I recently spent some time in a pet supply store near my home. It is not a chain, and is more of a boutique. It offers an eclectic selection of every conceivable pet accessory and treat you can imagine. You will find there, things you will not see, arguably, anywhere else. It amazes me, really, the amount of options available to pet owners these days. I know that I have posted this subject numerous times before, but here I go again. As usual, pictures are worth thousands of words.

This one takes the cake. Literally! Or donut in this case…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you honestly tell me that your mouth does not water a little bit checking out this display of dog treats? I, again, am saddened by the realization that I have gone into the wrong field. Should have combined my love of baking and animals and become the Mrs. Fields of the dog, and cat, world!

How old is your little, (furry, 4 legged) baby?…

 

 

 

 

Yes indeed. One of several options for strolling through the dog park or city with your puppy. There are also snuggly options when you want to carry them. I know that some people take offense to these carriages, but when a dog (or cat) would arrive in an exam in a carriage, I was just grateful that he or she was not running around, and away, from me when I was trying to catch them and examine them. Still, dogs need exercise, and their feet are, in fact, intended to touch the ground at some points. As in all things, moderation is best. and yet, how else can you go for a walk and nap at the same time?

Decisions, decisions, decisions…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I remember when there used to be one color Kong. There were no pre-made inserts of various flavors. I would sit there and tediously put the peanut butter as deep as possible into the core. Whew, those were tough times. Then I would head over to my washboard and scrub my laundry by hand and then dry it on the wash line, while I churned my own butter….

Ok, I am kidding. In case you didn’t know, you have a whole host of options in the Kong department, and a dizzying array of other treats, puzzle food toys, and selection of flavors that you may insert into those toys. Have 2 hours to spare? Head on over to this aisle. It is becoming the cereal aisle of the pet store.

A collar for every mood, day of the week, season…

 

 

 

 

Is your dog into leather studs, or jewel encrusting on his or her collar? Or maybe they really like to support their favorite sports team? Or if personalization is their thing, or animal prints…. You get the picture. The list of options is seemingly endless.

I will share with you what I have in my “dog basket” at home. Two collars. One is attached to the leash that I bring my dog to the groomer in, which is the one she used as a puppy. She chewed through 3/4 of it, but never made it completely. I still have yet to throw it out. It has paw prints on the leash and collar, which match, which is an enormous feat for someone like me. I last wore matching socks in 2010.

The other collar is attached to the leash that I walk her with daily. It is weighed down by the poop bag container, that currently is a beagle type plastic dog who “cleverly” hides the bags in his belly. Who do I think I am fooling with a small dog dangling off the leash attached to my slightly larger dog?  It also serves as an anchor around which to pivot, because if I put the leash down and ask my dog to follow me into the house she  stops dead in her tracks, as if it is 100 lbs. No India, Simon did not say “stop”.  When she does muster the strength to lug it into the house, most of the time she catches it in the corner of the door, where I find her 30 minutes later, trapped in the entryway like a depressed little door stopper. I am always amazed that my dog  will bark at any person, bird, or leaf spied through the front door, yet will suffer silently while marooned in the entryway. Just doesn’t make any sense.

Yes, India, THIS is where you are to wipe your dirty feet.

 

 

 

 

 

I actually considered buying this, but not for the reasons it advertises. There is nothing “magical” about it soaking up water, mud and dirt. If that was magic, then my couches, carpeting, and stairs and clothing would also be magical. Then I got to thinking that my dog would avoid this “dog” mat just as she avoids the “dog bed” and “dog blanket” that I have purchased for her. I envisioned my demonstrating to her how to wipe her feet on this mat, with me, no doubt, curled up in a ball on it, trying to entice her to do the same. It would play out like the dog bed did, with various family members laying in it, then putting it on the couch and laying in it there on the couch, hoping to convince her to do the same, and ultimately transition off the couch(s). After rubbing our scent on the dog bed, and spraying my perfume on the dog bed (because she loves me the best, of course!), we gave up. I did not buy the ” dirty dog doormat”.

This is a nice item, but…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would she use it? (See above) Probably not, but maybe some other dogs would.

Schmancy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And lastly…

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am sorry, but I always get a good laugh at these. My dog would certainly eat them, and then proceed to find something dead to roll in and then eat. But this time she would be on a mission, to remove the funny odor (known to us as pleasant mint scent) from her mouth asap.

Still, someone is evidently sending their kids to college with  Yip Yap funding. Shark Tank fans, please notify  me if Lori Greiner played a role in the mass distribution of this useless stuff.

Dr. Dawn
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