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!
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!
Calling all Martha Stewart wannabes! Easter baskets make great gifts for your pet! Here are some of my favorite Easter goodies.
First, get a new feeding bowl and use that as your basket. Dixie loves this mod bowl from Trixie + Peanut.
Then, fill it with either homemade treats or store bought. I love this adorable assortment from waggytailtreats.com. Whether you really channel your inner Martha Stewart or leave the baking to a pro, make sure you don't include chocolate. Go for carob instead.
Next, add an Easter-themed toys - these toys by West Paw Design will have your pup doing the bunny hop. My favorite are these adorable "Honey Buns".
Finally, make sure your pooch is cute as a bunny for the big day. Check out this adorable bunny outfit from glamourdog.com. Could there BE a cuter photo op?!
Hoppy Easter!
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!
I can't forget about the bird lovers out there! Here are some Valentine's Day gift ideas for your tweet-heart and for the bird watcher in your life too.
Gifts for Bird Lovers:
Mosaic Hummingbird Bird Bath
Get ready to enjoy beautiful birds flocking to this handcrafted birdbath -- makes a great dog bowl too!
Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeders
These gorgeous blown-glass feeders will delight the hummingbirds and your special someone. April and May are the best months to attract hummingbirds so get prepared now.
Gifts for the Birds:
Smart Bird Toys
Birds love to play and this website has colorful wooden toys that will keep your bird entertained from day to night.
Love Shack, Baby!
Your birds will have the whole shack shimming with this clever toy! The love shack, that's where it's at!
You could also try creating your own bird treat by taking a stale bagel, cover it in peanut butter and then roll it in bird seed. Tie a string around it and hang from a tree limb. Then watch your feathered friends eat it up!
It's always so hard to shop for men on Valentine's Day and it's no different for the handsome hounds in your life. I mean, male dogs might suffer the indignity of wearing frou-frou outfits or blinged-out collars in exchange for a tasty snack, but why not show your good boy how much you really love him with these toys made specifically for him?
Growlex and Ruff Lauren Toys
Plush chew toys for the "metrosexual mutt!"
from Trixie + Peanut.
Two-Pack of Beer: O'Drools and HeinieSniff'n
These rubber chew toys from Muttropolis are hilarious and also make a perfect gift for your boyfriend's dog.
Photo Courtesy: Muttropolis.com
