Meet Swanky Pet: Yoshi!

Meet little Yoshi who lives in St. Louis, MO. Yoshi is a Shih Tzu and is showing off his summer cut and his new Glory Days collar. We think he's adorable! 

Care Packages for Soldiers

Two weeks ago, we announced our new program to send care packages to soldiers stationed overseas.

We've shipped the first care package to Afghanistan! We hope to ship many more!

You can help --- when you order one of our Patriotic Prints, 50% of the proceeds goes to fund sending care packages and you can even nominate a soldier or unit to receive a care package.

Meet Swanky Pet: Oliver!

This handsome dog is Oliver - an 8-month old yellow lab who lives in Portland, OR. Oliver's mom tells me that he was chosen as Top Dog of Portland out of 100 dogs. As Top Dog, he will be a part of Lexi Dog a doggie daycare and boutique in Portland and get the opportunity to host several charity events throughout the next year. 

Here, he makes the Indianapolis Colts collar look very dapper! 

How dogs communicate

If only our dogs could talk. They'd probably tell us to please stop shouting commands, bending over them and making fast movements. Instead they yawn, lick, maybe sniff around on the floor, just a few things that internationally-renowned dog trainer and behavior expert Turid Rugaas calls "calming signals."

By taking the time to recognize these subtle cues, we can improve communication in our own little pack. In her critically acclaimed book, On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals, Turid Rugaas describes over 30 different universal calming signals. Watch your dog canine conversation starters like yawning, freezing, licking and sniffing the ground, then read about more them at her site here.

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Meet the Beagle

No wonder Charles Schultz chose a beagle as his lead dog, Snoopy. Friendly and sociable, these sweet hounds are the fifth most popular breed of dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club.

Relatively small in stature, most beagles stand just about 13 to 16 inches tall and weigh 20 to 25 pounds. Their coats are typically black, white, and brown, but you do spot some with different-colored coats and markings.

Historically, beagles were bred to hunt small game (like rabbits), which explains why they enjoy being part of a pack, whether it includes other pups, people, or both. Most beagles will still break out their hunting-dog howl when excited or alarmed. And given their roots, trainers recommend that beagle pups be socialized with other smaller household pets early on so they get used to having little critters as fellow pets.

Although generally loving and eager to please, beagles can have minds of their own at times, which requires patience and firm, consistent training. Taking at least one brisk walk a day will help these pups stay happy and healthy. But beware of letting them off lead: Their instinct is to follow their noses, and they may take off to track down an enticing scent!

Search Petfinder's list of adoptable beagles: http://tinyurl.com/kwxnp7

Pet Fashion Week 2009

A fun article from the Phoenix Examiner: http://tinyurl.com/mm758j

The fourth annual Pet Fashion Week was hosted at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, and it was a lot of quirky fun. Small dogs pranced around in just-off-the-runway haute couture and glittering cases of platinum, gold, and silver “Mommy and Me” necklaces, collars, and cuffs glistened in the aisles. A fine art exhibit of couture pet fashion designed and constructed by students at F.I.T.’s accredited Pet Fashion program was displayed at the entrance on white, square pedestals and on a table running down the center of the first room like so many fashionista dogs all dressed up with lots of places to go. It was heady stuff, and that was only the first few feet.

Despite the recession, the pet industry is doing well. City girls like to shop, and while they might not be able to afford their latest from the human runway, we can still indulge ourselves and live vicariously through our dogs. There were booths from designers brand new to the market with some of the most sophisticated fabrics, trims, button, and silhouettes ever that were showing lines ranging from hand-painted shirts to laser-cut leather. Walls of organic treats and toys. Dog and cat furniture designed to fit seamlessly in the sleekest apartments. Handcrafted appliquéd sweaters and futuristic feeders.

The smaller crowd of little dogs milling around in their brocade dresses and bling really seemed to enjoy showing off. There was enough fashion to satisfy the discriminating stud, and for those no-nonsense breeds, there were beautiful but utilitarian sweaters and coats in fabrics designed by science to stand up to the ruff crowd.
Stay tuned for my series of pet product spots featuring exclusive interview with designers and company founders, along with photos and the low down on how to be the first to score the goods.

Today's Featured Print: Mod Squad

Today, we are featuring Mod Squad from our Retro Collection. All orders placed through midnight tonight are 15% off. 

This fun and funky print features a periwinkle/blue background with retro-style squares in black, white, green and a little accent of pink. 

Your dog will turn heads everywhere you go sporting this stylish print! 

Pet Fashion Week draws New York's best dressed dogs to Chelsea

Mochi, a 2-year-old Maltese, beams with pride modelign a dog dress Sunday at Pet Fashion Week in Chelsea

Just don't call them catwalk queens!

Some of New York's best dressed dogs strutted their stuff Sunday at Pet Fashion Week in Chelsea.

There were sweaters for shih-tzus, gowns for great Danes, and leashes that looked great on lhasa apsos.

Nearly 2,000 makers of doggie apparel - everything from raingear to formal attire - turned out for the annual pet-palooza at the Metropolitan Center on W. 18th St.

One 2-year-old Maltese named Mochi modeled a dress from the spring line of Mochi & Jolie. A Morkie from Lambertville, N.J., gazed longingly at a wall packed with pet accessories. Lily Pad and Penny Lane, two Cavalier King Charles spaniels were decked out in their best ribbons and dresses.

Read more

Meet Swanky Pet: Hope!

This beauty is Hope, who lives in Bakersfield, CA.

Her mom, Kara tell us: "Hope is my female, who we rescued from a pound. She had been thrown into a dumpster when she was 4 weeks old. She is now 10 and is by far the best dog we have ever owned! She is whimsical, sassy, and a lover."

We think Hope is simply beautiful! And looking very stylish in her new Snow Leopard collar! 

Sweet Dog Organics

Our Wine Corks collar is a featured Giveaway at Sweet Dog Organics. Visit their site to enter to win! 

Care Packages for Soldiers

Last week, we announced our new program to send care packages to soldiers stationed overseas. 

We've shipped the first care package to Afghanistan! We hope to ship many more! 

You can help --- when you order one of our Patriotic Prints, 50% of the proceeds goes to fund sending care packages and you can even nominate a soldier or unit to receive a care package. 

Meet August's Winner: Lakota the Cougar

The winner for this month's drawing is Gloria who lives in Havana, FL and runs Cougar Ridge Educational Center. Gloria is "mom" to two cougars, Ashukalee (“Sugar”) and Lakota. The latest addition to the family is Casanova, a Siberian Tiger!

Gloria writes: "We just received our two new collars and absolutely love them. They are now being worn by two cougars: 6 year old Lakota (in photo) and 10 year old Ashukalee. They love it when they get new jewelry! Ashukalee wouldn't pose because she was strutting around proud of her new "bling."

Lakota and Ashukalee both were rehabilitated by me from near death illnesses and now live a happy spoiled life and do education programs to school children on endangered species. Lakota is a very special boy because he is an excellent swimmer. I cannot go in my pool without letting him join or he whines! He will stay in the pool all day and even dive to the bottom to retrieve toys. They are a handsome pair in their gorgeous collars. Thank you so much."

When you get a chance, visit the Cougar Ridge Educational Center at: www.cougar-ridge.org

Meet Swanky Pet, Lucie!

This Golden Beauty is Lucie from De Pere, WI. Look how adorable she is in her new Flip Flops collar!

Mom, Heidi tell me that Lucie is 15 months old and her family did a lot of research to find her. " We found a special show-dog breeder in Wisconsin, where she has the most beautiful dogs. My parents have a golden from there too!"

She loves the water, she often snorkels and dives for sticks and rocks. She can go underwater for almost 1 minute!! She also couldn't live without her stuffed animals, bones, and of course squeaky tennis balls. And she's not so happy when her family has to go to work.

Lucie also has a rather special talent: "Lucie is the sweetest little puppy, who loves following you around the house all day long. She even follows you during "picking up poops time" and goes on the grass and points out her poops. HAHA It's hillarious!"

Sending Care Packages To Our Troops

We're very excited to launch a new program to help fund sending care packages to our service men and women overseas. Now, when you order items from our Patriotic Collection, 50% of the proceeds will go towards sending care packages to soldiers. 

When you order, you are welcome to nominate a soldier or unit to receive a care package by emailing us:  customerservice@swankypet.net. 

Meet SwankyPet, Kita!

This beauty is Kita who lives in Scarborough, Maine with her family. Mom, Aubrey writes about Kita:

"Kita was rescued from a home in Lewiston, Maine (where she was tied outside over winter as a puppy) by a group called Dogs Deserve Better. She joined our family two years ago. She is a pit bull mix, and happily shares her house with five cats, of which Magnus is her favorite. She and Magnus will curl up on her bed or the sofa together. She is gentle as a lamb with all of them, loves to spend time helping garden and do yard work, and has been a great friend to my husband and me. We love her tremendously!"

What a great story! Kita looks just stunning in her new Pink Pucci collar - it's the perfect pick for her!

Today's Featured Print: Groovy Dots!

Today, we are featuring this fun Retro Print we call Groovy Dots. Pink and White retro-style polka dots dance against a black background. It is sure to turn heads everywhere you and your pet go. 

As today's featured print, all orders are 15% off through midnight tonight (pacific). So don't delay --- order yours today! Groovy Dots is available for collars, harnesses & leads. 

Adopt a less adoptable pet day

August 12 is Petfinder's "Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet" day spotlighting seniors, special needs, or dogs that have just been plain overlooked.  All dogs deserve a wonderful, loving home and most dogs, even those with issues, can be matched with the right home. 

For people who are not so active but want a companion, a senior pet might be just perfect.  Senior dogs still have a desire to play and have fun but they can't go as long or as hard as young pups.  For households calmer and quieter in nature, a senior pet will fit right in with the less active family.  Older pets have numerous advantages over younger pets. 

Special needs pets, felines with FIV or canines with a bum leg for example, need special homes where the humans are willing to deal with the special need but also where the pet won't be seen as "broken".  As with special needs people, special needs pets may require extra attention or care but the love they give back is 1000-fold over any extra care.  Everyone can learn from a special needs pet, learn to overcome obstacles and live in the happiness of the moment.  Three-legged dogs don't care that they are three-legged.  They might run a little slower but they will love their human just as much as a four-legged dog.

Quite often, pets are just simply overlooked.  Maybe they have small issues or don't stand out in a crowd.  The "black dog syndrome" is often a problem because dark dogs don't photograph well.  Very large dogs are not adopted as often because people think a big dog in the house is difficult or that they can't handle a big dog.  However, big dogs handle just as well as smaller dogs with good obedience training and if a teenager can fit into a house, so can a big dog.  Big dogs are great protectors simply due to their size.  Every pet has its own special qualities that would make it perfect in the right home.

Advocates of adopting less adoptable pets will tell you that it was the best decision they ever made.  These pets are loyal and loving and wonderful despite, or due to, their special status.

Support your local animal shelter or rescue and adopt a less adoptable pet on August 12.

VETERANS HELPING TODAY'S RETURNING HEROES

Veterans Helping Today’s Returning Heroes is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization created to solicit and provide funds for America’s VetDogs so that they may provide guide or service dogs and training to veterans and active military personnel who have been wounded in the global war on terrorism and who require the use of an assistance dog to help them return to a life of self-reliance and dignity whether they are blind or visually impaired or have other special needs.

For immediate information, please email:
Irwin Stovroff at: irwintfi@aol.com

Correspondence including contributions, made payable to Vets Helping Heroes, can be mailed to:
Vets Helping Heroes
7374 Woodmont Ct.
Boca Raton, FL 33434

Donations: http://vetshelpingheroes.org/contributions.html

Meet SwankyPet, Kobe!

This dashing fellow sporting his En Fuego collar, is Kobe - a 85-pound Boxer who (according to mom, Keegan) is "nothing but energy and jowls"! Keegan tells me he's the best dog she's ever had and has more personality than she knows what to do with. 

Kobe enjoys playing with toys of any shape and size and provides his family lots of entertainment as they watch him play. Keegan says Kobe will be getting a new companion - an American Bulldog once she returns from Afghanistan.