pets

Red Tibetan Mastiff: World's Most Expensive Dog Sells for $1.5 Million

Filed under: Pets

A coal baron living in northern China just spent $1.5 million to buy what is considered the world's most expensive dog, a red Tibetan Mastiff. It's hard to know precisely where in that sentence you spurt out your mouthful of coffee: that a dog is worth that much or that there is a millionaire willing to buy one in China.

Tags: dogs, mastiff, most expensive dog, pets, tibetan mastiff

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Luxist Giveaway: Platinum Pets For Dogs and Cats

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

In recent years more and more people have been buying Christmas presents for their dogs and cats. But our loyal companions have mostly been ignored when it comes to Valentine's Day. That doesn't seem quite fair. After all, we love our furry friends. Why not give them a little treat?

Enter, Platinum Pets, a company based in Valencia, California that is a manufacturer of eco-friendly, designer products for your pets. The company specializes in unique finishes that bring a new fashion and sparkle to collars, leashes and bowls. The high-gloss finish is durable and dishwasher safe. The products are manufactured in the USA. They are FDA compliant and E.U. certified to be completely food safe and do not contain any toxic chemicals.

Today we are giving away two gifts from Platinum Pets and we are asking you to choose--pamper the pup or coddle the kitty. For dog lovers we are giving away one nylon leash. The leash with a black nylon handle is argon welded, chrome plated and powder coated. Like all Platinum Pets products it is available in a variety of colors. It sells for $19.95 and comes in four thicknesses to suit all sizes of dogs. For cat lovers we are offering one embossed eight-ounce bowl for cats (complete with fishes decoration). It has a skid stop rubber base to hold the bowl in place and is eco-friendly powder coated and will never rust or chip. It is super easy to clean and dishwasher safe. The bowl is available in eight fashion colors and sells for $6.00. To enter the contest just leave a comment below letting us know which item you would like to win.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 9, 2011 at 5:00pm Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* Two winners will be selected in a random drawing and notified by email.
* One winner will a nylon leash from Platinum Pets valued at $19.95. One winner will receive an eight-ounce bowl for cats valued at $6.00.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See full giveaway rules here.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your participation.

Tags: cat dish, cat supplies, cats, dog leash, dog supplies, dogs, luxist giveaway, pets, platinum pets

Pet Water Bottle: Fido Goes Green

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

Some of man's (beast's?) greatest inventions have been borne from necessity. And one of those necessities is carrying water for the big thirsty dog who goes with you on your morning run or mountain trail hike. The problem is, dogs don't pucker and suck water from a spout. They lap it up with their tongues and hence have always needed a water dish lugged along on the outing.

Good Life Gear to the rescue, with its newly patented Pet Water Bottle, which retails for about $22.

What makes the Pet Water Bottle patent-worthy is the stainless steel rolling ball at its mouth that stems the flow of water until the dog's tongue pushes the ball up to trigger the release of the water inside. Simple, perhaps. Brilliant, absolutely, for anyone -- me included -- who has messed around with the various ways of transporting and dispensing water for the dog on hikes. In my case, I've lugged an extra bottle and various containers in which to pour a drink for Buddy, our Golden Retriever -- which wastes water when I pour too much and drips in my pack once the dish gets wet. Plus if I don't take a pack, I'm stuck holding the stupid dish for miles.

The patented Pet Water Bottle comes in two sizes -- 16 oz. and 24 oz. -- and various pet-adorable designs, including a bone pattern and one with colorful paws. It is a BPA-free stainless steel bottle that is lightweight and easy to carry with a hook for back or fanny pack attachment. The bottles fit into most automobile cup holders. The wide mouth enables it to easily hold ice cubes. M.K. Distributors, Inc. also distributes a pet pedometer and a Go Green Lunch Kit -- the latter for your human children.

Gallery: Patented Pet Water Bottle

Tags: dog water bottle, pet water bottle, pets, water bottle

The Luxist Gift Guide for Spoiled Pets

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

While every fashionable poodle worth her pastel hair bows knows that nothing beats the gift of a forever home and a reliable bowl of kibble, human companions have long sought ways to help Fido and Fluffy experience a little holiday cheer -- and that certainly doesn't include a taste of the bubbly. As such, we here at Luxist have some recommendations for pet products that set our whiskers twitching.

1) Smart Interactive Toy for Dogs -- a Nina Ottosson puzzle toy, recommended by Victoria Stilwell on Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog" show. $54.95. Dogs need to be intellectually challenged, just like our human children. Teaching them to problem solve will go a long way toward building self-confidence. And should you not be blessed with a canine Einstein, we guarantee you'll be amused for hours watching your goofy Golden figure out how to find the treat you stashed under one of the little wooden pegs. Just be careful that Dumbo doesn't start chewing the wood. Available from various retailers, including Poochie Heaven.

Tags: animals, dogs, holiday gift guide, holiday gifts, holiday shopping, pets

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Wanted: Five Real Bitches

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

Taking a little tinkle on "The Real Housewives" franchise, Bitch New York, a premiere source for designer dog clothing and carriers, has announced a New York City-wide search for new celebudogs for its upcoming Web profile series called "The Real Bitches of New York."

The site has an open casting call and is looking for "5 fabulous dogs from 5 New York City boroughs." A press release asks: "Does your dog have what it takes to be in the spotlight? Does she love to be showered in attention? Does your dog represent the best of New York City?"

Photos and stories should be sent to darren@popculturepr.com for consideration. All chosen dogs must be accessible to photographers and video crews for up to 90 days.

We imagine the Manhattan dog to be a tiny teacup from the Upper Eastside, purebred of course. Will Brooklyn offer up a yuppie Golden or a pit bull (after all, gentrification takes time)? Can't wait to see the muscle tee on the dog from the Bronx, but will the Staten Island bitch be wearing a lot of fake bling and have her hair teased? Queens? Do they even allow dogs there?

Tags: dog clothing, dogs, pets

Cat Scratcher That Doubles as Wall Art

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

Finally, a cat scratcher that looks nice -- and not just nice like a fancy cat scratcher but nice enough to pass as part of the decor when not in use. As an owner of two scratch-happy kitties myself I've spent many a frustrated shopping trip trying to find something to satisfies them without horrifying me and I think this could do it. The Itch Square Habitat for Cats is made of 100% bamboo with a carpet square in the center that's removable, replaceable, and of course customizable to fit in with your home's color and decor scheme. $50

Via bookofjoe

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Tags: cat scratchers, cats, pets

Spa Paws Hotel to Open in Fort Worth, TX

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

Spa Paws Hotel is opening this month in Fort Worth, TX and is set to replace the Pooch Hotel in Sunnyvale, CA as the most expensive and luxurious pet hotel in the nation. The $4.4 million 'resort' boasts pets-only rooms (no human guests allowed) with no cages or kennels, custom upholstered beds, and chenille and satin blankets complete with nightly turn-down service. It also has a state-of-the-art Wellness Center, a spa, and a shopping boutique. The Wellness Center provides both preventative and prescription treatments, depending on your pets needs, and specializes in Eastern medicine including acupressure and massage. The spa offers all the usual grooming services plus treats like aromatherapy, reflexology, and doggie facials, and (if you or your pet are in the mood to do a little shopping) you can find couture dog and cat fashions, collars, and accessories at the boutique.

Other features include a driving service for pick-up/drop-off, breed-specific areas for improved care and animal welfare, and an atrium with natural lighting and robotic squirrels for entertainment. Sounds so idyllic, even from a human perspective, that your pet might not want to go home with you when you come back from your vacation. Let the good times roll for $65 - $200 per night.

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Tags: pet, pet hotels, pets, spa paws hotel

'Pooch Hotel' Offers Nation's Most Expensive Doggie Suites

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

The Pooch Hotel in Sunnyvale CA is the nation's most expensive dog hotel, with their priciest "Palace Suites" coming in at a steep $100 per night per pet. Even if they share a room.

The premise is that pets are like children to many families and so the idea of leaving them behind to wallow in stress and misery while rest of the family vacations just isn't an option. Pooch Hotel offers several different levels of accommodations: the Palace Suites measure 12' x 10' or 20' x 15' for $100/night, Presidential Suites are 9' x 9' for $75/night, and Junior Suites run 5' x 7' for $50/night. All include luxury bedding but the top two tiers also include cable tv and webcams in the room so owners have access to viewing their pet anytime they have access to the internet or a smartphone. The hotel also offers additional services like a "Spaw" where pets can get pawdicures, facials, and even hair coloring (graying muzzles anyone?), a pool for swimming, land and water treadmills, and a limo service for pick-up and drop-off.

One would think such lavish indulgences would be suffering due to the current recession but apparently not, as the owner reports it's not unusual for patrons to drop several thousand dollars just for the peace of mind of leaving their dogs in a safe and happy environment. In fact the California Pooch Hotel location boasts a 99% occupancy rate for its four $100 Palace Suites and an expansion is in the works to almost double occupancy and go from 69 rooms to 133.

Gallery: The Pooch Hotel, Sunnyvale CA

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Tags: dogs, pet hotels, pets, pooch hotel

Lazy Bonezz - Exclusive Interview with the Makers of Luxe Pet Furnishings

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Pets

When I heard the brand name "Lazy Bonezz," I wasn't sure what kind of company it was. Curiosity got the better of me, and I was pleased to discover luxury pet furnishings made with an eye toward sleek, modern interior fashion as well as smart functionality. The attractive, unobtrusive items for dogs and cats include an adjustable-height food/water dish, a scratching pad for cats that's not an eyesore and an impressive set of pet bunk beds. Finally, pet products that don't insult the integrity of your home design (see The Modern, $399, above, available in small or large).

Intrigued, I inquired about an interview with Lazy Bonezz designer Lorraine Shamie. My wish was granted and what follows is a surprising conversation about this unusual, mother-daughter company.

Luxist: So, are you a cat person or a dog person?

Lorraine Shamie: I love both cats and dogs. When we [Lorraine and her mother] started designing products we designed for both.

L: How did you get the idea for Lazy Bonezz?

LS: About two years ago, my mom and I were shopping for a gift for a close relative. She had a new baby Yorkie and just moved into a beautiful apartment in Manhattan. We wanted to buy her a stylish and comfortable pet-bed, but could not find anything that we felt she would want in her new apartment. We realized that there was a need for this type of product, and with our style and my father's manufacturing capabilities -- he runs Simmons Juvenile, a leader in the baby furniture world for 87 years -- we could solve this problem.

Gallery: Attractive Pet Products from Lazy Bonezz

Tags: cats, dogs, home, lazy bonezz, pet, pets

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Bon Christiani Dog Collars

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets, Green

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

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

Loews 5th Annual Surf Dog Competition Returns to San Diego

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Pets

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

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

Andrea Levine Exotic Leather Dog Collars

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

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

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

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

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

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

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Tags: dog, doghouse, dogs, pet, pets

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

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions, Pets

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

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

Molly & June Designer Dog Fashions

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

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