Dixie and I touched, tasted and played with the newest gadgets, grooming aids, toys and treats at the Global Pet Expo so that you’d be in the know! We quickly discovered there's something for you and your pet, no matter what your personality or lifestyle. Here are my top ten favorite products for ten unique personalities.
The Artist
Let your dog or cat unleash the artist within using the Pup-Casso or Kitty-Casso painting kit. This kit comes with everything you need, including paw protectors, to let your furry artist create a masterpiece. Just what your wall needs — artwork by your pet!
The Gourmet
Chicken Parmesan, Cheeseburger and Mahi-Mahi — stop drooling, it’s for your dog or cat! Grandma Lucy’s packaging is not only cute and kitsch but these savory treats are 100% natural. Dixie loved them!
The Kid at Heart
Panic Mouse, the maker of hilarious cat toys that make people nuts and fascinate felines, has created the Kitty Go Krazy. This toy makes sounds like a cat meowing or birds chirping and has a tail that mimics a mouse! Trust me, when you walk out the door in the morning, your cat will not even notice you’re gone.
The Exercise Junkie
Need a workout buddy in your home gym? Is your dog looking a little overweight from lack of exercise? Look no further than the Pet Zen Dog Tread. This doggie treadmill is great for city dwellers or those who can't exercise their dog daily and it even has built-in treat bowls to keep your dog's attention!
The Health Nut
Don't forget the bottled water after a good workout! Brands like Fortifido offer enriched water to help dogs keep healthy bones, skin, joints and fresh breath. My dad still thinks it's crazy that humans pay for water, so I can't imagine what he’ll think of this!
The Coffee Addict
Introducing Doggy Java! Now you and your best pooch can enjoy a cup of joe together in the mornings. Don't worry, Doggy Java doesn't actually contain caffeine, but is vitamin-enriched water. Mix it up in the adorable Cappuccino Cup, serve with a "Bonescotti" and your dog will no doubt become a java addict.
The Wanderer
For the dogs and cats with a wandering eye, check out the Zoombak Protection System! It's GPS for pets! This small device fits right into a pouch that you connect to your pet's collar with a velcro strap, then if they roam outside of their safety zone, you're automatically alerted and can log on to find their exact location. Those vagabond days are over!
The Pampered
Royal Treatment Italian Pet Spa makes disposable wipes that moisturize and clean at the same time. Great to toss in your bag for travel, and they were created by a prince ... a real life prince with access to the world’s most luxurious ingredients. My favorite scent? White Chocolate for Puppies!
The Gadget Guru
Forget the iPod. The new hot pod is the Sleepypod by Meowme. This thing is a pet bed, carrier and car seat all in one! Want your pet to feel cozy AND comfy? It comes with a heating pad or cooling pad that plugs right into your car adapter so no matter what the weather, your dog or cat will be traveling in temperature-controlled comfort. Okay, so maybe it’s not the new iPod, but people in San Diego were going crazy over this.
The Collegiate
The newest fraternity on campus? Delta Omega Gamma. DOG! I’m a sorority girl (Alpha Epsilon Phi, for those of you interested), and I loved this throw back to my college days ... which was only yesterday. Surviving pledging and getting to wear letters was the best feeling and now your dog can be a part of their own fraternity or sorority thanks to FabDog.
These are mine and Dixie's favorite picks but the Global Pet Expo awards the Best in Show to vendors in a variety of categories. Check out the complete list here!