An interview with Marg Shadid, creator of the K-Rosco Dog Walking Utility Jacket – the first jacket made specifically for dog walkers.

How did you come up with the idea?

After walking family dogs for over 45 years, I just got tired of the everyday hassle of stuffing my jacket with all the needed supplies for an enjoyable dog walk. I observed and chatted with many dog owners who were also having the same hassles, and like most, always forgetting one thing or another, from pick-up bags, the home key, sunglasses, tissues…whatever. So in 2008 I finally decided, enough is enough. The jacket was designed to allow myself, and other dog walkers the convenience of keeping only one jacket supplied, and one jacket that could be used for all seasons and all weather conditions, from the bitter cold of winter, (full jacket), to the hot sunny days of summer, (vest version). The K-Rosco Dog Walking Utility Jacket gave me back the precious minutes lost in finding and stuffing a coat, to an enjoyable dog walk with confidence of being prepared. continue »

Here’s a sneak peak at Dr. Shawn Messonnier’s new book that’ll hit bookstore shelves in the Fall …

The news is bad.  You’re at your veterinarian’s office with your beloved and very sick pet.  The doctor has done everything he can, but the situation is hopeless.  He tells you to take the one being that utterly adores you and has always been there for you home-so you can spend a few last hours together before returning to the office for euthanasia.  What would you do once you received this devastating news?  Would you follow the doctor’s advice, or would you do something, anything, that might help keep your pet alive?

Dr. Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M.  is a veterinarian who believes that no case is too tough to treat, and that healing can occur even when the best minds feel that “hopeless” is the kindest description of a pet’s medical problem.  Once a strictly conventional doctor, Dr. Messonnier is now a nationally recognized authority on integrative medicine for animals.  The author of the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, he also writes a monthly column for Dog World, Animal Wellness, Dog Fancy, and Body & Soul, as well as hosts the award-winning weekly radio show “Dr. Shawn-the Natural Vet,” on Martha Stewart Radio.

In his latest book, UNEXPECTED MIRACLES (Forge Books; $14.95; September 1, 2009), Dr. Shawn shares some of the miracles that he and his staff have been an integral part of during the past ten years.    Countless times, conventional doctors tell pet owners that the situation is “hopeless.” continue »

The floating alligator decoy adds a little fun to your pond, while protecting your valuable fish. This 34 inch gator has three hinged body parts that gives the decoy natural body movement, helping to deter herons and other predators.

The Turd Burglar is a plastic sleeve with a scoop that fits over a hockey stick blade. It allows you to loft and fling puppy poop to a collection area or compost heap with the flick of your wrist.

The Dog Treadmill incorporates modern features into a motorized treadmill specifically designed for small dogs. With speeds up to five miles per hour and an adjustable incline, it greatly simplifies the problem of exercising pets no matter what the weather or schedule dictates. The space saving tilt-up design allows for easy storage in a closet or behind a couch when not in use.

The Kitt-In-Box gives your feline friend a place to rest while you work. The wood box attaches to the side of a desk with special clamps; felt pads protect the surface. Your cat is out of your way but still close enough to pet.

Mouse in the House is designed to entertain home alone cats. When activated the toy emits squeaks to signal the cat that the mouse is coming out. The mouse makes two revolutions of the track and then lets out a humorous cuckoo sound. This sequence can be set to occur at intervals from one minute to several hours.

An interview with Linda Yaple of Cosmopolitan Canine in Houston, Texas. She invented the Penthouse Dog Potty, a  self contained unit that fits on balconies so city dwelling dogs can relieve themselves.

1. How did you come up with the idea?

The Cosmopolitan Canine is a family owned and operated business that started with a move from the suburbs back into the city. With all of our non-canine kids grown and out of the house, my husband and I decided to pack up our two dogs, sell the house, and move into a downtown high rise. At the time, we never realized that simply letting our dogs out into the backyard to do their “business” was a major luxury. After the move, and many nights and rainy days of countless elevator rides and sidewalk visits, I finally said to myself, there has got to be an easier way. Later, after creating the Penthouse Potty for our family, my sister, daughter and I decided to create a business to help out other uptown pooches and owners who might be having the same problems we were. So in 2004, The Cosmopolitan Canine was created to do just that.

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The nation’s first indoor dog park — the size of a football field — is now open in Dallas, Texas.

Cody and Kelly Acree of Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks came up with the concept three years after adopting a very active lab mix named Lucas.

“It was born out of our own necessity,” Cody recently told me.

Back then the couple regularly visited local dog parks but was frustrated by the lack of maintenance and monitoring at the city run facilities. And on some days they couldn’t go at all because it was raining or just too hot outside.

Seeing room for improvement, the Acrees decided to create a dog themed recreation facility that not only addressed their concerns but offered a variety of services and amenities.

The jewel of their two story facility, located minutes from downtown, is the indoor artificial turf field. It’s divided into two areas: one for big dogs; the other for small. Experienced handlers roam the park overseeing play and diffusing any problems before they turn into a scuffle. continue »