Summer Hydration FAIL

Before we discovered Aqua Pure Breed's awesome Premium Spring Water (see our review here), we invested in some other not so fabulous portable hydration options. This... this is one of them. 

Unfortunately, this water bottle with built in tray is not branded, so we can't give you a name to avoid. The refillable water bottle screws into a lid that is connected to the water tray and holds about 17oz of water. There is an attached piece of rope that doesn't serve a purpose, as it's too short to loop around the bottle to attach it a bag and is too slippery to knot. 

The first warning sign was the note on the label to not tilt the bottle upside down as it would leak. In our experience, when juggling a dog bag, purse, leash, cellphone, and all our other walk accessories, keeping our water supply upright is not normally a priority. After trying to figure out a way to attach it to our  bag and keep it upright (which is really hard when the rope attachment is totally useless), we headed off on our walk. Needless to say, things did not end well.


The second warning sign also came before we even put this baby into action. Nothing is more annoying or frustrating than a packaging label that won't come off. We tried the blow dryer, we tried the kitchen scrubber, we even ran in through the dishwasher... but there is no way the rest of this label is ever going to budge. NOT pretty. 

Unfortunately, as we don't have any other identifying details, we can't give you more specifics other than the fact that we purchased this at our local Pet Central. Luckily for you and your pup, there are so many other great options out there that we can dump this sucker in the trash! Stay tuned for more spend-worthy portable products as part of our Summer Hydration series. 


xoxo The Barkistas


Disclaimer: This product was purchased by us... and we would return it if we could. 

Pawgua Yappy Hour at The Salty Paw

On August 18th, join the awesome crew at The Salty Paw for "Yappy Hour" to celebrate the launch of Pawgua-- a new product for thirsty dogs on-the-go! Stop by Peck Slip between 5 and 7 PM to check out our favorite NYC doggy spot and snag a complimentary Pawgua for your pup. See below for more details!

xoxo The Barkistas

Aqua Pure Breed in Action!

Our summer series focusing on hydration continues as Heatapocalypse NYC 2010 shows no signs of letting up! 

This weekend, with temperatures again in the 90's, we road tested Aqua Pure Breed's Premium Spring & Mineral Enhanced Water For Your On-The-Go Dog, and we're pleased to say so far it's our favorite! We received a box containing samples of Premium Spring Water (pink & blue lids), and grabbed one on our way out the door. 

Paddy tries to stash a "bottle" for later in her bed. 

Upon arriving at our destination, it was safe to say that both Paddy and I were ready for a little hydration. Simply unscrew the lid, remove the protective seal, and voila-- water, with no messy, leaky water bottle attachments to deal with! Not to mention, Paddy didn't hesitate to slurp away as soon as we put it down, which we think speaks to its traditional "water bowl" design (seriously, have you ever tried to convince a dog to drink out a plastic cup?). When Paddy had satisfied her thirst we screwed the lid back on and slipped it back into our bag. So easy. 

Paddy says, "Please stop watching me drink, it's kind of creepy."

While $2.69 may make this a little bit of investment, for us, the convenience and portability makes it worth it to have a few containers on hand. When empty, we also plan on saving the packaging (the pink bowls are just soooo cute), and filling it with tap water for future trips. 


To find out where to pick your Aqua Pure Breed water up from, visit their website, and while you're there, also check out their mineral enhanced water options as well.


What do you think? Would you buy "bottled" water for your dog?


xoxo The Barkistas


Disclaimer: Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information. 

PupCakes 2 Go in Action

Several weeks ago we posted about PupCakes 2 Go, an innovative microwaveable treat for your pup, and were thrilled to try them out first-hand!

The Barkistas love to cook and bake (and EAT!), but when it comes to cleaning up... well, we're not huge fans. Thus, we love anything that is delicious that only requires 1 bowl to make. 

After behaving herself during weekly bath time, we decided to reward Paddy by baking up some PupCakes-- and boy, do we wish there was a human version. 

Simply add a tablespoon of peanut butter and half a cup of water to the dry organic mix and pour into the included pan, and you're good to go (Yay!). Two and a half microwave delicious smelling minutes later, and our PupCakes were done! After letting them cool for 10 minutes, Paddy was ready to dine-- and there were no complaints! 

The information that came with the kit also suggested customizing the mix by adding shredded cheese or applesauce, which we're definitely going to try next time. Lucky Paws has also announced that four new flavors, Three Cheese, Very Veggie, Chicken & Wild Rice, and Pot Roast will be added to the line sometime this year. 

Bottom line: We not only had fun making our PupCakes, but our little picky-puppy was very disappointed when she realized that "portion control" was the phrase of the day. (Also awesome, these treats can be refrigerated for up to a week.)

To purchase your PupCakes 2 Go mix or refills, visit: http://www.luckypawsonline.com/shop.html

xoxo The Barkistas

Disclaimer: Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information. 

Guest Blogger: Outward Hound Backpacks

We're excited to announce that we've got a post from you from Christine of PawsandKisses.net! Make sure to check out her blog for adorable puppy pictures and great advice. A big thanks for all of her support, which means so much to the Barkistas. Going forward we hope to share with you content from other guest bloggers so stay tuned and enjoy! 

Whether you're taking your pup on a five mile hike or just going for your daily walk, a doggy backpack can be a great addition to your dog's wardrobe.  These are slung over a dog's back and have a zippered pocket on each side.  You can use the backpack to store anything you want or your dog may need.

Backpacks can be used day-to-day to tucker out a high-energy dog a little quicker by putting half-filled or full water bottles on eachs ide, because they have to "work" by hauling extra weight.  When you don't have the time to exercise your dog until they finally bark, "No more!", backpacks come in handy.  We've used the backpack in this fashion on our 60 pound Labrador as well as a 35 pound Shiba Inu--definitely helped to calm down the Shiba Inu, which always had issues walking around the neighborhood, while our lab marched on like a trooper.

We've gone "hiking" on several occasions with our lab in his backpack, and it's so nice to make him carry his own water!  It fits nice and snugly, and he's always a happy camper with it on.  Nary a complaint from him!  There's also a d-ring on it, so you can attach your leash to it, but we found that attaching the leash to his collar was still better for us (better for redirection).  There is a nice amount of padding that makes the backpack more comfortable for the dog, and I like the reflectors on it for safety (even though we usually use it during the day).

Based on some other reviews we've seen, if you're going to really pack those pockets will several pounds, you may be better off  with another brand.  We've heard some exceptionally great things about Wolf Packs in particular ( http://wolfpacks.com/products/dogpacks/banzai.html), so if we ever pick up hiking as a regular thing, we might think about giving that a try, too.  But for now, Outward Hound's Backpack hits all the right notes for us:  affordable, easy to find, roomy, and fits Mellan just right. 


Product name:  Outward Hound Dog Excursion Backpack
Product link:  http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753840
Product price:  $29.99 (small), $34.99 (medium), $39.99 (large)

Wet Noses' Little Stars Tiny Organic Training Treats

As many dog owners will tell, you training goes a lot faster if there are treats involved. Though Paddy has mastered the basic repertoire, occasionally we like to do a quick refresher course. Unfortunately for her, she no longer has the metabolism of a puppy -- therefore, no more deli meat incentives. Fortunately, on a recent pet store reconnaissance trip we stumbled upon Wet Noses' Little Stars Tiny Organic Training Treats. 

While the name may be a mouthful, these treats are perfectly sized for tiny pups. Chemical, animal byproduct, preservative, wheat, corn, and soy free, these treats come in Cheddar, Peanut Butter and Sweet Potato flavor.

We picked up the Sweet Potato stars and have to say so far there have been no complaints. From our point of view, the amount of treats you get for the cost seems to be good value (seriously, there are a ton of tiny stars in the box). From Paddy's point of view, they're apparently tasty and fun to eat. (I mean, isn't alphabet shaped pasta always more delicious than plain ol' spaghetti?)

Purchase them at your local pet store or online directly from Wet Noses. Prices vary from $6.99+ for a 9oz box.

xoxo The Barkistas

A "Neue" Way to Indulge

There are the finer things in life, and then there are the finer things in life….like a $600 Bohemian Glass Bead Evening Collar.

Yes. You read that right.

Need something for the Barkista that has absolutely -everything-? Head over to the Neue Galerie Design Shop and check out the Neue Hund line which features luxe clothing and accessories that are sure to be indulgences for even the most spoiled pet.

The lovely Milly Von Barksky

 

Inspired by Neue Galerie's mascot, Milly von Barksky, museum Director Renée worked with designers like Yeohlee and Han Feng to create a collection that "incorporates the principles of Vienna 1900 design: a refined aesthetic, exquisite materials, and superior craftsmanship."

While most of the line's products are not compatible with our budget (um, hello $1,450 dog carrier and $120 travel water bowl…), proceeds from the sale of Neue Hund support the Neue Galerie and a percentage of select items go to The Humane Society of the United States.

 Love the Loden Coat? Pick up at matching throw & shoulder carry bag too!

Our collection favorite is the  "Loden Coat," designed by Han Feng. Available in "chocolate brown" or "linden green," this pleated doggy couture number looks like it features a leash attachment or opening (couldn't tell from picture or description), and will set you back a hefty $295. Even though we'd be eating ramen noodles for like, an entire year, we have to admit it is SO totally Barkista. 

 

Well, a doggy can dream! Head over to the Neue Galerie's website or Design Shop (1048 Fifth Ave) to check it out.

xoxo The Barkistas

Martha Stewart Pets is Here!

It's no secret: the Barkistas have a weakness for cuteness, and lately we can't get enough of the Martha Stewart Pets line. Launched this summer exclusively at PetSmart, the collection features more than 100 goodies to groom, feed, and spoil your lucky pup. 

What caught our eye first? The Martha Stewart Pets Chicken Coop, of course! Designed to appeal to your pooch's curious side, it includes three little plush chickies to hide inside. While we're not sure it'll improve Paddy's intelligence (... sorry P!), we think she'd have a ball figuring out how to get those chicks out of the hen house.... and eating them (seriously). 

Actually, as we haven't had a chance to check out this toy in person, we're quite curious as to how it would stand up to Paddy's jaws o' destruction, especially as we couldn't find any information about whether the seams are double stitched.

The Chicken Coop is available now at your local PetSmart and online for $14.99.

Have you had a chance to check out the Martha Stewart Pets line in person? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Stay tuned for more of our picks!

xoxo The Barkistas

Microchips Are SO 2009

Growing up, if Fido got lost on a walk-about, you had to rely on an old-fashioned dog tag to help your pup get home. When we got Paddy, the hot trend was micro-chipping. And now, just like leggings and jelly sandals (wait… those are still in, right?), the classic dog tag is back!

Canadian company BlanketID has created a refurbished, 21st century version of the classic brass tag that is light-weight, scratch resistant, noiseless, waterproof, and a lot more chic. While microchipping is great, we are in favor of a visual ID as there's no guarantee that whoever picks up your lost traveler will automatically scan your pal (which is why Paddy has a chip AND a tag on her collar). 

Measuring 1" by 1.5", each has a unique number that corresponds to an online profile of your pet, which features their emergency contact info, picture, medical history, and dietary requirements. To update any of your pet's details, simply log onto BlanketID.com and voila! 

Even better, if your pet decides to take a trip without you, report them missing at BlanketID.com and the site will automatically alert local shelters, animal hospitals, and other BlanketID members within a 15 mile radius of your pet's last known location. (Though the company is based in Canada, its service covers all of North America.)

Tags retails for $24.99, which includes the first year of membership, and can be purchased along with membership extensions online here.

In addition, a portion of each BlanketID tag  and membership is donated to The Blanket Fund for Animals which helps animals in need. To find out more, visit: http://blanketid.com/blanket_fund.php

While this may be redundant if your pet is already micro-chipped, it may be a great option for the next addition to your family!

xoxo The Barkistas

p.s. Our favorite tag designs were Fondant Fancy and Peony Green!

Give Your Vacuum A Break

Fluff. The eternal enemy of dog owners everywhere. People hate it, pups love it. 

That's why Skineez are the perfect compromise for people, pets n' vacuum cleaners everywhere.These stuffing free toys are flat like roadkill but cuter... and less messy (heh, literally). Featuring dual squeakers and soft chenille like fur, they're great for games of tug of war and easy to toss. We've also been impressed by the durability of our fox's extremities- after three weeks it still has all four legs, tail and half a face!

Available in fox, raccoon, and skunk in mini or full sizes (we opted for full, because that's how Paddy rolls), they're sold by a variety of vendors- we picked ours up on whim from Duane Reade (!!). If you can't locate in your neighborhood- swing by Doctors Foster and Smith where a mini will set you back $5.99 and a full-size $7.99, which is the best deal we've seen so far! 

xoxo The Barkistas


Disclaimer: Images borrowed from Doctors Foster & Smith's website. This post was originally published in 2009.

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

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.

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

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