Holiday Gift Ideas For Dogs

Posted on Dec 10, 2008 By Kristen Miale

It's holiday time at FetchDog!  We actually worked on our holiday catalog over the summer, but in the office, there's a definite festive spirit in the air.  From extra cookies and treats in the kitchen, to the dogs wearing jingle bell collars; even Jamie has an extra bounce in his step.  We're also fortunate to have a view overlooking Portland harbor and the Springpoint lighthouse, which look especially beautiful with their dusting of snow.  Even the railroad that runs past our windows (loudly!) is getting into the spirit as the Polar Express begins its journeys.

But work continues...A recurring request we've been getting is from writers asking us for tips on holiday gifts for dogs.  So I asked the dogs around the office what they are hoping to receive this holiday season and this is what they said:

Dakota:  An orthopedic dog bed - "All these late hours working on cash flow models with Peter is giving me back pain."

Lucy:  Mascot's Puffer Dog Coat, color - pink.  "The Maine winters are cold and I get chilly.  This coat keeps me warm and I look fabulous in it."

Gracie:  Paw Plunger - "I love going for winter walks, but my paws get sandy, or worse still, caked with road salt and my Mom makes me take a bath.  With the Paw Plunger, all I have to do is dip my paws in and the dreaded tub is averted!"

Riley:  Dog treats - "Any kind really, I'm not picky.  I'm looking forward to being a judge in the dog treat recipe contest."

So start shopping dog moms and dads - your pooch is eagerly anticipating opening her presents!

Read more »

I Want a Dog Bed

Posted on Nov 18, 2008 By Kristen Miale

When asked what I love most about my job, the answer is always the same, the dogs.  We have anywhere from one to five dogs in our office on a daily basis.  If you've seen our catalog, you have come to know them as well.  The queen dogs are Gracie and Lucy who are here almost everyday.  Gracie is an English Cocker Spaniel and is a sun goddess.  If she's not sleeping under Gretchen's desk, you'll find her basking in the brightest ray of sunlight in the office, which is usually behind my desk.  Lucy is a spunky Cairn Terrier who is our chief dog bed tester - she has excellent taste and can usually be found lounging in one of the many dog beds we have around the office.  One day I found her perched on top of a huge stack of dog beds - a true princess and the pea.  Lucy is the primary reason why I have a dog bed under my desk as well.  Being the owner of an elderly diabetic cat, I am dogless at the moment and therefore am especially attached to my dog work friends.  Lucy's owner, knowing how much I want a dog, was kind enough to put a dog bed under my desk in hopes that Lucy will visit and lay at my feet.  No such luck.  All it has done is made me envious of our canine friends' ability to take a nap whenever they want.  Each day after lunch, when that sleepy polar bear feeling sneaks over me, I stare longingly at the cushy, cozy, fleece dog bed at my feet and wonder if George Costanza considered putting a dog bed in his under-desk-lair. 

Read more »

Dog Safety - Keeping your dog safe at night.

Posted on Oct 31, 2008 By Kristen Miale

Several years ago, my husband and I lived in a small rented house in New Hampshire.  The house was on a quiet, wooded street, so when driving home one night, we were not surprised to see glowing eyes staring at us from the road.  We slowed down to see what kind of wild animal we were encountering.  A raccoon?  A fox?  We both held our breath as we saw a black bear lumbering toward the car.  Then the bear started to wag its tail.  Okay,  no bear, but a very large, bushy black dog who instead of moving out of the way, continued to stand in the middle of the street, stare into our windshield and wag his tail.  Being dog lovers, we stopped the car, got out and went over to introduce ourselves.  Thus began our relationship with Marmon, a rescued Newfoundland/Labrador Retriever mix who was the walking definition of a gentle giant.

Although our introduction to Marmon was funny at the time, things could have turned out much differently.  If Marmon had been facing the opposite direction or if we had been driving faster, we would have hit him.  Marmon's owners were kind, wonderful people, but he should not have been out at night by himself or at the very least, he should have been wearing a reflective dog collar.  

 At FetchDog, we're always on the lookout for the best dog supplies, and one of our favorite finds this season is the Beacon, a dog collar light that clips onto your dog's collar (or backpack or harness, etc.)  As day light savings comes upon us, many of us are walking our dogs in the dark.  Usually Swag the Dog focuses on the eclectic and fun things you can buy for your dog.  This time, however, we're reminding you of the essential dog supplies you need to keep you and your dog safe this winter and any time you are out at night with your dog.  At a minimum, purchase a reflective dog collar; for optimum safety, a reflective dog vest or a light affixed to your dog will ensure that cars see you both.

Read more »

Halloween Dog Bones a Perfect Seasonal Treat

Posted on Oct 6, 2008 By Emily Bruce

My neighbors go all out for Halloween. Next door there is an incredibly
spooky haunted house where hundreds turn up every year. Other houses have
scary music, smoking cauldrons, and the streets fill with costumes that know
no limit. My neighborhood is the essence of Halloween spirit.

So, when the trick-or-treaters ring my bell, if they have dogs, and many do,
I need to have a special treat just for them. I can't give the dogs candy,
of course so this year, I'll be giving them very special Halloween Dog
Treats -- FetchDog's own Classic Bones Package, tasty biscuits dipped in dog-safe
carob and frosted in Halloween hues. They're bone-shaped, which is perfect
for skeleton season and quite pleasing to the dogs. I can't wait to see who
and what shows up this year. Now I just have to figure out what I'll be
wearing!

Read more »

Dog Halloween Costumes that are Cute and Comfortable

Posted on Sep 26, 2008 By Marti Englert

I've had dogs that hated wearing Halloween dog costumes and those dogs I
left alone. Fortunately, for me, I now have three dogs who are very good
natured about dressing up, in large part because the FetchDog dog costumes and
Halloween party dog collars fit better and feel better than other dog
costumes I could make or buy.

We make the rounds of several nursing homes and assisted living facilities
and the dogs coming in costume are a real hit. And because they are getting
in and out of the car and going in and out of rooms, it's critical that the
dogs feel comfortable in their dog costumes.

Bob, my Wheaten Terrier, is the most tolerant of the three and, therefore, has an assortment of dog costumes for nearly every holiday -- some hand-me-down from other dogs, some homemade and a fancy FetchDog Halloween dog costume where he transforms into a Lady Bug complete with little head bobbers. Bailey, a young Wheaten Terrier-Cocker Spaniel mix, is fetching as Bob's smaller bug sidekick in her yellow and black Bumblebee Dog Costume.

And last but not least, Piglet, a melange of American Eskimo, Papillon and maybe a little Corgi, is stunning strutting the streets in FetchDog's Fairy Dog Costume. Their  Halloween dog costumes are of higher quality than other dog costumes on the market, so they last more than a couple of wearings, are easy to get on and off, and are comfortable for the dogs.

And believe me, a good fitting dog costume is the difference between a dog
looking content and a dog looking like he's been sentenced to prison. I think most dogs hate costumes because the materials pinch, shift and twist. If you absolutely think your dog won't go for a Halloween dog costume, consider a Halloween Party Dog Collar. My particular favorite is the FetchDog orange party dog collar with bats. Piglet may be getting that for this Halloween and saving her fancy Fairy Dog costume for Christmas.

Read more »