New Smart ID dog tag!!

Another post already!? I know I know, I figure while I am on a roll and have information I should just keep it coming.

This is really quite brilliant I think. A friend of mine, Rachel, who also writes a dog related bog has found a terrific product. It's an I.D. tag for dogs but it's not just any I.D. tag, this one is fixed to the collar so it doesn't jingle AND it has a QR code. The tag still has your dogs name on it and a visible phone number but if you have a smart phone or a friend does that can read QR codes, you can find out the pooches profile. If you don't have a smart phone you can still access the info online. Why is this a GREAT idea? Your information isn't immediately visible for anyone and everyone to see, especially in case your dog's tag falls off. Plus, if your dog somehow gets lost, the chances of him/her being recovered is greater. Here is a link to my friend's review of the product and here is a link to PetHub, the company who makes the tag and stores the database of information. Brilliant! Thanks Rachel!

Also, I came across this great photographer, Seth Casteel who takes amazing dog photos. Some are under water (SO SO SO cool!) and others on land. Here's a teaser but check them out at this link.

Cheers!

It has been a WHIIIIIILE!

I have been an incredible slacker with this blog. So I am going to do a post with all kinds of fun things and information! First, I have to brag a little, my dogs are famous. A few weeks ago we were running around near the jogging path/lake after a big snow storm and a photographer from the tribune was there and snapped a couple of pics. He asked for our names and consent to publish any pics assuming any turned out good enough and boy did they! I saw our pic online, here it is!

( E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago Tribune / January 13, 2012 )

Here's a link to it too, it's pic #3. I then found out we made it in the actual Saturday Tribune! We were in the front section on page 4!!!! Here's a pic of me holding the paper. It was a Saturday morning so forget about how I look ;)

FAMOUS I tell you, my boys are FAMOUS!
Ok, onto other things. Here's a great video that shows just how great rescuing can be and how showing a little love can go a long way. Rescuing is SO rewarding so please think about it when looking to add a new furkid to your family.

This is an amazing video that was show partially on a camera mounted to his dogs harness and the other part shot by hand. It is so so so so great, check it out.

Beautiful Day at the Dog Park from Kelsey Wynns on Vimeo.

I hope you all are well!
Cheers for now,
Julie

Cool Cat products found!

Have you ever had the thought, "I'd love to get a cat tree for my adorable kitty but they are so dang fugly?" I have. It took us a while to find a carpeted one that we thought wouldn't be too much of an eyesore. But really, we'll try to find something in the future that will hopefully last a while, be fun for the furries, and nice on the eyes. Well, look no further. Below are some gems that I have come across and want to share.

Rustic Cat Trees from BJ Marketers
(I love the use of actual wood in these)



The Sky Climber from Whisker Studio
(mid-century modern, need I say more?)



The Lotus Tower from The Refined Feline
(super mod!)



I could go on and on but you can find more at Modern Cat.

I have also thought the same thing about cat beds. Why are they always so colorful or or constructed in garish animal prints?! Some of us like to have a flow throughout our homes with pet beds that add design to the space instead of taking away from it.

Check some of these out!

The Cat Cave from Whisker Studio



The Pod Bed from Hepper



More beds can be found at Modern Cat

Another thing about having felines in the home is the litter box. Don't get me wrong, I love my kitties. But let me tell you, their poop is some pungent shit (pun intended!). I have been on a mission to find an inconspicuous place to put our litter boxes (for four cats!) and how to deal with the poopy smell.

We used to have this set up:

We took the base of a HUGE fish tank, cut openings on either end, added shelves and lined five litter boxes up on the inside. Besides the boxes being inside the unit, they were also on top of litter mats in case a sassy feline decided to hang their bottom over the edge of the litter box and let some nasty nasty fall below.







After some time Googling and brainstorming we decided we were due for an upgrade. I know, I know... you're thinking "how could you ever upgrade from that amazing creation?" Well here you go:

(sorry not a great pic, taken on my iphone)



Modern Cat has a FABULOUS do it yourself section and that's where we found this much more streamline modern litter box hider that totally blew ours out of the water. Here's a link to better pics of what we did on Modern Cat's site and the how to!

I hope some of you find some inspiration to sass up your feline related items!!!

Ciao,
Julie

Weekend Time!

This is a fun related post. I might try to make it a regular thing on Fridays. Cute videos or pictures that just make you laugh or smile. If you like the idea, let me know!

I found a great video on You Tube, "Things You CAN'T Do When You're NOT a Dog" This is the funniest thing I have seen in a while. And if you're a dog owner you totally get it although I am sure non dog owners will laugh at this too!



I also found this great little thing called a PortAPoo for when you're walking your dog, would be useful when you're on a long walk and can't find a garbage can! Totally funny but also functional!

On another note, who wouldn't want a little lamb after seeing this ahhhhdorable video!?

I wants!!! Is that not the cutest thing EVER? I can't stop watching!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Cold Weather Gear!

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

Well it seems as though freezing temps have kicked in earlier this year here in Chicago. Big bummer! It is really important that not only us people are dressed for the brutal weather, but that our pooches are too! Chicago is a city obsessed with salt. The salt that is strewn across the roads and that buildings dump on sidewalks are loaded with chemicals. Those chemicals burn dogs paws and if you even grabbed a handful of the salt, it would burn/sting your hands. Also if they lick their paws and ingest the ice melt they could get upset stomachs and diarrhea.

Another thing to consider is if your dog does not have a double coat like a Shepherd, Akita, Husky etc. you should look into getting them a coat. The windy city sure is windy and our wind chill temperatures are insane! Below I will list some of my favorite winter products for our pooches!

Apache River Dog Coats
Apache River dog coats are awesome! They are thick and lined to really keep out the cold weather. They have full chest coverage and go pretty far up the belly. They also have thigh straps so that if you hit a windy road the jacket won't fly up thus letting all the cold air in under the jacket. My boys love them!

(Beans)

Pawz Boots
Paws boots are great for dogs that have never worn boots. Dogs are able to feel the texture of the ground through them thus they get used to them very quickly! They are similar to balloons in material and disposable so once you see a hole toss it. 12 come in a pack so a pack should last a season unless you let your dog romp in them. They are not good for playing in.

(Tucker)

More Pawz!

(Molly)

Ruff Wear Boots
Ruff Wear Boots are the next step up. When you want something more durable that will last longer. They are really great, have vibram soles to help prevent slipping. Besides being very functional, they are ahhhhdorable!

(FYI Beans looks miffed in almost all pics)

Ruff Wear Boot up close

Be sure to shorten walks in severe temps! If you're uncomfortable, it's likely your pooch is too!

Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services: News

I know I know, it's been far too long since I have blogged but if I blogged when I didn't want to or feel like it I think you would hate what you were reading. At least that's what I keep telling myself ;-) Onto my awesome important updates!

Starting Oct 17th 2009, Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services (CVES) will be open 24/7. This is great news for all of our fur and feathered kids. They are such a great emergency clinic, it is great to hear that they will be available even more now. Hopefully none of us will need to use their services. ;)

My second announcement is about canine blood donations. We had Gweck and Beans blood type tested about 2 years ago and found out that they were not the type that CVES was blood banking yet. We got a call a few weeks ago and were told that they are now expanding their blood types! They now have technology that can test an emergency patients blood type so that they can receive their blood type instead of only using the canine universal blood type.

What you need to know:
"Dogs should be between the ages of 2 and 8 and weigh more than 55 pounds. All dogs must be current on vaccinations, on a heartworm preventative year-round and have a friendly disposition."

How it works:
You call in to 773-281-7110 and ask to speak to Kate Gallagher about donating your dogs blood. They will set up an appointment with you to bring in your pooch so they can get a sample to see:
A. What you dogs blood type is
B. To do a full blood panel to make sure everything checks out all clear.

You will then wait to hear from them to make sure everything is good to go and then they will call you to set up a donation appointment. It only takes minutes to donate and is so worth it! So quit waiting and set up an appointment!

Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services Contact Info:
Website: Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services
Phone: 773-281-7110 ext. 67
Address: 3123 N Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618

How one sweet pooch copes with the heat...

Otto goes to Johnny Sprockets (our neighborhood awesome sauce bike store) for treats and a short cool off on the cool floor.



























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