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Shop Spotlight: Portland's The Hip Hound

PetSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:00:47 -0700

While my lil guy was off having a blast, I couldn't get him off my mind! So, when I was doing some shopping in Portland over the weekend, I was delighted to spot this sign.I totally fell for the puppy dog eyes and followed the arrow to an absolutely adoro shop! The Hip Hound stocks the cutest stuff for your pets from a kitty corner for the felines to a clothesline of gear for your pooches. The first thing that I noticed was the super selection of outdoorsy gear . . . I guess Oregon has some sporty pups who need things like hiking backpacks and life jackets for their own summertime fun.

I know if I called that place my home, I'd need to get North started on a super new cardio routine pronto 'cause he's got enough trouble with the hills of SF. Either way, I picked him up a special pressie right up his city life alley – stay tuned for a slideshow of my own doggie model later today! – 'til then, check out some shots of the store below.

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North Rocks His LA Doggie Styles

PetSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:30:53 -0700

My time in LA would not be complete without a fab party, yummy cupcakes . . . and pressies for North! My fave store I visited was Beverly Hills' Doggie Styles – not only was everyone super friendly (including the in-store Frenchie and Boxer) but they had some super-cute pet gear to boot. Now it's much chillier up in the Bay than in SoCal so when I saw this black velour hoodie ($39), I couldn't resist bringing it home for North's nighttime walks. See a couple more shots of North (even with the hood up!) when you read more.

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Out and About: D.O.G. Pet Boutique

PetSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:00:57 -0700

Late last week I got an urgent phone call from a close college friend. She was in LA on her move back from Colombia leaving that evening on her way to DC for work. Her continent-crossing pittie, Baby, is (obvs) too big for clothes for the pocket-sized pups but she was worried about the warm-weather doggie getting too chilly and wanted to pick up a sweatshirt for the trip. She didn't have the time to order one of these fun hoodies I found so I immediately thought of the best store to send her to - The D.O.G. Boutique (that's the dee-oh-gee, for those in the know).

A few hours later, I got a happy text from her when she was sitting in the airport – hooray! Not only was the saleswoman super sweet, they found an awesome pink hoodie at this West Hollywood outpost. D.O.G.'s online store doesn't even hit half of their cool products so, if you're in LA, definitely check out this store!

Out and About: Louisiana's Chi-wa-wa Ga-ga

PetSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:30:52 -0800

Can you say that five times fast without giggling? If the name didn't clue you in, Chi-wa-wa Ga-ga specializes in gear for super teacup pooches like Chihuahuas but still stocks treats, toys, and more for pets of all sizes. This French Quarter pet shop also carries original clothing and accessories designed by shop owners Elayne Angel and Justine Roig. Would your teensy pup like a jester hat for Mardi Gras? Does your ferret need a bomber jacket? How about a ladybug backpack of her very own? Get all this and more to pamper a little one . . . and make him the envy of his whole krewe!

Click here to share your own tips with PetSugar's Out and About travel group – and stay tuned as our week of Louisiana continues!

Out and About: Hawaii's Cocojor

PetSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:30:12 -0800

The cuteness continues on to Cocojor! This shop gets its name from the owner's two American Staffordshire Terriers (Sierra's Coco Chanel and Heir Jordan of Noah's Ark) and offers up authentic island apparel. Among their alohawear are dresses, shirts, and vests made in Hawaii . . . and made for doggies! The main location in Honolulu is worth a stop to pick up something to bring back for your pet or, if you're just dreaming of this vacation, their fashions can be found across the country.

Also, thanks to a tip from karisaamy check out Birken & Bailey’s Boutique in Paia if your travels take you to Maui. Named after the shop dogs (and, yes, the two Pekingese are usually available for photos), the store stocks variety of collars, carriers, and cookies alongside locally designed souvenirs.

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Gag Gift: How Much Do You Weigh?

PetSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:30:04 -0800

Stepping on the scale becomes slightly less scary when your weight pops up in animals, not numbers! With creatures like bunnies, frogs, and bears featured on this scale, do you rank closer to a little duckling or a wild boar? Although the manufacturer's name is Angry, hopefully friends and family will actually see the humor in this gag gift that comes in a celebrity version, too! Either one totals up to $77 (including the overseas shipping) – it takes about four weeks to arrive from Ireland, just in time for a weigh in postholiday dinner!

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Beyond the Breeder: 5 Places to Rescue a Purebred

PetSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:45:00 -0700

Maybe you've already fallen in love with a certain breed, but you really want to give a needy dog a home. Don't think that breeders or pet stores are your only option for purebreds - check out these five other starting spots to get the exact furry face you want, and feel good about the process.

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Howl-o-ween Twinsies: Tiny Dancers

PetSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:30:32 -0700

Your pup already prances down the street so why not make her a tiny dancer? The next one-piece costume idea comes from a Frenchie's Flickr photo - simple tutus for you two!

Pick out tulle fabric at a local craft store, or start with a child-sized skirt, and snip away to fit a tiny doggie waist. Cutting (or using) elastic will require more sewing skills but you can instead hot glue a velvety ribbon to the fabric and tie it under the tummy in a bow.

I was surprised by the number of shops selling a pet-sized tutu (who knew?) so, if you're not lil Miss DIY, buy custom-made dog tutus ($21 and up) for all shapes and sizes -it's "cut in underneath for ease in pottying" - but you're both on your own for the toe shoes.

Source: Flickr User Barbara L. Hanson

Does "Cruelty-Free" Food Affect Your Eating Habits?

PetSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:52 -0700

When you're eating out, there's never any true guarantee as to where your food comes from. Even with claims of "cruelty-free" practices, complaints come up, the most recent filed Wed. against the International House of Pancakes by the Humane Society of the United States.

Although IHOP says the animals used for their food receive "dignified and humane treatment" and have decent living conditions, the HSUS alleges that those eggs come from chickens residing in cages too cramped to spread their wings.

Now when you're picking up a dozen at the grocery store, you may choose cage-free eggs but do you ever check with restaurants about their cruelty-free practices before you enter and order?

Do Tell: Have You Ever Impulsively Purchased a Pet?

PetSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:55:22 -0700

I've got a good pal in NYC who, after wanting a dog for several years, finally committed upon spotting a box of abandoned puppies at a local market. Even seeing shelter kittens on cages streetside on sunny days or finding fishy faces at a pet store, I would often wish I could take one home.

Similarly, during a trip to the California Pet Center near Calabasas on Wednesday, Britney Spears went in to pick up some dog food . . . and left with a little bird, too. An eyewitness told PeoplePets that she settled on a yellow parakeet and bought a big, white cage and several toys for the bird before leaving the store. Of course, it's important to be able to care for any pet's needs both financially and emotionally no matter how much deliberation goes in, but have you ever picked up a pet when you hadn't technically planned on it?