Embrace Pet Community blog

Penny Pinching for Pets in 2009!

With the economic state being what it is, many pet parents are cutting back on pet spending.  (Everywhere our four legged readers are hoping we don't mean skimp on the treats!)  Our kitties need a warm place to snuggle up during this awful freeze, so we thought we'd share a few fun ideas for alternative or recycled cat beds, and perhaps it will inspire your own creative solutions...

CraftyCrafty posted a geeky cat hideout (notice the converted "mouse")  in this converted monitor and ThreadBanger included this charming recycled suitcase cat bed.

You canfind the instructions for this cardboard cat chaise at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories.  Or put a little money back into the economy, and check out the great recycled pet rugs from Emily Kircher at Etsy.

Skull and Cross Bones

It was over a year ago that we posted on the Bling Bones collar-and the Skull and Crossbones trend has only gotten hotter!

FelineFido.com has ultra cool Skull and Crossbones ID tags in 7 fun colors, and will include up to 5 lines of engraving, plus free graphic and shipping for just $8.49.  They also have leashes and collars with the motif, including a Girlie style in pink and green with bows. Cat Collars are available with white or black skulls, but there's really something for every four legged girl or boy on your punk pet shopping list.

The Sassy Pup has Bling Barrettes for pets, and Haute Dog Boutique also has a Skull Hoodie by Kwigy Bo.  There's bandannas, sweaters, and toys.  We found a knitting pattern for a sweater, and even a Person/Pet Matching T-shirt Set.

Got a great Skull & Crossbone item we should know about?

Homemade Minty Cookies-a Last minute gift

Just in time for a last minute gift idea, we found a recipe that will have your little friend ready to meet you under the mistletoe with fresh breath.

Epicurious has a quick and practical recipe to make about 5 dozen biscuits, and because the treats include breath-fresheners parsley and mint you won't mind so much when you're getting thank-you smooches from the dog.  Prep time is about 40 minutes, but the biscuits need to dry in the oven overnight in order to get good and crunchy, so get started now.

My Dog's Wishlists

Black Friday is here, and since I'm not looking to stand in line at the local pet retailer, I'm doing my doggie's holiday shopping online again this year.  So, what will my special girl be opening under the tree this year, you ask?

My Rottweiler, Tahlula, will be getting a special something we've wanted for her for sometime now.  Since she's got joint problems and arthritis, nothing is more important to us than her comfort.  She'll be getting the heated massage dog bed with orthopedic foam core from MightyPets.com.  Sure, we make sure she get's her Sasha's Blend and other joint therapies, but this is a real comfort we'll be able to watch her enjoy. 

GI Designs Topiary Forms

GI designs has wire frame dog and cat art for your home and crafting projects like you  won't find anywhere else.  Most of the popular dog breeds are offered in frames that come in 3 styles- the standard wire, the tightly spaced wire (absolute) and the moss filled topiary. 

All three styles allow for lights, or other ornamentation that can be changed for the season or holiday.  For example, on the right is a lovely little moss Jack Russell decked for the holidays, while on the left you'll see a mossy kitty enjoying the sunny outdoors.

Prices range by breed, size and style but you'll find plenty of options for you to get creative and proudly display your favorite breed.

Planning a Weekend Nap

Whew!  Thank goodness the weekend is nearly here.  Your cat is probably looking forward to her weekend nap as much as you are, especially if she has a Wallybed.  The oval and round beds are soft sided, so cat's love to rest their chins on the edge

Oval Wallybeds are washable, come in 10 sizes and in 11 plush colors.  There's also the hooded Wallybed for shorthaired pets that like a little extra snuggle. 

If you happen to be a knitter looking for a cozy weekend project, we know you'll love this pattern for Lucy's Kitty Bed from Wendy Knits.

King of your Heart

For the king of your home and the king of your heart-

If you're a domestic Dorothy, you can knit this costume for the courageous canine in your kingdom.  Free Pattern at LionBrand.com

Cabled Dog Sweaters

You've asked for more pet patterns for Crochet and Knit, so we'll keep looking for the best free patterns and share the wealth!

Try your hand at this cabled dog sweater pattern (one the left-the pattern fits a dog about 14-15" around). 

If your not handy with the crochet hook, then check out these (right)sweaters at Ruffn-it.com, in pink or gray and just $25

Not just the old ball of yarn...

Julie Falatko at Knitty.com is sharing her easy patterns for  quick-to-make hand knit cat-nip toys, like these Dim Sum or the Won Ton toys. 

If you're already a knowledgeable knitter, you can whip one up in about an hour, but if you're not up for the D-I-Y thing, then you can pick up a Catnip Caterpillar at PurplePinkandOrange.com, $6 each.