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I've Got My Eye on You, Kitty

PetSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:00:33 -0800

Still looking for a super unique holiday gift for pets? Well, when I spotted these catnip eyeballs, they seemed just the thing for cats that love the homemade. After all, these cute toys are made from recycled sweatshirts (inside out) so that the nubby cozy part is what your pet chews on. At $10 for a set of two, each is made per order so it's only the freshest catnip for your kitties. That's what they deserve . . . obviously.

New Product Alert: Orbee-Tuff Mint

PetSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:30:37 -0800

I already love Planet Dog's cute, yet sturdy toys for my crazy chomper, North – they're definitely worth the investment because they hold up so well in jaws of steel.

I especially enjoy the minty scent (doggie breath beware) so how cute is their latest creation?! Added to their traditional holiday lineup (of Christmas bulbs and snowballs), is a mint-flavored peppermint candy ($11)! How totally adoro and appropriately shaped!

Who Did North Vote For?

PetSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:45:51 -0800

Remember those political toys of "Bark Obama" and "John McCanine"? Well, before I voted, I decided to let North cast his ballot at home. Watch this video and tell me which toy he preferred. (It obviously doesn't need to correspond with our actual picks.)

Get Flash to see this player.

Hmmm, both got kisses from my friendly pup. Maybe he wants a third-party candidate (an unknown dipped in peanut butter)? We'll have to wait and see the results!

Pampered Pals: The iBone

PetSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:30:55 -0700

We've already seen our share of "Chewy Vuitton," "Chewnel," and "Kate Spayed" doggie accessories, so it's only natural that our fashion forward pets get tech savvy and sink their teeth into some gadgets. Take this iPhone knockoff, the iBone for example. Although it doesn't make calls, give directions, check email, or even tell you the temperature outside, it sure does feel good on Fido's teeth!

Thankfully, the iBone comes with a smaller price tag (it is missing all those high tech functions, you know) so you can afford an iBone for all the members of your furry family! It's only $12 – what is that like 17 iBones for the cost of one iPhone? I'd say that's a deal you can't pass up.

Shooey Chewie: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

PetSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:00:51 -0700

The name says it all, but that's kinda what scares me! With an embedded rope toy for fetch and tug, Shooey Chewie ($16) looks suspiciously like the sole of my galoshes. Although North hates shoes, some people (like LC) have pups that enjoy eating footwear. Would you pick this up or be concerned that it may make Fido chomp your boots, too?

Shooey Chewie: 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.

Kitties Won't Worry About a Thing With These Three Little Birds

PetSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:05:52 -0700

I know, I know. Not all cats like toys. Friends with finicky felines have told me that the material of a toy makes all the difference so I've scoped out these adoro birdy designs with three different textures . . . all filled with magical catnip.

Crocheted: Sweet handmade Baby Bluebirds ($9 for three) are perfect for yarn-loving cats to bat.
Plush: Soft Kitty Tweeters ($7 for two) will surely please those kitties who enjoy scratching your dog's cuddly stuffed animals.
Felt: Tweet Birds ($8) have a rougher felt texture more similar to your socks or pillows – cats can really get a grip.

If your precious pet prefers "found" toys, try scattering these birds around your nest and let her make the discovery on her own!

Bare Bones: Jax & Bones Toys and Accessories

PetSugar — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:30:54 -0700

While visiting the awesome Heathy Spot pet shop in Santa Monica, I spotted these super cute Rope Toys ($14) from Jax & Bones that I knew North would love to sink his chompers into. Made from 100 percent natural dyed cotton thread, you can be sure that these toys are not only good for hours of chewing fun, but are good for your pooch and the earth. Not only that, but for each toy purchased from Jax & Bones, part of the proceeds will be donated to the Rescue Train Organization, which helps find homes for pets and operates a no-kill rescue program.

But the goodness doesn't stop there — J&B's beds are all eco-friendly and made from 100 percent recycled materials! This brand leaves me with a full shopping cart, as well as good karma. Check out some of my favorite picks from Jax & Bones in the widget below.

To the Rescue: Pop Goes the Rope Toy in the Microwave

PetSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:00:42 -0700

When I spotted this tip, I wondered why I didn't think of it myself! I know North's sweet plush toy collection can easily become a not-so-sweet breeding ground for all sorts of ickiness, just like your household sponge. I guess the yumyums stuck in your pet's teeth combined with floor dirt and slobber can create quite the coating!Just like people pop sponges into the microwave to kill bacteria, yeast, mold and more, you can actually do the same thing with your pup's favorite rope toy! Find out how when you

Pampered Pals: Woven Penguins and Monkeys

PetSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:00:51 -0700

I'm a sucker for cute, and the Woven Creature Balls ($12) are absolutely precious. Instead of the standard rubber or plush, these round toys are made of interlaced cotton threads that give them added strength . . . and your pup will get a great tooth and gum cleaning as he tries to work out the squeaker inside. They'd make a great addition to North's toy bucket!

Pull the Cord and Kitty Critters Jitter!

PetSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:25:41 -0700

If you've got a playful cat that can't get enough chase, consider picking up – and putting down – a collection of Jitter Critters ($8) for your feline's frisky fun. All you do is pull the string of the mouse, squirrel, tiger or hedgehog versions and let your kitty do the rest . . . plus, there are no risky batteries involved for those chew-prone pets. Purrrfect!

New Product Peek: Bark Obama and John McCanine

PetSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:10:20 -0700

There's yet another way to get pets in on the election – let them take a bite out of it! No matter who you're voting for, let your dog beat the competition or proudly show his support by cuddling up to one of these super durable squeaker toys (or buy a set for a bipartisan furry fam)! Check out both sides of Mr. "Bark Obama" and Mr. "John McCanine" ($6 each) up close below!

Bare Bones: Squeeze Meeze

PetSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:15:37 -0700

These are the things fairy tales are made of! With a fire-breathing dragon and frog waiting to be kissed, playful princes and princesses can tote these toys anywhere they go! The neatest feature — the coiled parts extend when each squeakable Squeeze Meeze ($5 and $7) is compressed in chompers. I know my dog's eyes would bug out at the flapping tongue (much like those party-favor blowouts), but also that he'd find a way to destroy the toy and protect our kingdom . . . pronto. Sigh, times like this make me wish I had a more cowardly pup.

Do You Perform Toy Surgery?

PetSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:30:32 -0700

Our tough chompers can annihilate toys in no time, so I bet there's quite the market out there for replacement squeakers ($2 for four). North works so fast at killing, I'd need an assembly line to keep all his stuffies filled and sewn shut! Have you ever performed toy surgery to refill with something like this?

Do You Perform Toy Surgery?

Yes, I do it all the time.

Occasionally, and I sometimes add in squeakers, too.

Seldomly, only if it's a favorite.

No, I've never done it.

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

"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!

Bare Bones: Crazy Cat Circle

PetSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:05:58 -0700

I'm always looking for fun kitty gear (hint: submit it to my Street Team!) so I asked my friend Aimee what toy brought the most joy to her pet, Midnight. She instantly recommended the "spinny thing" . . . hmm, great suggestion, but not so easy to track down. After some follow-up questions, I figured out it's this Crazy Circle ($8) teaser for playful kitties. Consisting of a hollowed, rounded plastic tube, there's a slot for a frisky feline paw to whack a small ball around in circles, but not fall out. This kitty-powered toy also comes in a larger size for $14 and sounds like it could make me rather dizzy!One word of warning, the batting and ball can be noisy — if you've got carpet, I'd suggest placing it on that so the entire contraption doesn't shift all over the floor while kitty's playing. Plus, Aimee's added a different ball – like one with a bell – to make her Middy even more excited!

Do Tell: Do Your Dogs Nurse?

PetSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:30:44 -0700

So the other day I asked if your furry friends have any favorite toys. Seems like Samson's not the only one, as many of you shared about your pets' best snuggle buddies.

I noticed in the comments that a couple of your pets like Eegor and Ruby enjoy sucking on toys, too. Ruby's mom says:

The weird part is that she actually nurses on its head! She carries this gorilla everywhere she goes and when she isn't falling asleep nursing on it, she sleeps on it like a pillow. And although it is the one toy she doesn't automatically tear apart, it still gets really gross so I'm always having to buy new ones on eBay.

I know North also does this – do your pets?

Does Your Pet Have a Favorite Toy?

PetSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:00:00 -0700

I already know that you and I both love toy shopping for our pets, but do they have a favorite? LilPeaPod just bought this little guy from Target: a 99-cent rubber squeaker shaped like a squid. Apparently, it's Samson's new fave:

It's funny, with all the expensive and "durable" toys we've bought our little guy, that this one is now his favorite. It's the cheapest, and has outlasted those that were supposed to stand up to a Super Chewer!

Do your pets show favorites towards a particular toy? I know McNulty does!

Does Your Pet Have a Favorite Toy?

Yes! My pet has his obvious favorites.

Nah, my pet plays with all his toys.

I haven't really noticed.

Something else. See my comments below.

Give These Fleas to Your Dogs!

PetSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:15:14 -0700

Not real fleas, of course, but silly stuffed versions instead! Meet mutant insects Scratchy, the boy toy, and Scratchette, his female counterpart, sure to provide your pet hours of squeaking, squashing fun . . . without the scratching. These toys come in ultra soft plush for cuddling and feature funny faces and six floppy legs for pups to get a handle on. Pick up the "garbage green" or "itchy pink" fleas for just $22 – I think they kinda look like Fraggles, don't you?

Stock Up on Pet Gear at World Market!

PetSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:00:36 -0700

Who would've thought you could get such great stuff at Cost Plus World Market for your pets!? North loved the Sojo's treats I picked up for him awhile back, and I certainly loved Patches' Pinot and the Pet Hair Lifter, too. When I stopped back in over the weekend, I purchased a glow-in-the-dark squeaky ball, and some of these pet wipes to freshen him up between bath times.

In addition to all the neat storage containers and accent pieces for your home, I have a few faves on my pet wish list widget below, like the Dog Tricks Book ($13). Could North really learn how to fetch a Frisbee!? I'm sure he's up for the challenge — he may be six years old, but he's still a 10 when it comes to energy!

Is Your Cat Crazy For Catnip?

PetSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:40:51 -0700

Now my childhood cat reeeeally enjoyed her fragrant toys, but somewhere out there you'll find furry felines that love staying catnip free. Bottles, blossoms, or birds, can your cats ever get enough of the green stuff?Source

Is Your Cat Crazy For Catnip?

My cat needs to attend Catnip Anonymous.

My cat's a recreational user.

My cat steers clear.

Other – I'll share in my comments below.

If Your Dog Likes Water Bottles, Try This Toy Instead!

PetSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:00:51 -0700

See the treats, smell the treats, hear the treats – your pet gets all three and, if he's lucky, he'll get to touch and taste them, too! The big Busy Buddy Tug-a-Jug is a bottle – made of bulletproof material! – that features a rubber wrap and rope to help clean teeth . . . and shake those snacks out! Thankfully, the interactive toy also comes in a small size for those lil pups like North and can be filled with your furry friend's favorite yums or dry food for days home alone. Methinks it'd make a great gift for those pups who love water bottles!

Is Your Pet a Killer?

PetSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:15:45 -0700

This was one of the fabulous new toys North's "gamma" (read: my mother) mailed him for his sixth birthday. You'll notice how cute this sheep was when he unwrapped it – and how chomped up it is just 10 minutes later with the squeaker successfully removed and killed. While we found durable toys for our tough chewers like Brando and North, I'm curious if your pet loves to rip and desqueaker his toys like ours do?

Is Your Pet a Killer?

Yes, he tries to kill anything and everything.

He selectively kills . . . sometimes.

No way, he never does this.

Other – I'll share in my comments below.

Do Your Pets Have A Favorite Color?

PetSugar — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:00:47 -0700

A friend from Southern California sent me this email the other day about how her lab Jake seems to prefer one color over the others: "My dog Jake loves playing fetch with tennis balls – he could fetch those things all day and not get tired! My local sports store carries different colored tennis balls, and I just naturally picked the blue ones since Jake is a boy. I buy replacements in the same color, until last week when they were out of stock and I was forced to buy the regular bright green ones. Once I got them home and tossed the ball out in the yard, Jake would not fetch! Time after time, he wouldn't fetch that bright green ball. So to test, I picked up an old tore up blue one and Jake took off after it! Have you ever heard of a dog having a favorite color toy?"Although research suggests that pups have similar vision to humans with red/green color blindness which may determine why Jake only fetches the blue tennis balls, the story was so cute, I thought I would ask you all the same question: Does your pet seem to prefer one color over the rest? Source

Do Your Pets Have A Favorite Color?

Yes! My pet does prefer a certain color.

No. My pet likes whatever color toy I buy.

I haven't noticed!

Something else. See my comments below.

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.

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,

Send Your Pup to Grandma's House in Style!

PetSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:00:40 -0700

When FabSugar goes out of town, her squishy (and so adoro) Annabelle goes to grandma's house for vacay, and I know since Annabelle is totally hooked up in the toy and fashion department, she probably has a suitcase to herself to hold all of her necessities.

Which is why I think Fab (and Grandma) can appreciate this cute Sleepover Suitcase ($150) gift set from Arf Dog. The re-usable case comes stocked with travel style toys like a chewy newspaper, plushy cab, passport, scrumptious treats, plus a fluffy bathrobe and blankie for when she's ready to relax after a long day of play. And besides, it sort of resembles a certain designer that begins with a Louis and ends with a Vuitton, so I know it's Fab approved!

Arf Dog not only has cute travel cases, but gift packs for sporty dogs, puppies, pampered spa-themed sets, and essentials for a day at the beach. All of these packs would make great gifts for holidays, or pet birthdays . . . which is coming up for my lil guy this month!

Source

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

Bare Bones: Toys For Your Small Animal

PetSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:00:39 -0700

Apparently it's toy mania here on PetSugar, 'cause I have yet another toy post for you today! With so many of you letting me in on your pet's toy collection, I think it's safe to say we have the doggies and kitties covered. But what about the little guys? I know there are more than a few rabbits, ferrets, and gerbils out there (to name a few) so they shouldn't be left out of the playtime fun. I've rounded up a few of my fave small animal toys, including this cute Race Track ($14) for hamsters! Just put your little critter in a specially matched toy car (complete with a running wheel) and off he goes — exercise plus fun equals one happy hamster!

Check out the rest of my fave small animal toys 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,

To the Rescue: Clean Out That Toy Box

PetSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:00:10 -0700

Whenever I'm ready to move, doing some Spring cleaning, or just can't take the number of toys North has cluttering up the house, I play a fun game with him. Well, it's fun for me anyway. Like many of you, my dog is a strong chewer, which means after he attacks the toy and kills the squeaker, he still likes to carry the toy carcass around the house. Most toys that he enjoys don't look new for long, and I get tired of looking at toothmarked squeaky toys and plush toys with no plush left inside. I think I can pick my pup's five faves but after that he may dig through his toy box for a treasure I had long since forgotten. So, a couple times a year, it's time to purge . . . and he's in control! How do I do this? Find out when you

How Many Toys Does Your Pet Have?

PetSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:30:13 -0700

I have a confession to make: I like shopping for doggie toys almost as much as I like shopping for myself! I get nearly as much joy out of visualizing my pup conquering a certain squeaker or heavy duty chew toy as I do when I'm browsing the aisles. I admit I have to restrain myself sometimes, vowing not to buy a single toy until he completely destroys one that he already calls his own, if nothing else to cut down on the amount of space his toy collection is taking up! So, if you are anything like me, and can drop some serious cash on toys that make furry pals happy, then fill me in: just how many toys do your pets have?Source

Let Your Cats Entertain Themselves With Catnip Birds

PetSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:00:54 -0700

Although no one is quite sure why catnip has the effect it does on some cats, it sure does make them happy! My BFF's cat has been known to completely ignore us (which is unusual for the feline) while rolling around on the floor and salivating while he plays with his fave catnip ball. Although it never lasts too long, the few minutes he's under the spell is pretty entertaining for us as well!

I really love these Catnip Plush Birds ($16) by ItchyKnee, which are hand stitched and stuffed with organic catnip. And what cat wouldn't feel the same?! Chasing birds, catnip, and a catnap has to be a pretty awesome way to spend an afternoon . . . if you're a cat. But hey, even I don't mind the sound of that!

Street Team: Ferret Fun Tube

PetSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:00:25 -0700

Now I know ferrets love crawling through tight places and burrowing in hollow spaces so I'm not surprised that a Ferret Fun Tube is a popular concept for these furry critters.

Learn more about a tunnel like this one that DeJaVuE bought for her ferret, Deja when you

Wow, Your Dog Has a Great Smile!

PetSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:00:07 -0700

I always know where North is in the apartment by the squeaking of his favorite toys. Although they don't provide much entertainment for me, he seems to be perfectly content to munch on them all day. So, when I saw these crazy doggie toys on InventorSpot, with the giggle-inducing smiles on the front, I knew I had to have them. Errr, I mean, North would have to have them!Leave it to the Japanese to come up with these inventive dog pacifiers – called "Oshaburi" – to entertain not only your pooch for a few hours, but to give you a good laugh as well! For only about three bucks each, you can have these comedic gems shipped to your door and happily YouTube your pup wandering around with a big, red grin on his face. Each pacifier comes with a rounded back for your dog to clamp down on, and is available in four different styles: Lip, Tongue, Teeth, and Chicken (for the big eaters in the house). Although I'm not sure how long they would last if your dog is a super chewer, at least you can have some fun at your pup's expense for a little while! What?! It's funny!

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!

V-day Voodoo

PetSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 03:00:01 -0800

Forget sticking pins into the traditional dolly, sink your pup's teeth into whomever you (or they) don't like. These squeakers would make a great V-day present for your pet . . . or perhaps even a silly gift for that dog owning friend who fits one of the nine titles offered! Because they're made of fleece, the toys are great for a surprise snuggle and for secretly cleaning his teeth while he works out that aggression! Special thanks to amh678 for petmarking this great deal – each 8-inch toy costs only $3.29!

Kitty's Zombie Valentine

PetSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:00:22 -0800

I thought Valentine's Day was the day of love, not the day of death! To go right along with Casa's zombie valentine's cards, show your cat you love her with this "Little Dead Things" ($14) toy set. A purrrfect little treat to go in your cat's Valentine's Day goodie bag. Handcrafted from recycled leather, your cat can gnaw on and play with thankfully-fake zombies, dead birds, mice and – yum! – a human brain 'til the cows come home. With your choice of color and thread, it's a great way to support indie designers and an inexpensive addition to your toy collection – if you're into zombies that is!

Source

Treat Your Home-Alone Pup This Valentine's Day!

PetSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:00:08 -0800

I've already shared how much North loves his rubbery, red Kong, so Kong Time is definitely on our wish list! Holding up to four Kongs, Kong Time lets you fill up each of the toys with your pooch's favorite treats, load them in the dispenser, and reattach the cover. Each Kong is released at random intervals within a preset time period, perfect for uncrated, home-alone pooches. If you've got a MacGyver-in-training, the Kong Time ($79.99) can even dispense from a countertop out of pup's reach (or can sit on the floor). Either way, it'll surely call your pet into the room with a beeping sound soon associated with snacktime – yum!

I've also bookmarked this product, as it will surely make my pup "crazy for red." Don't forget to find other sleek red items for our current petmarking challenge. Many of my favorite online shops (like Muttropolis, Trixie + Peanut, and Modern Tails) have special Valentine's collections available now – a great place to start shopping!

Super Bowl's Super Toys

PetSugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:00:27 -0800

Don't fumble and stock some football toys! My local pet shop has a fancy Super Bowl display with footballs, jerseys, and even special snacks. I'm not going overboard so my fella will have to settle for extra playtime with his existing football toys. Of the three, it's pretty hysterical (for me) to watch him attempt to pick up this large Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff pigskin with his little mouth. He usually ends up having to push it 'til it's up against something and then paw it down to get a grip. Very hard to catch the chase on camera – I'd probably be better off choosing one of the smaller toys you'll see when you

Bare Bones: Tuffie's

PetSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:00:09 -0800

Sometimes I think North has box cutters for teeth. The rate at which he destroys toys surely must put him within the top five percentile of pups. Because of his "habit," I'm always looking for gear that will stand up to his chompers. Trust me, these toys are called Tuffie's for good reason! Most of the products are on the larger size (some even rivaling his size), but North still likes to drag them around with him. They don't come cheap but they last with tough chewers and even float, too.

For those squeak lovers, mine doesn't include one . . . but that's just because it's too sturdy to squeak. Tuffie's are made with two layers of industrial grade nylon, covered with a soft fleece outside for snuggling. Those layers are each sewed together, then the toy is sealed shut with two more layers of stitching and then an additional piece of trim covers it, with three more linear stitches on top. Count 'em – that's seven seams in all! Check out their barnyard animals, sea life, plus dinosaurs when you

Can You Tell a Wubba From a Booda, Part III?

PetSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:30:55 -0800

For our third and final installment of name that toy, I've picked five more zany-named dog products for you to take a guess on. I'm first to admit that, although I have heard of these toys, my little guy only owns one of the five so see how you do, too! I think this game has been super fun but let me know if you want to play more (or other) variations in your comments . . . after you play that is!

Can You Tell a Wubba From a Booda, Part II?

PetSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 07:00:01 -0800

Awwww! I'm definitely biased here but this old piccy of my pup, North, was too cute not to be included. The lil' fella has certainly lost some of that baby chubs, but he has not stopped his love for those toys. Here's the next installment of our name-that-toy quiz – can you top your performance from Part I? Good luck!

Bare Bones: Doggie Credit Cards

PetSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:45:25 -0800

With the launch of SavvySugar, it's about time to get smart about North's credit! That kibble doesn't come cheap, and I can't keep spotting him at Petco as he promises to pay me back in kisses! Totally joking, but am I the only one that recalls the guy who got so annoyed with credit-card offers that he filled one out for his Clifford J. Dog, son of Pugsy Malone, as a joke . . . and actually got a card issued? Clearly I found it so funny (and disturbing) that it stuck in my head nearly four years later. Fear not law-abiding citizens, these cards are legal tender for even pups with no credit history. Check them out when you

Can You Tell a Wubba From a Booda, Part I?

PetSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:00:11 -0800

More than just a ball and a bone, today's dog toys have names that need to be trademarked in their own right. I'm no stranger to cutesifying words but, if I didn't have a pooch of my own and someone asked me for one of these items by name, I'd swear they were sharing some pet name for the product. Am I alone here? Test your knowledge by matching popular dog toys to their given names.

Pet Peeves: Kitty Hates Toys?

PetSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:00:17 -0800

Q: I have spent nearly $75 on a variety of toys for my new kitten, brought them home, presented them to her with much fanfare, and . . . nothing. She sniffed at the catnip toy, gave a bell-filled ball a swat, and walked away. Seriously, I may be reading too much into this, but I swear she even gave me a disdainful look as she stalked off. Did I stumble upon a cat toy snob? Help!

A: I am just imagining a kitty-voice narration to the scene you described as, "This is the best you could do . . . I scoff at you, silly human." While some pets just don't take that much interest in toys, I think cats can often be the pickiest of them all. It's possible that she will show a strong preference for what some people call found items, but I like to call D.I.Y. toys. Before you go out to buy any more fancy stuff, try some of the suggestions pictured here offered up by PetSugar readers like you. Also, try rotating her toys, leaving just a few different ones of different types out at a time around your home. Some cats don't like toys presented with great fanfare, and would prefer to find these items on their hunts around your house – so you can also test out this kitty hide and seek idea. Finally, try to get your kitten interested in a toy by mimicking catlike behavior with it – batting paper around, dangling strings, etc. This may not work immediately but could hopefully gain her attention . . . if not to just watch you with disdain. Good luck!

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Tips For the New Year: Clean Those Toys

PetSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:10:06 -0800

I know you all love to spoil your pets like I do and that many lucky critters got bunches of new toys over the holidays! There's no time like the present to get rid of any tattered old toys, especially ones with dangerous loose or broken-off pieces. For those toys that are well-loved, it's also a great time to clean them.

To clean toys (hard and soft), I usually put them in either the washing machine or dishwasher with hot water and no soap or detergent (for set in stains, I use the special pet-formulated Nature's Miracle detergent). This cleans and sterilizes their gear but keeps harmful chemicals present in many soaps from sticking in the crevices. For everyday cleaning of those dog toys that you stuff with sticky food or treats, this Bamboo Toy Cleaning Brush set is amazing. Each set comes with two brushes, one for small and one for medium-sized holes. For set-in stains, first soak in hot water and Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover, then use the brush to remove the gook. Poof – they're good as new!

Pet Present Extravaganza: Squeaky Puppies

PetSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:30:00 -0800

Spoil a new puppy this holiday season with a pastel toy in the perfect size for little mouths. Stuffed pet toys are, in fact, so cute that I'll bet kids want to give them a cuddle, too! These luxurious plush ones are softer than many teddies I had as a child – the only real difference is the squeaker inside. And, who knows, maybe pup can also learn his ABCs (Arf, Beg, and Cuddle) while he chews!

Remember A.G. Bear?

PetSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 07:00:09 -0800

Happy Teddy Bear Day! In celebration of this fabulous holiday, I'm gonna flash back to my favorite teddy ever, A.G. Bear. As a kid, I wished that animals could talk, and this stuffed bear made it possible. Way ahead of the times, he had a voice box – if you talked, he would make sounds back. He could even respond to other A.G. Bears! The problem was, I didn’t know anyone else who owned one and now, many years later, I still can’t find someone who remembers this stuffed animal.Because today also happens to be my birthday (and I'm feeling nostalgic about my 7th, to be exact), I'm wondering if any of you recall this special toy? I swear I’m not making him up!

Remember A.G. Bear?

You're not alone, Pet – I totally had one.

I think my bratty neighbor/cousin/sister owned one.

Sounds familiar, but I couldn't pick one out of a crowd of bears.

Are you sure you’re not talking about Teddy Ruxpin?

Other: Leave in your comments.

On the Ball: D.I.Y. Cat Toys

PetSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:35:42 -0800

Wow! All the above items are PetSugar readers' great suggestions for my D.I.Y. challenge! From wrapping yarn around a satchel of catnip to adding jingle bells to existing toys, you certainly know how to please your kitties.

If your cats love found objects, try other recommendations such as tying 10 hair ties (with no metal) to a piece of yarn or cutting used gift bows into poofs as impromptu creations. As with any toy, monitor your pets when they play, paying close attention for small, broken, or loose parts. Happy crafting!

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Pampered Pals: Candy for Dogs

PetSugar — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 01:00:46 -0700

It's officially Halloween here on the west coast, and I wanted to treat North to a little something extra special. Now we know actual candy is bad for dogs, but Eye Candy by Fairytale Couture is very sweet indeed. Unfortunately, North is what pet toy packages would label a "strong chewer" ...in layman's terms, this just means it took him about three minutes to leave me a stuffing and punctured squeaker surprise on the floor. But he still carried the Sugar Daddy carcass it to his bed to snuggle with last night.... perhaps he's trying to tell me something?!