Fun and educational birdwatching from the cozy comfort of your home!
Weekly update on seasonal sales and discounts from some of our favorite super cool pet shops. If you are having a sale of your own, or know of a good one, send an email to news@supercoolpets.
Keep Your Pets Safe in a Storm -- Checklist and Tips
After Tropical Storm Fay we posted on Preparing for Natural Disasters. Living in households with pets and children, we bear the scars from Hurricanes Bob, Gloria, Frances, Jeanne, Wilma and recently, the even-worse-in-terms-of-flooding Tropical Storm Fay.
With more storms currently on the way, and winter down the road, no matter where you call home, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of advance preparation and self-reliance. You will be on your own, at least for awhile.
A bright patterned Portland Cashmere Sweater made of luxurious two-ply cashmere, known for its high quality and legendary softness. Fun and casual, it's long-sleeved with a crew neck.
Cashmere Scarf to match the above Portland Cashmere Sweater in same two-ply cashmere yarns for cozy warmth and luxurious softness.
Wonderful for holiday gift-giving, or your own closet!
Feeling Patriotic? Red, White & Blue Quilted Dog Bed and Matching Star Quilt
What with the Olympics, US Open, Labor Day, the Democratic and Republican Conventions, plus the upcoming Presidential Elections, many of us are feeling all red, white and blue these days.
In that patriotic spirit, Super Cool Pets has found this Quilted Dog Bed. The Quilted Dog Bed has a removable 100% cotton cover with a memory foam insert.
Matches the 100% cotton Star Quilt below. Bandanna-print fabrics are hand pieced to create a pattern of graphic stars in red, white and blue. On sale--save up to 26%!
Indoor Pet Repellent -- Contech ScatMat Automatic Indoor Pet Training Mats
We recently featured outdoor Animal Nuisance Repellents. Here is a way to keep your cats and dogs away from off-limits areas indoors, especially now that schools and colleges are back in session and fewer people may be home during the day.
Contech ScatMat Automatic Indoor Pet Training Mats are harmless, yet effective pet training mats to keep your cats and dogs out of those prohibited areas. It emits a mild static charge, just uncomfortable enough to let your pet know to stay off. The beauty is that the mild "correction" is not associated with you, but with the inanimate mat.
Cain & Able Moisturizing Paw Rub for Pets and People
Does your pooch have dry, chafed elbows from lying on the hard floor, dry, itchy skin, a sun-burnt nose or cracked paw pads? Some Cain & Able Moisturizing Paw Rub will soothe the discomfort away.
This all-natural Paw Rub is formulated with no artificial colors or synthetic perfumes to protect those sore spots, heal the burns and cracks, and keep doggy skin moisturized.
Cain & Able Moisturizing Paw Rub is made with human-grade ingredients that are safe if ingested, so keep a stash handy in your own medicine cabinets to care for dry skin and chapped lips.
Super Cool Pet Lodging and Pet-Friendly Travel Sites
With Labor Day Weekend coming up, many pet owners who want to get away are no longer sending their pets to the neighborhood kennels. They are treating them to high-end pet resorts. From MSNBC's High-end pet lodges popular with owners
These days, when vacationers are unable to bring their pets along, booking them into a pet resort guarantees animal will be having as much fun as owner.
With luxurious suites, 24-hour room service, pampering spa services, hiking, swimming and other sports -- not to mention personal feline or canine chefs to attend to finicky eaters -- these resorts are a far cry from the typical boarding kennels (which, not long ago, resembled stark animal shelters).
Chauffeur-driven limos, virtual fish tanks, swimming, hiking, playtime--nothing is too good for our pampered pets.
However, if your pet is the traveling kind, here are two pet-friendly sites:
PetTravel.com is a portal for lots of information about traveling with animals, including immigration requirements, guidelines for pets and timeshares, and airline policies that you can search by carrier.
PetFriendlyTravel.com can link you to restaurants, hotels, spas, bed and breakfasts, and cabins in the United States, Canada and Mexico that will be happy to serve you and your four-legged family members.
Pet Dinnerware -- Pet Fashion Week Lifestyle Innovation Awards
This year, Pet Fashion Week NY has chosen Pet Dinnerware as its featured category for the PFW Lifestyle Innovation Award. Among the eight pet dinnerware designs chosen:
Take the tiger by the tail and feed your pets food and water in a Alessi Le Tigrito Pet Bowl. No more back strain.
Contech DrinkBetter™ Bowl is designed to encourage dogs to drink at a slower and healthier pace and keeps ears dry.
An old favorite of Super Cool Pets, the Whiner & Diner, hand-crafted from the recycled wooden wine crates of prestigious European and Californian vineyards.
Pet Pocket: Travel & Outdoor Vest-Style Bird Carrier
Here's a neat carrier to easily transport your pet bird to the veterinarian, the park or wherever you may want to go together. The PetPocket Carrier will keep your fragile bird safe and secure. It will be fun for your bird to see out and help reduce any anxiety. Features:
Vest-style pet carrier keeps your bird close
Padded shoulder strap
Quick-clip waist strap
Hands-free
Mesh fabric promotes airflow and visibility for added safety
Zippered opening at top and bottom allows access
Includes 1/2" diameter beveled perch and two toy hanging loops.
Removable bottom tray, wood perch and more add convenience
Contemporary Raised Diners for Cats and Dogs -- Wowo 2 Series HD Feeders
If you want your pampered pet's accessories to complement the beauty of your modern furnishings, the Wowo 2 Series HD pet feeders by Vurv Design will fit the bill.
For design-conscious cats and dogs, these made-to-order raised stations feature heavy-duty stainless steel dishes which are wider and shallower than the standard dishes. Cat-whisker friendly!
Wowo 2 Series HD are available in a variety of veneers in addition to Wenge (pictured above):
Here is our weekly update on seasonal sales and discounts from some of our favorite super cool pet shops. If you are having a sale of your own, or know of a good one, send an email to news@supercoolpets.
For the latest in Pet Products and Pet News, sign up for our free weekly Super Cool Pets email subscription.
Tropical Storm Fay Reminds Us to Stock Up -- Prepare for Natural Disasters
It is Tropical Storm season in sunny Florida. Florida has recently experienced flooding conditions courtesy of Tropical Storm Fay, which perplexingly strengthened over land and thus flooded Super Cool Pets headquarters.
The rainfall was much more excessive than past hurricanes. The nearby nuclear power plant was shut down, orange groves are threatened and in our fair city, streets have become canals. One bright spot is that we have welcomed a new member to our (currently underwater) backyard bird sanctuary, perhaps a green Quaker Parrot.
Super Cool Pets featured a comprehensive Hurricane and Natural Disaster Pet Care guide for pet owners based on experiences with Hurricanes Gloria, Bob, Jeanne, Frances and Wilma. After this bout with Tropical Storm Fay, we have been forced out of our comfy routine one more time and feel compelled to stress a couple of tips for all our Super Cool Pet owners:
Stock up on pet food -- Employees are people too. Stores may not be open due to impassable streets, store damage and no electricity. Supplies are finite if no deliveries are being made.
Stock up on clean water -- The public water supply of the city immediately to our north is contaminated. Overflowing septic tanks and flooded city utility stations pollute surface ground water pets might drink. Learn how to disinfect contaminated water.
Stock up on first aid and meds -- Stores may not be open or you can't get there from here.
Stock up on paper goods -- Those pet bowls get awful dirty if you can't wash them because there is no running water, polluted water or a backed up septic or sewer system.
Laundry -- Do it. May not be able to later.
Stock up on clean towels -- Pets and floors get wet.
Vacuum -- Pet hair and mud will abound. Better to start off clean.
Critters abound -- Snakes, alligators, rats, spiders and all kinds of critters are out and about as their homes have been flooded and destroyed. Not good for our pets.
Check your fences -- Storms destroy pet fences. Electrical fences are ineffective if the power is out.
Pet ID -- Check your pets' tags or microchip them. See "fences" above.
Check your birdfeeders for food and birdbaths for clean water -- Ours have been very busy (see above).
Stock up on $$$ -- Cash is just as good as money. Stores are open, but they may not have electricity. ATM's and credit card machines may not be functional.
Stock up on fuel -- For your generator or in case you must go.
Equip your car with a cell phone charger -- It won't charge without a source of power.
Environmentally-Friendly Kool Kennel Keeps Your Pet Super Cool
Back in April 2007, Super Cool Pets reported on the first prototype of the Kool Kennel. Since then, continuous testing and marketing research has resulted in the state-of-the art present Kool Kennel design.
Kool Kennel is a portable light-weight device that generates cool and warm air to keep your pet comfortable, whether traveling in your vehicle or at home. It easily attaches to most animal crates with secure hooks or Velcro strips. Kool Kennel is powered from a vehicle battery, vehicle cigarette/power outlet, or a building electrical outlet.
Environmentally- friendly Kool Kennel can help you reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing the overall use of A/C or heat in your home and vehicle. With the academic year beginning, and fewer people around the house during the day, this device can give you extra assurance that your crated pet is comfortable. We can also envision its usefulness at dog shows, on the boat, and at other pet-oriented events.
Consumers can take steps to help prevent foodborne illness, including Salmonella -related illness, when handling pet foods and treats. These products, like many other types of foods, can be susceptible to harmful bacterial contamination. Safe Handling Tips for Pet Foods and Treats
Three Little Kittens Denim Shirt is a great gift for yourself - or any cat lover. Light blue, double-stitched, long-sleeved denim shirt has button-down collar with colorful, embroidered cat decal on pocket.
Eureka Launches Pet Lover Vacuum Line for Pet Owners: Eureka CAPTURE PLUS Pet Lover and Eureka OPTIMA Pet Lover
The two problems pet owners complain about most are pet hair and odor. Eureka® has introduced the new Pet Lover vacuum line with two vacuums equipped with innovative features to tackle these problems:
The vacuums have the odor-eliminating power of charcoal built into their filters and a special power brush designed to remove pet hair from stairs and furniture.
Art of Disney Imagination Commemorative Stamp Collection Features Pongo and Pup
Who didn't love Pongo and his pups from Walt Disney's 101 Dalmations? This is a special 11" x 14" tall matted artwork featuring the image of the 101 Dalmatians' Pongo and Pup stamp from the 42-cent The Art of Disney: Imagination release.
Keep Troublesome Animals Away -- Two Animal Nuisance Repellents
As much as we love animals and our own pets in particular, there are times when we need to shoo them away. Here are several intriguing approaches.
Whether it's your dog or the neighbor's dog that barks incessantly, PetSafe Outdoor Ultrasonic Bark-Deterrent is a great solution to problem barking. This "decorative birdhouse" is really a highly effective bark- deterrent in disguise. It is equipped with an internal microphone to detect excessive, repetitive barking up to 50 feet away. Features:
Decorative outdoor bark deterrent with bird-house theme
Safe and effective bark control for all sizes and breeds of dogs
Can be hung from trees or fence posts or perched on wall
Detects repetitive barking
Emits a high-pitch ultrasonic (inaudible to humans) tone to quell barking within 50 feet
3 Correction settings to control unit's sensitivity to barks
Animal Nuisance Repeller not only keeps troublesome animals away, but is also great for training pets, silencing a barking dog, or keeping deer, raccoons and other pests away from your garden or trash. Features:
Pets used to live outside. The farm dog hung out in the barn or slept under the front porch. Cats lived in the barn loft and did their job of keeping the vermin at bay. Fast forward a few generations. It's often recommended that cats be "indoor only" and hundreds of dollars can be spent on an orthopedic bed for the dog.
Just because we bring those former barnyard residents inside the house may not mean they are healthier for it. Scientists often cite our companion animals as "canaries in the coal mine." Household environmental toxins can be a major concern.
Here is a short list of household toxins to keep away from your pet:
Ibuprofen & Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Fabric softener sheets
Most cleaners and detergents
Xylitol, a sugar substitute
Grapes and Raisins
Insecticides and Flea Killers
Two Popular Green Pet Sites:
Amazon Green-- Pets: Pet lovers can shop from a list of products that customers have selected as the best green products offered on Amazon.
Travel with Your Pets in Safety -- Pet Tube Pet Travel Station
Concerned about the safety of your pets while traveling? Do they distract you while driving? The versatile Pet Tube Pet Travel Station should alleviate those worries.
It protects you, your animals and your car. Your pets will not disturb the driver and will be safe in case of accident.
You can use your Pet Tube Pet Travel Station in different ways, adapting it to both your pet (length) and your car loading situations.
Comes in two sizes in order to fit either a small or a large pet.You may open it completely or partially.
When folded, it takes very little room.
A Sniffany Pet Bed for the pampered pooch that has it all. The little "blue box" is filled with comfy hypo-allergenic poly fill and covered in light blue micro-velvet material wrapped with the familiar white bow. A great conversation piece!
Pet treats made from animal products may contain salmonella bacteria, which won't bother your furry pal but can give you a fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea 12 to 72 hours after the bug gets in your system. So how does it get there? Probably in your kitchen. An investigation a couple of years ago of pet owners who suddenly came down with nausea and vomiting found that they had fed their animals a treat and then prepared food for themselves.
So how to prevent your spending three or four days in the bathroom (or, in severe cases, the hospital) without depriving your dog of treats? It's pretty simple: Just wash your hands thoroughly after touching the snacks.
Here is our weekly update on seasonal sales and discounts from some of our favorite super cool pet shops. If you are having a sale of your own, or know of a good one, send an email to news@supercoolpets.
Fall Pet Fashion: Autumnal Collar Collection for Dogs and Cats
It's not too soon to be thinking about fall colors and apparel. The Fall Collar Collections from Modern Tails have caught our eye for canine and feline wear this upcoming fall season:
These fabric collars encase durable nylon webbing and are fully adjustable, with welded metal D-rings on the collars. For cats, the Petite 3/8" should fit. No new matching leads at this time.
All Sizes:
Petite: 3/8"W x 5" - 9" neck, ~2 - 9 lbs.
Small: 1/2"W x 8" - 12" neck, ~7 - 15 lbs.
Medium: 3/4"W x 11" - 16" neck, ~13 - 45 lbs.
Large: 1"W x 15" - 22" neck, ~40 - 120 lbs.
X-Large: 1"W x 19" - 29" neck, ~100 - 200 lbs.
Get Unlimited Free 2-Day Shipping -- Amazon Prime One Month Free Trial
Drive less. Save more.
Amazon Prime is a popular Amazon.com program that gives its members unlimited FREE two-day shipping on millions of eligible items.
All new members are offered a free trial, allowing them to experience the convenience of shopping with Amazon Prime benefits for an entire month at no charge.
Amazon Prime members enjoy the following benefits:
1. Unlimited FREE Two-Day Shipping on millions of Amazon.com Items
2. Overnight Shipping upgrades for only $3.99 per item
3. Shopping with no minimum order size
4. Ability to share benefits with up to 4 household members
5. 1 Month Free Trial
Just finished City Dog by Alison Pace. This was a fun read, not heavy, but entertaining. The official blurb doesn't do it justice:
From the author of Pug Hill and If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend comes a charming and original exploration of one woman's search for happiness, and the cast of characters - real and imagined - who help her find it.
After her divorce, Amy Dodge thought she'd finally write the next Great American Novel. Instead she's now the author of a bestselling children's book series, Run, Carlie, Run! starring her adorable and spirited West Highland white terrier, Carlie, and a dashing (but fictional) Scottish explorer, Robert Maguire. Though when Carlie is offered the starring role in her own television show about activities for urban canines, and Robert Maguire begins to take on a life of his own, Amy's world takes a turn toward the surreal.
As Amy finds herself getting cropped out of Carlie's many photo opportunities and unable to get the image of Robert Maguire out of her head, the city she once loved begins to lose its appeal. But just when she starts thinking that it's a dog's life after all, she figures out a way to make everything change. And while life in New York is not always a walk in the park, it just might take Amy and Carlie to exactly where they need to be...
This is an original dog-lover's story of burn-out, loneliness, hope, honesty and love told from the vantage points of the different characters.
CITY DOG is a whimsical, fanciful story presented from the points of view of an on-the-verge-of-jaded New York City writer, one of her fictional children's storybook characters, and her dog. Pace writes with wit, confidence, a delightful and gentle voice, and a keen eye that misses nothing. - Lee Harrington, best-selling author of Rex and the City
If you like chick lit and even if you don't, Super Cool Pets recommends this book. City Dog will be released September 2.
Aqua Pure Breed -- Premium Water for Your On-the-Go Pampered Pet
Sometimes when we are out shopping or away from home, a source of clean, additive-free water for our pampered pooch is just impossible to find. Super Cool Pets has found the perfect solution.
Aqua Pure Breed offers mineral-enhanced water in a portable bowl-shaped bottle for dogs on the go. Easy to bring along when spending the day out and about, whether dining on restaurant patios, taking long walks and hikes, or running errands. Great for auto trips and emergencies, too.
Aqua Pure Breed offers water subscription services and conveniently delivers directly to your home. Just visit their site. Soon to be available at local retailers.
The Art of Racing in the Rain -- The Uplifting Story of Enzo
Author Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain is getting a lot of buzz lately. It is the uplifting story of Enzo, a lab terrier mix, narrated from the first-person. From the website:
Personalized Martingale Collar -- Humanely Gain Control over Your Dog
The Personalized Martingale Collar gives you added control over your dog. The dog collar tightens only up to a certain point to get the dog's attention and then stops--never choking. Safer to use than a choke chain. Effective, safe, and humane.
Note--The measurement taken for the Martingale collar is at the top of the neck, directly behind the ears, to correspond with the size of the collar in the closed position. Personalized Martingale Collar in red, blue, blaze orange, green, black. Personalize in up to 24 characters with name/phone.
Pet Scoop -- Successful Pit Bull Commercial Cloning
One pit bull times 5 -- Woman paid $50,000 to Korean lab to turn skin cells from her pet pit bull into embryos carried by two surrogates. Read the (kinda wierd) story.
A clone is an organism that is genetically identical to another organism. Clones are very common.
If you have ever taken a cutting from a plant, placed it in water until roots sprouted, and then potted the newly independent vegetation, you have cloned a plant. If you have eaten a banana, you have consumed part of a cloned organism.
As well, identical twins are by definition clones of each other. This leads me to the answer to your question.
Here is our weekly update on seasonal sales and discounts from some of our favorite super cool pet shops. If you are having a sale of your own, or know of a good one, send an email to news@supercoolpets.
Globe Aquarium with LED Light -- Freak Out Your Fish
This spooky Globe Aquarium with LED Light will definitely enhance any room in your house. Made with superior glass and of a modern design, this aquarium holds 1/2 gallon of water. Don't forget to change water daily or populate with fish who thrive in low-oxygen water conditions, such as the Betta.
If you live in a "zoo", the Dyson DC17 Absolute Animal Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed for homes with pets. Effective for use on all floor types, this Dyson upright vacuum cleaner features advanced Level 3 Root Cyclone technology to ensure thorough, efficient cleaning with no clogging or loss of suction. This vac is bagless, comes with a hygienic 5/8-gallon dust bin, a lifetime HEPA filter; and is certified asthma-friendly.
Puplight™ Night Safety Light -- No More Carrying a Flashlight at Night
Puplight™ Night Safety Light lights up so you and others can see your dog at night--200 feet forward and 70 feet to either side. Help motorists and cyclists see you and your dog in the dark.
Other situations where this collar safety light would be really helpful and reduce anxiety:
Locate a dog let out at night, who does not come when called
See where to clean up after your dog
Find a dog hurt at night
Help wildlife avoid your dog
To aid elderly dogs whose night vision has deteriorated
Boosts a dog's confidence climbing up steps, a ramp, or in and out of a vehicle in the dark
Automatic Cat Faucet for Cats Who Love to Drink from the Tap
Do your cats hover in the tub or sink to drink from the faucet? The clever folks over at Sixerdoodle have developed a sensor-equipped Automatic Cat Faucet, similar to the faucets that automatically go on when you pass your hands under them.
Somehow our cats learned to drink from the faucet. We'd turn the water on for them, but they never turn it off when they were done! I'm sure there are other cat owners out there with a similar problem. So, I built the Cat Faucet so the cats could turn the water on and off for themselves. As a kit, I would rate this medium complexity. The electronics are simple and straight-forward but you also need to do some mechanical work and some plumbing to complete the project, which raises the complexity.
Combine Cats and Celts -- Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers
Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers will add some humor to your life. Everyone's favorite Irish Drinking Songs are rewritten with lyrics about cats. Track Listings:
1. Wild Kitty (parody Wild Rover)
2. A Cat Named Rover (parody Gypsy Rover)
3. The Mining Ship the Red Dwarf (parody Bonnie Ship the Diamond)
4. When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling (parody When Irish Eyes Are Smiling)
5. Lord of the Pounce (parody Lord of the Dance)
6. I'll Tell My Cat (parody I'll Tell My Ma)
7. The Cat Came Back... The Cat's Perspective
8. Black Is the Color (of My Cat's Fur)
9. Cats Chasing Butterflies
10. The Demented Cat Game (parody Patriot Game)
11. Black Kitty Paw (parody Black Velvet Band)
12. Catnipping Green (parody Fiddler's Green)
13. The Old Grey Cat
14. Furagone's Wake (parody Finnegan's Wake)
15. Jasper Tabby Kitty Cat-y (parody The Barnyards of Delgaty)
Pet Zen Dog Tread -- Motorized Exercise for Your Pet
Health experts recommend daily exercise for our pets. The PetZen DogTread Motorized Exercise Treadmill is a motorized exercise treadmill made especially for pets that are city dwellers or have other circumstances that do not allow for a daily walk. Folds up for easy storage. For dogs up to 30 lbs.
The horrifying story of a dog that died after being left in a kennel drying machine is a tragic warning about an unregulated industry, an expert said Friday -- and a wake-up call to pet owners who need to do their homework about the facilities they trust with their beloved animals.
If this story leaves you a bit queasy, why not groom your pet yourself? It isn't difficult and can increase interaction time with your dog or cat. Plus you can save $$$.
DogsDog Grooming Brushes keep your pet healthy, beautiful and help prevent uncomfortable pet hair mats. Pets with short or medium haircoats or long, unmatted coats will all benefit from the added attention.
Cats Your cat grooms and massages herself anytime she wants with this Arch Groomer Deluxe The Arch's brush-like sides catch hair and dander and a catnip-treated carpeted base lets cats scratch to their heart's delight.
Cat Hole Pet Door -- Allows Your Cat Access Through a Closed Door
Need to allow your cat or small dog access through a closed door in your home? Perhaps to a litter box kept in a closet or your laundry room without leaving the door open all the time?
Here is a clever solution --the customizable Cat Hole Pet Door. The door ships with two unfinished wooden frames so you can either stain or paint to match your door.
Cat Hole Pet Door includes a brush to install between the two frames which will 'groom' your kitty as s/he passes through. For indoor use. Cute!
ORGIT Software Corporation has launched its brand new pet care software site, mypetsoft.com for users to consolidate, organize and manage all of their pets' important information online. Unlike a lot of contact management software, this site can be accessed from a browser, rather than your desktop, meaning it can be accessed from any computer, anywhere, anytime. Those familiar with the award-winning Petcare® Software CD version that was released to the market in early 2004 will find it very similar in look and functionality.
This site is user friendly for family or business use, with the capability of maintaining individual files for each animal. The software allows the site manager to grant access to other trusted parties. Perfect for use by veterinarians, groomers, pet sitters, pet hotels, kennels, shelters. A pet owner can allow access to any of the prior mentioned pet businesses, as well as friends, family, and even grant them editing privileges. Information is easily exchanged and updated.
The mypetsoft.com software provides 11 categories which include pet health records, pet identity data, missing pet alerts, a pet contact manager and over fifty sub-categories. mypetsoft.com is secured by a password.
Illusion Collar and Leash Set By Cesar Millan -- Control Your Dog on Walks
Tired of being yanked along on walks? Cesar Millan feels your pain. The Illusion Collar and Leash Set By Cesar Millan was developed by the Pack Leader himself and his wife Ilusion to provide owners with a tool to achieve maximum control their dogs during walks.
The The Illusion Collar and Leash Set By Cesar Millan is now available internationally. WARNING: if your dog's neck measures less than 13 inches or more than 24 inches around the base of the neck, this collar should not be used.
Here is our weekly update on seasonal sales and discounts from some of our favorite super cool pet shops. If you are having a sale of your own, or know of a good one, send an email to news@supercoolpets.
Review -- Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote
Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote was released in paperback this past April and published originally in hardcover in 2007. We featured it in last year's Holiday Book Gift Guide and have had it in the review pipeline here at Super Cool Pets for awhile. This book receives a 5-star rating at Amazon through 153 reviews, easily understandable. If you haven't read this book, read it and give it as a gift to every dog lover you know. As the book ends, you may find this dog and his owner unforgettable.
Lots of us have lived with dogs for many many years. There is always room to improve our interactions with the animals who share our lives. Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog does not disappoint as to "lessons". Author Ted Kerasote's account of his conversations and life with his dog Merle reveal a loving insight into dog psychology we have never before encountered.
Mr. Kerasote regards the dog-human relationship as one between partners--he does not view his dog as a subordinate or himself as a pack leader. Let the dog be a dog.
Since dogs are wolves--genetically and psychologically--they, too, want some say in conducting their lives as they grow up. They want some authentic freedoms while also listening to those who are their elders, their human partners. Keeping one's dog a perpetual child and quashing this natural maturation process by not giving the dog some leeway in conducting its own affairs--especially providing it off-leash time in which to socialize with other dogs--often leads to what this heavy-handed approach does in child rearing: the dog acts out or becomes a yes-dog, obeying mindlessly and not realizing its full mental capabilities.
The narrative of Mr Kerasote's almost 14 years with Merle is sprinkled with researched information about canine genealogy and the evolution of human-dog interaction. And yes, you will need a full box of tissues, especially if your own dog is lying nearby.
After you throw away the empty tissue box, in case you just can't let go, check out Merle's Life in Photos.
No Dogs Allowed
No more back strain.
is a motorized exercise treadmill made especially for pets that are city dwellers or have other circumstances that do not allow for a daily walk. Folds up for easy storage. For dogs up to 30 lbs. 
Mailing List
Subscribe - RSS
Site Navigation
