Category Archives: Top 5

Top 5: April Fools

Top 5 01 Apr

April Fools! In honour of this blessed day here are 5 ridiculously cute (or to some – just plain ridiculous) puppy products that I would be far too conflicted to post on any other day of the year for fear of having my Stylish Blogger Award ripped away from me….

1. Rear Gear Butt Covers – for the discreet dog
2. The cutest dog lover keyring spotted over at Phetched
3. Dog Snuggies. You may laugh – but ask yourself…doesn’t everyone have the right to a little bit of snuggniness?
4. Pawsby the Poo Patroller. Sure he looks like a crazy robot, but this guy includes a leash, a poop scooper, a water bowl and a flashlight for all your dog walking needs!
5. Humunga Stache Dog Toy. It’s not just for silly photos, it actually is a chewable durable dog toy. Awesome. Found via Dog-Milk.

Which of these products do you secretly love?
How have you spent your April Fools Day?

Top 5: Dog Books

Top 5 03 Mar

Remember when Joey revealed to Rachel on Friends that whenever he reads The Shining he would have to put the book in the freezer at the scary parts? Well reading some of the books below often had me reaching for the freezer section overcome with emotion for the furry characters within the pages. Whether it’s an inspirational tale (that makes you cry), the story of a puppy that wins against the odds (that makes you cry) or decadent images of our fluffy friends (that probably won’t make you cry, but because of the previous books you’ve opened up the floodgates…), happy tears aside, if you’re a dog lover you’re going to love these books.

1. Marley and Me by John Grogan. If you haven’t already read this modern day classic, run don’t walk to the book store. John Grogan’s wonderfully entertaining tale of living with ‘the world’s worst dog’ ultimately means so much more than the hilarious hi-jinx the lovable Labrador gets up to during the course of the book. Capturing the special bond between a dog and a family, it’ll make you want to give your pooch an extra cuddle at the end of each day.
2. Oogy by Larry Levin. This heartwarming story about puppy rescued from a dog fighting ring by a loving family is inspiration at it’s best. Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, take their terminally ill cat to the Ardmore Animal Hospital outside Philadelphia to have the beloved pet put to sleep. What would begin as a terrible day suddenly gets brighter as the ugliest dog they have ever seen–one who is missing an ear and has half his face covered in scar tissue–runs up to them and makes them fall in love. Uplifting and joyous it shows just what can be achieved through sheer love and compassion.
3. From Baghdad with Love by Jay Kopelman and Melinda Roth. The true story of how a five week old puppy captured the hearts of a marine unit and the lengths they go to try and save the dog they name Lava. Set against the harsh backdrop of the war in Iraq, this story highlights the heart that lurks beneath the military’s tough exterior. And trust me – you’re gonna want to read til the end.
4. A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron. This NY Times Best seller tells the story of a dog as he lives many lives searching for his true purpose. From puppy mills, to shelters, to family homes and search and rescue facilities this dog experiences the good and the bad that each life has to offer, as we in turn as readers start to realise just how much dogs enlighten our own existence.
5. 101 Salivations by Rachael Hale. Can’t handle any more tears? Well take a break and feast your eyes on the glorious images in acclaimed photographer, Rachael Hale’s ode to dogs. With the turn of each page you’ll be inexplicably smitten.

What’s your favourite doggie read?

Top 5: Summer Products

Top 5 17 Dec

Summer is here people!** Now before we all get carried away racing to the beach, sipping on Coronas or cocktails, and frolicking in the surf lets take a moment to look at some of the fantastic products any dog lover must have for this summer season.

** Well summer is here for all you Southern Hemisphere people. To all you Northern Hemisphere people maybe just flag this post to re-read when June rolls around in 2011. Apologies for rubbing it in with the whole ‘frolicking the the surf’ comment… :)

1. Dog Swim Bath Towel by DOOG. You know that trusty old shammy you get out to dry your car off after a wash? (Or if you’re like me you know the ones the people at the car wash cafe use?) Well this is a shammy for your dog! This quickdry, antibacterial towel for your pooch is perfect to bring along for those outings to the beach, or even when your dog goes for a run under the sprinkler at home. Wet dog no more.
2. Ice Cream Toys from Puppy Kisses. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!! Well we all know ice cream isn’t good for dogs, so this gorgeous toy is the perfect alternative to keep your fluffy friend from feeling left out when the ice cream man rolls into town.
3. Toffee Apple Scarf by Tolly and Applewood. What better way to say hello to summer with a burst of colour? Handmade and coming in a range of designs and sizes, these eye catching scarves are the perfect way for your pup to stay stylish as the temperature rises. Be quick, they currently have a VIP sale on before they launch their new collection.
4. Double Basin Bowl by Luxury Pets. Keeping your dog’s water bowl topped up with fresh H2O during summer is a must. And if your dog likes to splash and play with their water? A non-tip bowl like this luxe granite & marble number is the way to go.
5. Cool Pet Pad by Senior Pet Products. Unless we’re talking about a picture like this, no-one likes a hot dog. This self cooling cushion requires no refrigeration, water or electricity and is perfect for older dogs, dogs with skin or joint conditions, and those that just live in plain old high temperature climates. The cool gel insert is activated by your dog’s weight or pressure and keeps them cool up for 4 hours. Much more fun and easy than trying to drape your pooch in wet towels – I’m looking at you, Soda!

What do you have planned for you and your dog this summer?
What are your tips for beating the heat?

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Top 5: Hair Products

Top 5 22 Nov

I’m a product junkie. I love scouring Primped or Vogue for the latest Beauty and Hair products, salivating over latest releases, new colours and pretty branding. So of course that means that when it comes to pet products I want my pooch to be styling. Here are some of my favourite finds that combine style with substance.

1. Kiehl’s Pampered Pooch Selection. I’m a sucker for Kiehl’s. I love their vintage style packaging, the heavenly scent of their luscious products and the whole apothecary vibe of their brand. So of course I love, love, LOVE that they have a doggie range. This set includes the Cuddly-Coat Grooming Shampoo and Conditioning Rinse (both with Chamomile Flower Extract) plus the life saving Spray-N-Play Cleansing Spritz – a waterless shampoo which can be used in between washes. All products can be bought as a set or separately. Check Kiehls for your local stockists.

2. Martha Stewart Microfiber Scrubbing Mitt. The stylish alternative for protecting your hands and nails during bath time! The added bonus is the microfiber surface that helps loosen and lift dirt out of the coat making the bath time process quicker and easier. And for anyone who has bathed a dog, you know that’s a win for both you and your pooch! Available exclusively at Petsmart

3. Pet Head Furball Detangling Spray. With the release of this Pet Head product you could hear cries of Hallelujah!! coming from pet owners all over the world. Before this little gem reached the hands of dog owners, when faced with a particularly stubborn bit of tangled fur the last resort was usually to whip out the scissors and leave puppy with a bit of a (bad) haircut. But now that we live in the age of AF (after Furball) all it takes is a quick spray and comb to leave your dog with a perfectly brushed coat (and no missing chunks of hair). To purchase and see more of the range you can also visit here.

4. Kong Zoom Groom. From the geniuses over at Kong comes the gorgeous Zoom Groom grooming brush. Not only can the brush be used on wet or dry coats, it essentially lifts the dead hair out whilst stimulating oil production – which as we all know is what brings that SHINE to your Fluffy’s coat. Not to be outdone those clever designers also made the Zoom Groom colour coded. It comes in three adorable hues – Pink (extra soft) for those with short coats and sensitive skin, Powder Blue (soft) for day to day grooming and seasonal shedding, and Orange (regular) for normal brushing on all coat lengths. Like all Kong products they are extremely durable and long lasting. On a side note they also make the Zoom Groom for cats, but Soda doesn’t like me talking feline around here… For retailers and more info visit here.

5. Martha Stewart Slicker Brush. Slicker Brushes are a great addition to your dog’s grooming kit. Whilst they do look like a mini torture device, the soft bed of wire bristles actually get deep within your dog’s coat removing any matted bits of fur whilst also stimulating the skin and brushing away dead skin cells. Just like you would use a body brush yourself, a slicker brush gives your dog a gentle exfoliation which promotes healthy circulation and results in a beautiful, shiny coat. I love the oh-so-Martha design available at Petsmart, but for those outside of the States you’ll find a number of great slicker brushes at your local vet or pet store.

Happy grooming everyone! Try not to get too wet…

Does your dog like or loathe bath time?
What’s your top grooming tip for other Fluffy owners?

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