Pet Weathervanes

Weathervanes, also known as wind vanes, are functional and ornamental. Personalize the roof of your garage, shed, or barn (if you are lucky enough to have one) with a hand-crafted "Made in the USA" copper or V-Tech (TM) weathervane from Bar Harbor Weathervanes and Cupolas. The weathervanes are made in a variety of animal shapes, cats and many dog breeds (Retriever, Poodle, Lab, Terrier, Dachsund to name a few).

Weathervane purchase will include: brass directionals, rod with brass ring, large and small ball. Cupolas and roof mounts are sold separately. Unique gift or house-warming present.

Frame-A-Fish Wall Aquarium

If you enjoy fish tanks, now you can hang live fish up on your wall just like the hotels and restaurants do. Creates a nice atmosphere and is a little bit different. Frame-A-Fish Wall Aquariums are designed to save space and are (supposedly) easy to set up and maintain. For fresh fish only. Kit includes 2 backgrounds, but original art work may be substituted.

Kit Includes:

High Grade Acrylic Tank
Interchangeable Black Frame
Top grade internal filtering system
Custom Designed Fluorescent Light
Two Picture Backgrounds to get you started
Wall support bracket with safety features
Hardware-includes easy anchors
Easy Set-up Instructions

Size: 24 3/8"W x 19 1/4"H x 3 3/8"D
Capacity: 3.25 Gallons, Black Frame

Ships with black frame--optional frame colors green, red, white, blue are also available. Frame-A-Fish Wall Aquarium

Skamper Ramp Pet Pool Ramp

Now that warm weather is here, pool owners will be opening their pools. The Skamper-Ramp Pet Pool Ramp can be a lifesaver for the pet that gets stranded or tired in the pool.

It provides an easy access point out of the pool, also effective on floating docks, boat swim platforms, most boats, thin ice rescues and vinyl pools. It is constructed of heavy duty polypropylene recycled box-corrugated material.

The ramp purportedly is 8 mm chemical and UV resistant and will withstand high levels of chlorine and other pool related chemicals.

The Skamper Pet Pool Ramp can either anchor using holes drilled into your pool deck or be secured using other tie down points such as pool cover, skimmers or ladder railings. Comes with all instructions, ramp, hardware.

Dog Body Language

Truly fascinating New York Times article making the rounds: If You Want to Know if Spot Loves You So, It’s in His Tail, the gist being:

Right Brain, Left Brain The muscles on either side of the tail apparently reflect emotions like fear and love registering in the brain....there is another, newly discovered, feature of dog body language that may surprise attentive pet owners and experts in canine behavior. When dogs feel fundamentally positive about something or someone, their tails wag more to the right side of their rumps. When they have negative feelings, their tail wagging is biased to the left.

Continue reading: "Dog Body Language"

Hidden Litter Box

We love this fabulous idea. Most of us would agree--plants are pretty, litter boxes are not. Here is a great way to hide the litter box, if you decide the "bathroom" should be out of sight. The Hidden Litter Box is a roomy, covered litter box constructed of durable polypropylene with a removable top section for cleaning and filling. The Hidden Litter Box system combines double filtration and aspen moss for odor control.

Another option is to place a pet bed inside for your cat or small dog. In any event, this product gives your pet a cozy hideaway as well hiding a litter box. Opening in planter can be turned to the wall, and no one is the wiser!

Each Hidden Litter Box contains:

1. Planter base
2. False top
3. One 8" diameter filter
4. Decorative cover (Aspen moss)
5. Plant--3 feet tall

Dimensions: without plant: 20" wide x 19 3/4" high--with plant: 20" wide x 55" high

Dog Dazer

Update: This product has been updated to the Dog Dazer II

As much as I love dogs, they live in a slightly different reality than most of us do and don't speak English. Sometimes they can be aggressive, and it can be hard to talk them down or instantly know the right body language to communicate with them. Perhaps the dog is trespassing in the yard or hassling the children. What to do?

The Dog Dazer uses ultrasonic technology to produce a discomforting but not harmful high powered sound, audible to dogs but not to us (humans). It can potentially stop the approach of dogs at up to 20 feet. Useful aid in training dogs.

Made of lightweight high impact plastic, includes a belt clip and low battery indicator. Powered by battery.

More Pet Food Recalled

Latest recall on pet food involves Chenango Valley Pet Foods, according to MSNBC:

The company, working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, was informed by Wilbur-Ellis that rice protein concentrate shipped to Chenango Valley Pet Foods may be contaminated with melamine. Melamine, an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers, may lead to illness or fatalities in animals if consumed.

The pet foods were sold to customers in Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, who in turn sold the products to their customers through catalog mail orders or retail outlets.

The following dry pet foods are involved in the recall:

* Doctors Foster & Smith Chicken & Brown Rice Formula Adult Lite Dog Food. It was sold in containers with net weights of 5, 12.5 and 25 lbs. with code dates best used by Jan. 24, 2009, Feb. 8, 2009, Feb. 26, 2009, April 10, 2009, and April 17, 2009.
* Doctors Foster & Smith Chicken & Brown Rice Formula Adult Lite Cat Food. It was sold in containers with net weights of 3 and 7 lbs. with a code date of best used by March 13, 2009.
* Lick Your Chops Lamb Meal, Rice & Egg Cat Food in packages with a net weight of 4 lbs. and a code date best used by April 29, 2008.
* Bulk Chicken & Brown Rice Formula Adult Lite Dog Food sold to one consignee, SmartPak, in a 2,000-pound tote with a ship date of Feb. 9, 2007.

Meanwhile, China refuses to take responsibility:

China said Thursday it has banned melamine from food products after the chemical was found in exports of vegetable protein shipped to the United States, but rejected it as the cause of dozens of pet deaths in North America.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials say they suspect the substance, which is a chemical found in plastics and pesticides, is to blame.

China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement there was no evidence to support the FDA’s claim but that it would cooperate with the United States to find out what actually killed the animals.

The comments in a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry were the first detailed response from Beijing to concerns that emerged a month ago about the country’s wheat and rice gluten exports.

To read entire article.

Update: Voluntary recall from Natural Balance:

Our canned food manufacturer, American Nutrition, from Ogden Utah, just informed us that they are recalling all canned products made in their plant that contain rice protein concentrate. American Nutrition continued by telling us that they added this ingredient to four of our canned products without our knowledge or consent. The four products involved are:

Chicken Formula Canned Dog Food 13 oz
Lamb Formula Canned Dog Food 13 oz
Beef Formula Canned Dog Food 13 oz
Ocean Fish Formula Canned Cat Food 3 oz & 6 oz

Read entire statement, as well as see a list of their food not involved, at their website.

Mother's Day Gift--Laurel Burch for the Cat Lover

Mother's Day is Sunday May 13! My mother, for one, loves purses! If you know a mother who loves her pets and her purses, we have just the thing for her. Not to mention those mothers we know and love who have a sock collection, and who are addicted to coffee or tea. Give her a Laurel Burchgift, including purse, mugs and socks in this adorable dog print design.

Laurel Burch

Glamour Cat Planter

This is getting to be the time of year to be putting out plants on our patios and porches. We love this Glamour Cat Planter--it is adorable and so unique. The kitty has beautiful marble eyes and curlicue whiskers. It has a removable, 6" cachepot, but of course any 6" pot will do. Coiled neck and tail spring to the touch. Made of weather-sturdy metal with a powder-coat finish.

Cute way to add some personality to your yard! This would make a great housewarming or hostess gift as well for the cat-lover.

Size: 22"H x 24"W. Glamour Cat Planter

Cat Club Welcome Mat

Sweep the dirt and dust off the stoop and lay down a new welcome mat. For the cat-lover, this Cat Club Welcome Mat is perfect featuring a colorful design of five cats sitting on a wall with their tails forming a "welcome" sign. Made of natural coir fibers for extra strength and durability with a sturdy vinyl backing, suitable for high-traffic areas like doorways.

Dimensions 18" x 30". Cat Club Welcome Mat

Paws Coordinates

Paws Coordinates giftware is made of ceramic and is the perfect complement to a cup of coffee or tea with friends.

Choose from various colors: mossy paws, forest paws, blueberry paws, evergreen paws, persimmon paws, steel blue paws and charcoal. Paws Coordinates

Radio Rodent

Here's a fun toy for your kitty! Recently saw the Radio Rodent

This cute little radio-controlled rodent scurries forward and backward, turns right and left - all with his red eyes flashing. If he flips over, he'll perform a tricky tail flip to get himself rolling again. When he gets tired, just recharge him directly from his cheeseburger controller.

This also would be fun as a practical joke, if that appeals. Uses 3 AA batteries. Radio Rodent

TATTLE TALE® Vibration Pet Trainer

Ever get tired of pet hair all over the sofa, the comforter, or your sheets? Must we close doors, install gates and cover our furniture for the rest of our lives? Maybe those days are over.

This TATTLE TALE® pet trainer is an alarm triggered by the slightest vibration. It could be effective in keeping cats off counters, car hoods, your dog or cats off the furniture, beds and maybe even Mr Tony the cat out of your baby's crib and playpen. The alarm will reset and sound again. Works 24/7, even if you are not home or in the room.

Our only reservation is intentionally scaring a pet. It can be hurtful and may even backfire. Depends on the disposition of your particular animal. TATTLE TALE® can also be used as a security alarm to detect tampering of doors, drawers, windows, gates, cabinets and any 'off-limits' area.

Dimensions: 4 1/2" x 2" x 1 1/2". Uses a 9 volt battery.

Pet Food Recall Keeps Stretching

We just received a letter from BJ's informing us that the Berkeley & Jensen Pigs Ears we buy have been recalled due to a threat of salmonella. March 9 and we received the letter 4/23!

Here is an updated list in pdf from the Pet Food Tracker via Pet Connection.

I have read that FDA is "slow" (are we surprised?), but the best defense in this shameful situation is to check them all. How sad this is!

Coolaroo Dog Beds

For summer bedding, we like the looks and price of the Coolaroo Dog Bed. Even the name sounds refreshing.

The Coolaroo Dog Bed is made of knitted mesh fabric that keeps the dog cool and dry because it "breathes". The bed is raised 7 1/8" high off the ground supported by a powder-coated steel frame so air can circulate. The bed can be placed on the patio, under a shade tree, on the porch or even the bedroom. Just hose off to clean.

Coolaroo Dog Bed is available in 3 sizes: Small (35-1/2"x21-5/8"), Medium (43-3/8"x25-5/8"), Large (51-1/8"x31-1/2")

Outdoor Cat Playpen

This item has sold out. It has been updated to:

Many 21st century cats are indoor kitties. Of course, it wasn't always this way. Fresh air is good for everyone, and your cat is no exception. The Outdoor Cat Playpen allows your cat to have the best of both worlds. This pen will keep one or more cats safe (assuming they get along!) while exposing them to the sunshine and breezes spring and summer bring. Plus they get to watch whatever is going on outside, like the birds at the birdbath.

Made of rugged water-resistant nylon mesh that protects cats, and supported by a powder-coated steel alloy frame that opens like a fan into a hexagon, the pen easily assembles using Velcro, zippers and four ground stakes. The interior of the pen has two suspended hammocks on which cats can rest while watching their surroundings, and a clear vinyl zippered doorway. Includes three flags with attached bells that serve as cat toys. The pen folds easily for storage, is easy to clean, and includes a zippered storage bag.

Dimensions: 38" H x 48" W x 24" D. (17 1/2 lbs.) Outdoor Cat Playpen

Pet Food Recall Expands to Third Company

Royal Canin USA--their take on "Knowledge and Respect". How ironic:

Welcome to Royal Canin pet foods The ethos of the Royal Canin brand is based on its unique vision of the dog and the cat :the conviction that dogs and cats are not human beings but animals and as a result, true respect obliges us to treat them as such.

True respect implies certain obligations, of which one is Knowledge : to truly know the animal and understand its specific physiological and nutritional requirements, and, in consequence, guarantee it a "tailor made" food in line with its real nutritional needs.

The current culprit provides a list of their hazardous foods here: Royal Canin USA. Their statement:

Pet owners should immediately stop feeding their pets the Royal Canin USA dry pet food products listed above. Pet owners should consult with a veterinarian if they are concerned about the health of their pet. No other Royal Canin diets are affected by this recall and CONTINUE TO BE safe for pets to eat.

Update on 4/20 from the Houston Chronicle:

WASHINGTON — A third company on Friday recalled pet foods made with an imported Chinese ingredient only recently found to have been contaminated by an industrial chemical.

The pet food ingredient, rice protein concentrate, is the second found in the U.S. to be contaminated by melamine. Previously, testing revealed that wheat gluten also had been contaminated.

Royal Canin USA said it was recalling some of its dry dog and cat foods made with tainted rice protein concentrate.

Also this week, the French company's South African unit recalled a range of dog and cat dry pet foods after they were found to contain a third ingredient, corn gluten, also contaminated with melamine. Those products were sold in South Africa and Namibia.

U.S. customers with questions about Royal Canin's recall can call the company at 800-592-6687 or visit its Web site: http://www.royalcanin.us .

Wilbur-Ellis Co., a U.S. importer of the tainted rice protein, has recalled all the ingredient it had distributed to five U.S. pet food manufacturers. The San Francisco company in turn urged its customers to recall any products that may be on store shelves.

Earlier this week, pet food companies Natural Balance, of Pacoima, Calif., and Wilton, Conn.-based Blue Buffalo recalled cat and dog foods made with the contaminated rice protein concentrate.

___

On the Net:

Food and Drug Administration pet food recall info:

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfoo d.html

Critter Wellies

Wellies are a must-have item for inclement weather, especially for a pet-owner. Our girls expect to go on their walk after dinner regardless of the weather. They love getting their paws wet, not to mention sloshing and snuffling in the puddles, but most people want to stay relatively dry in the rain. Wellies do the trick.

J. Crew offers Critter Wellies this season in Sherbert (Terriers). They are made of durable waterproof rubber, with sealed seams. Rubber upper and sole. Nylon jersey lining. Hit at midcalf. 1" heel. Adorable.

Microfiber Towel Dries Your Pet Quickly

Bring along this Microfiber Towel to dry off your dog quickly and efficiently, next time you take him or her swimming, on a beach trip or after a run through the sprinkler. Keep your pet's coat healthy and beautiful.

The Microfiber Towel is make of Aquitex microfiber which is ultra-absorbent and draws water from your pet's coat. It is compact, so pop it in your bag and off you go!

Available in red, sizes Large: 19 x 39 and X/Large: 29 x 55.

New Pet Announcements

As we pet lovers know, bringing a new animal home is almost as life-changing as having a baby. Our pets are truly members of the family. These cute pet announcements will tell friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and other family members about your new "arrival" in a unique way.

Box of 10 flat announcements (4 5/8" x 6 1/4") with envelopes available for cat and dog arrivals from R.Nichols Stationery.

Pet Food Recall Widens

The news of the most recent pet food recall has been a bit eclipsed by the media coverage of the tragedy at Virginia Tech. The recall now includes Natural Life. For complete (we hope) information visit the FDA website.

Here's the current list (as of 4/17/07) of recalled pet foods: cats and dogs.

Bowchie Bags

Going for a walk or car ride with your dog can be a major production with all the stuff you need to bring. To simplify matters, bring along your Bowchie Bag. There are pockets for treats, poop pick-up bags, key hook, water bottle holder, cell phone, toys, and more. The Bowchie Bag is a stylish messenger bag handmade of 600 Denier Codrura. It is waterproof and "rip proof". The interior is made of home-dec weight fabric which is extremely durable.

All bags come with a water bottle, collapsible dog bowl and dog toy. Great gift for the pet lover!

Fido Friendly--Dog Travel Magazine

In a previous post, we provided a link to pet-friendly accomodations for pet lovers who can't bear to part with their animals when they travel. If this is you, consider subscribing to Fido Friendly, magazine that provides a complete guide to Fido Friendly accommodations across the United States and Canada.

Visit FidoFriendly for details. "Leave no dog behind."

Precise Portion Control Pet Feeder

An answer for those days we cannot always be home when it is feeding time! A feeder that can be programmed to automatically dispense the correct amount of food. The jar holds five pounds of dry food, possibly enough for several days, depending on the size (and appetite) of your pet. The food is served one to three times a day in 1/4-cup increments up to a total of two cups.

So this Programmable Feeder is best for cats and smaller to medium sized dogs (our Goldens eat more than 2 cups per day). But it can provide peace of mind if you need to leave your cats for several days, have an erratic schedule, get caught in traffic or anything else that may crop up.

Requires three D batteries. Dimensions:15" H x 9" W x 14 1/2" L.

Programmable Feeder

Old Navy Polos for Pets

I have always been fond of polo shirts. They look great on almost everyone and of course, scream "summer!" Dressing up our pets seems to be the "in" thing now, so if you like polos, now you can dress your pooch in one too. Old Navy has a line of affordable polos, as well as Striped Rugbys which look pretty cool. Or your dog may prefer Graphic Ringer Tees or Surf Rugbys. Whatever is most becoming.

Made of 100% cotton, polos are machine washable (now that's a good thing!) Features a pointed collar with an adorable embroidered dog icon, two-button placket, and drop-tail hem. There is a slit at back of neck so you can attach a leash to your dog's collar. Available in XS to L, polos in red and green.

Pet Friendly Lodging

With the summer travel months approaching, many of us are starting to make vacation plans away from home. For those who find it unthinkable to leave their pet behind, or don't have satisfactory pet-sitting arrangements, there are plenty of hotels that provide quality, pet-friendly accommodations.

According to an article in March 30, 2007 New York Times:

In a culture in which dogs and cats have become surrogate children (and grandchildren) and are sometimes better dressed than their owners, a growing number of hotels and resorts have welcomed four-legged guests in recent years, including the Four Seasons, the Ritz-Carlton, the Loews and the Kimpton hotels. But now, several luxury condominiums and private residence clubs are taking pet-friendly policies further by offering services and amenities that rival those meant for humans, including grooming sessions, swim classes, massage treatments (no mere belly-scratch) and even a doggie psychic.

"There's easily been a 300 percent increase in the number of lodgings accepting pets in the last three years," said Derek Welsh, president of BringYourPet.com, a Web site devoted to peripatetic pets and their humans. "The trend is definitely shifting toward higher-end hotels. In order to truly compete, they are going above and beyond with amenities, trying to one-up the competitor."

For a directory for pet friendly hotels, motels, B&Bs, resorts and cabins listed by state, go to BringYourPet.com

Cat Cocoon

My grand-kitty, Tony, loves cardboard boxes, second only to catnip. Christmas is a fabulous party for him, and his favorite non-family member is the UPS guy. Our Mr. Tony might find the Cat Cocoon irresistible.

It is constructed from layers of laser-cut corrugated cardboard creating a rippled texture. Good place to hide from the dog or just be alone. He also could lie on top of it and take a nap, scratch the ridges, massage his face and back. The surface is dotted with peepholes ranging in size from 1" to 3.5" wide in case Mr. Tony wants to check out the outside world while he is in there. Very unique item--certainly a conversation piece!

Dimensions: 28"L x 21"W x 15"H.
Interior: 25"L x 18"W x 13.5"H.

Cat Cocoon

Days Ago Digital Day Counter--Never Guess Again!

Great idea! Days Ago Digital Day Counter is a digital day counter that attaches to a variety of surfaces with a magnetic or suction backing and counts up to 99 days to track the age of the item. This has almost an infinite amount of uses in our daily routines, but as applies to pet care: for medications such as heartworm, earmites & flea; litter box changes, cage cleaning, grooming and so on. Your imagination is the limit. I know this will be on my gift list!

Days Ago Digital Day Counter

Coney Island-Outdoor Bedding

What a great idea for the warmer months--an outdoor dog bed! Instead of yipping to come in, when it is perfectly nice weather to stay outside, your pup can just curl up in the shade on their very own outdoor bed.

Made of sunbrella material which is long lasting, stain and fade proof. Available in two sizes: Large-24"x36" & X-Large-36"x42" from Pawnique.

Anxiety Wraps

A very serious problem in the life of many dogs is thunderstorm anxiety. Our Molly spends many hours in the closet when there is thunder out there. Since Molly lives in an area of the country that sees lots of thunderstorms, this is an issue. We are reluctant to "drug" her, especially since any medication would kick in after the fact.

This Anxiety Wrap may be worth a try, especially since our dog calms when we hug her. It fits like a snug T-shirt. It also purportedly helps calm "aggression, shyness, nervousness, releasing stress & tension, end jumping, stop destructive chewing, fear biting, car sickness, unnecessary barking, fear of loud noises, thunderstorm fear, sensitivity to touch, sensitive to sound, aloofness, emotional upset, hyperactivity, grooming issues and other anxieties."

Anxiety Wrap in Small to Large.

Canine Confections Gourmet Dog Treats

Here is a great gift for a "special occasion"--Gourmet Dog Treats. For an important time in your dog's life--birthday, graduation from dog obedience school or just learning a new skill. When you bring a house gift to your host/hostess, get on their good side (not to mention their puppy's) and bring these confections along.

These treats are handcrafted in small batches. Each individual treat contains the finest organic ingredients:

Love, organic rye flour, organic barly flour, carob, unsulphured molasses, organic sesame seeds, organic peppermint, organic cinnamon, organic egg glaze.

Available from Puplife.

Dog Breed Coaster & Mug Sets

Great gift for the dog lover or to use around your own house. Bring these Dog Breed Coaster & Mug Sets out when you have company to kick-start the conversation. There are many breeds to choose from.

Microwave and dishwasher safe. Beautifully packaged in a matching designer box.

Shop for your favorite Dog Breed.

Kool Kennel--Portable Unit to Keep Your Pet Cool

For those times crating is a necessity and your pet's comfort is high priority. The KoolKennel TM is a portable unit to keep your pet cool when the environment is hot and stuffy. It is attached to your pet's kennel and powered by the standard wall outlet. More economical than whole house a/c, when a pet must be left crated for a longer period of time in the home. Unit can be plugged into your vehicle's lighter, so can be utilized on the road. The price is relatively steep, but the investment is worth it under many circumstances for peace of mind, both yours and your pet's.

Dimensions are 7" x 5" x 2".

Fetch! Pet Care

Fetch! Pet Care is a franchise offering professional pet sitting and dog walking services. A while back, my mother was in the hospital and my father came down with that grisly stomach bug that went around last winter. They have a huge, "Marley"-style Gordon Setter who needed walking. What to do? How much can you ask of your friends?

Wish we had known about Fetch!. They offer the following services:

* Private Dog Walks
* Off-Leash Doggie Playgroups
* Cat and Small Pet Visits
* In-Home Overnight Sitting
* 'Go Fetch!' Four-Legged Fitness Service
* Private Dog Boarding
* Doggie Day or Evening Care
* Pet Taxi
* Yard Poop Cleanup
* Home Care
* Special Request Services, such as pet medication, baths, food and supply delivery.

What's not to love? Check and see if there is one near you!

Houndstooth Treat Jar & Food Bowl

What could be more appropriate than to keep your pet's cookies and biscuits in a Houndstooth Treat Jar. This unique, attractive treat jar keeps cookies and biscuits fresh while looking nice on your counter or shelf. It is decorated in a Houndstooth pattern and made of porcelain with platinum accents. The top has a rubber gasket to keep treats fresh and maybe even cut down on the smell, so your dogs won't know it's there!

Pair with a matching