Doggie Bok! Bok!: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

New & Woof-Tastic, Dog Car Harnesses, Outdoor Pet Gates

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Dear Friends,

Oh boy, have we been busy! We've added tons of great New & Woof-Tastic items to the site, including new Dog Bows, Bandanas, I.D. Tags and more. Enjoy the newsletter and please remember to Follow Us On FaceBook. If you are looking to save up to 50% on dog supplies, please sign up for our Deal Of The Day email alerts. - Your Fabulously Furry Friends At PupLife.com

Words Of Wisdom
"A good dog deserves a good bone." - US Proverb

New & Woof-Tastic: Outdoor Pet Gate

Meet the ultimate outdoor dog gate. The Dynamic Accents Legacy Series Outdoor Pet Gate is constructed of native US solid White Oak and features stainless steel double action hinges on all panels. This amazing gate is made for outdoor use with lasting quality through precision mortise and tenon joinery. Stainless steel double action hinges on all panels allow for multiple gate formations and for spanning of challenging openings. In fact, it can be locked together to make a pen, should the need arise. We love this thing! Folds up quickly and easily for storage. Made In America. Truly woof-tastic!

View More New & Woof-Tastic | View More Dog Gates

Raise a Green Dog!

Is it green, or greenwashing?

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 07:36 AM PDT

Being green is in!

Caring for the health of your dog is in!

Being all natural and eco-friendly is in!

So, it was only a matter of time until we saw 'greenwashing' become a staple in the pet industry, just as it has in other industries over the years.

I've watched the 'green, eco-friendly, healthy' movement in the pet industry grow prolifically over these past few years. I watched as some great little companies who make and sell pawsome, healthy foods, treats, toys and other products, who care about the environment, and who work toward sustainable practices and utilize local resources, sadly, become overshadowed by the dollars that larger pet and pet related companies spend in professing their greenness.

Many pet companies are quickly and aggressively jumping on the green, healthy, eco-friendly bandwagon to be associated with this growing segment of the pet industry. They are partnering with popular green websites, building their own 'green pet' pages, and professing their care and concern for your pet and for the environment, all while selling and promoting products that are questionable in their greenness and healthiness.

Yes, these companies may participate in some environmentally sustainable practices and they may carry a few products that are produced in the USA, may be organic in nature or are products from companies that produce safer, healthier alternatives. But that doesn't necessarily mean what their marketing profession implies; that all the products they carry come from sustainable companies, or companies that provide healthier, organic, safer products for your pets, or that the products they market to pet families are safe, healthy and green.

There is a term for this practice, it's called greenwashing. According to Wikipedia, "greenwashing (a portmanteau of "green" and "whitewash") is a term describing the deceptive use of green PR or green marketing in order to promote a misleading perception that a company's policies or products (such as goods or services) are environmentally friendly. The term green sheen has similarly been used to describe organizations that attempt to show that they are adopting practices beneficial to the environment."

Greenwashing has been going on for years. The term was first coined by "New York environmentalist Jay Westerveld in a 1986 essay regarding the hotel industry's practice of placing placards in each room promoting reuse of towels ostensibly to "save the environment. Westerveld noted that, in most cases, little or no effort toward waste recycling was being implemented by these institutions, due in part to the lack of cost-cutting affected by such practice."

Westerveld opined "that the actual objective of this "green campaign" on the part of many hoteliers was, in fact, increased profit. Westerveld hence monitored this and other outwardly environmentally conscientious acts with a greater, underlying purpose of profit increase as greenwashing."

Here are two very good examples of greenwashing relating to dogs that I've come across:

One of the first examples of greenwashing in the pet industry I saw a few years ago on the Internet was a page created by Purina Canada, entitled "Paws for the Planet." The page has great tips on helping your pet help the environment, and we applaud them for that. However, the association of Purina with caring for the planet also gives the perception that their food is very healthy, that they source for their food from 'green' farmers, that the food is healthy, even organic in nature, all of which is extremely questionable.

Another perfect example of greenwashing is Scott's Lawn Care. The company professes in their website section "Benefits of Grass" that their products are perfectly safe for pets and children after their chemicals are watered in. All they ask is that you water it in and "...that keeps people and pets from tracking it into the house, and helps give your lawn a boost."

But what about when pets lick their paws, or children put their fingers and hands in their mouths after coming in contact with the chemical? What happens when these chemicals stay in your lawn, become part of the grass and your dog eats that grass? Studies have shown that these lawn chemicals are potentially very dangerous, especially for pets and children. As a matter of fact "a respected report and DVD "The Truth About Cats, Dogs and Lawn Chemicals," funded by Newman's Own Foundation, has a lot of information for you to learn about the dangers and effects of lawn chemicals on your pets."

Thank goodness the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is taking notice of these greenwashing practices and looking at "(a) new set of so-called Green Guides that are used by the FTC to guide enforcement of existing laws. They are the first environmental-marketing guidelines in 12 years and could radically reshape how far marketers can go in painting their products, packaging or even corporate images green," according to AdAge.com.

But don't wait....get educated, and get smarter! Investigate the pet companies you do business with. Find the most sustainable, healthy product and service providing pet company you can find by checking to see if those companies:

Provide healthier, organic and safer products for your dog and your home, lawn and garden.

Care about the environment and prove it by showcasing their product in green, recyclable packaging.

Give back to their communities through charitable actions.

Purchase product sources and manufacturer their products through local and USA based sources.

Utilize organic, healthier resources in their company and products.

Follow environmentally sustainable practices, through recycle programs, reuse programs and more.

Not only will your dog be healthier and live a longer, happier life, but you will be helping the environment on a much more sustainable scale.

Additional resources:

SinsofGreenwashing.org

GreenWashingIndex.com

The Greenwash Guide

Greenopia's guide to Pet Products and Pet Product Companies

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

All Things Dog Blog

Snuggle Pups

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 09:21 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

...even if you did just beat the 'stuffing' out of him!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Celebrity Dog Watcher Alert

Link to Celebrity Dog Watcher - Digging up Celebrity Dog News - Arf!

Charlie Sheen Wants Pug Back

Posted: 28 Mar 2011 08:17 AM PDT

Charlie Sheen Wants Pug Back “We must bombard with Warlock Napalm, that traitor and loser whore #DUH -neese POOR-ARD. A VILE KIDNAPPER AND NOW DOG THIEF. HATE.”- recent Charlie Sheen...

Please visit the site to see the pictures and read the content in full.

Monday, March 28, 2011

All Things Dog Blog

Fido Finds ink48 Marks the Spot!

Posted: 27 Mar 2011 09:01 PM PDT

By: Carol Bryant, FIDO Friendly magazine

In the printing business, an impression is that which is produced through a process. This is very apropos with the locale of the aptly named upscale Manhattan hotel, ink48. A former printing house in the heart of the Hell's Kitchen district of Manhattan, an indelible inspiration awaits the moment you step foot (and paw) in the front doors.

First impressions indeed are everlasting. Seeing my Fido's name etched onto a doggy-themed chalkboard in the lobby brightened our arrival. We soon discovered that Layla, French bulldog and director of pet relations, would tend to our canine needs.

The lobby ebbed and flow ala architectural modernity into the 80-seat restaurant on the first floor. One can't help but feel like a celebrity behind the velvet ropes that line the restaurant's grounds. We opted for room service, which we discovered lit up an already bright New York skyline.

The king suite's décor is boutique style—contemporary elegance meets comforting urban loftiness. A signature view of Manhattan leaves a picture-perfect postcard etched into guests' memories long after departure. Our suite offered a gorgeous backdrop of the Hudson River through the giant windows. New York hotel rooms can be synonymous with lack of size. Not so at ink48. Our king room was 275 square feet. All guestrooms feature 11 to 15 feet ceilings and divine bathrooms. The Aveda products waiting on marble countertops soothed the senses.

What kind of mark does a former printing facility leave on the pawprints of Fido? Considered part of the family at ink48, Fido has access to three nearby outdoor park/walk areas, doggy boutiques in the vicinity, and is provided with biscuits in the grand lobby of this unique hotel.

After a stroll at the Hudson River Park with Fido, our appetites beckoned to the home of this world-renowned district. Opting for room service, we chose the New York Strip steak, Caesar salad, fries and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. Room service was quick, the staff hospitable, and nary a drop remained in an hour. It was that good.

Traveling with both four- and two-legged kids? Kimpton Hotels, of which ink48 is one, offers a program that includes family-oriented activities and amenities called KimptonKids.

Thinking of a gorgeous rooftop setting with panoramic views for your wedding or reception? Only one wedding at a time is hosted at ink48. Since Fido is welcome, walk down the aisle, leash in tow, on this magical day.

Guest rooms range from 250 to 1,100 square feet depending on preferences and budget. For a truly posh experience in this remarkable district, the Heaven over Hell's Kitchen Suite boasts a private 2,200 square rooftop terrace and deep, oversize soaking Jacuzzi tub. Talk about leaving a mark.

A Chinese proverb in the welcome packet at ink48 states, "The palest ink is better than the sharpest memory." The lasting impression ink48 leaves on Fido and his guardians is truly an indelible slice of New York at its finest.

For more FIDO Friendly content, subscribe to the magazine and our blog at:
www.fidofriendly.com

http://blog.fidofriendly.com

This just in: Kimpton Hotels is sponsoring a Paw-parrazi photo contest through May 31, 2011. There are winners every 2 weeks, and a grand prize getaway package to a final winner. This travel getaway includes round trip air fare, a credit toward Fido's Pet Airways ticket, 2 nights in a Kimpton hotel, and numerous pet amenities for Fido. You and your pup could be headed for ink48 or another Kimpton Hotel for a fabulous few days.

Dogs Play Poker after Training Hard

Posted: 27 Mar 2011 09:00 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Thanks to the Dancing Dog Blog for reminding me to share this video. Chris Dignan, a positive dog trainer, began a not-for-profit organization and is raising funds for a building to house his training program. You can learn more about Chris and his program here: The Dog Saving Network .

Now, enjoy the video and see if your favorite dog wins. Did he have a good poker face?

DogQuality: Bottom’s Up Leash – Walking Aid for Older Dogs

Bottom’s Up Leash – Walking Aid for Older Dogs

Posted: 27 Mar 2011 08:11 AM PDT

We recently added the Bottom’s Up Leash to our store, but not before we tested it out. This leash is a rear support walking aid for dogs challenged by rear leg weakness. It is a very simple yet effective design that contains 2 padded leg rings which connect to a leash. This leash supports dogs as small as 12 lbs, all the way up to 125 lbs, therefore no need for measurements and no worrying about selecting the wrong size.

The Bottom’s Up Leash can be used to help your dog walk, climb stairs, access vehicles and go the bathroom by providing support and stability to their rear and eliminating the need to physically lift your dog. If you have ever had to help a 100 pound dog become mobile, you will understand the need for a device like this.

And all these benefits for under $40 – that’s tough to beat.

Here is our video review:

Ann-Marie Fleming is the Founder of DogQuality.com, a site focused on products that help older dogs enjoy life.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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