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PetSugar Street Team: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser

PetSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:00:31 -0700

As a prize for winning Cutest Dog at the Worldwide Fido Awards, Samson (and family) got to take home a brand new vacuum: the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser. How appropriate! Coincidentally, LilPeaPod's Dirt Devil was on the fritz, so getting this vacuum ended up being a lifesaver in more than one respect:

My trusty Dirt Devil vacuum that we've had for a few years was on its last leg. We were considering buying a new one, but once we got to the Fido Awards, we found out that we got to take home a brand new Bissell vacuum! I was never so happy to get a cleaning appliance – this thing is a monster!

To see her review, just

PetSugar Street Team: Earthbath Puppy Shampoo

PetSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:00:06 -0700

If there is one guarantee in life (well, besides death and taxes), it's that your dog is gonna get dirty. . . and stinky. And, when you're a puppy, everything is new – it's totally fun (for him) to roll around in whatever's lying on the ground, which equals some serious bath time. With all the pet shampoos on the shelves, wading through the good and bad can be tough. But Sugar staffer LilPeaPod says there's at least one that she can count on: Earthbath:

I did tons of research before getting Samson, and even considered making my own shampoo. But, when I came back down to earth and realized I didn't have that much time, I went on the hunt for a natural brand. After talking with my local shop owner, I settled on Earthbath.

To see why she loves it, just

PetSugar Street Team: Outward Hounds Ride on Boats!

PetSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:40:24 -0700

How cute is Sam?! The Wheaten Terrier already found her sea legs thanks to this Outward Hound lifejacket . . . even though she's just a puppy. It's never too early.The insulated vest does double-duty as a flotation device to keep a dog's head above water when swimming or grab the easy handle for quick rescues should she take an unexpected dive. Coming in five sizes ($16 and up) to fit most pups my friend, Traci, says:

Sam gets so excited when we pull it out because it means a boat ride or some watery fun. I'm surprised how well she has taken to the water. Terrier means "earth" so you'd think she'd be all about staying high and dry!

See this adoro pooch on the boat with the wind in her hair (trust me, you want to), and

New Product Alert: Latest Cat Livin' Scratcher

PetSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:00:17 -0700

Cat Livin, makers of that sisal sofa and cool climber have previewed their latest creation, this wedge scratcher, at pet industry trade show, SuperZoo last week.

While I generally love their products (especially that scratchy cat cube we gave away in July), I'd have to see this product up close to be certain — it looks slightly less stable for vigorous scratchers but still sleek nonetheless. When it's finally up for sale, will you be buying one for your furry felines?

Source

"Boston Terror" Chronicles: North vs. Sushi!

PetSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:02 -0700

Not real sushi, but adoro impostors in the shape of Uni, Inside-Out Rolls, and more from Sushi Pups! The toys come separately ($7 and up) or in combos — I think this takeout set would make a great gift for a sushi-loving pet owner. I captured the pictures below of North devouring and nursing his Tamago in the hallway and, as I'm finishing up this post, I can hear his claws on the hardwood as he tries to get a good grip . . . he's sooo into it. I peeked over and his chompers haven't even totally killed it yet! Yum!

Come PetMarking With Me: Doggies Back-to-School Duds

PetSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:30:03 -0700

Bear with me here. I know most doggies aren't thinking about going back to school, but let's pretend your dog is getting ready for a big first day – either at a new daycare, playdate, or training class. I wouldn't want too much to interfere with North's playtime so I'm thinking a new collar or sleek tank would be in order, what do you think?

All you savvy shoppers and Internet researchers out there, please suggest special items to make a good first impression and come PetMarking with me, by bookmarking your finds on TeamSugar. Don't forget to tag your finds as "First Day." I'll do a recap next week of our finds.

Geeksugar has written a helpful explanation of how to bookmark . . . or, in our case, PetMark! Happy hunting!

Don't know where to start? To see some of my favorite online stores,

PetSugar Street Team: Turn Your Pillow Into a Dog Bed!

PetSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:30:29 -0700

A pom pom hat on a pooch . . . ummm this is totally too cute for words! Thank you LoveRoars for alerting me to this fab Etsy find! All the sustainable gear is eco-friendly with most products, like these adoro coats, made of 100 percent fleece derived from recycled plastic!

It's hard for me to pick a fave, but if pressed the beds are hard to beat. In fact, it's an idea so ingenious, I wish I had thought of it myself! There are plenty of color options for the pillow pet bed base and blanket ($50). You may already be sighing at the additional cost of an insert but not for this one – it's meant to be filled with an old pillow. You've got a purpose for the reject and, since it smells like you, maybe it'll keep your pets off your bed, too! See the beds and more in the widget below.

North Wears a Tie and Lives "The Good Life"

PetSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:03 -0700

My ever-dapper lil gentleman looks even more so with this new collar I picked up at The Hip Hound in Portland over the weekend! I mean, seriously, how much more adoro can he possibly get?I first mentioned these cute tie collars from The Good Life a while back, so it's about time I bought one of my his very own. Since he would sport both a harness and a collar for walkies, it makes a nice addition on special occasions – he got even more awwwws from strangers last night than he usually does . . . and that's saying a lot.

I couldn't resist making him pose for the camera and I think he has both regal and lazy down pat!

Check out a bunch of cute piccys when you

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.

Mission Completed: Your Cats' Favorite Toys Revealed

PetSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:00:57 -0700

Last week I asked all you savvy shoppers and Internet researchers to come PetMarking on a kitty toy mission to share which toys were truly the cat's meow. My fave find was this silly catnip toy, the "Chicata banana" petmarked by foxie – it's drives her pets insane.

Check out the rest of your great finds in the widget below.

Shop Spotlight: North's at Pet Camp!

PetSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:10:33 -0700

I've alluded to my fave home-away-from-home for my lil guy in other posts, but I've never taken the time to explain why I love it so much. First off, North's practically a celebripup at Pet Camp – I think his hyperactivity must be pretty impossible to forget! I always feel comfortable dropping him off there and I know he's having a blast.What's he doing you ask? He's scampering on artificial turf with a playground that rivals many parks for two-legged kids with slides, tunnels, and other equipment for him to explore. There's both a group and individual yards for friendly or friendless days on over 6,000 square feet of outdoor fun!

To find out what special treats they offer

Come PetMarking With Me: Share Your Cats' Fave Toys

PetSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:30:32 -0700

It's time to show our feline friends some special love! I wanna know what toys make your cats crazy happy – to get us started, internsugar3 shared the product her kitties love best of all, this lure caster for fishing fun. I know the rest of you have faves at home as well – what toys do you always keep in stock for your lil mousers?

All you savvy shoppers and Internet researchers out there, please suggest the best toys for cats and come PetMarking with me, by bookmarking your finds on TeamSugar. Don't forget to tag your finds as "Cat Toys." I'll do a recap next week of our finds.

Geeksugar has written a helpful explanation of how to bookmark . . . or, in our case, PetMark! Happy hunting!

Don't know where to start? To see some of my favorite online stores,

Street Team: Litter Robot

PetSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:00:31 -0700

I'm imagining something pretty magical takes place inside this contraption! First off, it looks like a kitty time machine, definitely not a litter box. I guess it's your feline's fecal matter getting zapped off somewhere in the Litter Robot II ($329). Different from those automatic boxes using a rake to autoclean, this product works with all types of litter and uses a sifting system to release waste into a special drawer that can be easily emptied. Perfect for techie homes but nonrobotics experts, the Litter Robot comes fully set up – just add litter, plug in, and say goodbye to daily scooping!

TeamSugar member becmonchu bought this product for her boyfriend's birthday and tells us that he absolutely loves it:

At first we thought the kitties wouldn't use it but they've taken a liking to it right away! It's a bit pricey but so very worth it for apartment dwellers and looks pretty cool even out on display.

Do you have great products your pets love? Keep sharing them with PetSugar's Street Team!

Bring Your Pleo to Work Day!

PetSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:00:49 -0700

Sadly, North couldn't come with me to work on Take Your Dog To Work Day, but Pleo could! This dinosaur, which I renamed Lexi, is a robotic alternapet and makes a interesting – albeit a bit noisy – addition to a non-pet-friendly workplace. North already sniffed her out so I brought her in to Sugar HQ to see if she could blend in. She stayed fairly quiet under my desk . . . until GiggleSugar turned her upside down by her tail . . . and boy was she loud then!

It takes a while for this dino to wake up and pass through life phases. The more you play, the quicker it goes so I tried to pet her in between my blog postings. Once she grows up, she's totally responsive to sight, sound, and touch – if you scratch under her chin, she totally moves closer for more. Our favorite thing to watch is how Lexi knows to go around items placed in her path so we were setting up soda can/notebook/granola box obstacle courses for this robot. Although the product's recommended for children eight and up, check out much lil Katie Sugar loved the green dinosaur in this video!

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Pleo retails for $349 but there's a special deal through midnight July 11 – simply visit Pleo World and enter in the promotional code after check out: PLEOWORLDISONE and get one of your very own for just $235.

Mission Completed: Tough Toys For Crazy Chompers

PetSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:00:15 -0700

Last week I asked all you savvy shoppers and Internet researchers to come PetMarking with me on a tough toy challenge to help find a way to make Brando happy on his birthday morning . . . and Phasekitty happy by not having the toy completely destroyed by afternoon. I especially love this Hurley ($8.95) bookmarked by ILovePugs – it's a bone, a stick, and a ball all in one!

Check out the rest of your great finds below.

To the Rescue: Stop Poo Eating With This!

PetSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:45:26 -0700

Samson's not the only pooch who thinks poo is a delicacy, North had this very problem when he was a pup. I remember my hushed voice admission of his coprophagia on the first vet visit, thinking I just had an unfortunately dirty dog. The doc just laughed it off and gave me sample packets of this product S.E.P. Stop Eating Poop ($10) is a holistic remedy of Glutamic Acid powder to sprinkle on your pup's (real) food. I'm told it's tasteless to the pooches when it's on their dinner but, when mixed with stomach acids, it gives their waste a distinctly bitter taste. Yeah, I'll take her word for it.

Come PetMarking With Me: Tough Toys For Crazy Chompers

PetSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:30:01 -0700

North's not the only pooch who has a birthday coming up – lil Brando the Basset Hound will be turning one on June 23! Not only did this pooch have trouble with separation anxiety, he's quite the tough chewer. Since even the Tuffies are no match for his mighty jaws, can we help out Phasekitty on a bookmarking mission in time for her pup's first birthday celebration?

All you savvy shoppers and Internet researchers out there, please suggest the best toys for tough chewers and come PetMarking with me, by bookmarking your finds on TeamSugar. Don't forget to tag your finds as "Tough Chewers." I'll do a recap next week of our finds.

Geeksugar has written a helpful explanation of how to bookmark . . . or, in our case, PetMark! Happy hunting!

Don't know where to start? To see some of my favorite online stores,

Growing Up Samson: This Puppy Says Bite Meez!

PetSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:00:53 -0700

In addition to getting into (errrr, onto) the Wii Fit and playing at nighty nighttime, lil Samson loves his Rusty Puppy toy ($9.60). This hand puppet has a mouth to let mom put on a one-woman-show for her furry friend . . . and is made of a sturdy fabric to protect her fingers from the teething pup's chompers! Bite-Meez come with squeakers for a DIY soundtrack and there are 10 different animals to let your whole family play a role on center stage!

Do you have great products your pets love? Keep sharing them with PetSugar's Street Team!

PetMarking Mission Completed: Pet Toy Box

PetSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 07:00:44 -0700

Last week I asked all you savvy shoppers and Internet researchers out there to come PetMarking with me on a toy box challenge to help find a way for us to attractively contain all those squeakers and softies our furry friends enjoy! I especially love this luxe toy box for cats petmarked by jspeed and, for the doggies, the vintage style, breed specific boxes from wren are super cute! Check out these – and others – when you

Street Team: Doggles

PetSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:30:37 -0700

I've gotta start by pointing out how adoro this smooshy is! Angus the Pug – like many of the other smushed-face breeds whose eyes appear practically on the side of their heads – is at an extra risk for eye injury. The big, bulging eyes can easily scratch when those active pups get too close to something they shouldn't. Guineapiggin9's vet recommended these special glasses for her pooch (who only has one good eye now), and they strongly recommended them to us, too. She said after her lil one got used to them, he wears them without a fuss when they go out on walkies . . . and attracts tons of admirers! Learn about the different models and their purposes when you

Come PetMarking With Me: Pet Toy Box

PetSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:00:48 -0700

I've totes got toys on the brain today! Because many of our pets have more than their fair share, it's hard to keep them from spreading all over the house. I currently keep North's toys in a large plant pot from Ikea – it's meant to be a temporary fix, so now I'm on a mission to find a new container for my pooch's fun things! Looks like amh678 already got us started by locating this cute design. Can you take her lead and help find something special to hold goodies?

All you savvy shoppers and Internet researchers out there, please help locate the best pet toy boxes for our furry friends' treasures and come PetMarking with me, by bookmarking your finds on TeamSugar. Don't forget to tag your finds as "Pet Toy Box." I'll do a recap next week of our finds.

Geeksugar has written a helpful explanation of how to bookmark . . . or, in our case, PetMark! Happy hunting!

Don't know where to start? To see some of my favorite online stores,

Street Team: Tartar-Reducing Flossies

PetSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:30:53 -0700

There are definitely times when it's hard to convince a pooch that teeth brushing is a fun activity. It's important to practice good oral hygiene for pets, and there are many different toys and treats that freshen his breath and clean his teeth in the process. Myko here gets very squirmy at just the idea of that brushing, and wren wants to keep the professional vet cleanings at a minimum (because of the necessary anesthesia). However, she located this great product seen here to help her IG get clean teeth and a treat in the process! Learn all about it when you

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo With a Birdie Piñata!

PetSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:45:51 -0700

Birds love to peek and peck to find their treats so what better way to let them celebrate today's holiday than with piñatas for our feathered friends! Made of natural, nontoxic, and biodegradable materials, the fun, fruit-filled shapes let animals get a special treat and an educational experience in the process. While these stimulating toys can be offered year-round (obvs), I gathered some of my fave shapes in a widget below to honor the day – olé! Check 'em all out when you

Trend Setters: Madras Crewmutts

PetSugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:00:51 -0700

North's def a prepster (when he's not being a little bit punk rock, that is). Of all the fun styles from polka dots to camo, one pattern noticeably absent from his collection is madras – not only does it remind me of boat trips on the east coast, but it's a nice way to inject a summer style to pet essentials. Somewhere between patchwork and plaid, this fabric is super casual for those warm afternoons on the Cape. I personally love the Crewmutts line by J. Crew with three different color combinations in authentic cotton madras from India. The small bed is preptastically perfect for little crewmutts (or large crewcats) with this design on one side and acrylic sherpa on the other and, dare I say, it pairs nicely with matching leather-backed leashes and collars that you'll see when you

Bare Bones: Earthbath Grooming Wipes

PetSugar — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:00:24 -0700

If you are planning an outdoor trip this camping season, you know that you're in for a bit of a dirty (possibly smelly) pet while you're away from the luxuries of your groomer or bathtub. So how do you keep your shrub and mud loving pets clean, or at least keeping them smelling that way? As nice as taking a dip in a freshwater river can be, it's not always the best way to keep clean. Learn about this great alternative when you

PetMarking Mission Completed: April Showers

PetSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:30:31 -0700

Last week I asked all you savvy shoppers and Internet researchers out there to come PetMarking with me and scope out jackets that would protect our pups from wet weather! This sweet sailor raincoat petmarked by wren was an immediate favorite of mine. The preppy nautical look would look great on a sailboating adventure with my pooch and def keep him safe from those inevitable April showers! Check out the rest of our finds in a widget when you

Come PetMarking With Me: April Showers

PetSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:30:53 -0700

North and I both prefer to experience the rain from inside a cozy apartment but potty breaks don't stop when the sunshine does! Because my pooch tends to freeze when too much water hits him, when he needs to go, I put him in his fleece-lined raincoat. Now I'm looking to spoil him with another because 'tis the season, and decided to ask all of you for help!. I've started out with this Seattle Slicker, and tagged it "April Showers" to start this challenge.

All you savvy shoppers and internet researchers out there, please help locate the best raincoats to protect our pups from wet weather and come PetMarking with me, by bookmarking your finds on TeamSugar. Don't forget to tag your finds as "April Showers". I'll do a recap next week of our finds.

Geeksugar has written a helpful explanation of how to bookmark . . . or, in our case, PetMark! Happy hunting!

Don't know where to start? To see some of my favorite online stores,

On the Ball: Make Eco Dog's Eco-tastic Herbal Flea Powder

PetSugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:00:00 -0700

When I first welcomed North into my family, I knew that I wanted him to have the healthiest lifestyle possible. Whenever I can, I make his food and treats from scratch, read all the labels on his shampoos, and try not to use too many chemicals around the house. So when I saw Eco Dog at my local bookstore over the weekend, I snatched it up pretty quickly! Packed with herbal remedies to common pet problems, recipes for a yummy looking meatloaf that I'm definitely going to treat him to, and some cool DIY projects for you to make your pet's environment as fresh and clean as you can, this book was well worth the $16 price tag, and I highly recommend it. Not surprisingly, I read through the whole thing in one sitting! The info is easy to understand and makes quite a lot of sense once you think about what is in those big name products like flea collars and kibble.

One of my fave DIY projects from the book is a natural flea repellent powder that's insanely easy to make and good to keep on hand. One of the points Eco Dog tries to make is if a bunch of chemicals is supposed to kill fleas, and warns against humans coming into contact with it, how healthy can it be for your pet!? I totally get it! To see the simple flea powder recipe, just

New Product Alert: Hello Kitty

PetSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:30:40 -0700

Hello Kitty! The popular (and often pink) line was recently extended to pet products – once again letting people get their animals in on their fave brands. In the trademark sugary style, there was a Hello Kitty Sweet Suite showing off some of the new additions to the existing items. Get a sneak peek of things shown over the weekend at the W Westwood in LA when you

Pampered Pals: Perfect Petfeeder

PetSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:00:20 -0700

Since one of our New Year's Petsolutions for this year was to take off the pounds, this automatic pet feeder seems like just the thing to help us along with our healthy goals. Since stats say that even humans give up their New Year's resolutions by April, we can use all the help we can get, especially for our four-legged pals that rely on us to keep them fit and trim. Besides, proper diet and exercise is the way to go vs. taking shortcuts with doggie diet pills! To see why I like the Perfect Petfeeder, just

Pampered Pals: My Fave Collar Charms

PetSugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:00:02 -0700

Even though it's obvs not a necessity, accessorizing your pet can be fun. Especially when it's something that doesn't get in their way, like a collar charm. Sometimes shoes and coats – however helpful when you need 'em – can sometimes be a pain for your pet to get used to.

Cats can be very finicky about all the bells and whistles, and you might not be able to get used to the price tag on some of the higher-end jewels! Most of you said your cats would never go for ridiculous accessories, but I think the collar charm is a cool way to add some personality and still keep her comfortable. This Skele-Fish charm ($15) is totally something I associate with old school cartoon cats – pulling bones out of their mouths after feasting on a whole fish – à la Tom and Jerry. You don't want to drop a ton of cash on a product for the pet that may not like to be bling'd out. There are a few more of my fave pet collar charms to scope out when you

Swim With the Fishies...In Your Bathtub?

PetSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:00:39 -0700

You know how I have been talking about how having a big and bulky fish tank in my apartment would not be the best idea? Well, this one would eliminate that issue . . . sort of.

The Moody Acquario that I caught on Born Rich has you soaking right alongside your aquatic pals. The tempered glass and wood tank from Italian based company Lavabo, is built into your tub for ultimate relaxation. 'Cause really, what's more relaxing than watching your fish swim around their tank? Taking a nice hot bath, that's what. Unfortunately, this kind of luxury doesn't come cheap. The Moody Acquario weighs in at a whopping $15,000 big ones! But, honestly, it's kind of weird, right? Even though we've seen some interesting tanks here, this one has to take the cake. What do you think – would you rock the Acquario in your bathroom?

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Bare Bones: April Showers Bring New Spring Coats!

PetSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:00:07 -0700

Spring is upon us so, before we get to the warm and sunny days of Summer, we can look forward to some April showers to bring us beautiful May flowers.

Since daily walks can get pretty soggy in the rain, why not get your furry pal a new Spring coat to keep her dry? I know I have my fave trench coat that I sport in the Spring for its ability to keep me warm on mild days and dry during the wet days here in SF. Of course North has his fave, too. Or so I imagine. This London Leather Coat ($55), for example, would keep him warm and dry from the rain or foggy mist that tends to roll in at our evening walk times. Thankfully, there are plenty of cute and totally fashionable coats out there to fit anyone's taste (your dog's taste, not yours!). I have plenty more in my widget for you to see when you

Donatella Versace's Pup Is Pretty in Pink, Is Yours?

PetSugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:00:30 -0700

Awwww, this pup sure looks pretty in pink as she accompanied Donatella to the Today show at NYC's NBC studios yesterday. I looked around for the pooch's pretty pink floral sweater and leash combo . . . and couldn't seem to find the exact match. But, when mom's a fashion designer, I imagine even her furry family would benefit — and this could very well be some handknit coziness. Fear not, I've found a lovely ultrasoft sweater with handwoven chenille flowers and faux-pearl accents as a great ready-to-wear ($49) alternative for your lil ones at home. Check out some other items to consider along with close-up pictures of the cutie-pie canine and her couture-loving mom when you

Double Decker KittyWalk Pet Stroller: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

PetSugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:00:05 -0700

Why should the dogs have all the fun? While many kitties don't want to walk on a leash, fresh air can do them good . . . even if it's just a walk to the vet. The KittyWalk Pet Stroller — Double Decker ($249.99) is like a duplex carrier for cats featuring durable nylon netting and water resistant fabric holding two 18-pound pets on each "floor." My fave feature of this stroller is that it can be used as a separate hand-held carrier or as a wagon to tote other heavy goods like . . . hmm . . . laundry. Now, I know many of you have kitties that don't even want to get into any carrier, so I'm worried you get it home and be left using it to cart around groceries instead – what do you think?

Double Decker KittyWalk Pet Stroller: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

Spoiled sweet — only the best for my furry friends.

Spoiled rotten — if my pet could roll his eyes, he would.

Other — I'll tell you in my comments below.

Trend Setters: Hard Rock Pets

PetSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:45:58 -0700

Well, North's not the only one getting in on the rock-star action. From skulls and tattoo (shirts) to chains and stud collars, there are many ways to make your lovable pooch look like a tough guy or gal. I've selected some of the cutest rock-infused fashion for pets — whether your pup's already rockin' out, or just getting into the scene, start off with a skull harness or cute collar charm to show his punk roots. See these items and more in a widget when you just

Bare Bones: Brush Buddy

PetSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:30:23 -0700

What dog doesn't like the after-bath towel massage? I know North looooves it, almost as if it's the reward for being good during bath time. But, as much as he likes getting pampered, the brush can get confused for a chew toy and doesn't quite cut it like the whole towel thing. The good news for him is that I found the Brush Buddy ($30), a brush that stimulates your pup's coat and replicates those soothing towel rubdowns that come after baths. I'm seriously considering a purchase, not only cause North would dig it for the massage, but because his sanity would dig it, too! To see why, just

Getting "Framed" Isn't Always a Bad Thing... When You're a Fish

PetSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:30:21 -0700

As much as I gushed over the Silverfish aquarium, it's pretty bulky, so I know it would never fit in my apartment. The AquaVista 500 ($330), on the other hand, is right up my alley. Coming in at just under two feet wide and two feet tall, this six gallon tank is perfect for your tropical fish to hang out in . . . literally. Just remember to follow the fish-to-inch ratio! Plus, at only four inches deep, it won't stick out like a sore thumb, which means less chance of someone walking by and getting a smack on the head! To see why I like it, just

Pampered Pals: Scoop-N-Sift

PetSugar — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:00:57 -0700

Attention kitty owners! Are you willing to forgo that shovel of years past, and invest in a SmartScoop Scoop-N-Sift ($3.99)? To use, simply scoop clumps using the solid half and then rotate to the slotted side to shake, shake, shake that litter out . . . kinda like a litter maraca! That way when you swiftly sift the clumps, you reduce the amount of litter wasted – thinking way back to my days with Precious, I remember that it can be tricky to get rid of excess clean litter without losing the clump using the slotted shovel. This price isn't that much more than a traditional scooper so, tell me, which would you use?

Zoombak GPS Locator Brings Lost Doggies Home Faster

PetSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:00:23 -0700

When I think about little North going missing, I know I'd want to get him back as soon as possible. Even though he has a microchip, those first few hours are crucial – and there are other hi-tech options for keeping track of your furry, loved one's location . . . even when he wanders away. The Zoombak is a rad tracking device that attaches to Fido's collar, giving you an all-access pass to his location, anytime.The difference between Zombak and microchipping services like Home Again is that Zoombak uses assisted GPS to pinpoint your pup's location via their online maps. Just set your parameters online and, when Fido leaves that area, you'll get an email and text message letting you know where he's wandered off to. What's cooler, you can get text updates on his location while you're on the road tracking him down. Zoombak is also running an awesome deal right now, if you pay for six months in advance, the monthly cost is reduced to $9.99 a month. Even still, at the regular price of $14.99, I think it's a good deal if you have a sneaky pet who likes to live it up and paint the town (or neighborhood) red – assuming he doesn't slip out of the collar that is. Check out the demo of Zoombak when you

Would You Wear a Bikini Made of Pet Hair?

PetSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:15:49 -0700

Nope, it's not a joke. VIP Fibers is the first and original company to specialize in hand-spinning your pet's fur into "Fur-Ever Yarn." All you've got to do is brush your pet and send in the fur, and then you'll receive yarn to knit, crochet, or weave anything you want from a scarf to a stocking . . . to, yes, patterns for this bikini. They've got a list of breeds whose hair they accept as the diameter of individual hairs to determine how well the yarn will work – the finer the fiber, the softer the yarn and the better for wearing! Unfortunately for me, Boston Terriers aren't listed so I've simply thrown out that baggie of hair I've pulled using the Furminator! Oh well, a college friend once told me I was too high strung to knit anyway – I was a tad obsessed with getting each row perfectly even so I'm abstaining from the possibilities of traveling to Florida without my dog, but with a bikini handwoven of his hair. I'll opt for dog hair on my coat over smelling like a wet dog at the beach, but maybe I'm just not fashion forward enough – what about you?

Would You Wear a Bikini Made of Pet Hair?

Umm, yeah!

Umm, no!

Other – I'll tell you in my comments below.

"Boston Terror" Chronicles: North vs. the FURminator

PetSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:30:43 -0700

With such a tough-sounding product name, I'll admit I was expecting the FURminator to work wonders terminating North's pet-hair issue. One local pet store has an actual TV playing this video of a man testing the product out on a heavy-shedding breed, the Golden Retriever, and that stack of dog hair was quite shocking . . . and definitely piqued my interest. Since I've got a pooch who does get hair on my clothes and my furniture, I was willing to try out anything to help me limit the shed. On the right, you'll recognize my cutie patootie and, on the left, a fairly ordinary looking brush said to do extraordinary things. Will it work out? Check out some pics and my opinions when you

Online Sale Alert! Entryway Dog Bed Cubby

PetSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:00:52 -0700

I love a good sale, especially on those big-ticket items. Thanks to Kristyy, I heard about the great deal on this Entryway Dog Bed Cubby. Originally $699, the birch cabinet is on sale for only $499, and holds a little of everything . . . including Pottery Barn's medium sized dog bed (on sale, too)! A tad big for my apartment – and for just my stuff – I'll bet this would come in handy for people with several family members, furry and otherwise! Perhaps you can use that $500 ShopStyle giftcard and pick this out!

New Product Alert: Play-n-Squeak!

PetSugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 03:00:53 -0700

As the name most surely implies, when your cat plays, this toy squeaks. All Play-n-Squeak products include the electronic "RealMouse" sound module that quite convincingly mimics the real thing. The company recently redesigned and relaunched their popular cat toys for last month's Global Pet Expo and now offer a wider variety for all types of frisky kitties to use that instinct to hunt, stalk, and pounce on prey. They've got interactive cat-only toys like Batting Practice and Thrill of the Chase, in addition to Shake y'r Tail Feather and DangleMouse for you to get in on the action. I can't wait 'til these toys make it into my local pet shop – in the meantime, check out all their playtime offerings (or contact them for store locations) before their retail website is up and running!

Pampered Pals: Sleepypod Mini For the Little Kitty

PetSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:00:21 -0700

We talk so much about crates and carriers, and how handy they are when it comes to travel, but the design of this carrier seems to be totally unique . . . and perfect for the kitties! Sleepypod Mini ($134.50) is a plush resting place for your tiny pal (under eight pounds) that's easy to care for, and best of all — take anywhere. Since I can't stress enough about how important car safety is, this carrier is PetSugar approved, since both the sleek Sleepypod and Sleepypod Mini come equipped to be buckled in while your animal sleeps inside.
I remember trying to lure my childhood cat, Precious, into one of those standard plastic carriers — there wasn't a single appealing thing about it and, I swear when she saw it, she knew it was time for the vet! This carrier, however, could easily double up as a pet's bed – with the removable top off — and it seems easier to coax a kitty inside this cuddly creation than a hard, sterile one. To make nap time even cozier, Sleepypod has an available Warmer ($55) that slips into the bottom layer, keeping your pets comfy on chilly nights . . . and, just to get a little more geeky, it even has a car adapter to keep the toasty warmth coming on the road! Maybe this should have been a Spoiled Sweet or Rotten poll, no?

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