao and the cheongsam - check them out in a widget when you read more.

Turquoise cheongsam ($58)	Evergreen qi pao ($64)
Sunray cheongam ($58)	Black elegance qi pao ($64)
Evergreen cheongsam ($58)	Light pink cheongsam ($58)
Red qi pao ($64)	Olive cheongsam ($58)	Sapphire qi pao ($64)

Globetrotters: Penguins Celebrate Chinese New Year, Too!

PetSugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:30:00 -0800

With Chinese New Year celebrations still taking place around the world, I spotted pictures of some penguins getting into the spirit at a zoo in Harbin, China. I'm hoping the little ones didn't have to wear their custom-made costumes much longer than this photo opp, but they do look pretty spiffy all decked out in traditional garb. To see the rest of this family – including a baby penguin wearing a festive red bellyband for this holiday – read more.

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To the Rescue: Doggie Massage for Beginners

PetSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:00:58 -0800

Today's day two of the Chinese New Year and I just realized that it is often celebrated as the birthday of all dogs! In addition to the feasts, it's a great day to be extra kind to pooches. I love to suggest food and goodies for your pets, but I don't have the time to make a special stop on my way home from work tonight . . . and I had to share this with you before I left. When I thought about my favorite treat, I instantly thought massage which is my favorite way to pamper myself on my birthday. And yay! I found some tips for how you can turn petting a pet into a mini, gentle massage. As with anything else, if you pet struggles, stop! He's supposed to be enjoying himself. Ready to get started, then read more.

Start out by scratching your pooch gently behind his ears before slowly moving to cheeks, under his chin, around the nose, between the eyes, and up on top of his head.
Next, gently rub each ear between thumb and forefinger. Repeat working smoothly from base to tip.
Then, use middle three fingers to slowly move over neck, shoulder, and chest in small, circular patterns. Move down each leg as well.
Finish up with a "walk" down his spine with your thumb and index finger on each side of his vertebrae. Move from base of neck to base of tail. Give him a big cuddle and you're done!

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Happy Year of the Great Pointed Archer?

PetSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:45:47 -0800

Fear not, everyone, I have not lost my mind, nor am I introducing more PetSugar-isms . . . I only wish I could take credit for this. Because today starts the Year of the Rat in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, I wanted to find a clever rodent-related morsel to share with all of you. You may remember my animated rats and mice quiz featuring many characters that were not exactly shown in a flattering light - I mean, even the word "rat" is used to describe sneaky, deceitful people.

Here's where the Great Pointed Archers come in. The creators of this website hope to replace the offensive word with this "untainted and beautiful" name to begin to repair centuries of disrespect and hatred. The website itself is pretty neat – you can play an Archer Dash game to find and consume delicious snacks (while avoiding the dangers of a city street) and even design your own ~~rat~~ Great Pointed Archer like I did! I think it's an admirable cause but, as a friend pointed out, if a rat runs across her foot in the subway station, she's not actually gonna cry out "Ewww, a Great Pointed Archer!" What about you?

Penguins Celebrate Chinese New Year, Too!

PetSugar — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:31:52 -0800

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And the 2009 World's Ugliest Dog Is . . .

PetSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:59:01 -0700

Another Petaluma scorcher for this year's Ugly Dog Contest! The 2009 champ was a new face who won me over with his pronounced underbite, which he uses like a scoop to get the food in at mealtime. Ha. Even though the last several years have featured lil pups like the late Gus, this time a big pup's top dog.

Four-year-old Pabst and his owner, Miles Egstad, came from Citrus Heights, CA - the Boxer mix was super sweet, loved the shade, and seemed to be rather sleepy before his turn on stage. Resting up for his time in the sun, I bet. We got a glimpse of Pabst, blue ribbon and all, so see one more cute pic (and hear what his owner had to say about the win) when you read more.

On the recognition: "This breed is not known for being ugly like the Chinese Crested. He's so ugly, he's adorable."

On the prize: "He's definitely getting a filet mignon, maybe not tonight, but he will. And getting his teeth cleaned, look at them!"

Congrats to Pabst and Miles and stay tuned for more Ugly Dog coverage next week!

It's a Dog's World: Fun at the 2009 World's Ugliest Dog Contest

PetSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:00:55 -0700

Variety is the spice of life, and thankfully we got a taste at this year's World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma. The winner wasn't a Chinese Crested (like it has been in past contests), but a Boxer mix named Pabst who walked away with the blue ribbon and stole the hearts of the crowd with his huge underbite. But for me, the World's Ugliest Dog Contest wouldn't be complete without a stroll through the barns and coops of the other furry (and non-furry) animals that take their place at the fair. My favorite this year were the bunnies, and I secretly had my eye on a few to sneak home in my bag!

Check out some of the other sights from the Sonoma-Marin Fair, including a mobile pet adoption center (so cute), and the "Ugly is The New Beautiful" fashion show sponsored by House of Dog when you read more.

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Beijing Rescue Dogs Have a Big Job Ahead

PetSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:00:09 -0700

I know I mentioned Dogs With Jobs the other day when I introduced you to Ellie, the pup who has been caring for motherless bunnies, but these rescue dogs have a whole career ahead of them! Rescue dogs in Beijing animal shelters are getting a second chance at life, and plenty of new responsibilities now that they have been drafted into Chinese military forces as search and rescue trainees, and will also use their noses at this year's Beijing Olympics to sniff out drugs and bombs. Over 160 poochies have been sent to the capital from across the country, and from these pics, they've already made some real progress in their training! Check out this slideshow to see some of the pups in action. And let me just say – it's amazing what they can do! Source

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