PetSugar

Would You Keep a Giant Cockroach as a Pet?

PetSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:15:25 -0700

He's a contender. This giant burrowing cockroach made the news for (potentially) being the world's heaviest insect. Related to, but not the same as the roaches we see stateside, these creatures can range from 1 to 1.5 ounces
While it's not yet certain if Heathcliff measures up to the title, I'm torn between wanting to look away . . . and not being able to! As it turns out, in Australia, these popularish pets can cost up to 100 Australian dollars (about $85 in US) for two! They give birth to live young, care for babes in a burrow, and dine on easily attained fresh leaves - would you wish for one as a pampered pal, too?

Source: Cameron Richardson

Bare Bones: Reflective Gear

PetSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:00:51 -0800

Now that it's nearly dark by the time I get home from work, it's time to start thinking about reflective gear for my four legged pal. Not only are there some pretty stylish and highly reflective rain jackets that pets can throw on before leaving the house for the evening potty walk, but if your pooch isn't the coat wearing type, you can always attach a safety light to his harness or collar to make sure he's seen even on the rainiest or darkest of nights.

Take for example this Buddy Beacon ($13) from Ruffwear. Waterproof and reliable (the bulb has a lifetime guarantee to never need replacing), this flashing safety light will ensure that you and your pup are seen from up to a half a mile away.

Plus, Ruffwear is committed to making sure their manufacturing and packaging is as environmentally friendly as possible. Check out some of my other picks for reflective gear below!

Track Jacket ($30)	Adirondack Jacket ($55)
Dots Reflective Dog Leash ($18)	Reflector Rain Jacket ($29)
Cat Reflect Safety Collar ($5)	Rain Away Windbreaker ($29)
Reflective Retractable Dog Leash ($20)	Sun Shower Rain Jacket ($75)

Do Tell: What's Your Favorite Pet-Friendly Hotel?

PetSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 03:00:21 -0700

When LilPeaPod came back from her adventure with Samson at the Worldwide Fido Awards, she told us all about the great staff at the Le Merigot – where she stayed while filming the show. I know some hotels have a "Pet-Friendly" policy, but aren't too friendly when you check in. Thankfully, that wasn't the case when she arrived:

I was very impressed with the staff of the Le Merigot Hotel in Santa Monica, who went out of their way to make us feel comfortable, and treated Samson like a king – it was definitely all about him while we were there. Our hostess at the hotel café even brought Samson some ice to chew on to cool him down in the heat! Needless to say, if we ever need a place to stay in Santa Monica, we'll be heading back to the Le Merigot.

I've stayed at a few W hotels (and North loved the doormen at the one in our old NYC neighborhood), where do you like to stay when traveling with your pet?

Hurricane Gustav Evacuees Included Pets This Time, Too

PetSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:30:14 -0700

One of the most devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina three years ago was the fact that pets were not allowed on evacuation buses or boats – so thousands of people were forced to leave their furry loved ones behind if they had no other way out of the hurricane's path. Thankfully, we have since then not only learned how to better prepare ourselves for a natural disaster, but lawmakers have come to realize that pets are part of your family, too.

In May of 2006, the Pet Evacuation Bill was approved by the House of Representatives in response to the unfortunate treatment of animals during Katrina's evacuation. The bill says that states must take pets into consideration when drawing up evacuation plans, or they will not get federal grant help from FEMA. This is all good news for pet owners, and it looks like the evacuation for Gustav went smoother not only for humans, but for their pets as well!

I Need Your Help . . . How to Refresh a Pooch Without a Bath?

PetSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:30:08 -0700

You're a good dog, Charlie Brown . . . but, unfortunately, you're also a stinky one! TeamSugar user Megbucks3 needs some help with this pooch. She writes:

This weekend we are driving from Atlanta to Columbus with our 10-month-old Cocker Spaniel. It's about a 10-hour drive – we're not leaving until after work, so during the day I am taking Charlie to Doggie Day Camp to hopefully exhaust him. The Doggie Day Camp offers grooming and I really wanted to have him get a bath so he smells good in the car, but then he would lose three hours of playtime.

I am picking up Charlie on my way out of town and won't have time to take him home to bathe him and I'm worried he'll be stinky after camp even if I bathe him the night before. I'm wondering if you have any suggestions of products that give instant baths, or if any instant-spray cologne works? I think on this trip an exhausted dog is better than a fruity smelling dog!

Now North has these cleansing cloths for his muddy paws but he doesn't tend to get that stinky – can any of you recommend products or tips for this situation?

Do You Know What Your Pets Do When You Aren't Home?

PetSugar — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

This water loving chocolate lab caught having some fun on his family's waterslide had me laughing out loud! It's either super hot outside and he's trying to cool off, or he's just really in love with the slide! Since the video says the user caught the dog sliding into the pool when he thought the family was gone for the day, it makes me wonder what North would be doing if he weren't crated while I'm at work!

Have you ever caught your pets doing something naughty or just plain hilarious while they thought you were gone?

Are Your Pets Campaigning?

PetSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:15:31 -0700

I came across that musical "Pets For Obama" video (with original lyrics to boot), and it got me to wondering how many of your furry friends are campaigning for a certain presidential candidate? There's plenty of pet political paraphernalia out there, from tees, to buttons, to hats - which makes it even easier for your pets to choose, or more appropriately, easier for you to choose a side for them and display your candidate pride.

I'm personally not going to involve North in the political process this year, but how many of you passionate citizens are getting your pets out to help rock the vote?

Source

Do Tell: Is Your Pet a Bug Catcher?

PetSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:00:00 -0700

While it's important to keep pets away from insects with stingers like wasps, many doggies and kitties like Milo here loooooooove to chase the moving creatures. No matter if they never catch them, the joy is in the pursuit, right?

Do your furry friends love chasing flying bugs? Tell me all about it in your comments below!

Yuppy Puppy Treat Machine: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

PetSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 07:00:36 -0700

North loves his yums as much as the next pup, but I don't think he has the willpower to cut himself off for portion control purposes when the peanut butters are in reach of his nose. And this totally cute (but pretty impractical) Yuppy Puppy Food and Treat Machine ($39.99) would let him help himself whenever he was ready for a snack . . . without ever putting his penny in! The oversized, bone-shaped lever works for paws large and small, and I think I'd have to keep it out of reach and let my lucky one test it out on special occasions only. Am I alone in thinking my wily pup would have it emptied in no time at all if I set it up next to his crate? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Are You Blogging About Your Pet?

PetSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:37 -0700

Some of my favorite blogs are written especially for pets like lil Luna here (of Luna's My Dog) who would make a perf girlfriend for North one day. Blogs that chronicle daily adventures to the park, the beach, or on vacay can be a great way to show off adoro piccys of a super star pet to admirers around the world. Any little story, even about the crazy way they sleep and talk, is perfect blogging fodder!

I've considered starting a blog just for North, but between logging in my hours here and important puppy QT, I'm not sure I have the energy! But, for some people, showing off their pets to the world is a great way to get creative. So tell me, do you blog about your pet?