bestill my beating heart: deadly squire dog beds

I am lovin' every minute of what Deadly Squire has to offer me. Maybe if I didn't spend so much time online prattling on about my personal life, I too could self start a company with the hus' and make beautiful, beautiful music in the form of fabric patterns and functionality. Oh, to dream...

But back to business: LOVE me some Medium Size Dog Beds. Shown above in (clockwise from top left): Wandering Oak, Feasting at the Berry Bush, Groundskeeper's Cameos, and Black Birds After the Harvest... I am delirious with greed and intimidation by their cleverness. Gordy, meanwhile, is none the wiser and has satisfied his need for comfort in the interim with an old towel he so lovingly pulls down from atop his crate every morning and fashions into a custom made doggy den in the sun. But Dog! I ask you! Is this not better?

They also offer just about everything else you could think of in these (plus more) patterns. Like what, pre tell? Oh, some baby bibs, men's ties , totes, oven mitts, placemats, pillows, trays, pouches... ETC! They have basically answered almost every little prayer I have called upon God for once upon a time in my need for practicality. To boot, they have free desktop downloads.

Deadly Squire, you torture me so. And I love you for it.

available at:
www.deadlysquire.com
www.designpublic.com

(photos courtesy of deadly squire)

kongerific

KONG TIME!!!

Well, just when I thought I posessed everything I needed in order to achieve personal happiness, enter: Kong Time. Part robot, part surrogate mother, part over the top, ol' Kong Time will give me the freedom I need to launch my modeling career. Oh, wait...

But seriously now, were this contraption not so ridiculously expensive, I might consider it. One can pop, count em!, four stuffed Kong toys inside and the robot within will launch them out at random intervals so as to keep your pup both entertained and fed. They even suggest setting it up on a counter-top so the Kongs will initially bounce around to further wow your dog... or scare the hell out of him, I guess.

I mean, it's kind of awesome. Amazon even offers both new and used. How long will I be able to resist?

But speaking of Kongs... I sort of assume that if you're a modern dog owner in a modern world with modern resources and that you're already all over the almighty Kong. If not, well... don't admit this to anyone. What always amuses me are the various names my dog's benefactors/friends refer to it as: Bong, Congo, Konger, Schlong.... okay, I made the last one up. But, IT'S KONG! LIKE KING KONG! Because the Kong Toy, like the almighty ape, is virtually indestructable... emphasis on virtually? I don't make the rules. Regardless, you need one. Actually you need more like ten. They get lost, they get gross, we ultimately get lazy.

And check this out: Just in time for Independence Day: Freedom Kong!!!

Wow...

GORDY UPDATE: memorial day

IT'S BBQ SEASON! Our friends Gerry and Lisa invited the whole kit and kaboodle over on Sunday night for the first of a thousand beer chickens. Gerry is quite the grill master and, true to form, we feasted for hours and I almost made myself sick on all manner of snack and salad. Meanwhile, Gordy's mind was blown at being able to run around, unleashed, in an ACTUAL YARD. He tried to make friends with Gerry and Lisa's two dogs but they were having none of it. He was forced to settle for baby time and a slew of women. Eventually he would grow tired of being mooned over and pass out with his business displayed for all. Ah, summer.

PARKHAUS, messiness, excuses, etc...

Here's something pretty AND practical. Thank you, Parkhaus Berlin for providing me with something random and useful for the dog owner (or, okay, you don't have to own a dog) to talk about on this Memorial Day afternoon. And thank you ICFF for reminding me about this.

We have a lot of nonsense in our house right now. I think adopting a dog does that to a person. There are the toys we bought, the toys our friends bought, the toys the family bought (we're married and don't have children - the wedding's over and there's not a lot else to celebrate). Then there are the treats, the grooming products, the brush, the wipes, the Bon Tons. Not to mention roughly One Million Kongs. So our cup runneth over.... literally. And if you think I am getting a little too excited about having a well designed recepticle for all of the above... well, you're right.

I don't yet own this. I like this. I don't like ugly things. I like having somewhere to put things and, should I take a tumble, I like that I will not end up like what's her name in Million Dollar Baby... which, by the way, so SHOULDN'T have won the Oscar. And, okay if a little wee one ever seems like a good idea, I guess we wouldn't have to throw this away.

So there.

There are tons of little delights cranking out of the Parkhaus gang. And if one is clever one will find other whatnots for the dog. Or not. It doesn't really seem like it, but I do have consumer interests outside of Gordy. But either way, it looks like their webshop is still pending so I'll just have to be patient and maintain my current cluttered lifestyle. Life is hard, no?



www.parkhausberlin.de

(photos from parkhaus)

GORDY UPDATE: visitors

I am having a very difficult time composing this post. This is mostly due to the fact that I am being asked about Mexican capital cities and movies and schedules and restaurants THE ENTIRE TIME. By whom, pre tell? The husband. And why? THE PARENTS. In my case, THE IN LAWS. In Gordy's case, THE GRANDPARENTS.... They have come to stay for the weekend and bask in a little Gordy Glory. Meanwhile it is 90+ degrees Fahrenheit outside and that basically means I am dead and writing this post from beyond.

This weekend marks not only the unofficial start of summer but also the first of three weekends where grandparents will come to pay us all a visit. Gordy could not be happier. Yesterday morning was a pleasant trip on foot around the neighborhood. Gordy's now powering through multiple blocks with straightforward ease, depending on how many cigarette butts tempt him in his path. We took him to Brooklyn Label and he was quite the gentleman throughout. Afterwards, we all collectively bailed on taking an even longer walk to the park and instead chilled inside by our new fan. Gordy was happy to spend the rest of the afternoon showing off and being adored. I, meanwhile, was happy to take a nap and transform into the lazy sack of uselessness that I become every summer once the temperature hits anything above 80.

JAX & BONES: Instant Karma

Today, Gordy is fancy free... which isn't so rare. But he has a new love in his life (scoot over, Scully!) named Jerry. Jerry, of long neck and saffron coloring... who can see all the abandoned animals out there that need loving homes - so says the tag. Gordy can sleep well tonight knowing that his new boy-toy will free his spirit and max out his karma because for every little rope dude like Jerry that gets thrown his way, "another forgotten animal will become a cherished family member". That's because Jax and Bones (one of our favorite favorites) donates profits for every single Good Karma Rope Toy to an organization called Rescue Train. I wish every rope toy we had was so cute, dyed so naturally, and gave me such a zen sense of well being.

So thanks Jax and Bones! Thanks Rescue Train organization! Thanks me! I am feeling so smug in the aftermath of paying it forward that I might just ...do something productive today. Like invent a time machine.



www.jaxandbones.com
$14

salvor fauna

Were we asked to comment on the concept of decorating one's life with "dog themed" ephemera, we would promptly persuade to AVOID AT ALL COSTS. But holler! Fauna Salvor does it right with their dog emblazoned pillows and for real, we are having a hard time deciding where to draw the line.

We've been loving Salvor (or is it Fauna?) for awhile now. We used to buy it at a charming Kiosk on Spring Street where many a gift item slash personal wardrobe addition has been purchased there over the years. We have since sat back and watched their many transformations... It seems it's now not so much a joint effort between Salvor but just Kiosk or is it that Kiosk is Kiosk and Salvor is not there (making bags?) but the screenprinted stuff is now Fauna Salvor which is part of, or turned into, or is at least representented by Areaware? Totes can't keep track. But do we really need the nitty gritty to appreciate plain ol' style? Nawwwww...

We love these. The end.



KIOSK/AREAWARE
95 Spring Street
NYC, NY 10012

www.areaware.com
www.kioskkiosk.com
www.salvorprojects.com

up country: toile for all

Dog Toile?!

Okay we kind of love it.

We are also loving the simplicity of black and white for the canine companion... be it bed, bone, bowl or, in this case, leash. Apparently, we are not alone. We just finished reading (among other things) all about the prevalence of black and white design over on Sarah Dennis's charming new Toast and Tables blog. Look at us, all of the moment and stuff.

You can contact Up Country directly or go buckwild at one of our favorite online shops, Furry Little Monsters to purchase both leash and collar ($18-$20). You'll be psyched to find the choice is yours between the quick release and standard brass buckle. I guess it doesn't get much better than that.

GORDY UPDATE: puppy time!

This weekend marked a second round of Puppy Kindergarten, first long distance walks (i.e. two whole blocks!), and a play date in the park. Our friends, Manny and Glenna, have an Italian Greyhound named Dignun who, for all intents and purposes, is Gordy's polar opposite in terms of shape and form. Glenna's coworker brought Lucy, a fiery little terrier variety who likes to bark and steal treats. The whole gang played well... Dignan was submissive, Lucy was intrusive, and Gordy remained strong in the face of opposition. Basically, the best day of his short life.

scully!

Meet Scully!

Created and distributed by Room Candy, "Scully the Skull" has perked Gordy's interests like no other. Given to us by a very benevolent friend of ours soon after Gordy's arrival, it was love at first sight. I theorized it was because it was brand new, his first plush toy, and, let's face it, sort of resembles Gordy in a somewhat morbid way... but this love affair has proven the test of time.

Gordy adores Scully. It was the first toy with which he could show off the proud prance that comes with the thrill of being able to carry around something lightweight and huge in one's mouth... and eventually, the first toy that he ever shook around violently and, oops.... transformed him into a mildly aggressive Alpha male even after we took it away. So Scully and Gordy had a trial separation. But now he's back and Gordy's psyched and will happily distract himself by romantically slobbering all over it whilst I'm feeling lazy and watching syndicated television shows. Thanks, Scully!

Another friend has recently bestowed Joey the Monkey upon us and it's a similar level affection but only on a test run basis so Scully doesn't get hurt in the process. I am recently discovering that Room Candy has an entire collection of toys for small dogs ranging from donuts to pigs in shirts. It's a proverbial singles bar!

Xoxo, Scully. You may be dirty now and not just a little bit crusty... but you're ours.

shiny paw + martha

I sort of can't resist posting about the Shiny Paw line of natural shampoos etc. showcased (cough... endorsed) on The Martha Stewart Show this morning. As it notes on the Shiny Paw website, "The company’s flagship line of Shiny Paw™ products offer a unique and highly effective blend of pet coat and skin care treatments that combine natural and therapeutic ingredients with fragrant aromatherapy formulations to unleash the gentle cleansing, healing, and restorative power of nature."

Apparently Martha didn't enjoy the "fragrant aromatherapy formulations", however, so they specifically obliged her requests and wouldn't you know, scent free versions will be launching within the next month or so.

I am less concerned with Gordy's olfactory needs and have already taken a virtual stroll to Shiny Paw's online store in pursuit of their ear cleaner... so persuasively demonstrated on Kyle MacLachlan's humble little dog, Sam.

I'll admit it, I was truly charmed by Sam as he stood quivering in his towel lined washbin whilst Martha showed Kyle the ropes of flawless dog bathing techniques. Here's a little run through in case you missed it.

And on top of everything else, l have since discovered that Kyle has his very own website for his dogs... called, what else? THE ADVENTURES OF MOOKIE AND SAM! Fascinating is the only word that can be used to describe...

GORDY UPDATE: road to recovery

I don't want to get into too much detail, mostly in lieu of my powerful gag reflex... but I thought you'd all enjoy knowing that we can add round worm to the list of parasites Gordy has so happily brought into our home. The link I have provided is not for the faint of heart. In fact, I wouldn't even be able to look at were I not mildly desensitized from having ACTUALLY HELD IT IN THE PALM OF MY HAND WITH ONLY A FLIMSY LAYER OF TOILET PAPER BETWEEN ME AND MY PERSONAL IDEA OF HELL.....

Anyway....

It's a fact of life. More specifically, a fact of having a puppy. Usually. And thankfully, Gordy is heartbreakingly attractive so I can look past the fact he almost killed me this afternoon.

I, as usual, hit the Googling with a frenzy and discovered that Gordy's Giardia medication was originally formulated to rid dogs of parasites such as these. So I guess we killed two birds with one stone and I just got lucky when I spotted that little dude peeking out of Gordy's back end and decided to clean him up in an attempt to be a responsible dog mother. More specifically, to save my shirt from streak marks. I didn't actually realize what I would be extracting... and I'm not sure if that was better or worse.

Regardless, Gordy's doing great. Old Man Cough has not reared its ugly head since Nebulization #2, and he's starting to reclaim that little pep in his step. My New Vet called to check up on him this afternoon (pre-roundworm) and it seems as though we won't have to take him back in for another few weeks.

I, meanwhile, might never be able to eat spaghetti ever again, but hey...

mascot!

We are so in love with preppy array of collars, leads, and id tags at MASCOT right now! Our personal picks are the Old School Repp collars and the matching leads. These make me imagine that little Gordy is like Andrew McCarthy's character in Class, getting ready to embark on an adventure towards manhood and maturity. Oh wait, you didn't see that one?

I have to note that I am also starting to fall in love with the textural appeal of the Sailors Knot line. Sweet bank account, have mercy on me! My only wish is that they'd bust out with some harnesses for the uh....respiratorily challenged set (of which Gordy is so recently a proud member)!

But remember.... never was there a leash that cannot be combined with ugly or plain harness to make your little one feel fashionable. Touche!

GORDY UPDATE: nebulized!

We wound up taking Gordy in for a second nebulization this morning. He took it like a man. No hooplah whatsoever and when we opened up his chamber of vapors, he was chillin' like Cheech in the opposite corner of the box with a look on his face like, "Excuse me? Can I help you with something?".

He also came back testing positive for Giardia. We're two for two! Err...

I have since Googled this charming parasite and, in addition to convincing myself that I too have this single cell protozoa hatching and multiplying deep within my intestinal walls, I have discovered that Giardia also goes by the lovely psuedonym, BEAVER FEVER. Something about dam water and... oh, whatever. I am too distracted by my heebie jeebies to get scientific on you. Wikipedia has plenty to say, including captivating visuals. Mmmm. Time for lunch.

So we'll be administering treatment to our little dude by way of powder mixed in with his food for the next five days. He's absolutely asymptomatic right now so we're not waiting for much. Just negative test results in another four weeks. In the meantime I won't be sleeping at night (might I note they describe this parasite as looking like a clown face under a microscope?) and will instead be luxuriating in Gordy's predicted increase in flatulence.

GORDY UPDATE: new vet

Well, what do you know. After a trip to My New Vet, we have discovered that BILL gave Gordy not two but THREE vaccines he didn't need. This one, Leptospirosis, is commonly transferred to dogs via.... raccoon pee. Given our urban dwelling and prescribed advice (from BILL) not to take him outside, this would only seem logical, right? Uh...

But the real development was that an hour or two before I took Gordy in, he was developing the cough of an elderly man. A cough I can only describe as... very phlegmy. In the midst of our chat with the vet, Gordy took the opportunity to demonstrate this approximately four times and the vet decided to nebulize. Our little dude was placed inside what I feel at liberty to call a plastic coffin which was then covered with a black garbage bag. And then the gas was pumped in...

Believe me when I tell you that when Gordy suddenly decided to take a little nap five minutes in, I was convinced he was dead. Agnes the Tech gave me many looks that read, "Chill, woman!" and... of course, he eventually emerged victorious, if not a little bit high.

What I am summarizing for you is that, in My New Vet's opinion, this was all brought on by BILL feeling at liberty to give Gordy this cocktail of vaccines. The Bordetella vaccine, as I understand it, is a live vaccine which gives animals a mild strain of the virus. I think we're all familiar with this concept. The problem is that sometimes these little puppies with pre-exisiting shortened respiratory systems (pugs, bulldogs, etc.) develop the virus enough so that it causes problems. And Gordy is one of these puppies. And I basically want BILL to die now. The other thing to consider is that it's possible that since he's still so young and was given oh, SIX VACCINES IN ONE DAY (but who's counting?), his immune system might have been further weakened and made him much more vulnerable to Old Man Cough. Sweet weeping Jesus.

Regardless, he seems to be doing fine now. Sleeping the day away, as usual. My New Vet finally tested him for Giardia and other parasites so we're awaiting results. If Old Man Cough returns, he'll get nebulization number two in the morning.

And just as a disclaimer, I do not want one to read this and criticize me for being a vaccine phobe. It's just my personal point of view and I am very confident that if your dog has gotten twice as many vaccines and continues to get boosters on an annual basis (we'll save that for another soapbox) and you're super psyched about it, I am sure it's fine... for you. To each their own, I say! But do your research. And then do some more research. And then get a second opinion.

cheeky squeaks!

You might be all "been there, done that" but let it be known....

WE LOVE CHEEKY SQUEAKS!

A collaborative offering from beloved Nylabone plus Scary Stories/Naughty Naughty Pets creator, Wendy Gardner... I am drooling over these dog toys more than Gordy is. And how cute is this website?

We've all been seeing these around pet boutiques for a little while but the good news is that Naughty Naughy Pets recently launched a new and improved online store. Here you'll find Cheeky Squeakies, for both dogs and cats plus the Scary Stories books and a wide array of plush, stationery, and apparel for that special someone in your life. Or you could be selfish like me and just buy stuff for yourself. But how could I resist the new Vicious French Bulldog?!

GORDY UPDATE: puppy kindergarten begins

We have enrolled Gordy in Puppy Kindergarten and his first class was today. My little man is growing up! Either you're familiar with this concept or you think we're yuppie freaks. Regardless, it's ten tons of fun because Gordy gets to learn things like..... his name. And it's also an opportunity for him to socialize with other puppies in a monitered setting. And by monitered, I mean by Denise of the NYC branch of Empire of the Dog.

We were off to somewhat of a slow start because other than Gordy, there was only one additional attendee: Maya.

Oh, Maya. Tiny Miniature Pinscher bedazzled with a bracelet collar and a pointy little nose. We love you.

It was a rocky relationship at first, if only for the fact that Gordy was significantly larger than Lil' M and the playtime techniques were a little under-developed. But they worked it out and stood by eachother, even when the Ultimate Alpha Dog himself, a.k.a. Boss, arrived. Boss is an insanely beautiful German Shepherd/Huskie mix. To say they were in awe of him would be an understatement. Believe me when I tell you they worship him. They practically beg him to give them the time of day. Which, of course, he was much to busy to do in the beginning. He eventually allowed them a few simple interactions including a demonstration of his various callisthenics and impeccable sit/stay routines. There were also several instances where Boss's singular bark startled Gordy into releasing and handing over whatever toy he was focused on at that moment... but there were no hard feelings. Only adoration...

We're hoping the class doesn't get cancelled or postponed due to lack of attendence so that we can all continue to oggle at Boss's overall glory. And I guess it wouldn't be so bad if Gordy learned his name.

GORDY UPDATE: vet from hell

Awhile back I mentioned my disgust with a certain vet I will simply call BILL. BILL recommended Science Diet to me which is a food, it turns out, I am completely opposed to. It wasn't so much the recommendation after awhile. I knew better than that. It was that I felt we didn't see eye to eye and we never would. Also the fact that he's a pompous douche. Regardless, we had Gordy's final vaccines scheduled with BILL and we decided to follow through given that we're smart, educated people...able to separate our asses from our elbows if you will. Hindsight, you are 20/20!


Without boring you with painstaking recounts of our dialog - dialog which I will relive vividly as I attempt to drift off to sleep every night for the next three weeks of my life - I will cut to the climax and tell you that BILL gave little Gordy two additonal vaccines I did not want and he absolutely did not need. And never bothered to mention that we was doing so. No discussion. Zero. I discovered this fact only after I had already paid and was reviewing the receipt he printed out for me. Don't even get me started on the fact that he noted the combo vaccine as being the second round as opposed to the third. Honestly, that would have been enough. Nor do I want to get into the details of his professional advice regarding Gordy's sudden pee-for-all to be to do an internet search.

In case you're curious, these two vaccines are Corona and Bordetella. Corona is a virus common to young puppies... i.e. puppies that are usually six weeks or younger. Gordy, for the record, is almost 12 weeks old. Furthermore, most major veterinary institutions haven't seen this virus in about 7-10 years. Texas A&M did a huge study a few years back which resulted in a letter and subsequent lawsuit against vets who were unneccessarily giving this vaccine to adult dogs. Awesome!

Bordetella, on the other hand, is a more common vaccine given to dogs who are about to be boarded or who are regularly shown. Gordy, again for the record, is not about to be boarded nor to we have plans to subject him to any vast quanities of questionable canines. I'd also like to mention that it's also a live vaccine that could end up causing Gordy problems. Hey, thanks BILL! Love ya tons!

The bottom line: you can't trust anyone.

In the meantime I made a somewhat crazed call to the more holistic vet in the area that we had been keeping on the backburner to have a chat. I have an appointment with this woman on Monday to discuss how to proceed, finally get him tested for common parasites, and to generally talk trash...

Meanwhile, I will be in the bathroom vomiting up my rage as Gordy sadly snoozes the day away in a drugged stupor...

To be continued...

we heart zuke's

I'd like to take a moment to discuss with you our love for the Zuke's line of all-natural doggie treats. I'd also like to state that we are pretty sure we can attribute any success we have had with Gordy's housetraining to this very specific line of delicious, flavorful, irresistable treats. Believe us, we've sampled them personally! Okay, that's a lie. But in the fickle, small throated world of our french bulldog puppy, these were the source of a major outdoor breakthrough. To put it simply, these have saved our lives. And potentially spared us the irresistable odor of dog pee in the morning... however tempting.

As it states on their website: "Zuke's All-Natural Treats for dogs and cats are made with premium meats, grains, fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fats." More specifically they were, of course, in no way involved in the massive pet food recall. We particularly enjoy the Chicken flavor of the Mini Naturals but they have a wide range of scrumptiousness from the newly added and fancy looking Z-filets to their Hip-Action containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Be warned, however! Due to their (appreciated) lack of preservatives, we highly recommend keeping them in their surprisingly effective zip lock (read: resealable and oh so portable) in order to avoid the rock hard consistency they develop over short periods of time. I would like to offer you a specific autobiographical moment where I washed a pair of jeans with a hardened morsel of Zuke's in the pocket and it popped out of the dryer fully intact. Hmmm..... Regardless, when kept protected and moist, they are soft enough to break in half with minimal thumb pressure. Particularly useful when rationing the passion for a dog that seduces you into taking him out to pee oh, every 20 minutes.

buddy belts!

These are BUDDY BELTS! And I want one!

Did I say want? I meant need.

Okay, I'll admit it, when I first saw these at my favorite neighborhood pet store ( PS 9 in case you're interested) I thought they were giant sunglasses. But oh, was I wrong! They're harnesses made with love and thoughtfulness towards comfort and style, created by a woman named Roxanne Pettipas. If you check out the incredibly informative site you'll read all about how these began as a "hand-cut labor of love" and turned into something much, much bigger. We're big fans of their conscientiousness to fit and support, the fact they're crafted by hand, and of course, the ever-changing color palette to dazzle the senses.

Currently, Gordy has a surprisingly attractive (and inexpensive!) collar/leash combo from Old Navy. We are well aware, however, that we'll have to move into Harness Town once we actually start taking him on walks. In a surprising act of self restraint I am waiting to purchase one of these until he stops growing (holy crap, he's already 8.5 lbs!) but once he evens out, it's onto the Buddy Belt and I will never look back!

But I have to mention, I read a review stating that one pug owner felt it looked like a sports bra (she meant this in a good way) and we're already struggling with Gordy's appetite for all things pink and womanly.... but I think it goes without saying that we're past it at this point.

GORDY UPDATE: chachi

Today we took a stroll to Eva's Play Pups for what they call Puppy Playgroup. This marked our first attempt to socialize Gordy with other puppies. Mission: accomplished... by way of a delightful little fellow french bulldog named Chachi. I hate to say it, but I think the best part of the entire afternoon was seeing Gordy's shocking ferocity when an unsolicited hump began. I believe Chachi's owner's direct quote was,"Give em hell, Gordo!"

It would be no exaggerration to say that this entire experience Blew. Gordy's. Mind. He went on to sleep the entire afternoon and to be much more concientious of how hard he bites. We'll love you forever, Chachi.

Next week we'll return to Eva's Play Pups to start a basic obedience class offered to puppies six months and younger. Chachi won't be there because he's already graduated. And believe me when I tell you he knows how to high five and jump on a skateboard (the latter of which I did not witness, sadly). We're like, so jealous.