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)

Last Minute Gifts For Dog Lovers

PetSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:15:25 -0800

Sure, you can always give a dog a bone, but there are plenty more inventive ways to reward the dog lovers in your life and their best friends this holiday. If you've waited until this moment don't fret - I've found a selection of gift ideas you can purchase here or any major store.

I speak for my fellow dog lovers when I say small gag gifts are always a hit. This Woof & Poof Musical Scottie Dog ($24) is a playful decoration for any time of year and makes funny sounds.
A shiny new dog bowl will please any hungry hound and delight any puppy parent.
Does your dog lover like to bake? Duck into stores like Williams-Sonoma for Scotty Dog cookie cutters ($10).
Every friend of Fido has struggled to keep the dog food dry and fresh. Gift a large bulk container to keep the smell in and pets out.
A Portable Bag-It Trash Bag Dispenser will pack a stash of pick up bags can connect to a backpack or dog leashes.

Portable Bag-It Trash Bag Dispenser With 12 Trash Bags (Package of 3 Dispensers) by Sunshine Kids - $3.99	Commercial Bulk Food Storage - $29.99
Copper Cookie Cutter, Scotty Dog - $10.00	Holden Designs Holden Single Feeder - $79.00
Gaia & Gino - twins food/water dog bowl by richie tanaka - $40.00	Woof & Poof Musical Scottie Dog - $36.00
Woof & Poof Musical Scottie Dog - $36.00	Crypton Doodle Dog Pillow - Pool - $40.00

Wacky Pet's Eye View Camera for Nosy Pet Moms

PetSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:00:34 -0700

Although the concept of the Digital Pet Cam – allowing you to peek in on your homebound pals during the workday – is pretty sweet, this one might be too wacky for my taste . . . plus I'm sure North would have it as a snack before the day is through! Found on Gizmodo, the Pet's Eye View Cam ($50) attaches to your dog's collar for a new perspective on what Fido does while you're hitting the grind. But, to be fair, it's coming from a kids' website so it might be cool to see what it's like to be a dog for a day when you're nine years old!

This USB cam takes photos in intervals of one, five, and fifteen minutes, and stores up to 35 photos in its internal memory. Although you can't view the photos right away like the digital pet cam, it does come with the appropriate cable so you can download the snapshots and print up to 4x6 prints . . . if you think the piccys are interesting enough to print that is! It might make a great gift for a gadget-loving kid, or as a fun little Mother's Day gift for a dog mom with a sense of humor.

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The Scoop: Pampered Pets at an All Time High

PetSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:00:22 -0800

For those of you who answer "Spoiled Sweet" on all those Spoiled Sweet or Rotten polls, I guess you weren't kidding! In a story released yesterday, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that American pet owners spent over $41 billion dollars last year on their furry pals.

APPMA President Bob Vetere credits trends in design and including pets part of your family to the rise in spending.

"High end products in general are on the rise, as is gift giving and new product introductions and innovation. The pet industry continues to grow at a record pace and the future is no exception. Pet owners and the companies providing pet products and services show no sign of letting up."

To hear more about where our money is going and why, read more

High end pet accessories, carriers, designer clothes, and organic food topped the spending list, but big money was also spent on pet health insurance, pet spas and hotels, as well as doggie day care.

What's more is Americans are expected to spend even more this year – an estimated $48 million – which is more than double what we spent in 1996! I suppose since over 71 million American homes are with pet, it really evens out, right? Or maybe I'm just feeling guilty over spending a little too much on North's food bowls. Either way, our pets are worth it. Wouldn't you agree?

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Love Me . . . Love My Sock Monkey

PetSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 03:00:46 -0800

In addition to all the fun (New Year's) and not so fun (broken windows) things going in January so far, North and I had plenty of company! Among our guests were an old college roommate and her boyfriend. Because they live all the way in Hong Kong, I had never met their super cute pooch, Lola, but I knew that I still had to buy the lass an pawsitivitely perfect pressie. After all, they recently rescued this dog who was abandoned in a shelter when she was too old to breed anymore, and I thought she deserved something sweet to snuggle. I hit up my favorite pet shop, George, and the minute I laid eyes on this toy, it immediately brought me back to the old days when my friend had a similar sock monkey sitting on her desk. What an ideal gift – and look how it's already so well-loved!

See where to buy sock pals online (and on sale!) along with an extra cute sock puppy sweater that's great for a layered look when you read more.

What Happened on PetSugar This Week (12/30-1/4)?

PetSugar — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:00:23 -0800

Our busy week on PetSugar involved naming and renaming pets, checking out some must-have items for the month, and, oh yeah, Happy New Year! I'm obviously celebrating with my tips, gifts, and petsolutions that I shared with you. However, I'm even more excited to welcome back our Out and About feature after its holiday break. But, before we move forward, we've gotta look back. All of the answers to the quiz can be found in this past week's posts, so let's find out how well you've been paying attention!

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