PetSugar -- Girl's Best Friend.

Would You Rent a Pet?

PetSugar — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 07:00:00 -0700

I've got a bunch of friends who have the room in their hearts for a pet . . . but no room in their studio apartments/ lease restrictions/ busy schedules/ travel plans to care for a pet. Refraining from getting a pet who relies on you to survive when you know you can't give it the care and attention he deserves is a smart move, so what are those animal lovers to do? Although North practically has a waiting list of friends who want to borrow him for the day, I recently read a story about dog rental services in Japan, which reminded me of our very own Flexpetz. It's already expanding quickly, so clearly someone's buying in. With this pricey service, you can "rent" a dog, which makes me wonder if I'm missing out on a key business plan. I know that pets are good for therapy so I can see the desire, but I'm not sure I wholly agree. What's your take on renting a pet?Source

Would You Rent a Pet?

I would love to rent a pet since I can't have one full time!

Uhhh, no. This is too weird.

Something else. See my comments below.

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.

Chewing Your Pet's Food: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

PetSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:00:18 -0800

This is the first non-purchasable product or service I've featured as a spoiled poll, but boy is it worth the exception! GiggleSugar told me about this woman who actually chews the food for her Chihuahua, Pieboy, and I had to see it to believe it. Now, personally, watching the clip didn't change my vote, but check it out yourself, vote, and let me know how you feel in your comments below!

Chewing Your Pet's Food: 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.

Out and About: Illinois' Spaw

PetSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:00:47 -0800

As part of the super-swank Pooch Chicago, the Spaw is a luxe doggie delight! Their treatments include massages with warming aromatherapeutic oils (including clove bud and cinnamon leaf to relieve swollen joints and increase blood flow). Follow it up with a relaxing dip to wash the oils off in a milk-bone bath, a pampering pawdicure, and the poochberry facial with a head massage and special facial treatment. Along with daycare and a hotel, they've got a health club with a poochie treadmill and even offer swimming lessons for your dog in the only indoor canine pool in Chicago – perfect for prepping your pet for Montrose Beach by summer!

Would You Hire a Stranger?

PetSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:30:00 -0800

It can take a village to care for a pet so I'm curious to learn how many of you have hired strangers to sit or walk your pets. These people gain access to your home (and your precious cargo) and building that trust can take time. I'd love to hear from you about your experiences when enlisting outside help for animal care. Source

Would You Hire a Stranger?

Yes.

No.

Maybe.

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

On the Ball: Pet's Emergency Kit

PetSugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 03:00:31 -0800

You can't predict an emergency, but you can plan for it. I may sound like my mother when I say this but not everything in life comes with advance warning. And, sometimes, a little preparation can go a long way. First off, make neighbors aware that you have a pet. Usually they are, but safeguard yourself by hanging a decal on your window or door that alerts people of the pets inside.

In a burst of energy one weekend, I decided to make a "go bag" for North. Most of the items I already had, but I think that people (and each pet) should keep emergency kits on hand. I started out with a clear vinyl utility bag ($8.99) and I store it inside an extra travel kennel ($22.99).

Want to know what's inside,

Quiz: Where Are These Pooches?

PetSugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:00:00 -0700

SanWhirl Dog Jacuzzi: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

PetSugar — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 07:00:37 -0700

Originally meant for use with medical treatments at Munich University's animal clinic, SanWhirl is now present in Germany as a jacuzzi for dogs. The company claims it offers a great stress-relief and pampering treatment, in addition to getting pups extra clean! I can only imagine when this product makes it stateside. If you could pamper your pet in a puppy whirlpool, would you do it?

SanWhirl Dog Jacuzzi: 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.

Pets on Public Transportation?

PetSugar — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 07:19:51 -0700

Happy Birthday! New York City's first official subway system opened on October 27, 1904. Small dogs can cruise the Big Apple inside carriers on the subways, trains, and buses, while on the San Francisco MUNI buses and railways, dogs of any size are welcome as long as they are well-behaved, muzzled, and it's not during a major commute time. Rules about pets (excluding service animals) and mass transit vary by city and state so, if you're thinking of traveling with a pet, check with your local transportation agency first. However, even by many animal lovers, pets on buses, trains, and subways can get the cold shoulder – how do you feel? Source

Pets on Public Transportation?

I'm all for it... provided they're in closed containers.

I'm all for it regardless of size... they've got to get around too.

I wouldn't make a habit of it... but sounds good in a pinch.

I would be all for it... if I thought my pet could handle it.

I'm against it... I love my pet, but it's not his place.

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

Rent-a-Pet

PetSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:00:26 -0700

While certainly not the most economical way to “own” a dog, FLEXPETZ provides a novel option for a pet lover trying to determine if a full-time pet can fairly fit into her lifestyle. As its name implies, FLEXPETZ is a flexible pet ownership program providing rescue dogs with a carefree, loving environment and providing people with busy schedules or restrictive pet ownership rules the opportunity to spend QT with canine pals. Catering to high-end clients, this service rings in at a price of $299.90 for registration with a monthly membership fee of $49.95, plus $24.95 to $39.95 per daylong excursion. The program is currently offered in Los Angeles and San Diego and will expand to Manhattan, San Francisco, and London by the end of this year, and to Washington, DC and Boston by Spring 2008. While surely a creative alternative, you may be better off borrowing a friend’s dog for the day—both will appreciate it, and you may even make a buck doing so!
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