I love getting stuff in the mail, especially when it's my new Dia de los Muertos Pit Bull necklace! Etsy seller The Ring Leader handcrafts these and other pieces, while donating $5 from each sale of this rad pendant to Villalobos. I saw this piece before Christmas, but it stuck with me and I just had to have it.
The chain and pendant are lightweight and styled in that vintage tattoo fashion. It's amazing what wearing a little bit of color will do for your mood come mid-winter. Then again, maybe it's just because I'm a sucker for floppy ears and big Pibble grins.
Laura is featuring pet behavior this month at the Embrace Pet Insurance blog, but we wanted to make sure you got to follow her reviews of her cats' new walking jackets from JoyKatz. She's posting videos and reviews of the process in training your cat to walk on a leash. Check out Rocket and Rosie as they are introduced to their cat jackets for the first time:
I'm totally envious of that leopard print pattern! These, as well as other leather jackets and custom pieces are all handmade at JoyKatz.
I've been a long time Swiffer user, for my vinyl and hardwood floors (no carpet in my furry house), but I've always noticed that it left a lot of streaks and a sort of filmy appearance on my white kitchen tiles. So, when Buckley the Beagle's mom, Kate, mentioned that she was pleased with her SHARK STEAM MOP I was intrigued.
Kate said that the mop got dirt that she didn't even see, and then she just washed the replaceable mop heads. No disposable pads or special cleaner bottle needed, so it's definitely more eco-friendly than my swiffer. It's only $69 at Amazon, though I noticed there are a lot of people concerned about the quality and usability of the device. Most people say the handle is flimsy. One reviewer did a very detailed comparison of several steam mops, and finally endorsed the Eureka Envirosteamer.
The Eureka is actually cheaper ($64.99), heats water to a higher temperature, has a longer cord and larger water storage tank. And as some reviewers noted, the tank is just above the pad, not up on the handle, so it's helping to push down on the cleaning pad, not causing resistance to your pushing motion.
So, why would I buy the Shark, when the Envirosteamer seems so much better? What mop should I buy to clean up those muddy paw prints that are coming with the Spring showers? Do you have a steam mop and would you recommend it to other pet parents?
**UPDATE Jan 2012**
I just realized I've been loving my Envirosteamer all this time, and never updated this post. We got the steam mop in Spring 2011 to combat the muddy paw prints, and it's made cleaning my kitchen easily one of my favorite household chores. The steam mop cleans without any residue or sticky fluid buildup of a cleanser. The floor looks remarkably clean--almost new, once I'm finished.
My only advice: don't wash the pads in very hot water, or they'll shrink to the point of almost not fitting in their grips. I may need to buy replacements, but it's probably time to do that anyway.
There are the occasional days where Lyger is home alone for a long night with the dog door, which he doesn't mind at all. Frankly, I'm sure he'd prefer it to being crated and toted places when we have quick over-night trips. Rather than bring a neighbor in just to feed and medicate him while we're away for 20 hours, we wanted to try a pet feeder.
We put it to the test for the two days before the Thanksgiving holiday when we'd be away for about 30 hours, just to give it a dry run. It's a bit tedious to program, as you must program each feeding for the next 7 feedings, rather than just telling it to feed at 7am and 5pm every day. Additionally, I don't quite grasp why the device allows you to program 7 feedings but has only 4 rotations. (The first feeding is available as soon as you set it down, so I don't count that as 5 feedings while you're away from home.)
But, once it's programmed...what do I have to say about it. I set it up for AM and PM feedings, it fit his 1 cup easily and I just popped his arthritis pill in a pill pocket so he'd scarf it up. It worked, just as expected, on a few big batteries.
I like the convenience and comfort that I don't have to bother neighbors to come learn his food and medication needs just for a one or two off feeding. The feeding tray is dishwasher safe and compact.
But, this particular device has a lot of drawbacks in the programming department. I'm still not sure if the device will restart its cycle at the end of it's 7 pre-programmed cycles, and it doesn't mention it in the instructions. My biggest complaint is that you have to program each individual feeding instead of just telling it what times the dog eats and having it figure out the math on its own.
But, the item was on sale at PetSmart for $39.99 (normally retailing for about $47.99), and that allowed me to go spend the holiday with my in-laws a few hours away and relax, without needing to bring someone else in over the holiday. Of course I came home and spoiled my boy, but it's given us a new freedom to come and go without inconveniencing our guy. I think this would be ideal for these sorts of situations, or perhaps other pets that need scheduled feedings or medications daily. If it helps people help their pets, that's not something I can complain about.
It's finally here--the much anticipated Bissell Spot Bot giveaway!
Accidents are to be expected, especially when it comes to a pet friendly office. Embrace's hub is no exception. Our blue carpet has seen better days. So, we were thrilled when the Bissell SpotBot came to our rescue.
Here's the how-to: It's an all-in-one unit, so you just fill the clean water reservoir with a little water and a bit of the Pet Stain and Odor cleaning formula that is included. Set the brush head over your stain and press the magic button:
The unit runs for a few minutes (with an acceptable amount of noise) to clean the area, then a *beep* signals that you've got a clean spot. As you can see in our photo, the brush area wasn't able to cover the entire stain, but never fear--there is a manual brush attachment option that you can use to get the excess cleaned up. Look how nice the clean center area is compared to the stained area, or even the not-so-stained area around it. The area that was cleaned is clearly cleaner than any spot around it.
I was able to get about three cycles of automatic cleaning out of one batch of mixture. I'm guessing we'll probably use the entire 16oz bottle of cleaner in about four or five refills. Fortunately, you can get a 32oz bottle for $16.29 at Amazon. The dirty water is stored in a easy-to-empty resevoir, so you never have to get your hands dirty.
The SpotBot is so fun that I actually came in EARLY one day just to clean up carpets. It got up several unidentifiable stains, including one that looked to be grease or oil based. My co-workers came in and said, "Oh, the floors got cleaned?" Yes, the SpotBot was on it!Whether your cat had an upset tummy or the housebreaking went awry, this tool is going to save you a ton of work!
Thanks to Bissell, you too can get a SpotBot to clean your blemished carpets. They're sponsoring our Clean up Your Pet's Act Contest!
To enter: Go Like Bissell on Facebook and tell them that Embrace sent you. Hit up our Facebook wall with a photo of your cat or dog being a little naughty--did they get into the trash can or unroll the toilet tissue? Show us! OR Comment here with your pet's best bad behavior--share the story that's *almost* too shameful to tell.
Better yet, comment and post a photo to double your chances! We'll select the naughty pet prize on December 28 and Bissell will send you a SpotBot!
The SpotBot and other rockin' Bissell products are available at Bissell.com. I think you'll be wow'd by how many products they offer--so there's something for every clean-up need.
Comments or photos submitted before 12/27/11 will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor. Embrace staff and families not eligible to win. Must not have won within last 90 days
Embracer Kate has been testing the Quinzee insulated coat from Ruff Wear:
I had a pretty good feeling about this coat based on friends’ recommendations and comments on Ruff Wear products in general. So, it was no surprise when my expectations were met and exceeded with this well-made dog coat. Right from the start the helpful sizing guideline on the Ruff Wear website helped me select the right size coat for my, German style Doberman, Beau. He has a very deep chest and that’s exactly what Ruff Wear instructed me to measure. Our friends at Ruff Wear sent us the large in the Red Rock color and it fits Beau perfectly.
The material is so high-quality that I almost want to wear it myself! Ruff Wear says it’s weather resistant and you can tell that’s true by feeling it and seeing it exposed to rain. So far the weather in Ohio has been cold and rainy but not snowy yet, but I’m eager to put the coat to full use in the snow shortly. The soft, weather resistant material is on both sides which is fantastic and let me tell you why. I’ve seen other dog coats with white fleece on the inside and you’re thinking “Oh how nice, it’ll keep my dog warm and is so soft” but the reality is that it gets dirty so fast and naturally holds a ton of dog hair. Trust me, you want a dog coat with high-quality material on both sides.
I’m a big fan of the easy-on, easy-off side buckles with elastic straps and the reflective areas on the back for when walking in the dark. Another subtle but important detail is the fact that the side buckles and the front zipper are sheltered, meaning the weather resistant fabric covers them. This seems like it will help the hardware last longer when exposed to crummy weather.
The pocket for stowing the coat seems like a nice feature but I doubt I’ll actually use it. I plan on hanging Beau’s coat up in the closet next to mine for easy access and because seriously, how cute is that?
One last awesome and probably the most important detail here is that … Beau did not pee on the coat! If you’ve ever bought the wrong size coat or a “fashion coat” you understand how frustrating it is when it looks good one minute only to have your dog peeing on it (or into it!) the next.
I truly can’t say enough good things about this high-quality coat. My goal of being an objective reviewer, pointing out the good and the bad, is failing here because I honestly can’t find anything I don’t like about the coat. A+ in my book!
Dog ramps or stairs are really key to keeping your pet's spine and joints healthy when they're hopping up and down off the sofa or bed. What we don't realize is that their tiny bodies do a lot of twisting and torquing, and then there's the impact. Some little dogs can't even make it up on the bed. Isn't that sad?
So there are dog ramps. But frankly, they usually look like dog ramps or stairs--very utilitarian. Which is why I LOVE the Puppy Stairs we just received for Gracie to test out. Gracie, the cutest mini-Dachsund ever, (loved by Embracer Jessica) races right up her stairs and goes to her snuggle spot--no risk of falling or injury:
Notice that the interior decor doesn't have to suffer. The ramp's lovely oyster suede cover blends right in with the sofa's upholstery. They've got ramps and cubes to make any configuration you can imagine in four designer colors--so you're not stuck with a one size fits one dog and still doesn't match.
The style doesn't suffer when the dog gets bigger--they've got excellent ramps for larger dogs too. We had Embracer Sara's foster dog, Patsy, a big o' Basset mix try the large dog ramps and she was up on the bed before you could say "hop up"!
I'm so pleased with the Puppy Stairs. I wasn't sure that the fabric cover was going to look nice as it does, but it's quite smooth and sure to blend in well in almost any room. It's traction, safety and design in one. Gracie approves!
UPDATE: Now, save 10% on Puppy Stairs. Details here.
How do you say "adorable" in "reverse"? I think it's something like the reversible Blue and Brown Polka-Dot lead and collar set from Hot Dog Collars! Embracer Tenisha's little Maltipoo, Guizmo, is modeling them here. (Notice the aloof fashion model pose.) The material is that smooth nylon that makes for lightweight wear, easy to clean, and comfortable in the hand. The collar (or harness) have the D-ring for easy on/off hooking.
The collar is just $11.99, the harness is $22.86 and leash is $12.49. And I so appreciate that this vendor does a bundle and save option. Order the collar and lead together and save $2.45 just by scrolling to the bottom of the page. Smart, easy, and stylish!
Our office dogs have loved testing the pack of toys that Planet Dog sent over. The Bulb with Treat Spot might be my favorite (see Cooper's test here) because they're festive and show the good humor that a dog toy deserves. The downside-the silver part got chewed off in seconds flat by master-chewer, Henry the beagle. It's rated 3 out of 5 chompers, but be cautious in this case, especially if your dog is prone to swallowing bits they bite off.
The SnowBall (right) is a fun one too--last week, I was checking under desks looking "for the snowball". It's got the realistic appearance for people with the bounce and resiliency that dogs like.
We like the Planet Dog goodies because not only are they well designed, made in the USA, often eco-friendly, but they also donate 2% of every purchase to Planet Dog Foundation to support canine service programs across the country. Helping more dogs help more people in need is a great mission.
We've got a festive fun pack to make one pup's stocking extra stuffed. Planet Dog is giving away:
Two bulbs, a mini and a large An Orbee Tuff Mint! (Read how much I love Orbee Tuff stuff!) It's minty and adorable and I'm totally jealous of whoever gets this!
***Note--both are rated 3/5 chompers--Lyger loved his Orbee Tuff, but Kayden gnawed the top off in the first try. Please don't give these to tough chewers--our claims Embracers don't want any unexpected foreign body claims this holiday season.
To enter:
post a photo on our Facebook, telling us your dog's holiday wish
Photos submitted during the month of November will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor. Embrace staff and families not eligible to win. Must not have won within last 90 days
I was intrigued.
