Author: Hilary

Global Gallivanter

Jun 24, 2008 in Trendsetters

Traveling DogAn online directory for pet friendly hotels, vacations, resturants and more, bringyourpet.com, continuously polls its visitors to track trends in pet travel. According to numbers taken in 2007, 77% of pet owners frequently take their pets with them when traveling. Dogs are travel companions far more often then cats at a ratio of 84.6% travelers bringing their dogs vs. 6.3% of of pet owners who bring Kitty along.

My dog, Louis has flown with me and I have to say, I found it relatively hassle free. His charming face worked wonders in the security line and we moved right on through. Most pet jetsetters are small dogs who can travel above the plane rather then in cargo. I know many international pets who have flown around the world, their paws trekking on more exotic locations then most people!Global Gallivanter Deluxe

So, what to get the serious canine jet setter as a going away gift?? The Global Gallivanter Deluxe by London company Lila Paws.  The Gallivanter provides Fido with his very own luggage, conveniently made to stash his most precious of belongings.

These luxe luggage pieces are made to order, with a 12 week waiting period, so make sure you place your order as soon as you book your tickets. The trunks can be personalized with size specifications, your pet’s name and more, so make sure to inquire.

The frame of the trunk is handcrafted in wood and covered in Scandinavian leather with white leather straps and brass detailing.

The interior is covered in Italian black damask fabric and fitted with a water bowl, pet passport holder, a bone plush toy and spaces for a number of collar and lead sets. The opposite side of the suitcase is fitted with a cushion to serve as Fido’s home away from home comfy bed. Underneath the cushiony bed, there is plenty of room to pack Fido’s couture, heaven forbid he is without the appropriate attire for whatever occasion may arise.

Now you have no excuse for not giving a unique gift to the dog who has everything!

Visit lilapaws.com for more information or to order.



Author: Hilary

Lap it Up

Jun 24, 2008 in Dog Nutrition, Trendsetters

Think pet trends couldn’t get any more excessive? The latest trend in the pet nutrition market is bottled water. So, what’s the difference between these formulations and cracking open a bottle of Fiji for your beloved? These new products are marketed to add beneficial vitamins and minerals to your dog’s diet, in addition to fulfilling their thirst.

Dog-WaDog-Wa is a liquid concentrate that you would dilute in your pet’s water bowl. The concentrate is chock full of cold pressed leafy greens providing nutrients available from ingredients like peppermint and parsley. Beware, even though this product is marketed as holistic, it does contain preservatives that the company claims are ‘negligable’ since the product is diluted in water…hmm…

K-9 WaterK-9 Water offers meaty flavored bottled water for your pooch’s delight, coming in flavors like chicken, beef, liver and lamb. The names are also cute; Gutter Water, Toilet Water, Puddle Water and Hose Water. Yum! The vitamin fortified water is meant to replace multivitamins by providing vital nutrients and minerals in a tasty liquid. By healthily hydrating your pooch, K-9 water claims that their product is the easiest way to replenish essential vitamins and minerals for the active dog. I couldn’t find an ingredients list, so do your research and check those labels!

Woof WaterWoof Water is pure and simple spring water, for those finicky pets that feel tap water is unacceptable. The concept, marketing spring water for dogs, seems to be working and sales are growing fast. Woof Water is around the same cost as human bottled water, but now, you and Fido don’t have to share. Proceeds from the purchase of Woof Water goes to the charity, Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary. The nonprofit organization is active in the movement to put a stop to the euthanasia of healthy pets. Some frivolity is for a good cause.Aqua Pure Breed

My favorite product of the pack is Aqua Pure Breed. Cleverly packaged in individual disposable bowls, the spring water assures your dog can have fresh water no matter where you are. (I know firsthand, sometimes, its difficult to find fresh water for your pooch while on the go.) Aqua Pure Breed, you can just pop into your purse and whip out one of the disposable pre-filled bowls and let Fluffy get his hydration on. In addition to spring water, the company does offer mineral enhanced waters available in joint support and skin/ coat formulas. The company is also promoting an active lifestyle for pets and their people, by creating Active Dog Guides for major cities (currently only in California) and the company has started the ‘No Dog Left Behind’ program which encourages people to incorporate their dogs into more areas of their lives. I am fully supportive of that! On a superficial note, Aqua Pure Breed has the best website and packaging hands down.

If these products do anything to enhance well being, I can’t be sure. But, if you are into spoiling your precious poochy, what better time to try out one of these kooky new dog waters then during the blistering dog days of summer, when Fluffy can surely use a hydration break?



Author: Hilary

Paris Denies Puppy Denial

Jun 24, 2008 in News Barks!

bark street journalParis Hilton has denied an earlier story that has her shopping for a new furry friend at a Los Angeles pet shop - and getting rejected.

According to Hilton, “I wasn’t looking for a new pet. I wasn’t even at a photo shoot thatParis Hilton day. Puppies are not accessories or toys and I love my own pets dearly. I treat them as if they were my children. It is sad that someone felt the need to invent a story about me throwing a fit for a dog that would ‘go with my outfit.’ ”

Hey, gossip is gossip…and for now its Paris’ word against the pet shop. Regardless, Cup of Dog is glad Paris doesn’t have a new pet shop pooch and that she made a statement declaring her love for her pack of puppies. It wouldn’t have hurt if she included a statement on pet shops, puppy mills and puppy brokers…but I’ll keep on dreaming.