Thursday, July 29, 2010

Cocojour Cooling Pad


In an effort to keep Paddy cool (and our energy bill down), this summer we took the leap and invested in a cooling pad. After doing some research, we decided to try Cocojour's Hawaiian Sun Cooling Mat from GW Little because it came in an apartment/Paddy friendly extra-small size (13" by 18"), and wasn't going to break the budget at $24.99. Just like the Shake Weight, in theory, it sounded like a great idea: designed to stay at a cool 65 degrees for 3-7 days, we thought it would be great to stick in Paddy's tote bag to prevent overheating while traveling on the subway. 

Unfortunately, we never got that far in our experiment…. here's why:

Weight:
Made from non-toxic cooling crystals sewn into little square pouches, the instruction card told us to soak the pad until the crystals had expanded. What we hadn't considered, when purchasing said item, was that once soaked, the crystals get HEAVY. We're talking, going from zero pounds to like 3-5 pounds. That being said, we quickly realized it was going to be too heavy to carry around.

Dampness:
After removing it and putting it outside on our laundry rack to dry. Once it was dry to the touch we set it down and waited for Paddy to thank us profusely for bringing this latest indulgence into our home…. and waited… For the life of us, we could not get Paddy to sit on it. Maybe it was the texture? (Which honestly, felt like it would be pretty comfy to us…) Maybe it was the fact that Paddy is super stubborn? (Possibility, but even after a week of it being around, she wouldn't touch it.) Or maybe, it was the fact that any time you apply pressure on the pad a dampness comes through? We thought that after a few days of being outside in zero humidity, 90-degree temperatures it would stop…. but nope. 

While we understand that this moisture transfer might be part of the pad's cooling effect, we can't blame Paddy for not wanting to lie on an unfamiliar damp mat. And again, also something that we wished had been mentioned in the product description.

Overall, the cooling pad is probably a great option for less fussy Barkistas. We do wish however, that we had known in advance about the weight and dampness issues. But alas… lesson learned and at least we can now share our experience with you! (... and if anyone wants to purchase a cooling mat....) If Cocojour's Cooling Pad is something that you think would of interest to your pup, you can visit their website for more information.

xoxo The Barkistas

Disclaimer: We footed the bill for this review.

Puppy Totes


From the people who brought you these adorable pillows, come a new line of cute 100% organic tote bags. Made form 100% organic cotton and water-based inks, these environmentally friendly bags are perfect for hauling all your stuff with you wherever you go.

Pick from hand-drawn designs (we’re particularly partial to ALL of them).

Each bag retails for $56.50 from PillowPillowPillow’s site and don’t forget to check out their super cute pillows!

xoxo The Barkistas

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Bocce's Bakery


As we're based in NYC, we're always on the lookout for great local purveyors of doggy goodness. Right around the corner in the West Village, Bocce's Bakery offers a variety of delicious, all-natural 100% organic treats for the canine set AND THEY DELIVER. You read that right. Is your brain freaking out?! Because ours did…

Okay. One thing at a time. 


1. Why Your Pup is Going to Want to get Their Paws on These Treats:
Shocked by the amount of fattening preservatives and chemicals in most commercially produced dog snacks, head-doggy baker Andrea Tovar, started creating her own treats. Made by hand in small batches, each recipe includes locally sourced ingredients when possible and contains NO chemicals, wheat, or preservatives… and honestly, they sound delicious:

Beef Bourguinon – Grass-fed beef slowly cooked with sweet carrots and parsley, for seasoning, in true Beef Bourguinon fashion. These heart shaped biscuits are baked to a perfect crisp, to promote dental health, with parsley for a  squeaky clean breath.

Grandma’s Apple Pie– Freshly picked organic apples baked with local NY clover honey! Mixed with organic oats for a crispy crust and packed with fiber for healthy tummies.

The Elvis
– Everything tastes better with bacon – even a peanut butter and banana sandwich! Made with lean turkey and non-fat yogurt but every bit as decadent.

With a changing seasonal menu, there's something for every picky eater!

2. Why it's Easy for Your Pup to get Their Paws on These Treats:
Sign up for Bocce's Bakery's weekly "Doggie Bag" biscuit delivery service for fresh treats delivered right to your door. (I mean, honestly: what more could a Barkista ask for?) For only $28 a month (and no delivery fee), every Monday, a re-usable mason jar will be dropped off at your doorstep filled with the flavor of the week. 


While the "Doggie Bag" service is currently only available to Barkistas in the West Village, they are looking into expanding their delivery area so make sure to inquire.

3. Why it's Good Paddy Does not Know how to use a Computer & Does not Have a Credit Card:
Because she probably would have already signed herself up for Doggie Bag delivery….

If delivery isn't an option, don't worry-- you can get your treat fix directly from their website at www.BoccesBakery.com where a 5oz bag is $9.50. If you're in NYC, you can also purchase at The Barking Zoo (172 Ninth Ave, NYC).

Happy munching!

xoxo The Barkistas

p.s. You have to check out the pictures on Bocce's Bakery's Flickr stream, they're beautiful. Just try to avoid drooling on the keyboard.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Let's Talk About Dogdration

With round two of Heatapocalypse 2010 around the corner in NYC, we're turning our attention back to the important topic of canine hydration. 


If plain ol' water isn't your dog's thing, try topping up their dish next time with Dogdration peanut butter flavored pet water. All natural and made with 100% human grade ingredients (including natural allergen-free peanut butter), Dogdration was developed by Brian Fate for his chocolate labrador, Ophelia. Packed with vitamins and nutrients for "increased strength, endurance, and an enhanced mental state of mind," each serving includes electrolytes for hydration, ginseng for health, glucosamine for hips and joints, and brewers yeast for healthy skin.

For an extra treat on those super scorchers, David also recommends freezing Dogdration into ice cubes, which we think is a pretty cool (harty har har) idea.

Bottled and manufactured in California, it's available for purchase directly from Dogdration's website either by the bottle (20 oz for $2.99), or case (12-20oz bottles for $36.00 + free shipping).

Drink up!

xoxo The Barkistas

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Puppy Prom at Peck Slip!

The lovely first-runner up at last night's Puppy Prom!
(... please excuse the death stare, she was not thrilled with the hat...)

Last night we joined the awesome crew of The Salty Paw down at the South Street Seaport for their 2nd Annual Puppy Prom! Dressed in their finest, the glam downtown Barkistas of Manhattan mingled with their human companions to raise money for Posh Paws Rescue. Celebrity dog-trainer Andrea Arden was even on hand to help crown the Prom Queen and King (and share with us some fun new tricks to teach P)! While there was no crown for Paddy, she was named first-runner up much to our delight!

 The yummy dog-friendly cake from Brooklyn-based Buttercup Pawtisserie.

Overall, a fabulous evening for a really wonderful cause-- we can't wait for next year!

xoxo The Barkistas

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Pet.doc


Neat and organized doesn’t come easy to the Barkistas. While we definitely operate best in a state of “managed” chaos, there are some things you do want to keep organized. The Pet.doc binder is a great way to keep Fido’s important papers (you know, the dog house mortgage, AMEX bills, etc.), where you’ll be able to find them. With pre-made sections for pet history, medical history, insurance, training and care, it makes filing super easy. And, unlike a filing cabinet, it is also very portable at approximately 9.5” by 7.5”.
 
Pick one up for your pup today at SeeJaneWork.com for $8.00 ( we know, it’s awesome deal).

xoxo The Barkistas

Friday, July 16, 2010

Go for a Walk with Robbie Dawg

Get 'em while you can-- Robbie Dawg's Let's Go For a Walk tins are available for $3.99!




This Brooklyn-based bakery prides itself on using fresh, organic ingredients and promises NO wheat, corn, soy, added sugar or salt, artificial ingredients, preservatives, tans fat, artificial colors/flavors or MSG. (Whew- that's a mouthful!) These delightful tins hold 3oz of treats in yummy flavors like Honey BBQ Chicken, Real Brooklyn Pizza, Peanut Butter Carrot and Turkey Sausage & Romano Cheese.


We picked up a tin of the Honey BBQ Chicken treats on our last G.W. Little order, and so far no complaints from our picky little pup! They're also perfectly-sized for small dogs, which means no crumby messes at treat time. At just $3.99 each, there's no excuse for heading over to Robbie Dawg's site and stocking up! 


xoxo The Barkistas

Thursday, July 15, 2010

2nd Annual Puppy Prom!

Dust off those tiaras and tails: The Salty Paw is hosting its 2nd annual Puppy Prom on Tuesday, July 20th from 6-8 PM at 38 Peck Slip at the South Street Seaport.

Dogs and their human dates/chaperones are invited to join Andrea Arden for a fun-filled evening sponsored by great sponsors like Stella & Chewy’s and Sexy Beast, to support Posh Pets Rescue which helps rescue, rehabilitate and place homeless animals. Even if your pup isn’t crowned Prom Queen or King, they can still come out a winner— great prizes like a custom portrait of your dog, or a doggy make-over, will be up for grabs during the event’s raffle, and yes, there will be cake (yes, for dogs & hopefully humans!).

We attended the Puppy Prom last year and had a great time-- The Salty Paw is one of our favorite doggy shops in NYC, and the event is a fab opportunity to mingle with fellow Barkistas for a good cause.

What will your pup be wearing?

xoxo The Barkistas

p.s. While you’re in your Barkista’s closet grab any old leashes and harnesses— The Salty Paw will be collecting them leading up to/the night of the event to donate to Posh Pets Rescue. 

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

As any Barkista knows, in New York City, it's all about your bag....



Poop-- a necessary evil of dog-companionship, and something us city Barkistas deal with on a daily basis. Though we might assume that picking up after our pups is being responsible, consider this: while poop is totally bio-degradable, the plastic bags we put it in can take over 100 years to decompose and may leech toxic chemicals during the process. Yuck.

Luckily, the folks at Olive Green Dog have come up with a chic, environmentally friendly solution with their Uni-sex and Super Poop Bags. 100% bio-degradable, these baggies are made from GMO-free corn starch and vegetable oil, which means they’ll compost in as little as 40 days. Bags are available in Uni-sex (small) and Super (large) sizes, and come in adorable reusable canisters decorated with illustrations by Nate Williams which means even the most style-contentious Barkista won’t be ashamed to keep them close at hand. Once you run out of the initial 50 bag supply, refills are available at the affordable price of $5.99.


While traditionally we’ve been fans of the bone-shaped baggy dispenser (packed with bio-degradable bags, obvi), we switched it up and road tested the Uni-sex canister over the period of a few weeks. As the canister isn’t exactly walk-friendly, it can be tricky to remember to grab a few bags before heading out the door. However, the packaging is so cute that you won’t be embarrassed to leave it plain sight. Also, if you’re like us and somehow your rolled bags never quite stay neatly rolled up, it serves as a cute storage device for any extras you may have lying around. The bags themselves are great— they have a slightly thicker texture, and to be honest, even though they’re not chemically-based, we thought felt were a stronger barrier between our hands and.... well.

Though perhaps not the best solution for daily walks, we think this is a great gift for any "green" Barkistas. We also recommend these canisters as a neat (both in the cool and orderly senses), way to store bags in your car or when traveling.

The Uni-sex and Super Poop Gift Set ($20.99), and individual Uni-sex and Super Poop canisters ($9.99 each), can be purchased directly from OliveGreenDog.com. Make sure to check out their other fabulous products while you’re there!

xoxo The Barkistas

Disclaimer: Products were provided by PR for consideration.

Slurpabowls!


Heatapocalypse 2010 continues in NYC, and so does our summer series focusing on hydration on-the-go. Check out Slurpabowls- adorable, uber-portable water/treat bowls that make it easy to keep your pet hydrated/fed on the road! Super durable, but recyclable (made out of paper), these cute little folding dishes hold up to 2 cups of kibble or water and can be reused several times (we got about 4 uses out of ours). 

Available from OliveGreenDog.com for $9.99 for six.

xoxo The Barkistas

Disclaimer: This content originally went live in 2009 on our old site, and has been re-posted with updates. Samples were purchased by ME for review.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Heatapocalypse 2010

It is SWELTERING and HUMID outside, which means it's more important than ever for the Barkistas to drink water. If you're like us and take your pup with you on the go, you've probably discovered that it can be tough to keep your canine companion hydrated. We've tried portable bowls (leaky), water bottle attachments (bulky), and even carrying around a small full-sized bowl (... you don't want to hear about that experience). While our local dog park does offer water, being germaphobic we're always a little bit concerned about the cleanliness...

So we had a thought- why if there's bottled water for humans, isn't there bottled water for dogs? Apparently, other smart people had already had this thought... In fact, there are several bottled water brands for dogs/"pet beverages" on the market, believe it or not!


The first one we stumbled across is Aqua Pure Breed (APB), which is based out of California. Though we have not tried this product, we were fascinated by the fact they offer both bottled spring water and mineral enhanced water. Also, their packaging looks like it might be reusable which is environmentally friendly AND cost-savvy. Design-wise, we dig the "dog bowl" shape, which we think might appeal to Paddington (trust me, she's not so keen on drinking out of water bottles/coffee cups/etc...).

APB Pure Premium Spring Water is oxygenated to help keep your pet energized and hydrated. With no added minerals, it comes with either a pink or blue lid and contains Magnesium which helps to maintain nerve function and combating heart disease. It comes in a blue or pink bowl, and as far as we can tell, the colors don't differentiate a difference- they're just a personal choice. APB offers two mineral enhanced waters for your dogs: APB Yellow is geared towards "Healthy Skin & Coat" and includes Silicia which is meant to protect against dry skin and thinning hair and nails. APB Green is for "Bone & Joint Support" and contains Chondroitin and Gulcosamine.

While we at Barkzilla are not totally sure about mineral enhanced water for your dog (... or humans for that matter), we do like the concept of portable, clean pet-friendly water. We also like APB's chic packaging and design.




Available in 8oz, 16oz and 2 liter bottles, go to Aqua Pure Breed's site to find a retailer near you. Prices range from $2.69 to $3.29 for what we assume is the smaller 8oz size.

In the next few weeks we hope to review other portable water options! Let us know if there's something you've seen that you'd like to hear more about!  

Stay cool,
xoxo The Barkistas 

Disclaimer: This content originally went live in 2009 on our old site, and has been re-posted with updates. 

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Have You Found Your Animal?


Help the Brooklyn-based Found My Animal and the awesome Louis Animal Foundation do good things for animals in need by purchasing one of these beautifully crafted FOUND leashesAmazingly, 25% of ALL profits go directly to the foundation which operates a mobile spay/neuter clinic in rural areas and finds foster homes for animals who have not yet 'found' their people.
In addition to the traditional rope, you can now choose from white or black PET.


Crafted from rope or recycled PET (yay recycling!) are animal-friendly (no leather!), and hand-spliced so they can withstand lots of tugging. All hardware is solid brass made from marine grade Italian hardware and can be adjusted in a variety of ways depending on your leash-style preference. This versatile leash can be used as a simple hand-held leash or clipped around your waist/over your shoulder for hands-free walking (we love rocking the over the shoulder style, but hope to be bold enough to do the waist thing one day!). 



Each leash also features an individually-numbered brass tag that makes this leash super unique and symbolizes the number of animals you've helped the Louis Foundation take care of. 

Depending on length and size, prices range from $32 to $68. All leashes are available directly from Found My Animal's online store. Make sure to also check out Found's awesome harnesses and collars. 

xoxo The Barkistas 

Monday, July 5, 2010

Bow Ow?


We saw this adorable first-aid kit on a recent trip to PetSmart and had to share it with you! Loaded with everything you'd ever need to fix up Fido after a little scrape, Creative Pet Solution's Bow-Ow First Aid Kit for dogs is packed full of supplies that will help you patch up your pooch.

In addition to a handy-first aid manual with instructions on what to do if you find yourself facing a canine emergency, the compact kit includes tweezers, gauze, splint material, gloves, hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic cream, antiseptic wipes, bandage, tape, swabs and scissors. While most of us will probably only need to handle basic pet boo boos, as per Creative Pet Solution's site, the kit also includes the tools you'd require to temporarily stabilize your pet in case of a serious emergency en route to your vet.

The organized folks at Creative Pet Solutions have also created first-aid kits designed for sporting dogs, cats (Me OW), and horses (Horse Aid). 

Available directly from Creative's site for $29.95 or pick one up at your local pet superstore (PetSmart, PetCo, etc.).

Stay safe!

xoxo The Barkistas

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Bar-B-Chew Time!

With barbecue season well under the way, there's no reason that the Barkista in your life need to miss out!


Thanks to the folks at Nylabone, your pet can enjoy cookout treats designed just for them. These adorable "Bar-B-Chew" flavored treats are non-edible, but designed to withstand moderate to strong chewers. Readily available in a variety of sizes, you can pick them up at your local PetSmart  or PetCo for instant gratification or purchase online. Prices range depending on vendor, but with a little research you can find them at bargain prices. 
Bar-B-Chew Rib Rack
Not only are these life-like ribs Bar-B-Chew flavored, but the bones also glow in the dark!


Bar-B-Chew T-Bone
Spotted in the possession of another trendy local Barkista, this T-Bone steak is designed to last and tickle the taste buds with its bacon flavor.
Bar-B-Chew Cob Bone
We picked up the small Bar-B-Chew Cob bone for Paddy this week, and it is just too cute! Bacon flavored, but not overpoweringly scented, it's definitely been given the Paddington Paw of Approval. 


Happy Bar-B-Chewing!


xoxo The Barkistas

Friday, July 2, 2010

Satisfy Your Pup's Dogolate Fix!

While Barkistas for the most part can appreciate and enjoy the finer things in life, gourmet chocolates are not one of them. Because cocoa contains substances that are toxic to dogs, even the smallest amount can prove deadly. But our spoiled pups need not go without their chocolate fix—The Canine Confectionary Company’s Chudgy Chocs line of beautifully wrapped, luxury treats has something to satisfy every Barkista’s sweet tooth.  Everything is cocoa-free (i.e. dog-friendly), and handmade to order from human-grade carob and milk-based ingredients. 


Here are some of our picks:


DOGOLATES (TM) 
The original gourmet Chudgy Chocs treat, an exquisite metallic gold gift box containing either twelve or twenty four luxurious handmade Dogolates™. Each special box contains six unique Dogolate™ flavours; Blackberry Bombe, Banana Cupcake, Mint Leaf, Strawberry Rose, Peanut Butter Swirl, and Sweet Cherry BonBon. Packed with pieces of real fruit, nuts and herbs, and light rice flakes, these hand crafted treats offer a tasty, healthy and cocoa-free gourmet alternative to human confectionery for your dog.



CHUDGY POPS MILKY PAWS LOLLIPOPS
Two solid white Dogolate™ paw shaped lollipops in two pure and natural flavours, white strawberry and white mint, set onto chewy natural rawhide twists. A carob free version of the ever-popular Chudgy Pops range, perfect for dogs who prefer white milky treats. 



CHUDGY CAKES CRISPY CAKES
A retro treat for dogs! Crunchy selection of eight freshly handmade puffed rice and milk and carob Dogolate™ cakes, decorated with Dogolate™ swirls and sugar and rice sprinkles. Heat sealed for freshness in packs of two crispy cakes. Presented in an elegant white bakery box with signature curling ribbons - also available with Happy Birthday ribbon, please select below. Each cake measures 5cm diameter, total box weight 260g.



CHUDGY CAKES BIRTHDAY - VANILLA HEART
A luxurious handmade wholewheat sponge cake sandwiched with a layer of creamy vanilla Dogolate™ laced with pure strawberry pieces, smothered with a smooth white vanilla coating and decorated with bright confetti sprinkles and a pretty handmade edible Dogolate™ party decoration. Each cake is finished with our bright signature ribbons and presented in an elegant white bakery box. Enough for six medium dogs. Available with a choice of pink or blue cake ribbon. 10cms wide X 6cms deep. 230g. (Unfortunately, we found this site a little too late to order a cake for Paddy's birthday... but perhaps next year! These cakes look absolutely divine!!)

Since The Canine Confectionary Company is based in London, all prices on their website are quoted in pounds. Though there is currently no US distributor (attention all canine boutique owners!), they will ship their treats overseas. For more information (or to start shopping now!) visit www.chudgychocs.com or send an email to info@chudgychocs.com.

With their gorgeous packaging and attention to detail, there’s no doubt that any discerning Barkista would love to get their paws on these treats!

xoxo The Barkistas
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...