While many urban areas in the United States are becoming more and more dog-friendly, we’ve long been playing catch-up to much of Europe, where dogs are often more readily welcomed in businesses and restaurants. The IKEA in Köln, Germany doesn’t allow dogs (except for guide dogs) in the store, but they’ve added a special “dog parking” section in front of their store for shoppers who stop in accompanied by their dogs. Like much of what IKEA does, I think it’s pretty brilliant.
A running joke in my family has to do with my mother and her obsession with water bottles. As far as my mom is concerned, anyone leaving the house for more than thirty minutes without a water bottle is flirting with danger. It’s no joke when it comes to keeping dogs hydrated in the summertime, though — we know how important it is to have fresh water on hand for hot dogs. Popware for Pets makes it easy with their convenient travel cup with handy rubber bottle holder. The bottle holder fits most standard water bottles, and the carabiner clips easily to your belt, bag, or leash. It’s just the thing to keep your pup — and my mom — happy.
With the weather all warmed up (and leaning towards “hot and toasty”, quite frankly), we’re busting out our hiking boots and hitting the local trails. Wrigley is an adventurer at heart, so he accompanies us on most of our excursions. Carrying our own water bottles and a bowl for him is awkward at best, so when I spied this all-in-one water bottle and detachable bowl from OllyDog, I ordered one immediately! We sprung for one in Lime, but the OllyBottle is also available in Blueberry and Orange. Needless to say, I think this design is downright brilliant! (We’ve already used it a few times and Wrigley loves it, too.)
What do you guys think of this design?
Chances are, if you’ve ever left town, worked late, or had an emergency of one sort or another, you’ve been left scrambling to find a pet sitter or holding a giant boarding bill. Say goodbye to all that anxiety and budget-busting frustration! There’s a new solution in town… and it’s called Spotwag.
Kate from Moderncat tipped me off to Free Stitch, a Japanese company designing and making beautiful clothing, collars, leashes and other accessories for dogs. From what I understand, they are a group of graphic designers who wanted their pets to look as beautiful as they were on the inside, so they started making clothes. What really seals the deal for me, though, is the product photography.
Call me a dork and call it a fanny pack, but I like the idea of this dog walking belt created by Cesar Millan and DOOG. This product is great for long hikes or short walks when you’re out of pocket space. The custom belt includes special holders for your keys, iPod and even a tennis ball, plus it comes equipped with doggie waste bags and antibacterial hand wipes. Fanny pack or not, this is smart. Buy it on Cesar’s site.
