Hi there, Ella Bean, here! Sorry about the long break in my writing. I have moved cities and its been super busy. Now a resident of D.C., its only appropriate that I become highly political and remain conscious of news related items.

So, I am doing my part and I came across some really interesting news in the Associated Press.  In spite of the weakening economy, those crazy two legged folk are still spending lots of meat money on their pooches! The luxury dog market is not really being affected by this whole mess (which is all I am hearing any dog bark about at the park). Business is up, even in spite of the lack of spending in other retail sectors.

Perhaps if like, other stuff were as cute as me, more people would be buying it! Of course, nothing is as adorable as I am…Anyway, I think this is fabulous news! As long as the luxury canine market remains flush, companies will continue to churn out lots of buyable items that the Bean needs to maintain my stylish (albeit, now politically conscious) self.

According to the Associated Press, the American Pet Products Association estimates Americans will spend $43.4 billion this year on their pets —  including everything from toys, treats and training — in spite of the dramatic slowdown in discretionary spending for other markets. That’s 26 percent higher than what U.S. consumers spent in 2004!

In honor of how much is being spent on much-deserving pups, here is my list of 10 recession ready, politically correct products for the beast in your life. Spend, spend, spend! This is simply the only way we can help our economy. Its just the American thing to do!

1. ‘My Dog For President’ embroidered pink velour hoodie by Juicy Couture. Who wins the election? Duh! The cutest and best dressed! $45 at juicycouture.com

   

2. Complete Canine Grooming System, by Isle of Dogs. These luxury dog spa products do way more then your average scrub. The line is complete with shampoos, conditioners, supplements and even styling products to maximize the gorgeousness of your unique pup. The product’s ingedients are designed to benefit the coat and skin too, making them functional as well as fun! Lather up and prepare to reach a new level of beauty! $18-$84 at Isle of Dogs.

   

3. Bamboo Lounger. Its made of solid bamboo, which is like, totally sustainable! How eco-chic! The comfy cushion is made of super comfy memory foam and is available in a variety of colors to suit your doggy tastes or your human’s decor. $279 at the Haute Hound.

   

4. Pink Stainless Steel Bowls. Yumm…eating, one of the Bean’s favorite pastimes. I am a serious canine consumer of MEAT! To keep things sanitary, I prefer stainless steel (Bacteria can accumulate more easily in porous materials. Not hot.) To keep things chic, I prefer PINK! $5 - $20 at Calling All Dogs.

   

5. Fall Carrier by Ella Dish. Left behind? I don’t think so!! Accompany your human wherever they may go in this cute, simple, totally unisex carrier, designed specifically for fall by chic New York doggie designer, Ella Dish. The simple design is great and totally goes with the modest mood in fashion, set by today’s dismal economy. I also like this one because my name is Ella, too! $160 at Ella Dish.

   

6.  Astor Collar and Lead by Blueblood. Bling-bling is so over. Its all about modest chic now. Blueblood Luxury Goods for Dogs understands understated glamour. This faux snakeskin collar and lead is totally faux-fabulous! Collar $32 and Lead $40 at Blueblood Luxury Goods for Dogs.

   

7. Muttsy’s Credit Card Squeaky Toy by Haute Diggity Dog. Economy got you feeling blue? Thrash around some plastic and show those creditors who is really alpha-dog! $12 at Haute DiggityDog.

   

8. Mellow Mut Chicken Treats by Dogswell. Is your human more stressed then a cat in a tub of water? Its probably getting to you, too. Mellow Mut treats are formulated with Chamomile and Lavender to calm those nerves. Even better, these meaty treats are made from naturally raised, cage-free chickens, so no one has to suffer for your feasting pleasures. $8.99 - $19.99 at Dogswell.

   

9. PoopBags 100% Biodegradable Poop Bags. So, everybody poops. And I think poo is pretty biodegradable, but are the bags Mom or Dad is picking up after you with earth-friendly, too?Take care of your business and the earth with these waste management baggies! $63.99 for 600 (a whole years worth of pooping!) at poopbag.com.

   

10. Not a Vegetarian Enamel Dog Charm. OK, so I may be all political now - and I know there is a whole hoopla about the treatment of animals raised to be my dinner, so my family buys free range and hormone/antibiotic free for the pooches and we get down on as much meaty feasting as we can! (My human, I suspect, may be a vegetarian. Blech!) Let your pro-meat, carnivorous point of view be seen and heard! $12 at Haute Dog Boutique.

    

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Over the course of the last year, when I’ve been asked what inspired me to start BLUEBLOOD Luxury Goods for Dogs, I’ve always quickly answered that it was my love for design and of course, my adoration for dogs. However, when I sit and think about what truly drives me to be in the dog business, I realize it’s something far deeper, perhaps less obvious.

I have loved animals since I as far back as I can remember. Growing up, I traveled the world with my parents - From Europe to Asia, North to East Africa, and many countries in between. I spent numerous summers in third world countries where, without fail, I would always find a filthy dog in an alley. Although I was always warned not to touch them, I couldn’t help myself. I was drawn to them, like a fish to water, and found it impossible not to scoop them into my arms.

When I was 11 years old, my loving, yet Obsessive Compulsive Mom finally succumbed to years of pleading and surprised me with my first dog, “Sasha.” She was a gorgeous and regal German Shepard puppy. Mom finally gave in because at the time my father, whom I adored, was dying of cancer. “Happy” is not a strong enough word to describe what it felt like to awaken each morning, my heart beating with excitement. I fell in love with Sasha and at that moment knew that animals had a greater healing power than any medicine or prayer. I knew that a dog could make my pain melt away.

The next dog to come in my life was my yellow Lab, Tubby. Tubby was a birthday surprise purchased by my college boyfriend. Bringing a yellow lab puppy home to his 22-year-old girlfriend, living in an apartment in New York City was not the most prudent decision. Nonetheless, there appeared a scrumptious yellow lab puppy with a big red bow around his neck. His mouth moved faster than the speed of light and it was all I could do to cuddle up to him without his razor sharp teeth tearing into my face. He immediately gained an appreciation for shoes - the higher the price tag, the tastier they became. Tubby also loved books, clothing, umbrellas, all home decorative objects and even a Braun cappuccino maker. This of course is not an unusual Labrador story, but is certainly an extreme one. Tubby lived up to his name at one point when he reached a mind-blowing, 115 pounds. He attained his heavy weight title after moving in with my mom and my gourmet cook, step-father, who loved feeding him eggs and duck fat each morning.

As much as I loved Tubby, it took many years before I felt “ready” for another dog. Two and a half years ago, my husband and I finally received the “go ahead” from our landlord in San Francisco. He had not allowed previous tenants to have a dog in his beautiful Victorian building, but after knowing us for several years, he made an exception. I had wanted a Basset Hound for many years and always loved their expressive faces and adorably strange bodies. They also seemed incredibly lazy which probably attracted me to the breed more than anything. In February of 2006, we found Gretel, who turned my life upside down. Gretel and I bonded immediately when I climbed in the back seat to comfort her on our 2 1/2 hour drive home from Placerville to San Francisco. She instantly knew I was her mommy and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

Within weeks everyone in my Pacific Heights neighborhood knew Gretel. I made tons of new friends and best of all, I met Tina, my business partner at our local dog park. Tina came to the park with her Schnauzer, Salty, as often as I came with Gretel. We instantly bonded as we played with our dogs and discussed our personal lives, careers and interests. Here, I thought, was a girl with equal dedication and adoration for her dog as I had for mine. At the time I was struggling as a free-lance graphic artist, always fulfilled with the work but rarely compensated for it. After years of finding my way as an interior and graphic designer, Tina asked if I’d ever considered designing for dogs. I thought the idea was perfect and if there is such a thing as “serendipity” this was it.

This month is exactly one year since we launched our business, which is thriving and growing each week. We are enjoying and every moment of our journey and are amazed with its rapid success. What I have found most rewarding and remarkable is the incredible international interest and response we have received. Each week we hear from a different country- Switzerland, Holland, Portugal -places I would have never thought would have any interest in spending money on their dogs. I knew the dog business was pretty massive in the U.S, but never imagined the rate at which it is grows around the world.

It is so fitting and beautiful that all the significant experiences of my life are somehow tying together. My love for travel, different cultures, all areas of design and yes, dogs. The reality is that dogs bring love and happiness to all people. People of every race, ethnicity, economic bracket or religion share in the deeply bonded relationship between human and canine. This bond is so profound because dogs are creatures who practice unconditional love, who live their lives as we humans should aspire to live ours. They are the essence of love.

_______________________________

Author and co-owner of BLUEBLOOD Luxury Goods for Dogs, Alexis Moran lives in San Francisco with her beloved Bassett Hound, Gretel, along with her business partner, Tina Pao. Moran is a graduate of Columbia University and Sotheby’s New York. In addition to designing and running BLUEBLOOD with Pao, Moran is a talented writer and interior designer. Previously, she was featured in an interview with Cup of Dog, regarding her experience in the ever growing canine industry. Special thanks to Alexis for her wonderful contribution to Cup of Dog!

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An 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!

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.

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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-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 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 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.

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?

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Think your dog is so divine he deserves a temple? So does designer Marco Morosini. His line of six canine abodes are more dog art then dog house.

Morosini’s Italian company is called Dog is a God. According to the company’s concept, the name refers to man’s best friend’s elevation to the highest realm, I thought it was because ‘dog’ spelled backwards is ‘God’ and ‘God’ spelled backwards is - well, you get the point.

Two of his designs, the temple shown to your left and his ‘Good Life’ design turn your dogs into hairy little icons. Ella Bean approves of the sentiment.

Louis, my more laid back dog (though no less discerning in his taste) prefers the Transparent Dog’s House, so he can always see his mommy and the comical Nomad Dog’s House, which is shaped like a trailer home and appeals to Louis’ sense of humor.

Designer Marco Morosini’s line of incredible dog homes are not your typical backyard shady dog haven. Each creation is meticulously crafted, numbered and hand signed by Morosini.

For Morosini and the lucky pups who dwell in these miniature masterpieces, I suppose being in the dog house is a good thing!

Visit www.dogisagod.it for more information and to see the rest of the awesome dog houses.

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Ella Bean and I have decided we will be needing to travel to Japan together to try out a new beauty/cafe concept - oxygen therapy.

For us both!

A new cafe called OWND (stands for oxygen, water, nutrition and dogs!) has opened in Tokyo with the concept being that you and your beloved pooch can stop by for an oxygen treatment and then have a nutritious snack together!

Ella Bean says that this idea sure beats the same old, walk/park/fetch routine. This new concept in bonding will cost about 20 Euro, each, for 15 minutes in one of the oxygen chambers.

Is 15 minutes enough time to experience the full benefit of an oxygen treatment? What does an oxygen treatment even do?

I suppose Cup of Dog will have to send Ella Bean and I to Tokyo to find out!

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Ella Bean Asks Sex and the City’s Gidget Gormley Today’s Most Biting Questions

I am delighted to introduce a very special interviewee, Gidget Gormley. This ‘New Yorkie,’ as her person refers to her, is starring in the Sex and the City Movie as Samantha’s (Kim Cattrall) loving companion. Not only is Gidget an actress, she is active in charity work and has her own blog.

Since my adoption, I have had the opportunity to watch the HBO show on DVD and I am so excited about the movie! Not only do Gidget and I share a love of all things fashion, we are both part Yorkie, so I was super-duper excited when my female human told me about this opportunity. Enjoy!

Ella Bean: Gidget, first let me thank you for taking the time to do some press with Cup of Dog: The Official Dog Site. We are delighted to be featuring such an acclaimed actress. Let’s start with the question everydog is dying to know the answer to…Does Carrie end up with Mr. Big? Kidding, kidding, we know you can’t reveal that - so, seriously, our first question is, what does your human feed you to keep you in such fab shape?

Gidget: A strict organic diet and lots of exercise keeps me in shape (except for my Greenie treats, of course!)

EB: What are your favorite things to do in New York City? What is a typical day like for you?

Gidget: Since I am a single bitch in New York City, I like to do what all girls do - go out and meet studs! There is no such thing as a typical day with my person, Mary.

EB: Tell us about how you became an actress.

Gidget: I became an actress when my person, Mary lost her job and I had to take things into my own paws! Someone’s gotta pay the bills and buy the Greenies!

EB: Hmm. I am doing all these interviews, yet have not noticed any increase in my treats. I’ll have to take that up with my humans! Tell us about filming Sex and the City. Was it as glamorous as it looks? What about the ladies? Were Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte easy to work with?

Gidget: Filming is never as glamorous as it looks but I loved everyone I worked with and had a great time. Kim (Samantha) and I got into a great groove and worked well together. She was very kind and considerate and let me have my close-ups before hers.

EB: And of the boys, which one is most canine-inclined? Who gives the best snuggles?

Gidget: Definitely Jason Lewis (aka Smith Jarrod) on all fronts!

EB: You are one lucky bitch! He is a stud! Of course, Sex and the City is as famous for it’s fashion labels much as the great plotlines. Manolo Barknek, Pawda, Chewy Vuitton, Chanel…we need to know all about the fashion. Who made your clothes and accessories? Were they custom made or purchased from some fabulous boutique that we need to know about?

Gidget: There were a number of designer outfits made for the film but I only wore one cute little “heart” sweater for my Valentine scene with Kim (aka Samantha). Oh yes, and wardrobe made an amazing matching yellow number to go with Kim’s stunning gamboge dress. You can check out the outfits on my blog, www.gidgetgormley.com.

EB: What was your favorite outfit?

Gidget: My birthday suit!

EB: My big brother Louis is drooling! What does your onscreen beauty routine consist of? Any tips for the rest of us on how to be camera ready?

Gidget: A daily bath with Aussie shampoo and all natural paw wipes are used to keep me clean and fresh while working throughout the day.

EB: Any other juicy tidbits you care to share about the movie-making experience? What other projects do you have in the works?

Gidget: Safety comes first- and it’s important to stay very well rested between shoots. Equally important is to have fun! At press time, I am fielding other film and TV opportunities. I am also active in raising funds for my non-profit “Friends of Snuffy” that helps animals in need (www.friendsofsnuffy.com). I have also been asked to be this year’s “Dog of Hope” for Tails of Hope, as I am also a cancer survivor (www.tailsofhopefoundation.org)

EB: Wow, an actress, a philanthropist and a survivor! Gidget, you are an inspiration and I want to thank you again for this interview. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors! We can not wait to see you in Sex and the City and look forward to seeing you in many other projects! We look forward to having you back on Cup of Dog soon!

Thanks to all of our readers for spending time with Gidget and I. Please click here to visit Gidget’s own website. This is Ella Bean for Cup of Dog, wishing everydog fully filled feasting bowls and lots of tummy scratches!

Kisses,

Ella Bean

Special thanks to Gidget’s publicist and Gidget’s person, Mary Gormley

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Groomer Has It, Week V Recap

This week’s episode was the best one yet! Eight contestants remained at the start of the episode. Unfortunately, my two favorite contestants, Artist and Malissa were in the bottom two, but the episode was really funny.

The contestants are still shocked over Amber’s departure, and Malissa argues with Jonathan and Kathleen about last week’s challenge. Kathleen took Malissa’s dog away! Is that even legal??

This weeks episode of Groomer Has It opened with Nemo, the Yorkshire Terrier, delivering information regarding this week’s Quick Sniff Challenge in some lifeguard gear. Assigned to show up at the Los Angeles Fire Department, the contestants are unsure what to expect. It turns out, that this week’s Quick Sniff Challenge will be focused on medical emergencies and first aid for pets.

Denise Fleck, an expert in pet first aid and safety reviews treating cuts, stabilizing broken bones and doggie CPR. The Quick Sniff Challenge will involve each contestant administering care to a stunt dog (really, a stuffed animal). The winner is the contestant who properly tends to each emergency the quickest. Jasper won the challenge, ensuring a leg up on the episode’s main challenge. The best part was Malissa explaining that she knew the difference between stuffed dogs and real ones. She cracks me up!

This week’s guest judge was introduced, Donna Eisenberg, introduced as an expert on ‘this week’s breed’. The contestants speculate as to what kind of animal they might encounter. Malissa hopes for a monkey, while Artist speculates that it will be a raccoon or horse.

It turns out, this week’s challenge is to groom a long haired cat. Yikes! I can not imagine having to bathe or brush a feline! They are kinda hissy and scratchy…This is why I write Cup of Dog and not Cup of Cat. Those finicky felines are too much for me! I like a wagging tail and a slobbery tongue.

Jai and the guest judge introduce the contestants to their clients while emphasizing that the key to cat grooming success is keeping the kitty calm. They are also explicitly directed not to scissor the cat’s faces.

Jessica immediately seems to be having trouble. Her cat immensely dislikes being handled, so she keeps taking breaks to try and decrease her cat’s stress. With only two hours to groom, this probably wasn’t the best strategy!

Artist and his cat also had a poor relationship from the start. Dejected after some seriously deep scratches and bites, Artist’s cat gives him the final kiss off by peeing all over himself just as Artist is finishing up. The cat also crapped on his table. Damn cats.

Malissa, poor, poor Malissa, talks about how her “7th sense” with animals is the key to her success. I really feel bad for her. She has been portrayed as a flake on the show and everyone keeps insulting her skills. Its true, she doesn’t help matters by proclaiming that she does indeed know the difference between stuffed dogs and real ones, but I do think there is some real talent in there!

Malissa left her fans re-counting the number of human senses, while she took scissors to her cats face, clipping off the whiskers the contestants were explicitly told not to touch. (A cat’s whiskers are the key to its sense of touch. By removing them, Malissa inadvertently removed one of the cats senses. Whoops.)

At judging, uber-bitchy judge Xavier leads off by criticizing Jorge’s cat for being dirty. Kathleen is hailed by the judges for her abilities to cater to the cat, achieving success by knowing how her cat thinks. Whatever, she isn’t any fun to watch! I say get rid of Kathleen! Its TV, I want entertainment! Will is praised for successfully de-matting the most knotted of the cats with minimal discomfort to the kitty. Bo-ring!

Ultimately, Artist and Malissa are in the bottom two. Artist is criticized for his lack of confidence. Xavier, the judge I really want to see beat up, reiterates the importance of confidence to Artist and he concedes that the cat got the better of him and promises to come back with his usual sassy confidence.

Malissa gets called out for scissoring her cat’s face. She tried to backtrack and say she didn’t do it, unfortunately for my favorite groomer, its all on video. Sent home, Malissa begins to cry and leaves the stage before judging could finish. In her farewell video, she does retract her seventh sense comments, realizing that we, humans, have five senses…so she probably was referring to a sixth sense! She does work with animals, its not like she needs to know how many senses people have to groom a dog! She is clear about the fact that she thinks she didn’t deserve to go home. I agree! Bring back Malissa!

Oh, yeah, Kathleen won, but I hate her so I have nothing else to say about that!

Stay tuned for next week. Maybe next week someone will finally take the scissors to Xavier! The competition is heating up with seven contestants remaining. I am rooting for Artist now that Malissa is out. Go Artist!

If you missed this or any other episode, catch a repeat or stream it on your computer at Groomer Has It on www.animalplanet.com.

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Fashion and Beauty with Ella Bean

Finally, my own column where I can proclaim my likes, dislikes and everything in between!

While sitting in that horrible metal cage at the doggie prison, waiting for someone to notice how badly I needed a bath and some gourmet food, I learned a lot about what a pup needs; so rest assured any fashion or beauty reviews I write are subjected to the most rigorous of standards.

Since I have arrived at my new home, I have been treated like nothing less then royalty, (my parents call me Princess sometimes, so royalty is even in my name) except by my annoying big brother, Louis. But my early days made me scrappy and I can take him down when he needs to be reminded who is in charge. (Me!)

Anyway, in my opinion, one of the most important things a dog needs to be happy is a good shampoo and conditioner. I just want something that lathers well, smells good, removes any unsightly stains, brightens my coat and then a creamy conditioner that is soothing, moisturizing to my delicate skin and coat and has some nice smells that me and the humans like, but the biting bugs don’t like. Is that too much to ask for?

Since the last time Louis and I were taken to the big white pool in the human bathroom, we ran out of shampoo and conditioner. CRISIS!! So, I started barking at my parents, letting them know what was happening. They don’t understand, they just think I figured out how to bark. Duh, I am a dog. I always knew how to bark!

After days of telepathically trying to communicate my beauty needs, they finally got the hint and brought new bottles of the soapy stuff home. My mom and I read about these products in one of our favorite fashion magazines, InStyle and we saw some celebs in a gossip magazine using SheaPet products. (Don’t hate, you know you read them too!)

When my mom showed me the bottles and read me the name and ingredients, I could not have been more thrilled! Post bath, I look amazing, if at all possible, even better then before. I smell great and have a glossy all-over sheen.

Fairly traded organic shea butter (I don’t know what this ‘fairly traded’ is, I am trusting my mom that its good), anti-flea, moisturizing botanical extracts and orange, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils indulged my need for some luxury.

Now, I think I’ll get some beauty rest, on the big bed, of course!

For more information or to purchase check out www.sheapet.com.

Ella image by K. Sommer, all SheaPet images via www.sheapet.com

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Victoria Stillwell, British Star of the popular television show, Its Me or the Dog, has won me over. As a serious Cesar Milan fan, I was skeptical at first, but now I am thoroughly an addict.

Victoria is awesome. She is a no nonsense dog trainer who faces each scenario with wit, humor and the utmost seriousness. Best of all she does it with really cute hair.

A misbehaving dog can ruin the lives, relationships, homes and wallets of their humans; she has seen the worst of the worst. Victoria’s goal is to show, through positive reinforcement and a firm grasp on reality, you can have the perfect pet.

She has over ten years of experience under her stylish belt and the seeds of her own little empire have been planted. She has her hit television show, It’s Me or the Dog, her books, Its Me or the Dog and Fat Dog Slim, training CDs and DVDs as well as countless articles and TV appearances. What makes Victoria’s approach different from my beloved Dog Whisperer?

She uses observation, interviews, a secret ‘pet cam’ and various visual aids to help owners simplify communicating with their dogs. Unlike Cesar, I have seen Victoria get very firm with the dog owners. On one recent episode, she took the elderly owner of a pack of six unruly pups down to the pound. As they looked at the sad cages filled with abandoned dogs, Victoria gave a no nonsense visual of where one or more of the owner’s dogs would end up if she didn’t commit to fulfilling her dogs needs. As the owner’s eyes filled with tears, Victoria calmly explained that this owner would need to be committed to the new schedule she had designed if the owner intended to keep her dogs. A few weeks later, the dogs are calm and quiet, their days of disruption gone.

Other instances of these visual aids show Victoria having dog owners lay down on the street or sit without eating tempting chocolate cake to better understand a dog’s perspective.

Unlike Cesar, Victoria knows not all of us have the talent of a dog behaviorist and arms owners with more tools then Cesar’s abstract ‘energy.’ I am not anti-Cesar, but sometimes the whole energy thing is hard for some non-dog trainers actualize. Victoria vocally advocates for use of treats, rewards and praise.

Victoria sends marking males to be neutered, eliminating the distraction of hormones. She is anti training or ‘choke’ collars, prong collars and slip leads, as they can easily be misused, resulting in abuse. Rather, she helps the owner to see the world from a dog’s perspective. She addresses everything from feeding to toys and how we can use all of those things to motivate man’s best friend.

While I am still a huge fan of Cesar, I have made room in my heart for Victoria Stillwell and her fantastic show and book, titled, Its Me or the Dog. Her book is very helpful and I credit a lot of what I have learned about dog training to her manual. Victoria’s methods are simple and easy to use, even if you are working with dogs for the first time.

I have read a number of books on dog training and behavior and this book makes for the easiest reading and understanding on the subject. At the end of the day, Victoria’s combination of straightforward honesty, nurturing kindness and treats won a permanent new fan in me and my (well behaved) dogs!

Images via www.victoriastillwell.com

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