It's full of cat fur now. It's been obsessively shop-vaced clean, but when something is as comfortable as the Puppy Hugger's pet beds, you're not going to keep sybaritic animals away. Of course, I had to wrest it from the clutches of my children first. They thought it made a fine television-watching lounge pillow. Yes, that's right, the bed is made by The Puppy Hugger, and we used it for cats and kids, not a canine in sight. That doesn't change the fact that it's a super-luxurious pet bed with a great design.

The Two's Company bed that my lounge-tastic kitties are trying out has two hollows in the middle that will hold smaller dogs, and of course cats, in hammock-like comfort. The deeply padded sides of the bed give animals something to snuggle up against, a posture that's comforting to many stripes of beast. Covered in a variety of very soft faux fur, and filled with polyester fiber that's marshmallow soft, the handmade beds cuddle your pets when you can't. Don't be offended if Muffy starts to prefer it over your lap.

Continued after the jump.

Photos copyright ©2009 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

If you're in the been-there, done-that traveler club, here's something to add to your next itinerary: Kosterhavet, Sweden's first national marine park, has just opened. It's about 175 square miles, most of it open ocean, home to some 600 marine species. The park's northern water boundary is shared with Norway, and in fact Kosterhavet National Park runs right into Norway's new marine national park, Ytre Hvaler, which opened at the same time. Together, both parks encompass about 300 square miles.

Kosterhavet gets its name for the land that it surrounds, the Koster Islands, which are themselves a nature reserve. North Koster and South Koster are so close together that they really feel like one island, and together they're the westernmost settled area in Sweden. They're also ridiculously charming -- near the water, they're just what you'd picture a small Scandinavian fishing village to look like, and towards the center, it's all rolling countryside ripe for hiking and cycling, dotted with red-roofed houses.

But of course, the main event is what's below the surface. The water separating Koster Islands from Sweden's main land is actually a fjord, which achieves such a depth that it's home to deep sea species. Kosterhavet also includes Sweden's only cold-water coral reef, which makes for excellent cold-water scuba diving -- the rocky coast also means that there are also a number of shipwrecks to check out beneath the waves. Above the water, a sea kayak is the way to go --- take a look at Sweden's largest population of seals, and from a respectful distance, admire nesting areas for Arctic terns.

Cute? Yes. Cuddly? Yes. A little bizarre and screwy looking? Yes.

That's how I describe these stuffed animals from Donna Wilson, the collection being called simply "Donna Wilson Creatures." And 'creatures' is really the only way to describe this eclectic mix of plush creations which includes a snail named Stick, a dog named Oscar, and several mystery creatures named things like Stripey Head, Peeping Tom, and Angry Ginger. They look hand-drawn and unique, which I love, but most of them also have eyes that sit way too far apart, which I don't like (makes them look like they're missing a chromosome or something). Prices range from $84 to $164 each.

Posh Paws is an idea put into motion by Cantoni furniture store and inspired by a small polyethylene dog originally created by designer Eero Aarnio as part of his children's collection. The Posh Paws version takes the original dog, adds in a few local and national celebrity designers, and comes up with an entire line of adorable and unique puppy toys (toys that are puppies, not toys for puppies) that are up for sale to benefit various charities in the name of animal rescue and helping stray pets find permanent homes. My favorite is this one by Zsofia Mezey Koppani.

Lifesavers Inc. is all about saving horses -- all kinds from unwanted or homeless domestic pets to retired working animals to wild mustangs. Created in 1997 it's a fairly young organization that serves as a source of news and contacts to other horse related campaigns (like this one geared towards saving America's wild mustang population) and events like this horse dancing competition and this women's empowerment workshop. They also provide links to horse rescue resources and homeless horses that are available for adoption -- I love horses and seeing these that need a home makes me wish I had room for a one!

Every year numerous chimpanzees are left homeless and unwanted after they've lived out their usefulness to humans as research animals, circus performers, and exotic pets. Chimp Haven is a non-profit organization that steps in to give these neglected animals a place to live out their lives in a natural and humane environment where all they have to do is be themselves.

Started in April of 2005 and located in Louisiana, Chimp Haven also serves as the The National Chimpanzee Sanctuary and is looking to branch out into additional smaller sanctuaries in the future.

Conservation International has been protecting our earth creatures for the last two decades. They operate on the simple principal that when human beings live harmoniously with nature instead of exploiting it, both will thrive. Their website lists a shocking statistic that I wasn't aware of, every twenty seconds one species becomes extinct!! That's a pace a thousand times faster than has ever been seen during Earth's history! How can this be happening? Climate change and habitat destruction are to blame. Conservation International is on the front line of the battle to save creatures that are in peril. They conducted the first ever Global Amphibian Assessment, a study which provided vital information on the state of every amphibian species on earth! They are currently doing similar groundbreaking research on sharks. This is one of the hardest working and most exceptional charities I've read about, visit their fabulous website (tons of amazing video and pictures) to sign petitions and see the many ways you can donate.

The Animal Rescue Foundation or ARF was started by one time MLB manager Tony La Russa of the Oakland Athletics. During a game between Oakland and the New York Yankees a stray cat ran onto the field and caused quite a stir. Once it was caught Tony took it upon himself to find a home for the animal that was now sort of a mini celebrity! To his shock and dismay he was unable to find a single shelter in his city that could guarantee him that the cat wouldn't be put down! He decided to start a no kill shelter in northern California where cats and dogs wouldn't face a death sentence if they weren't adopted.

The shelter opened it's doors in 1991 and Tony and his wife Elaine began their mission to find loving homes for animals as well as educate the public about pet over population and the simple ways to prevent it (spay & neutering...like Bob Barker says!). In addition ARF provides emergency veterinarian care for strays and offers obedience training for animals to make them more adoptable. The facilities 37,700-square-foot location houses dogs and cats in cozy, clean glass-enclosed "condos," where they are free to frolic with each other and meet potential adopters.

*ARF recently received the highest rating possible by Charity Navigator, Americas premier charity evaluator.

Hm...would you carry a bright sparkly peacock as a handbag? Designers like Judith Leiber definitely know their stuff and have pretty good taste but (in my opinion anyway) it's creations like this Peacock bag that remind me they're only human. I'm sure there are some people out there who think this bag (and all the other animal-shaped ones in the gallery below) are awesome and perfectly fashionable, but I'm not holding my breath to see Angelina Jolie or Reese Witherspoon carrying one on a red carpet anytime soon.

I will say that each bag in the collection is certainly beautiful to look at (especially the Polar Bear and the Owl) -- maybe they don't have to be actually worn but would make awesome collectors items instead? Peacock bag 6" x 5" x 2", $5295.

Decorating with animals is tricky (all too often it just comes off as tacky) but these crisp white porcelain creations from Rose and Radish may be the answer for those looking for a way to bring the beauty of nature indoors. This collection of porcelain wildlife figurines has all the usuals (i.e. lots of birds) plus a few unusuals like a goat and a hippopotamus. The hippo happens to be my favorite because he looks like he'd be really interesting, without being too bright or bold, sitting on a bookshelf. $1019

Via Wists

The World Wildlife Fund works around the world to protect endangered species, protect and restore endangered habitats, and deal with the ever-growing global challenges facing the environment. As with most charities you can always give the simple gift of a donation in your loved one's name, or with WWF it gets a little more fun and personalized when you adopt an endangered wild animal. For just $50 you get an adoption certificate, a photo of your chosen animal, and best of all an adorable coordinating plush toy. And with 80 species to choose from you can certainly personalize your gift, and even encourage the starting of an annual tradition and a collection of animals. Donate/order by December 17th for Christmas delivery.


Via Inhabitat

Most people have heard of The Humane Society of the United States and know that it helps to protect dogs and cats but the Humane Society is also involved with wildlife and habitat protection and much, much more. They also have a Veterinarians Without Borders program that helps to provide animal care in other nations. The Humane Society also advocates for animals by endorsing sensible public policies, investigating cruelty and working to enforce existing laws. They also work with corporations on behalf of animal-friendly policies and are lead disaster relief agency for animals. The Humane Society makes a great donation gift for any animal lover. For the holiday season they have created a 2007 collectible ornament which can be given as a gift for $50. Donate $90 and they will send one to your recipient and one to you as well. All gift recipients of $25 also receive a subscription to The Humane Society's Magazine, All Animals, and a holiday greeting card.

I think a lot of people only consider getting an automatic pet feeder when planning a vacation, but they're actually pretty handy year round for keeping your pets on a regular eating schedule even if yours isn't. And the Perfect Pet Feeder was designed to do just that, or in their words it's meant to "feed your pet flawlessly, for a lifetime." How can you argue with that?

Made of stylishly shaped durable stainless steel, it's dishwasher safe and has battery back-up to keep things going smoothly in the event of a power outage. Programmable for up to 6 meals/snacks for 1 or 2 pets, this is just the thing to take some of the hectic stress out of your life (and your pets). I know my dog would love to know she doesn't have to wait for me to get up on Saturday morning before she gets breakfast! $699

This lamp would fit perfectly in a child's room, and brings to mind counting sheep as they go jumping through the clouds. Created by David Hupton and Yve Thelermont for Thelermont Hupton of Great Britain, this simple design was inspired by the balloon animals made by clowns at carnivals and parties -- now you can have one that not only lights up a room but also never deflates! It's frosted blown glass mounted on a silver finished steel stand and comes in just the one color and design. $385

Real pets can be a bit problematic if you have kids. Not only can it be challenging to have to clean up after more than one of them at a time, but it also takes a while for kids to learn how to handle themselves around animals. Sheep offer a way for kids to have a cuddly animal around without mess and without risking injury to either child or animal. Stocked at Thorsten Van Elten, these aren't live sheep, but wooden ones covered in real, soft sheepskin. They range in size from 45cm-80cm high, with prices from $340-$775 (£175 to £395).