Pet-Pet * pet product blog

I’ve always been intrigued by the history of Saint Bernards bounding through the perilous snow-covered Swiss Alps to rescue stranded or injured travelers. I can imagine how majestic these furry giants must have appeared to a weary hiker, frozen to the teeth and trapped by an avalanche. Oh, and imagine his or her gratitude, after being pulled to safety and offered a sip of belly-warming brandy from the fat wooden keg strapped around the Saint’s thick neck.

Well, those stories may have happened back in the 1700’s, and there’s probably a lot more technologically advanced ways of saving people from avalanches these days, but those cute little kegs sure are cool and I’d hate to see them disappear from use altogether.

I thought about how cool Murphy would look with one of those kegs around his thick little neck, but we all know he hates the snow, and honestly I wouldn’t trust him to rescue anybody from anything. So, I’ve thought of a new use for these little kegs, and a way to save them from total extinction or being relegated to novelty items displayed on a shelf.

Next time you throw a party, fill up one of these kegs with your favorite liquor and strap it around your dog’s neck. (Note: I would not recommend kegging up a little dog, as the full keg is probably pretty heavy and you wouldn’t want your pug or Yorkie dragging it around your party, chin to the floor.) Instead of “shot girls,” your party will have its very own “shot dog.”

As your puppy waltzes around the party, greeting each guest, he’s also offering up a shot of booze. If your guests accept, they just tap the spigot on the keg and fill their glasses. Cheers!

I had to find out where I could purchase a wooden keg that was actually built to hold liquids, not just as a showpiece. Robin Turner offers handmade oak kegs that are made to hold liquids, specifically alcoholic ones, on her website, The Robins Nest. The keg comes with a wooden spigot, cork and stand, plus a leather collar which can be personalized with any design your little heart desires. She will also design kegs for special ocassions, such as weddings.

Murphy’s keg would be filled with Jameson Irish whiskey (mama’s favorite), and his collar would bear his name, decorated with little shamrocks and skulls & crossbones. I have to get one of these! He’ll be the hit of my next party.

This past Christmas was extra-special for me. It was the first time that Dave, Scout, Little One, Jordan, and I all spent the Holiday together. Usually, we visit Dave’s family in Philadelphia, leaving my two cats at home in the care of a loving cat-sitter. But this year, for reasons beyond our control, we could not make the three-hour trip to Philly. To tell you the truth, though, I wasn’t too disappointed. It was the most relaxing Christmas I have had in years.

Anyway, I wanted to share with all of you the magical gift I bought for Dave. Now, as you know, Dave is completely obsessed with Scout, our border collie. So obsessed that he calls me every day from work, not to say “hi” to me, but to see how his precious pound puppy is doing. (I work from home, you see.) So, what do you buy the man who is completely preoccupied with his dog? Here’s what: A professionally drawn portrait of his beloved best friend (right).

While searching the Internet for worthy artisans to create an immortal Scout, I found the perfect site—Portraits by Robin Zebley. Not only a talented artist, Robin is an animal lover to boot! In fact, painting all creatures great and small is her specialty.

But, the thing that really makes me smile when I think of Robin’s work is her new project—Rescue Animal Art Challenge. Robin is currently committing four hours a day to create 50 fabulous new pieces by May 1, 2006. All of her models will be from photos provided by Animal Rescue Organizations. And, 20% of the sale of each piece will be donated to the Rescue Group that cares for the model.

Robin hopes to gain awakenings for all homeless animals, including cats, dogs and horses, birds, guinea pigs, and other homeless pets. Check out her Rescue Animal Art Challenge blog to learn more about her special project or to track her work.

Dave absolutely loves his beautiful portrait of Scout (left) and I am sure you will love yours, too, if you decide to have Robin immortalize your fur-baby on canvas.

I must say that I’ve just had a wonderful holiday season thus far! My boyfriend, friends and family members have not only been extremely generous in their gift-giving to the Murphy dog, but also to me. My favorite gift is definitely the brand-new pair of patent leather Doc Marten boots, which caused me to wax nostalgic for those punk rock days of my lost youth. I must sadly retire my current pair, as I’ve had them for over ten years now, and they’re pretty beat-up.

My new pair of Docs got me to thinking about other staples of old-school punk rock fashion, and that Murphy’s wardrobe is currently missing a few key pieces. Of course that sent a wave of guilt through me, and spurred a frenzied Internet hunt.

How can Murphy be a true punk rock puppy without some thermal shirts? Well, Trixie & Peanut had just what I was looking for. Available in ivory, black or pink, their waffle-weave thermals are made of 100% cotton and are sure to keep your pooch warm and cozy.

And how could I forget the studded belt? I know, dogs don’t wear belts, but Murph sure could use a black leather studded collar. Trixie & Peanut offers the classic pyramid-studs on collars made of blue, pink, red, white or black leather.

For an edgier spiked collar look, head over to Pet Care Central and check out their black or brown leather collars adorned with tough nickel brass spikes.

Murphy might not really be as tough as some of the punk rock guys I know (he’s more of a lover than a fighter), but he can rock the bad-ass look with the best of them.

Oh man, these tags are way better than the plain, old boring tags made with the automatic dog-tag machine found at the local pet shop! A dog tag by Goodman Gries is a work of art.

Artisan and dog-lover, Goodman Gries’ specialty is creating unique dog tags, which combine your dog’s distinctive personality with his whimsy metalsmith talent. Each tag is individually fashioned around your personal desires for your pet and Gries’ stylish and eclectic taste.

Each tag starts out as a raw sheet of either genuine sterling silver or solid brass, (your choice) and is made into a tag by Gries’ able artisan hand. Jewelry making is Gries’ passion, so every tag that leaves his studio, is loved by the artist himself.

Sure, you can purchase a ready-made tag at PetSmart, but wouldn’t you like your dog’s tag to reflect your best-est buddy’s lovable personality? Trust us, if you order a one-of-a-kind dog tag from Goodman Gries, it will be worth the wait!

Stop shoving your beautiful (and not to mention pricey) dog couture into drawers and empty shelves. Instead, hang up your pup’s garments in style with these beautiful, hand-painted mini hangers, especially made for doggy designs.

Ladybug Art knows that any tasteful dog’s wardrobe is not complete without matching hangers! These super-chic hangers are available in three different colors: pink, green and cream—all with matching French ribbon bows.

The hangers are sold in sets of three with silhouettes of your choice of breed: French bulldog, terrier, Chihuahua, or beagle. But, don’t fret if your dog’s breed, or lack thereof, is not on the list. Just contact Ladybug Art for more breed pictures. Perhaps they can create some hangers especially for your dog. Hey, it couldn’t hurt to ask.

Do away with creases and wrinkles. Unless, of course, your dog’s name is Creases or Wrinkles…