Animal Planet - Pet Trends blog

A Paw-sitively Powerful Evening

The fabulous folks at Discovery Health invited Dixie and I to emcee their launch party for the premiere of Pets & People and the launch of their advocacy initiative Power of Paws. 

Last night, we mingled with pet-loving guests including Nicky Hilton, Rumer Willis and America's  Next Top Model CariDee English, drank "pawtinis" (me not Dixie), ate Snausages (Dixie, not me) and then took the stage to introduce individuals who truly show that having pets can make us all healthier and happier. 

Dixie and I had the honor of introducing an American Hero, Corporal Shane Parsons, who lost his legs while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq.  He credits his relationship with therapy dogs in helping him recover and rehabilitate.

We also met Bonnie Bergin who has published two books, Understanding 'Dog Mind': Bonnie Bergin's Guide to Bringing Out the Best in Your Dog and Teach Your Dog to Read. She then did a demonstration where she showed off a pooch who could indeed read.  If I hadn't seen it with my own two eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it.  I did go home and try to see if Dixie could read, but instead she looked at me like I was nuts and walked away in search of another snausage. 

It was a very special night that you too can experience by tuning in to Pets & People when it premieres on Discovery Health.

Thanks to everyone at Del Monte and Discovery Health for inviting Dixie and I.  We had a very memorable night. 

Denise Richards: Pets Complicated

Denise Richards is one of my favorite pet lovers in Hollywood. Her cats, dogs and pigs, yep, pigs, often take center stage in her new reality show Denise Richards: It's Complicated on E! We gabbed for a bit about how vital a role these pets play in her family's life on and off-camera. 

I love how much of the screen time in your new show is "hogged" by the four-legged set, your pets! Tell us more about them.

My animals have a huge part on the show; they are always featured on the show. I also have pigs. We are waiting to see if Charlotte is pregnant. We have an ultrasound that we are going to do to find out. I mean Charlotte alone has her own story line.

So, how many different kinds of animals do you have?

I have a pot belly pig and then the two bigger pigs, Charlotte and Burt, and we also have Bob. Someone called me to see if I would take one that’s deformed, so we have her - she is very little, she is the runt and very sweet and very cute, but I think she is going to need surgery on her legs. Then our dogs -- we have French Bull Dogs and Cantrell Cavaliers, Labs, and a Golden Retriever. I also have cats, which keep the snakes away because there are a lot of rattle snakes around.

Have you always been a major animal lover? 

I have been an animal lover since I was a kid. I have brought in every stray you can imagine. I volunteered at a humane society. I worked at a dog grooming place when I was a teenager so I was always an animal lover. And it’s funny because people are always like ‘you have so many animals,’ when I do interviews and it’s like I’m being penalized because I have so many animals but I am a huge animal lover and I have always loved them and my girls love them too! It's like a petting zoo here. 

You Sexy Thang

I've been hearing a lot about this new line for pets called Sexy Beast.  I mean, that's a name not easily forgotten.  I got on the phone with the founder, Renee to hear all about this line of pampering products that is taking over Hollywood.

What is Sexy Beast?

Sexy Beast™ is a collection of fine fragrance and hair care products designed specifically for pets to extend the time between grooming appointments.

How did you come to create this line?

Having worked in the beauty industry for over 12 years, I have always dreamed of creating a brand of my own.  When I finally got to a place in my life where I was able to do that, I couldn't help but notice all the trends that were happening in the pet industry.  I saw luxury brands like Hermes, Burberry and Gucci all creating clothing and accessories for pets but I didn't see anything following those trends in the grooming segment and that's how the idea came about. 

Having had a dog who died of lymphosarcoma (the 3rd most common form of cancer diagnosed in dogs), I am very careful about what type of food and the products I use on my boxer, Austin.  When I began doing research for the Sexy Beast™ grooming products, I learned that there is no regulatory as far as ingredients and labeling in the industry.  After uncovering this information, I knew I had to create a line that was safe - vegan, hypo-allergenic and made using only plant-based ingredients.  We formulate and label according to FDA regulations, just like the cosmetic industry.

Who are your celebrity fans? Go ahead and name drop!

Jessica Simpson is a big fan of the brand.  She uses Sexy Beast™ Powder in Light on her dog Daisy. Rebecca Gayheart & Eric Dane use the Sexy Beast™ Signature Fragrance on their Maltese, Teacup. Perez Hilton's dog Teddy wears the Sexy Beast™ Swarovski Crystal Tee and Eva Longoria also uses the brand and her dog Jinxy wears a custom engraved Sexy Beast™ dog tag.

What are your favorite pet trends?

Taking your dog on vacation!  It's so easy now, so many great hotels are pet-friendly.  I recently had some friends visit me here in NYC from Dallas, they brought their English Bulldog and stayed at the Soho Grand!  It doesn't get much better than that!

Who is your favorite celebrity pet lover?

Hayden Panettiere because she truly uses her notoriety to make a difference in the lives of all animals, not just pets.  She acts as the voice of worthy and important causes for those who cannot speak for themselves.  I think she is an amazing young woman.

Where can we get Sexy Beast?

Of course , you can get it on our website at www.sexybeaststyle.com.  As for retail locations, you can find Sexy Beast™ in specialty stores like Henri Bendel and Fred Segal as well as high-end pet boutiques across the country.

Any fashion faux paws you warn against committing for the four-legged set?

Using human products on pets is never a good thing to do!

New Yorkie

Just another reason to get excited about the new Sex And The City movie ... Samantha has a dog! Gidget Gormley, a yorkie,  has her own blog (www.gidgetgormley.com) and writes all about her adventures in filming for tv and movies. 

This is one star pooch! Top designers vied for the chance to dress Miss Gidget for the film and you can bet she’s going to be strutting some fetchin’ fashions.  I mean, you have to when you are sharing the screen with Kim Cattrall.  Perhaps Gidget plays a “pup-licist” alongside Samantha just like Miss Dixie does with me!

Hot Diggity Dog!

If you're in the NYC area, mark your calendars now!

Visit Trixie + Peanut on May 8th from 6- 9 PM for a benefit for the Humane Society of New York!

Haute Diggity Dog, the geniuses behind Manolo Barknik and Chewnel #5 toys, is launching movie and celebrity-inspired toys just in time for the premiere of the Sex And The City movie. Come for champagne, cosmuttpolitan punch, meet adoptable animals and enjoy shopping for a good cause. I'm in!

Perez Hilton ... Queen of All Media and Dog Lover!

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know all about Perez Hilton.  His blog gets millions of hits a day from folks eager to hear the latest celebrity gossip and his show on Vh-1, What Perez Sez features Perez hanging out with - and dishing on - his favorite Hollywood friends.  He's now my new friend and I couldn't wait to ask him all about celebrity pet lovers and his new dog, Teddy. 

How did Teddy come into your life?
Teddy came into my life thanks to the internet.  I typed into Google three keywords: small, cute and smart. Mini-Goldendoodles (a mix of a Golden Retriever and Poodle) were the first to come up. 

I had never heard of that type of dog before so I was a bit confused. My family has a dog named Coquito, who I love.  He's an older Maltese, but I really wanted a smart dog.   So I did a little more research on Goldendoodles and then I found a breeder that specializes in them.  So I drove really far to pick him up and when I picked him up, I was instantly drawn to him.  On the drive back, he barfed on my lap and it was love at first site.

Does Teddy look like a celebrity? 
Teddy has so many fans, that I think he looks a little like Benji, that famous dog from back in the day, but much cuter.  He's like a little teddy bear, that's why I named him Teddy.

Have you always been a pet lover?
I have always loved animals, though I'm really allergic to cats.  I start crying and sneezing and sniffling.  It's just not pretty.  Thankfully, Teddy doesn't shed and it's a perfect match.

Do you have celebrity playdates with other dog lovin' celebs? 
Yes, Teddy has had a playdate with Emmy Rossum's doggies.  My friend Ross Matthews (from The Tonight Show) has a doggie and we are setting up a playdate soon. 

What do you think about Paris' recent troubles with having all those dogs?
I think it's a little excessive to have more dogs than you can take care of yourself.  If you can't take care of 6 or 10 dogs alone, you shouldn't have that many.

Who is your favorite celebrity dog lover? Ellen Degeneres

If Teddy could talk, what would he say? "I love my daddy."

What is your favorite Pet Trend?
My favorite pet trend is getting dogs neutered.  My vet says it's healthy for them and it helps keep the animal population in control.

Do you travel with Teddy?  If so, what are your tips for traveling in style?
I haven't yet traveled with Teddy, because he's not 100% trained yet, so as soon as he's done with that, he'll be able to travel with me.

What are your favorite doggie grooming products and stores?
Well, Teddy is really spoiled and he gets so many things from different locations.  He loves his toys and outfits.  Some of the recent places he's gotten great goodies from include House of Dog which is located in California.  Also from My Sassy Dog in Canada and organic treats from Kaylee Kakes. 

How do you pamper Teddy?
I love giving Teddy massages and I love giving him new toys. He loves his toys.  He's got so many toys!

What is your favorite thing to do with Teddy?
My favorite thing to do with Teddy is just to cuddle with him.

What would Teddy say about you?
Teddy would say that I'm a very loving parent and that he's really lucky to have me as a father.

After our interview, I wanted to thank Perez for chatting with me, so I sent Teddy this Hollywood Stretch Limo Pet Bed from Trixie + Peanut.  How perfect for a dog like Teddy!

Photo Credit: Ryan Born/Contributor/Getty Images

We're Not In Kansas Anymore

One of my favorite movies of all time is The Wizard of Oz.  When Dorothy put on those ruby slippers?  Magical!  But have you ever noticed that Toto was left without stylish footwear?  Well, your little doggie doesn't have to be left out!

 

Check out these Ruby Slippers from Trixie + Peanut!  Just where should doggies wear ruby slippers? Anywhere!  These slippers are the chic ballet flats of the dog world.  But what to wear with the slippers?  Either go nude and let it be all about the shoes or...

Pair them with this show stopper from Modern Tails Boutique!  I don't know what I love most, the cherries, the denim or the red gingham!

Or, match them with this sailor dress, also from Modern Tails Boutique. Head to toe glamour!

Somewhere over the rainbow ... Yep, this rainbow dress was created by dog lovin' and totin' Paris Hilton for celebrity favorite line, Little Lily.

Sporting these shiny shoes takes courage, but we think your pooch can find it within , especially with these cute outfits to boot!

Toying with the Puparazzi

Who doesn't love a little celebrity gossip?  Meet Dixie's new friends – Brad Pittbull, Biteme Spears, Doggy Depp and perfect for the upcoming Sex and the City movie, Sarah Jessica Barker.  Your dog can mingle with these stars too with these adorable Puparazzi Pups from Haute Diggity Dog! 

And, what kind of celebrity would they be if there wasn't a charity angle?!  When you buy one of these toys a portion of the proceeds goes to Help A Dog Play Another Day which aids no-kill shelters. Now your dog can be just as obsessed with Hollywood as you are!

Celebrity Pets Score at the Oscars

The days leading up to the Oscars are filled with swag parties for Hollywood's favorite celebrities and I got the dish on some of the pet swag that was scooped up by pet-loving stars.  Check it out!

Goodies for pampered celebrity pooches and kitties included:

Products from John Paul Pet:
Everyone who has ever been to a salon has surely used or seen Paul Mitchell hair products by John Paul DeJoria.  Now, John Paul has combined his love for hair and pets to create these salon-quality grooming products.   With products like Tea Tree Treatment and Oatmeal Shampoo, your pooch will be primped, polished and ready for her close-up.

T-shirts from Happy Go Lucky Dogs:
You'll be seeing all of the pet stars in these duds pretty soon.  T-shirts with personality!  My favorites include the "I *heart* Bitches" hoodie and of course, this Low-Rider tee made especially for Doxies!

Clothing from K9 Duds:
Finally, some pet wear with attitude!  K9Duds is what all the hip pups are wearing.  As described on their website, "With a powerful mixture of rock-infused fashion, and an attitude of the London street punk scene, K9 DUDS is reinventing dog clothing from the underground up."  Celebrities from Vanessa Hudgens to Gossip Girl's Chase Crawford are getting in on this street trend. 

And now, for the Oscar Doggie ... er, Goodie Bags!

Last night, the nominees who didn't pick up their own golden statue, were comforted by jaw-dropping goodie bags.  Inside those bags were solid Swarovski crystal dog collars with matching crystal bracelets for the celebs from Pick of the Glitter Pet Jewelry®.  Sound pricey?  It is! I’m talking a $600 value!

The lucky A-listers taking home this bling-bling for themselves and their dogs include Cate Blanchette, Laura Linney, George Clooney, Ellen Page and more.  Glitter Pet Jewelry also generated major buzz by making a cameo at the Grammy Awards.

Finally, you know my favorite tabloid pictures are of celebrities with their pets.  Now your own dog can dress like a celeb and rock the latest red-carpet fashions with pet designs by Little Lily.  This canine couture label is a favorite of Tori Spelling and they design pet dresses inspired by the latest styles seen on the red-carpet.  For example, this little white number was inspired by doggie lover Katherine Heigl's white Zac Posen gown from this year's Emmy awards.

Edited to Add: Little Lily has just updated their site with doggie fashions from the Oscars!  I knew Jessica Alba's dress was a Do ... and now your pampered pooch can be a Do too! 

Oscar Fashion

Some of my favorite animal-loving celebrities were on the red carpet last night at the 80th annual Academy Awards and as always, Dixie and I have our own opinions about the fashions.

Fashion Do's:

Jessica Alba is going to have another baby, but this time of the human variety -- she already has two pugs named Sid and Nancy.  Her purple frock was regal and dramatic.  Perfect for Oscar night.

Kristen Chenoweth, who performed her heart out, walked the red carpet in a tulle black strapless gown that hugged her curves, making that black dress anything but basic.  Her small white dog, Maddie (named for Madeline Kahn), was no doubt watching her loyally from home.  Maddie has even walked the runway during fashion week with Chenoweth.  That’s a fashionable dog for a fashionable star!

And we can't forget the Master of Ceremonies, Jon Stewart, who looked dashing in a classic tux.  Stewart is a well-known animal lover with a cat named Stan, two dogs: Shamsky and Monkey (both pitbulls), plus a variety of "aquatic animals".

Finally, Dixie's Fashion Faux Paw Award goes to Tilda Swinton.  Her bizarre one-armed dress had both Dixie and I shaking our heads.  It's a good thing she had a humorous acceptance speech!

Up next, I've done some digging and found out exactly what's in those Oscar goodie bags for pets!  We all know it’s good to be a celebrity, but it's awesome to be a celebrity's pet too!

Photo Credit:  Kevin Mazur/WireImage, Vince Bucci/Getty Images, Kevin Winter/Getty Images, Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images