July 16, 2009

Painter, animal welfare philanthropist, and all-around animal lover Ron Burns will release his new book, Rufus Rhymes, on August 15, 2009. The lyrics of popular nursery rhymes have been rewritten to be dog-centric, and are illustrated with his signature paintings.
Copies of the 24 page book ($8.99) are now available for pre-order at his website, www.RufusRhymes.com, where you will also find coloring pages, puzzles, activities, and e-cards to send to friends. All copies ordered during the "pre-order period," unitl August 15, will be autographed by Ron Burns.
"I wanted to create a book that any dog lover young or old can enjoy. For those just learning the classics, or having not heard them in decades, the lullabies in this book have a fresh twist making this a first-ever book for readers and their pooches," says Burns. "Each lullaby is brought to life with my painted images that show the clownish, endearing traits we all love about dogs."
Also available only during the "pre-order period" is a copy of the book plus a signed, limited-edition Giclee print, measuring 11 x 14, of an image from the book.
July 11, 2009
July 6, 2009

People are finding novel ways to memorialize our deceased pets. As we posted in June, the Soft-Hearted Pillow can be stuffed with the cremains of beloved family pets. Now we discover Detroit painter Gretchen Kiefer turns ashes and pet photos into textured plaster portraits.
Working off the pet's photograph, this artist paints an eight-layer plaster portrait, embedding up to 4 ounces of ash cremains for a unique pet final resting place that you can hang on your wall.
via PeoplePets
June 30, 2009

During July and August your local PetSmart will feature the exclusive Good Dog Trixie Koontz products. The Dog Bliss You product line by Dean Koontz, worldwide best-selling author and pet parent to the late Trixie, his beloved golden retriever, is based on the book Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life
The collection celebrates Trixie's "wit and wisdom" and includes 31 unique items:
* Butterfly toys, plush bones, disks and rope tugs to play with dogs.
* Food bowls and storage canisters.
* "Bliss You" and "Laugh 'til Your Face Hurts" tanks for a carefree style.
* Specialty gifts such as coffee mugs, photo frames, key chains, journals and pens.
All royalties are donated to Canine Companions for Independence (CCI).

June 27, 2009

Yesterday, Friday June 26, was Take Your Dog to Work Day. Did you bring your dog to work? If so, how did it go?
If you think your office needs more dog-friendly policies, or you just need advice on how to prepare your dog for the office environment, get the scoop from Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide to Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces
by Liz Palika and Jennifer Fearing.

And if you didn't get to take your dog to work, here is a cute slideshow of readers' photos at boston.com.
Photo: Casey, a 1½-year-old Golden Retriever, in the office conference room of David Sturm's office in Milford, N.H.
June 25, 2009

iBird Explorer is a "field guide to birds" app designed specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch. This is an interactive guide to all bird species of North America containing illustrations, photos, bird calls, and comprehensive facts to help you identify and enjoy birds.
There are several versions of iBird, so you can pick the one that suits you best. The free version, called iBird 15, has all the functionality of the full app with 15 of the most common birds of North America.
The most comprehensive versions are iBird Pro and iBird Plus which contain all the birds of North America.
There are also five less expensive regional versions of iBird, so check out this bird-lover's iPhone Application
now available on iTunes.com.
June 20, 2009

Above is the official portrait of the adorable Obama family dog, "Bo", on the South Lawn of the White House. Bo is a a Portuguese Water Dog.
The White House has also created a Bo baseball card, which features Bo's bio and fun facts.
via ABC News
June 18, 2009

Ah, the 21st century. Boston Twitter sensation Sockington the cat, or "Socks" for short, views his likeness fashioned by a Latte Art Printer. Watch the video:
The Latte Art Printer is available for pre-order at OnLatte.
Sockington Vimeo via Single Serve Coffee
June 16, 2009
Father's Day is Sunday June 21st. We have dug up great gifts for Dad at Orvis, where you can get delivery by Saturday June 20th.

This quality Leather Lanyard with English Whistles will get a dog's attention! Two dog obedience training whistles are attached via stainless steel end clips to a comfortable, hand-braided adjustable lanyard made from genuine nubuck leather.
These are two of the most famous British sporting/training obedience whistles of all time -- a model 60½ nickel-plated brass "Thunderer" and the pealess, high-pitched model 211½.

The Orvis Book of Dogs is sure to be a welcome gift for any dog lover or sporting enthusiast. This new book is filled with beautiful images by renowned photographer Denver Bryan with an inspired extended essay by leading sporting dog writer Tom Davis. From Labs and Goldens, to English Setters and Weimaraners, the book celebrates the defining characteristics of each breed.
June 13, 2009
More and more books every day are available in Kindle
edition. We love our Kindle 2 and consider it more than worth the investment. To never be without a book to read again--priceless!
Browse the Amazon Hot New Pet Book Releases
in our ongoing monthly series.

Traveling with Your Pet, 11th Edition: The AAA Petbook
A comprehensive and easy-to-use guide for AAA-rated lodgings that welcome pets. Arranged alphabetically by state, you'll find hotels in both small towns and major cities, with a list of icons showing what amenities you can expect with a sentence or two outlining pet policies.

The Complete Single's Guide to Being a Dog Owner
by Betsy Rosenfeld
From what to do when your puppy poops in your shoes to how to train your dog to play nice with your new date, this guide answers all the questions singles should ask before and after bringing home your new furry companions.

Please Don't Feed the Daisy: Living, Loving, and Losing Weight with the World's Hungriest Dog
by Beverly West and Jason Bergund
Heartwarming and healthy tale for dog- and food- lovers everywhere of the author's journey with their pets toward becoming a fit family.

Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet's Life
by Greg L. Tilford (Author), Mary L. Wulff
Hundreds of plant medicines that can be used in the daily care of animals with a wealth of information to select, prepare, and apply natural remedies, some of which may be growing in our own backyards.

Paws & Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs
by Sharon Sakson
A journalist, television producer, dog breeder and American Kennel Club dog-show judge, the author chronicles the numerous ways dogs contribute to our health.
Continue reading: "Super Cool Pet Books -- Amazon Hot New Releases 6/13/09"