Pets

Bon Christiani Dog Collars

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 28th 2010 at 3:01PM

Dog collars that are beautiful, durable, and sustainable are what bon Christiani is all about . The creative force behind the company, Jennifer Christiano, says she was initially inspired by two things: her background working with ancient Nubian jewelry at The Oriental Institute and a lack of beautiful but sturdy collar options for her German Shepherd, Padma. "There was nothing really interesting on the market for him. So, I took it upon myself to reach back in time and cultures, to create a unique piece for him."

When it comes to business bon Christiani operates on a model based in the Buddhist philosophy of "doing right by doing well." All the collars are equestrian grade and cruelty-free (5% of profits go towards sheltering animal survivors of biomedical research), made by hand by local master artisans, and created from start to finish with sustainability and the environment in mind. The collar shown here is called "Gainne" and features leather, your choice of bronze or sterling silver hardware, pretty Celtic 3-sided knots cast in pewter, and your choice of gemstone. Check out other designs (as well as some shots of the artisans in action) in the gallery below. $300-$400

Gallery: bon Christiani Handcrafted Luxury Dog Collars

Tags: bon Christiani, dog, dogs, eco-friendly, green, pets

Summertime Travel: Hidden Meadow Ranch

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) — May 23rd 2010 at 2:03PM

At some point in one's life I think most of us get the urge to experience a piece of the American West with a vacation centered in an upscale cowboy resort. Look no further than the White Mountains of Arizona at Hidden Meadow Ranch where luxury isn't left behind but the hubbub of urban life is. Unique packages beginning this month lure you into the rustic surroundings at an 8,500 feet such as:

'Indulge Your Senses' Package: In the month of May guests can enjoy a package for two including private cabin accommodations, three gourmet meals daily, all non-alcoholic beverages and ranch activities such as fishing, horseback riding, hiking, archery and more. Additional sensory-packed amenities will treat guests to guided wildflower and wildlife hikes through the national forest, a complimentary CD filled with soothing mountain sounds, a specially prepared menu of light and fresh dinner fare, a gift basket brimming with spa essentials, and two complimentary one-hour in-cabin massages. (Priced at $550/night)

Gallery: Hidden Meadow Ranch

Tags: arizona, hidden meadow ranch, horseback riding, travel, vacation, white mountains, wine, wine tasting

Continue reading “Summertime Travel: Hidden Meadow Ranch”

Loews 5th Annual Surf Dog Competition Returns to San Diego

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) — May 15th 2010 at 10:02AM

Loew's Coronado Bay Resort will be the site of the Surf Dog Competition on Saturday, May 22 from 11 am to 2 pm. After the canines have waxed their boards to perfection and adjusted their sunnies, they get ten minutes apiece to ride the waves and are judged on their top two runs. The judges are looking for confidence level and "overall ability to grip it and rip it," which is really hard to do with paws.

There's even a breakdown, American-Idol style, of which pooch to peep out: English Bulldog X Factor who can ride it all the way into shore, but who also wears a life jacket because he can't swim; a 10-pound Boston Terrier called The Underdog; and Jack Russell Terrier Buddy, the reigning champ who scored a perfect 10 last year. Celebrity spotters will want to watch out for the Great Dane Marmaduke – yes, that one, there to promote 20th Century Fox's coming movie by the same name.

Winning dogs will get "the ultimate pet vacation" at the resort. Proceeds from the event will benefit San Diego's police dogs.

Gallery: Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition

Tags: Loews, loews coronado bay resort, pets, surf dog competition, surfing, surfing dogs

Lucky Ducks: DC welcomes its newest VIDs

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) — May 7th 2010 at 8:01AM

It's not everyday that one can claim to have been born at The Ritz-Carlton. For the sixth year in a row, Mother Ritzy Duck has returned to The Rtiz-Carlton, Georgetown, to honor her standing reservation and lay her precious eggs. Just in time for Mother's Day, seven bouncing baby ducklings were born, each deemed healthy by a local wildlife expert.

This year, "Ritzy" the VID (Very Important Duck) opted for a tall planter, located in the hotel's courtyard area off the main lobby. Hotel Security provided 24-hour service and offered velvet ropes and stanchions to keep curious guests at bay.

To ease Mama Ritzy's concerns during pregnancy, the hotel's "Just Ducky" Concierge issued a standard operating procedure to hotel staff - as per Ritzy's preferences, she was to enjoy only Ritz-Carlton bottled water and absolutely no "people food" to ensure that her figure would remain slim and healthy. During her daily lunch walks and swims with "Baby Daddy Duck," Ritzy's nest was monitored by a security camera and extra staffer. During the final days before hatching, Ritzy opted to enjoy gourmet organic duck pellets to ensure that she could rest in comfort as well as have food for her new ducklings at the ready.

When Ritzy and her ducklings are ready to leave the nest, they will enjoy red carpet treatment - a specially-designed duck crate will be placed into one of the hotel's private sedans for transportation to her permanent home in a nearby park.

To honor Ritzy's delivery, the staff at the hotel bar, Degrees Bar & Lounge, brought back her signature cocktail - The Duck Duck Goose - made with Grey Goose L'orange, pineapple juice and a splash each of grenadine and Sprite. And, out of respect for the nesting mother, the hotel has also opted to temporarily remove all duck-based menu items from the restaurants.

Tags: dc, ducks, georgetown, MothersDay, ritz carlton, washington dc

Andrea Levine Exotic Leather Dog Collars

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Apr 25th 2010 at 11:02AM

Some dogs wear clothes but for most their single chance to accessorize is in the collar, and Andrea Levine is delivering style in bundles with her Exotic Leather Dog Collars collection. Featuring all the skins usually reserved for handbags and shoes like python, lizard, crocodile, and even stingray, the collars come in a variety of colors and textures so you can best complement your pet's coloring, coordinate her with your outfit, or just show off your excellent taste. The polished stingray collar shown here sells for $210, plus you won't want to miss topping off the look with one of Levine's pretty diamond pavé charms.

Gallery: Andrea Levine Exotic Leather Dog Collars

Tags: andrea levine, dog collar, dogs, exotic leather, pet collar, pets, Stingray

"Million Dollar Listing's" Starla (the Chihuahua) is Sitting High

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed) — Apr 20th 2010 at 11:01AM

After all those years of discouraging my dogs from hovering near the table come meal time, a new product sold by Hammacher-Schlemmer pulls up a chair for them.

The Pet High Chair fastens to the edge of the table and allows dogs up to 10 pounds to sit comfortably suspended while you pass the kibble their way. Retailing for about $50, the chair is constructed of 600-denier nylon fabric and securely clips to tables up to two-inches thick. Its height can be adjusted without tools. The frame is powder-coated 5/8" steel tubing and the arms are rubber-coated so they won't mar table surfaces. Retailing at about $50 from the famed Hammacher Schlemmer -- "America's longest-running catalog offering the best, the only and unexpected for 162 years" -- the chair permits your dog or cat to accompany you at the dinner table at near eye level. I am resisting the urge to ask why this is a good thing and will accept on face value that for many, it apparently is.

From the catalog: "By providing an alternative to sitting on your lap, running disruptively underfoot, or outright banishment, the chair assuages a pet (and its owner's) frustration, and promotes more refined behavior."

The Pet High Chair folds easily for storage and travel and is machine washable. It has adjustable tethers for pet safety and to ensure there will be no leaving the table until excused, not to mention any breaches of table etiquette. It weighs about four pounds and is 12" long, 9.5" wide and 10" high.

Pet Gear Inc., which manufacturers the product, is a division of Vermont Juvenile Furniture -- a company that has been making baby care products since 1936. Pet Gear Inc. also makes pet playpens, bike baskets, ramps, strollers and car seats.

Since my 90-pound Golden Retriever couldn't diet his way down to fit in the chair, we invited Starla, the chihuahua who stars with Chad Rogers on Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing" show to try the product out for us. Starla, all four pounds of her, needed a seat pillow to perch up high enough to reach the table but once settled in, promptly fell asleep. Perhaps there is a dual marketing opportunity here: Suspended pet bed, anyone?

Video by Sophie Johnson

Tags: chad rogers, chihuahua, Chihuahua dogs, chihuahuas, dog high chair, pet, pet high chair, starla

Go Wine Tasting With Your Dog At Kunde Family Estate

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Apr 11th 2010 at 2:01PM

Wine tasting isn't usually an activity you can enjoy with your dog but the Kunde Family Estate in Kenwood, California changes that. The family winery offers a series of hikes meant to be experienced with your friendly canine at your side. Tours are conducted by Jeff Kunde, a fourth generation winegrower, and include a moderately strenuous hike from the Sonoma Valley floor up to 1,400 feet into the Mayacamas Mountain range. You and your dog will enjoy beautiful wine country views and learn about the Kunde Family Estate's sustainable winegrowing practices. After all the hard work you are rewarded with a wine tasting and a box lunch with a view. Hikes are scheduled for May 15, July 3 and Oct 9 and cost $45. A portion of the fee is donated to Canine Companions and Sonoma County Humane Society.

Tags: dog tour, hikes with your pet, kunde family estate, sonoma valley, wine hike, wine tasting

Woman Builds $20,000 Dog House for 3 Pampered Pets

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Apr 10th 2010 at 6:01PM

What does a $20,000 dog house look like? A lot like a regular house, only smaller and with furniture lower to the ground. 42 year old Tammy Kassis lives with her husband outside of Los Angeles and when an owl almost carried one of her 3 dogs away she decided to give them, Chelsea, Coco Puff, and Darla, a home of their own. She commissioned Alan Mowrer of La Petite Maison in Denver for the job and the result is an 11ft replica of the family home with luxury features like hardwood floors, heat, A/C, screened doors and windows, mini-blinds, handmade curtains, and landscaping complete with a white picket fence. She's even planning to install a plasma TV so the dogs can all watch Animal Planet together, their favorite show.

Mrs. Kassis was quoted as saying "My dogs are my life," but I can't help but wonder how much time are the dogs spending in this $20,000 doghouse instead of in the regular house with the family? Regardless, it's quite the accomplishment. See more shot, including the interior, in the gallery below.

Gallery: Tammy Kassis' $20,000 Dog House

Tags: dog, doghouse, dogs, pet, pets

Montana's Paws Up Resort Preparing the Second Annual Wine & Bitch Weekend

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) — Mar 26th 2010 at 9:02AM

Let's not pretend the recession hasn't been hard on Fifi, too – a solid year-and-a-half of listening to you and the rest of the gang go on and on about the economy. And don't even get her started on this whole staycation thing. If you want to show her some love and get a whole bunch of it yourself, The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, just outside of Missoula, will be putting on its second Wine & Bitch Weekend next month.

Three days and two nights in a land that only Ken Burns could do justice will be spent in a vacation home on a 37,000-acre property. Everything is included: three gourmet meals for two, every day, training and wellness seminars, doggie massages and hikes, and wine tastings from the thematically appropriate Mutt Lynch Winery. A canine fashion show is also on the cards, and you'd be surprised how well the dogs dress in the state of gold and silver.

Your calendar will be looking for room from April 23-25 for the event, and your Luxembourg account will be looking for $1,825 to transfer, which takes care of two adults and one pooch. Having stayed there ourselves, the resort and its views are phenomenal, so if you can't make it that weekend you might hop on over to Gilt's Jetsetter where they're having a sale on stays at Paws Up for other dates as we ~~speak~~ write...

Tags: dogs, hotel deals, HotelDeals, montana, paws up, wine and bitch weekend

Charles Dickens' Dog's Collar Sold for $11,590

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Mar 5th 2010 at 6:05AM

A dog collar that once belonged to Charles Dickens was sold at Bonhams New York's 28th dog art sale last month and went for well above its pre-auction estimates of $4,000-$6,000. The collar, made of leather and brass and inscribed with Dickens' name (and address?), sold for $11,590. Although the final price was more than twice what was expected it's not completely without precedent: last year an ivory and gold toothpick that once belonged to Dickens went for $9,150. Dickens was known for being fond of dogs and this collar certainly looks well-worn.

Via Luxurylaunches

Tags: auctions, bonhams, charles dickens, CharlesDickens, collar, dickens, dog collar, DogCollar, pet, pets

Molly & June Designer Dog Fashions

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Mar 4th 2010 at 11:01AM

Molly & June is a boutique for small dogs founded on the idea that not only does your dog appreciate quality craftsmanship because it fits better and is more comfortable to wear, but that dogs can pick up on the benefits of fine fashion as well because they get more positive attention and their owners are happier. Named after the owner and designer France Simard's two best friends, the designs have a mixture of vintage and contemporary elements and are all handmade in Toronto, Canada using luxe materials like wool, cashmere, and organic cotton. $45-$180

Gallery: Molly & June Designer Dog Fashions

Tags: dog, dogs, molly and june, MollyAndJune, pet, pet fashion, PetFashion, pets

Sasquatch! Pet Beds for the Pampered Pooch and Kitty

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed) — Feb 24th 2010 at 9:02AM

For as long as man has befriended beast, the relationship between our dogs and our shoes ( at least in my household) has been long-established. Voila! Along comes a pet bed that resembles a giant shoe -- and not just any shoe, but a well-known comfort shoe that (again, at least in my household) has been my little dog's favorite indestructible chew toy.

The Sasquatch! Pet Bed, make no bones about it, is a well-constructed, comfy alternative to sleeping on my husband's side of the bed. Shaped like a giant Croc and available in a half-dozen colors including bright pink, the pet bed accommodates small and medium size pets. Our 90-pound Golden Retriever tried it out and found that while perhaps suitable as a helmet, his girth would preclude its intended use. We hope the bed manufacturer, Unique Beast, will come up with a larger size shoe for those who perhaps dip too often into the biscuit box. The Sasquatch is 31" long x 14" wide and 14" tall. It sells for $99.95.

Quite clearly, there is no other pet bed on the market like this one. It's a conversation piece as much as a place for your cat or dog to sleep. The over-sized shoe is lined with a fluffy fleece-like fabric that purports to keep pets warm in the winter and cool in the summer and is of course, machine washable. The rubberized exterior can be washed down with the garden hose and is made of a lightweight, non-toxic material -- should the urge to chew simply become irresistible. The base is also odor-resistant and anti-microbial.

Gallery: Sasquatch Pet Beds

Tags: dog bed, DogBed, pet bed, pet supplies, PetBed, PetSupplies, sasquatch pet bed, SasquatchPetBed

Continue reading “Sasquatch! Pet Beds for the Pampered Pooch and Kitty”

$52,000 Diamond Dog Collar for Valentine's Day

by Deb West (RSS feed) — Feb 13th 2010 at 3:02PM

We've seen an explosion of luxury products for dogs in the past years. Gone are the days when pampering your pet meant ordering the extra-large dog bed from L.L. Bean and even they now carry a fancy orthopedic foam lounge for dogs. We've written about more expensive diamond dog collars on Luxist but the unique twist on this collar is that it has a practical application.

Dog-Power is offering a hand-crafted PetSafe diamond dog collar created by jewelry designer RenaMary. For those who want to dress their pets like royalty but still let them live an outdoor lifestyle this collar is for you. PetSafe underground fencing keeps your dog secure in your backyard and the price of the collar includes installation of the PetSafe system at your home.

The collar itself has a connecting heart motif which the designer felt represents the loving bond between an owner and their dog. In terms of the particulars the collar consists of over 18 carats of brilliant round cut diamonds of F/G color and VS1 clarity set in 18kt white gold and is 15 inches in length and 1 inch in width. Should you decide to purchase the collar it will be hand delivered to your home by Dog-Power owner Cherie Corso and creator RenaMary. Your pet will also will receive the bonus of being given a personal dog trainer and being named 2010 Pet of the Year.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the North Shore Animal League, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, located in Long Island, New York.

A point of consideration maybe the necessity to own a second dog, perhaps a German Shepherd or Rottweiler, to keep an eye on the pampered pup who is wearing such a valuable collar around the backyard!

Tags: diamonds, dog collar, DogCollar, dogs, north shore animal league, NorthShoreAnimalLeague, PetSafe

Best Dog Beds

by Owl Staff (RSS feed) — Jan 5th 2010 at 4:01PM

If your pooch spends more time on your bed than you'd like, it may be time to get him one of his own. We asked Susan Bing, owner of Trixie + Peanut, a hip pet boutique in New York City's Flatiron District (and veteran of many pet-supply shows), to give us her tips on what to look for in a dog bed.

"When it comes to buying a dog bed," says Bing, "people tend to like beds that go with their décor, but you should really consider your pet's needs first. If you have a dog that likes going under your covers, a trundle and burrowing bed is your best choice. If you have a dog that likes to stretch out, a big, flat bed is better." Read on for Bing's picks for best dog beds on the market.

For the truly pampered pet, "the Fab Furcedes Bed, also available in a NYC Taxi Cab style, is a pure fun (but pricey) novelty bed," says Bing. From $249.

Does your pooch prefer the porch? The Striped Outdoor Bed is weatherproof and lightweight, as well as mildew-resistant, so it's perfect to bring along on a warm-weather holiday getaway! From $100.

This Candy-Striped Cabana Bed by New York Dog, shown at right, is great for dogs who like to hide out... with a little Miami flair thrown in! From $95.

Blankets can serve as beds on-the-go, and if you have a small to medium-sized pet, you can swaddle your beloved in this sturdy buckskin Bunkhouse throw. Just stick it in your bag or carrier -- it's a must-have travel item. From $79.

For the environmentally-friendly set, these bright and cheery Eco Nap Earth Friendly dog beds, are produced from 100% post-consumer plastic (mostly recycled plastic soda bottles). From $59.89.

A two-in-one trundle bed is a great choice for dogs who like to burrow. This one unfolds into a cozy flat bed when opened, and "pets love the faux-fur (which is machine-washable)," says Bing. $49.

Fleece sleeping bag beds are another great for dogs that like to burrow, and this sturdy Coleman model is a mere $40.

The Happy Tails Snuggle Bed is a good choice for dogs who want to burrow in and not be crept up upon: the high bolsters keep them feeling safe and snug. $33.90.

For dogs who travel frequently with their owners, X-treme Cage Fleece Pet Bed/Crate Pads make the journey a bit more comfy! From $19.90.

"These Cosmopawlitan Pet Beds are covered with swanky and stain-resistant microsuede, and are made in the USA," notes Bing. From $125.

Tags: dog-bed, dogs, pampered pets, PamperedPets, pet supplies, pets, PetSupplies, trixie and peanut, TrixieAndPeanut

HAPPY Act Would Allow Pet Owners up to $3,500 Tax Deduction

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) — Dec 31st 2009 at 10:01PM

Even if you don't have pets, you've likely noticed how much more people are spending on their companion animals, and I don't just mean the vet, food, leashes, and litter. I'm talking about all the extras, such as carry bags, clothing, parties, day spas, etc. We've even mentioned on this site a number of expensive items you can purchase to indulge yourself, I mean, your pets. In fact, The American Pet Products Association reports that 2009 spending on pets hovers around $45.4 billion.

That said, no one is twisting pet owners' arms to buy all this stuff. But pet owners will be happy to know that they may get some relief from their day-to-day pet expenses in the form of the HAPPY [Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years] Act, a bill before Congress that would allow pet owners a tax deduction of up to $3,500 per person for pet care, including veterinary expenses. The bill, introduced by Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.), defines a pet as "a legally owned, domesticated, live animal," which covers dogs, cats and an assortment of other creatures.

When I mentioned the act to my family, I said, "I guess I'll need to prove I have pets, such as bringing a vet bill to the accountant." And they pointed out to me that years ago, no one had to prove they had children, and my parents even told me about some people they heard about who claimed to have children just for the deduction. (Now newborns leave the hospital as tax-paying citizens, complete with a Social Security number.)

USA Today has a good article on the HAPPY Act.

Tags: Congress, deduction, deductions, HAPPY Act, HappyAct, pet, pets, tax, taxes

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