DOGGIE

By now, most of you are, or should be well into holiday mode. You’ve got your wish list perfected, decorations up and a tree that twinkles and shines with the hundreds of lights you spent hours placing in just the right spot. Although you have most of your gifts purchased, wrapped and placed in a neat and tidy pile (a la Martha Stewart), there are those select few on your list, who you’ve yet to figure out just what to get them.

If you haven’t checked your pooch off yet, because frankly the thought of buying another toy to add to your dogs ever growing collection just doesn’t sound appealing, you can breathe a sigh of relief, because we’ve done the browsing for you, and found all of the perfectly unique canine goodies that are sure to leave their tail wagging!

With every designer these days contributing to the fight against global warming, it is very easy for Fido to do his part with the V.I.P. Crypton Pet Bed, found at TrixieandPeanut.com. Retailing for $139.00, this handcrafted luxury bed is made from Crypton, a high performance, and eco-friendly green textile. Available in a variety of classic colors this bed will leave your peace-loving pup comfy and warm.

Always on the go with your jet setting dog? Wrapables.com features a modern collapsible pet feeder that is perfect in size, (1.5 inches wide when folded) and is perfect for traveling to any destination. These adorable bowls are available in 2 sizes and retail from $28.00 – $35.00.

For the preppy pooch in need of a little extra warmth, we found this ultra soft turtleneck cashmere cable knit sweater at jcrew.com that retails for $128.00 and is available in 4 vibrant colors.

Happy Holidays!

– Lindsey

For New Yorkers, bringing your dog with you for day-to-day activities has become quite the norm. Whether it’s out to lunch at an ultra chic corner café, a stroll around central park, or a long day of shopping down Fifth Avenue your four-legged friend is with you every step of the way.

Although they don’t allow dogs during the week, The Ginger Man on E 36th Street is extremely pet friendly on Saturday and Sunday welcoming all well-behaved dogs. www.gingerman-ny.com

With their resident “house dog”, an incredibly friendly pit bull, Von Bar on Bleeker will pour you a glass of one of their finest wines and will pair it with a delicious Milkbone for your pampered pooch. www.vonbar.com

For all you Upper East Siders, Fetch is the perfect outdoor spot to grab a few drinks with your closest fashionistas (including the four legged ones) while listening to great live music and perhaps find a new best friend. (They have pet adoption applications on hand!) www.fetchbarandgrill.com

Although there is no legal drinking age for dogs, you probably shouldn’t let your pup partake in the drinking festivities. These dog-friendly pubs are a great way to include your canine in all of your nightlife activities.

-Lindsey

As the winter holidays quickly approach, pet owners far and wide are putting the final touches on their travel plans.  For all the furry family members there are often additional arrangements that need to be made as well.  We know this can often send your head spinning, so we have taken the liberty of putting together some fabulous travel tips to make the process at lot less stressful.

If you can’t take your dog with you, we know how important it is to leave them in the care of a reputable pet care professional that will give your pup the love and care he deserves.  To avoid getting stuck with a less than desirable kennel, make sure you book their stay ASAP.  The winter holidays are always the busiest times, and kennels tend to fill spots quickly.  When booking their stay, be aware that most locations will tack on an extra fee for the holidays.

Some great local spots we recommend are: 

• Happy Paws Pet Resort who has adorable themed rooms and suites that feature flat screen TV’s and DVD Players. http://www.happypawsinc.com/
• The Paw Stop will pamper your pooch with their highly qualified self-proclaimed “pet parents” in a fun and safe environment. http://www.thepawstop.com/

For those of you, who believe it wouldn’t be the holidays without your best friend by your side, remember to make airline accommodations in advance for them. 

If your doggie is too big to fit under the seat, several airlines allow them to be precious cargo under the plane.  There is a fee for this that varies from $250 each way up to $550 each way for international travel.  Be sure to get a health certificate that is issued by your vet within 10 days of travel.

 If your dog is small, most airlines allow 1 to 4 dogs per flight in the passenger cabin and will sit directly under the seat in front of you.  Fees for this option have recently gone up and range from $69 (AirTran is still the best deal!) to $150 each way. 

http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/ has an easy to read chart that breaks down all the different options and fees available.

** Brown Nylon Cargo Carrier can be found at http://www.caninestyles.com/
Happy Travels!

-Lindesy

The 20lbs turkey has been purchased, and as the wonderfully aromatic smells of pumpkin pie and green bean casserole fill the halls of your house, your nose isn’t the only one smelling these fabulous scents.  Your four-legged friend is ready for the multi-course feast as well. (He already has his seat picked out at the table and everything!)

Although most of the food on the table isn’t healthy for your pooch, there are several dog friendly recipes that are easy to make and equally delicious, that will leave your dog begging for more.

Thepoop.com has some mouthwatering options including a great idea for leftovers called “Turkey Balls”

1 loaf uncooked bread dough or pizza dough
1/4 cup turkey broth
1-2 tsp. flour
3/4 cup cooked turkey, cut up small
1/2 cup cooked vegetables
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 grated cheese
1/4 cup sesame seeds

Roll out the dough and cut into 3 inches circles with cookie cutter. In a saucepan, combine the broth and flour, stirring until flour is dissolved and mixture thickens. Add the turkey, veggies, and garlic powder. Cook until mixture is heated through. Let cook a bit.
Spoon one to two teaspoonfuls of the turkey mixture onto each circle. Fold up the sides and pinch shut. Roll into a ball shape. Mix the cheese and sesame seeds in a small bowl. Roll or sprinkle each ball with the mixture. Arrange the balls on a cookies sheet. Cook in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown. Let cool. Store in the refrigerator.

Or if you’re looking for a gourmet twist check out Rachael Ray’s recipe for Turkey Pot Pie
 

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ pound deli-sliced turkey, chopped
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
In a small skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir in the turkey, veggies and parsley and cook until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool to almost room temperature, then serve.

For a delicious dessert treat your best friend to a pumpkin wafer from all-natural-dog-treat.com

One 15 oz. can mashed pure pumpkin (NOT the spiced pie filling)
3/4 cup cream of wheat (or rice cereal if wheat-sensitive) You can mix this dry–no need to cook it first
1/2 cup dry powdered milk
Directions: Preheat oven to 300 F.
Mix all ingredients together. Drop small spoonfuls ( I use the about half of a tablespoon) onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
If you’d like to make bite sized cookies for small dogs, training rewards or just small treats, use a pastry bag and squeeze out rosettes about the size of a dime for tasty bite sized cookies.
-Lindsey