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Enormous, Expensive Victorian Dog House

Filed under: Pets


The title of this post does a good job at explaining exactly what this product is: it's a very large, very pricey house for your dog. I would argue that it's really more of a kennel because it has both a 6' x 8' fence-enclosed play area with a separate sleeping nook that's actually the dog house. The exterior is Victorian-themed with gables, gingerbread trim, and darling little shutters on the windows. Be careful if you have kids -- they'll probably want to take it over as a playhouse! $4,300

Via Bornrich

Ceramic and Platinum Travel Suitcase for Dogs

Filed under: Pets


A pet carrier for people who don't want to necessarily look like they're carrying a pet, this Ceramic Travel Doghouse looks more like a suitcase than a carrier. I like its crisp contemporary design, but can't help but wonder about two things: I don't see any openings other than the door, is there really enough airflow? And being made of ceramic and platinum, how much does the darn thing weigh?

I have to admit that as pet carriers go this one does have style appeal. Designed by Marco Morosini for Bosa, €670.

Via Bornrich

Lux Q & A: Amy Harris, Creator of "Puppy Love" on L Studio

Filed under: Pets, Big Givers


Puppy love is in the air. It's in the White House (or will be soon enough), it's on the big screen, and now it's online in the new original series from Sex & the City writer-producer Amy B. Harris.

Hosted by Lexus's just-launched L Studio, home to original films, interviews and musings on everything from high heels to desk design, Puppy Love is all about New Yorkers and their dogs -- dogs who might be gay, dogs who warrant more attention than their owners, dogs as stand-in boyfriends (in Famke Janssen's case, a boyfriend who doesn't let a real man get in the way).

Actors including Janssen, Ally Sheedy and Janel Moloney jumped to be part of the series once they heard Lexus would donate $50,000 to the ASPCA on their behalf.
In fact all the actors, writers and directors on the show donated their time to the project in support of the ASPCA.

I chatted with the show's creator, Amy B. Harris, about developing the show and working with her dog, Oscar, shown above.

How did you come to collaborate with L Studio on Puppy Love?
I thought the series would work best on the web, as it's a shorter form of storytelling. [Each episode hovers around the 10 minute mark.] L Studio was very generous with its donation to the ASPCA, and everyone said they loved working on the project, even the crew who loved their dogs, and my production partner who had just lost her dog and was excited to express her puppy love.

How has it been different to work on the web as opposed to television or the big screen?
I'm still trying to figure it out -- the medium is very interesting for me. I explain it by saying, there's no opening weekend. In film, you know exactly what the numbers are. With the web, people can find it whenever they want to, and I'm adjusting to that thought process. I kind of love it.

New York featured so prominently in Sex & the City. Does it do so again in Puppy Love?
I could have shot either in New York or LA, but it was very important for me to do it here. It's surprising in a place with no backyards that so many people have dogs. The city can become very anonymous, but having a dog, suddenly you know people by their first names. When I first got Oscar [who stars in two webisodes and is pictured above], I didn't speak to one neighbor. Now everyone's coming to talk to us when I'm walking him in my pajamas.

New episodes in the 10-part series are added to the site each Tuesday. And the finale? That's when we'll see Heidi Klum and her pup in a mockumentary of New York fashion week -- for dogs. Be sure to watch straight through to the end of every webisode -- one of the best parts of the series is the When Harry Met Sally-like post-show interviews asking the actors how they fell in love with their dogs.

A New Luxury Pet Hotel Opens in London

Filed under: Pets

Why should the human members of your family be the only ones who get to enjoy the perks of taking a vacation? In most cases when the family goes on vacation the pets are either left behind in an empty house or they're taken to a cramped and crowded boarding facility -- either way they pretty much just survive until the vacation is over and life returns to normal.

But what if you could take them to a luxury hotel of their own? Elmtree, in London, is offering just that service. Elmtree is a new luxury pet hotel that offers all the usual boarding amenities like individual kennels, accommodation of any special diet requirements, and daily walks, plus they also have an on-site grooming parlor, luxury pet bedding options (if you don't want to bring your own), exercise and play rooms, and even in-kennel web cams so you can keep constant tabs on your pet while you're away. Sounds like Fido and Frisky might actually have a good time! Prices start at £20/day for dogs and £12/day for cats.

A Pet Crate That You'll Love, Not Just Tolerate

Filed under: Decor, Pets


I'm all for treating my little Maltese to a good night's sleep in a comfy bed, but that doesn't mean I want a miniature princess canopy bed eating up my precious floorspace and looking all corny and over-the-top in the process. But these pet beds (or pet dens I should say) from Denhaus look like a nice way to keep both me and my dog happy. Created of polished fiberglass with smooth, shatterproof glass tops (to act as both a skylight for the pet and a tabletop for you) they're both a comfy place for your pet to relax and a stylish addition to your home's decor. They look more like a contemporary designer end table than a pet crate (which is awesome!) and come in your choice of 4 colors. $525-$565

Via boing boing

Barney's Bling, Matching Jewelry For Pets And People

Filed under: Jewelry, Pets

I've seen jewelry for pets that can be worn by people but Barney's Bling offers matching diamond pieces for both people and pets. The matching pieces feature dog bones and the Barney's Bling signature design, a heart paw print in 18K white gold and diamonds, worn on a 16" chain. The necklace and tag comes in two sizes big and little and sells for $4830 and $3150.

All jewelry is created and handcrafted in Los Angeles by Bridget Livingtston and her dedicated team (Barney is Bridget's Yorkie dog). Barney's Bling donates 10% of proceeds to Perfect Pet Rescue and Autism Speaks.

Gallery: Pet Bling

I Love Dogs DiamondsGothic DogRalph Lauren Alligator Dog CollarLeader of the PackMeche Animal Charms

Pampered Pooch Bumper Bed

Filed under: Pets, Green

Here's a bumper bed for your special family member that you can feel good about, ecologically-speaking. Covered in organic cotton twill, free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers, it's filled with a comfy, cozy stuffing and is made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, which diverts more than 25 tons of plastic bottles from landfills every year. The bed features a center, removable pillow that can also be used separately inside crates or the car. It's a great option for allergic, sensitive, or orthopedic pets. Made in the U.S.A., machine washable. A portion of sale proceeds are donated. Sizes S - XL; $76.95 - $178.95.

Meche Pet Charms

Filed under: Jewelry, Pets


Most of the companies that offer charms shaped like pets offer just the most popular breeds but Meche goes the extra mile. Their dog charms cover all current AKC breeds and they have begun working on the cats, starting with the most popular. The pieces are three dimensional and free standing. They can be ordered in 14K white or yellow gold and customized with diamond collars and eyes and finished with custom colors.

Gallery: Meche Dogs

Posh Paws, Charity of the Day

Filed under: Pets, Charity, Charity of the Day


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.

Aqua Pure Breed: Bottled Mountain Spring Dog Water

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Pets


We've covered bottled water for dogs before and apparently the trend is really taking off because now we're doing it again. Aqua Pure Breed is bottled mountain water for dogs that not only provides hydration but is also available in 4 different formulas to more personally meet your dog's healthy drinking needs. And Aqua Pure Breed promotes not only healthy drinking water for your pet but an overall healthy and active lifestyle by offering "Active Dog Guides" for major cities and they started the No Dog Left Behind program which encourages people to include their pet dogs into more areas of their lives. You can order online and get about a month's supply of water for $59.95.

The Animal Rescue Site, Charity of the Day

Filed under: Charity, Charity of the Day

The Animal Rescue Site has harnessed the immense power of the Internet and put it to use for a good cause. The site features a button that visitors can click as many times as they want to provide much needed food to the millions of animals in shelters across the US. The food is payed for by sponsors that advertise on the site, and it's distributed by volunteers. So, next time you're bored at work... click away! Like most charities The Animal Rescue Site has an online gift store, except this one is more like and online gift mall, I was blown away by how much cool stuff they have (jewelry, cute clothing, home and garden supplies and pet accessories and much more), I put the shopping link in my favorites, I will definitely check back next time I'm buying a gift! If you're going to be shopping online it feels good to know you aren't just fueling the mass consumerism lifestyle, when a portion of the money goes to a good cause it makes shopping so much more enjoyable! Plus I can justify spending more knowing the proceeds go to animals!

Swarovski Retractable Lead

Filed under: Pets

It's not easy to find cutesy stuff for large dogs, I have a 65 pound mutt, so adorable sweaters aren't an option, neither are name brand carriers. I was excited to find this Swarovski retractable lead, it's covered with shimmering crystals and available in a nice assortment of colors. Walk your big pooch in style and be the talk of the dog park! Available online, prices range from $160 (dogs under 20 pounds) to $280 (larger breeds).

A Better Looking Pet Crate

Filed under: Decor, Pets

Most pet crates don't look so nice in the home, with their plastic casing, metal gates and colors that don't always match the decor. Unless you want to keep your pet and his or her crate in the basement, there's an alternative, if you have a woody decor. The Pet Crate End Table from Improvements Catalog is solid pine with a chestnut color, and doubles as an end table. It comes in two sizes and is priced a bit more than many of the basic plastic and metal models found at a conventional pet goods site, such as Doctors Foster and Smith, but certainly is nicer looking as well as multi-functional.

Because the crate looks more like furniture than, well, a crate, you can easily set it up in the living room, den or bedroom. The pivoting block "lock" keeps the door closed. The description states that the crate also is a good place for a kitty litter box. And I bet my 3-year-old nephew would enjoy hiding in there too.

Large Pet Crate End Table, 25" x 36" x 30" tall, $259.99; Medium Pet Crate End Table, 21" x 30" x 24" tall, $199.99. See the gallery below for some of the other attractive pet products available from Improvements Catalog.

eiCrate: A Better-Looking Way To Crate Your Pet

Filed under: Pets


I'm not big on crating my little Maltese (and she's not big on being crated!) but there are always those times when it's just in her best interests to be confined, whether she likes it or not. Dog crates are typically ugly functional things, but the people over at Go!PetDesign have come up with a slightly less atrocious version of this small dog staple. The eiCrate has an artistic round shape, with a cute little round door and accessories like a fitted cover and half-moon shaped doggie cushion to add even more style. It still has a typical crate's metal framework, but then some things just can't be avoided. $495 - $750

Gallery: eiCrate

Dogsindanger.com, Charity of the Day

Filed under: Pets, Charity, Charity of the Day

I have to warn you this charity may bring a tear to your eye. Dogsindanger.com is an award winning website that was started by dog lovers Alex Aliksanyan and Brenda Bush. The site features various dogs in shelters that are on doggie death row. Their mission is to get as many of these dogs adopted before their time runs out, and to raise awareness about the numbers of dogs that are put to sleep in shelters every day. As of today dogsindanger.com has saved 4366 dogs. Their website is both educational and user friendly, with a search feature that allows prospective "parents" to search by breed or zip code to find potential pups. Online petitions, and a free newsletter are also available on the site. It's a common misconception that shelters only have large breeds, or old dogs...not true, shelters have dogs of all sizes and all ages. Please check out dogsindanger.com before you head to the pet store, and help spread the word, there's a loveable dog, in a shelter near you, that's patiently waiting.

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