a little online window shopping...

We found some great dog beds at Jax and Bones, via Apartment Therapy.
Love this one.


These little heart toys are so sweet.


Also love these bagel beds available at The Haute Hound.


These little chammys/spaw towels are wonderful to have around...


Love these toys by sparklejess ...


These Mutt Hutz are fabulous.


That's enough window shopping for us. It's been a nice distraction, but there are so many projects we must get back to work on.
Have a great weekend! xoxo

the dog days of summer

hello!
we're just taking it easy and trying to stay cool.
here are some links we have been meaning to share...
- Singing the Praises of Apple Cider Vinegar at Whole Dog News.

- Great article on dietary intolerance here...

" In dogs dietary intolerance most commonly affects the skin or digestive system causing disease/disorders related to these organs. This might be eczema, itchy skin, dermatitis, otitis (ear inflammation), vomiting, diarrhoea, colitis, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, abdominal discomfort etc.
Other organ systems can also be affected e.g. immune system, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, endocrine (hormonal) system. Any symptom or disease affecting any of these organ systems could be caused by a dietary intolerance. This would include arthritis, convulsions (epilepsy), abnormal behaviour, allergic (pollen, house dust mite) and inflammatory reactions (pancreatitis, hepatitis), susceptibility to infection, Cushing’s, Addison’s, under- and over-active thyroid etc.
Long-term unrecognised dietary intolerance may be the underlying cause of degenerative diseases such as heart or kidney failure and cancer. "

- Check out Canine Reference for the "ultimate dog breed resource", click HERE.

- This book looks interesting, "The Real Safety Guide to: Pet Health: How to secure your pet’s long-term health, safety and welfare". It says, "ninety percent of all pet health problems are caused by pet food and preventable health hazards."

- Tell Congress -- No More Toxic toys, click HERE. Yes, lead and toxic chemicals, called phthalates, are not a good thing.

- Check out the Truth About Pet Food website HERE.

- Cool dog blog to add to our favs- Dog Bliss: all dog things sublime and ridiculous.

- 21 Symptoms you should never ignore in your dog by Dr. Debra Primovic.

- hazel & gertie's looks like a cute shop! we will have to put it on our list of places to visit the next time we're in San Francisco.

- Do your dog's feet smell like corn chips? If you know what I'm talking about you must click here! While you're there be sure to check out the most awesome Punk Rock dog fashions.

- Is your dog a fan of Obama or McCain? Check out My Political Pet.

- Interesting...Rachel Ray has her own line of pet food...and Ellen is now an owner of Halo pet food.

- Jonathan Adler line for pets...nice! love the British flag dog bed.

- we want to check out this all natural breath freshener , found via Low Impact Living.

- Concerned about vaccines? Click here to read about the Rabies Challenge Fund.

- Click HERE for FREE resizeable dog apparel patterns!

We have used the pattern shown below, and it turned out great. Click HERE to see directions.



Update: after looking in the archives, i found the coat made from this pattern, click here. wow! that was over 3 years ago. time flies...

what is the best, safest, non-toxic, eco-friendly way to clean your pet's toys?

We have three toy boxes:
one for the rubber "outside" toys, one for "inside" fuzzy-squeaky toys, and one for dental bones, etc.

For cleaning the outside toys, I have always washed them with hot soapy water and a bit of bleach.

For inside toys, I toss them in the washing machine with laundry detergent. Then let them tumble dry in a hot temperature for a short while. Keep a very close eye on the drying, as there are those little plastic squeakers inside many of the toys.

Now for the bones & kongs, that we use to stuff with peanut butter or cheese, I have been washing in hot soapy water. Then I do a second wash with vinegar and water.

At dog kennels where I have worked, the rubber toys, balls, and kongs have been cleaned using bleach. But I have heard that this may not be the best option.

FYI, according to Eco Dog, you want to completely avoid cleaning products with phenol and cresol , which are both toxic compounds. The book also has recipes for home cleaning products.

I would really LOVE to hear what others recommend, and any other helpful information. Please leave a comment if you have any tips you would like to share.
Also, I am on the search for the best pet friendly cleaning products, floor cleaners, disenfects, tub cleaner, etc. We will appreciate any leads.