Ride On Cowboy

I've been in stuck in this country phase for the past several months, and I find myself swooning for anything that reminds me of the open road, never ending fields of green, and that perfectly quiet solitude found only in the middle of nowhere.

Of course, my dog obsession still reigns supreme, so when I came across Fine Arf Collection's leather cowboy belt adorned with gold plated pewter dogs, I said to myself, ah, now that is a perfect belt! If only I had a some cattle to rope, or a horse to ride, I'd go right ahead and buy it.

A Good Investment

I think it's time for us to retire Gus's plain and simple metal water bowl, and invest in this very smart and innovative Drink Better™ product from Contech. Gus will probably hate me for broadcasting this over the internet, but I'm tired of cleaning up his vomit because he drinks too much, too fast.

The Drink Better™ pet bowl encourages dogs to drink at a slower, healthier rate, and make less mess while they’re at it. Neither Gus nor Charly seem to have any terribly bad eating habits (other than eating a dozen bagels off the kitchen counter a couple of years ago, but that's another story). Yet drinking seems to be a more complicated thing to do, and sometimes Gus just can't seem to hold down his water. So I'm gonna get my hands on one of these today!

Dog Stash

I'm not one to really dress up my dogs. Of course, they each have a very simple warm coat that they wear only in the winter when it's 20 below zero (Charly's has a fur hood, and that's my mom's fault!), but essentially, that's all the clothes they have. I've seen cute numbers here and there, funny dog-t-shirts, elegant wool sweaters, heavy duty booties, and more. But I'm pretty sure Dan would throw a fit if I came home with matching outfits for Gus and Charly, so I don't even try. Good thing I didn't make it to Pet Fashion week this year, because I know it would have been impossible to resist the couture fashion.

For those of you who do have a full doggie wardrobe, check out Canine Couture Closets, and give your puppy his own place to stash those clothes. Functional yet stylish, these closets help you stay organized, while adding a punch of pup to your life. So take control of your closet, and get back that short hang you've been needing so desparately.

H2O

When I saw the maker of the Acqua Bol on the Pet Fashion Week website today, I immediately thought to myself, Genius!

I can't even count the number of times I've been out on a walk with the dogs and they've been thirsty, but with no water bottle or bowl in sight, I've had to find a drinking fountain, cup my hands together, and pour water into them for the dogs to drink. Of course all the water seeps through the cracks and I'm stuck at the drinking fountain for 10 minutes making sure they drink enough water to get them home without getting dehydrated.

Well, now we can hydrate the dogs anywhere with the new Acqua Bol from Wow Bow. This folding water bowl fits in a purse or wallet, and stylishly lets you quench your dog’s thirst anyplace, anytime. Pure Genius!

Vegas Baby!

Daniel and I spent this weekend celebrating our engagement with family and friends. We had a lovely barbecue in our backyard on Saturday evening, complete with great food, wonderful company, and a few very moving toasts.

And on Sunday we made our way over to Red Wing, Minnesota, where we took a look at The Round Barn, a wedding venue I've been dreaming about for the past several months. We loved the place, the natural ambiance, the rustic country manor farm home, and the beautiful old barn and the surrounding river bluffs.

But most of all, we loved the fact that our dogs will be able to join us when we tie the knot. Seeing as Charly helped Dan out with the proposal, I think we'll have Gus bring the wedding bands down the aisle on the big day. He'll need a handler of course, but I'm thinking he can do it as long as whoever's holding the leash has lots of treats in his pockets.

But don't worry, we're not planning on making the pups wear tuxedos or even bow ties. I'm thinking about just a simple black collar. Here's one from Hampton's Hound, one of many vendors offering fashionable collars, leads, and harnesses at Pet Fashion Week. The Vegas Collar has a bit of sparkle, and I think it's cute, yet classic and still simple. And I think Gus would look fabulous in it!

Pet Fashion Week 2008 Kick Off

Kristy Sevag, the designer of these awesome doggie gift bags I featured here last week, is on her way to New York for Pet Fashion Week, the largest and sweetest international trade show for the pet fashion industry. And I can't tell you how incredibly sad I am that I can't go too.

But lucky for me and you, Kristy has agreed to appear as a guest blogger here on House and Hound next week, and she'll tell us all about her fabulous experience at the show. We'll feature some of the latest and greatest products and designers in the industry, and you'll be blown away by all the incredibly good looking things you can get for you and your best friend.

I'm going to kick things off today and feature this very stylish dining table from the Unleashed Life. Their Edo collection is an incredible combination of style and function. The table has a removable top and offers storage below the dining surface for treats or a collar and lead. The zebra wood and java finish will fit in with any modern home decor and the removable stainless steel bowls are so easy to clean.

Unleashed Life will be in New York this weekend showing off several of their furniture collections. If you cant' make it to the Big Apple, check out their website for a variety of different styles and finishes.

Stay tuned for more from Pet Fashion Week on Monday!

Coffee Break

Last night, on my way to meet a friend for coffee, I stumbled by a small gift store in Edina called Gather. I happened to have 15 minutes to spare, and with House and Hound on my mind, I quickly ducked into the shop for some browsing.

And look what I found! Lots and lots and lots of adorable dog inspired gifts and accessories. I especially liked this dog tray from HomArt. Gather had several different dog breeds to choose from, but no Schnau. And Dan put the kabbash on my dog art shopping spree, so I had to walk away empty handed. That doesn't mean you have to!

The Bling

Did I happen to mention that I love love love the engagement ring Daniel bought for me? He could not have picked out a lovlier ring. Unfortunately it's two sizes too small, and I haven't been able to wear it since he proposed to me last Friday evening. We've sent it back to the jewelers to have it resized, and instead I've been wearing the yellow ribbon he used to tie the ring to Charly's collar when he proposed in the foyer of our home.

I can't say I own a single piece of Tiffany Jewelry, and I'm not one for a whole lotta bling, but this dog charm pendant with diamonds and emeralds in platinum is pretty cute if you're into that sort of thing.

A Tiny Case of Writer's Block

I need to start carrying a notebook with me everywhere I go. Sometimes the writing comes easy, but on days like today, I find myself wracking my brain for a story to tell, and wishing I had actually taken the time to jot down those great ideas I came up with before I went to bed last night.

Dog notebook from Propaganda and Panik Design.

Puppy Love

I've got big news! Daniel and I got engaged last Friday, with a little help from Charly, who brought me the most beautiful perfect ring I could have ever hoped for. It shines and sparkles, and is everything a girl could want. And to top it off, I get to marry the most amazing human being on this planet.

Dan and I would have never met, had it not been for our dogs, who brought us to Lake of the Isles on that early spring morning three and a half years ago. Who ever thought that I'd find love, peace, and joy, all together at a Minneapolis dog park? I sure didn't.

In fact, I keep coming back to the conclusion that these dogs have profoundly changed me, in more ways than I'll ever be able to explain. I owe so much thanks and gratitude to these dogs who'll never be able to fully understand the magnitude of their presence in my life.

Love is in the air, and today I'm featuring this incredibly cute ceramic mug from Graham and Green. I was going to save this find for Valentine's Day, but it seems all too appropriate for this occasion.

Timeless

Dan needed the car today, so he drove me to work this morning and I'll be taking the bus home. We usually take Gus and Charly with us on the days that he drops me off downtown. They love riding in the car, and I get to spend an extra 15 minutes with them while Dan chauffers us through the city.

This morning though it was cold and wet out when Dan took the boys for their walk. When they returned they were dirty and soaked, and I decided I didn't want them getting into my car all filthy like that.

So as we're getting ready to leave Gus and Charly start getting so excited because they think they're going for a ride. They're running around the house, jumping all over the place, barking, and to their surprise we say goodbye and leave them at home. Gus was so determined to get out of the house that he blocked my exit into the garage and I had to shove him out of the way several times in order to get myself out the door. Silly dog!

There are some really fun products on this website, Zipper Gifts. I especially like this classic pull-around hound toy, first introduced by fisher price in 1930, and now re-introduced for a new generation. This would make a great gift for any guy, remember they don't mature until they're around 40!

Party Time

Last Friday I attended my 10 year high school reunion, and I'm happy to say I survived it! Actually, I had a pretty nice time, and I even stayed out until 2 in the morning, something I rarely do anymore. Granted the dogs were at my mom's house, and Daniel was on a business trip, so there wasn't much to pine for at home like I usually end up doing when I'm out on the town.

One of my favorite products that I've come across in the past month is this gift bag from Printed Puppy. In fact, I'm in love with the entire collection of luxe gift wrapping, inspired by Niva, an abondoned puppy who the designers rescued from Armenia and brought home with them to the US. You can read more about Niva and Printed Puppy here. Their story is pretty amazing, and yet again, reminds me of just how inspiring one little pup can be.

Leash 'Em Up

Dan's mom is a voracious reader, and she's my most consistent and valuable feed marker. I can expect at least one piece of doggie news in my inbox per week, and the stuff she sends me is always interesting.

Yesterday she sent me an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer, and I was so outraged by the news that I proceeded to send it to all my dog loving friends. Saudi Arabia's Islamic Religious Police, in an effort to keep men and women from mingling in the streets, has banned the sale of pets, and made it illegal for men to walk a dog or cat in public. The prohibition went into effect last Wednesday in the capital city of Ryadh, and violators found outside with their pets will have their animals confiscated.

So now, how are the dogs in this city going to get their exercise? How will they even go to the bathroom? And what happens to the dogs and cats that are confiscated? Where do they end up?

In protest, I'm featuring this very awesome retractable leash from 26 Bars and A Band. It's a sure fire way to attract plenty of attention, whether you want it or not. And let me just state for the record, that I feel lucky and blessed to be able to walk my dogs whenever and wherever I please.

Practice Makes Perfect

I'm slowly but surely approaching my 100th post, and it's so exciting! I've discovered so many cool products, interesting websites, and amazing people through this blog, and I just love sharing them with you. I think for my 100th post I'll round up some of my favorites and feature them in a "Best of House and Hound".

Of course, some of you may already know that I'm not the most patient person on the planet, and sometimes I get a little ahead of myself. Today for instance, I just can't help but let you in on PupStyle and this fabulous foot stool I found on their website. PupStyle and Atelier de Tapisserie Decoration (the makers of this fine piece of furniture) will definitely make the Best of House and Hound list, but my patience has run out on this one, and I've got to feature it right now!

I mean, come on... How absolutely cool is this piece? And if you're not so into bulldogs (not sure how this is possible since their just so funny and cute), send in your own 300 dpi photograph of your favorite mutt and ATAD will print it on their upholstery per your specifications.

The Hunt

A friend of mine sent this as-of-yet unpublished flickr book to me, on the off chance that I would post about it on my blog... And I love it! Eli, No! by Katie Kirk perfectly describes my weekend with Gus and Charly. I love the subject matter, and the illustrations are darling.

I do dislike squirrels. Sometimes my feelings get the better of me and I let the dogs have at them, but most of the time I'd prefer they leave them alone, only because I can't stand the thought of how scared those poor little squirrels must be, with two unruly dogs out to get them.

Dan and I have a long standing difference of opinion on this subject. He likes letting Gus and Charly chase after all the different animals in our yard: squirrels, bunnies, toads, you name it. He never lets them actually catch the animals, but he thinks it's good for their mental health to hunt.

I on the other hand feel bad for the prey, and prefer it when my dogs wage peace, not war. Of course their hunger for squirrels is pretty much insatiable, and despite my frustrations with the boys when their lower brain stems take over, I still love them.

The Clay Pot

I took my first pottery class five years ago at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts, and for the next several years I made all kinds of bowls, cups, vases, and plates. At first my work was pretty mediocre, as I struggled to understand how to use the potter's wheel. But over time I got better and better, and my collection grew.

I was pretty prolific for the first four years after that class, but lately I've been struggling to find the time to get into the studio. I miss it though, the creative process, the feel of the clay between my hands, the unexpected outcome...

My last find at the Uptown Artfair were these very cute ceramic bowls from Homquist Pottery. You can buy their standard pottery designs, or you can send in a picture of your dog and they'll customize your piece.

Lucky

I love where I live, particularily because it's so close to downtown Minneapolis where I work, and every morning, instead of getting on a freeway for a half hour, I get to drive around Lake Of The Isles, and I'm at work in less than 15 minutes. I wouldn't trade this for anything. I had a job once that was about a 25 minute drive away, out in the Western Suburbs of Minneapolis, and I lasted about 2 months.

I was reminded today of how lucky I am to have such an easy and pleasurable commute, when towards the end of my trip around the lake, I saw a family out for a morning stroll. The mother was carting a baby in a stroller, and the father was handling two dogs, and sipping his morning coffee. I thought it was really special, for a family to be enjoying some time together on a busy weekday, and for me to catch a glimpse of it, rather than to be stuck in traffic on the interstate.

I spent some time exploring Nick Wroblewski's booth this weekend at the Uptown Art Fair. Even though he doesn't have dogs in his work, I just absolutely love his art. And when I went to his website yesterday, I did find some foxes and wolves.

Ambidextrous

Now, back to art.

My dogs do this all the time, except they hardly ever look quite as peaceful as this pup. Usually they've heard somebody at the front door and they're all excited because they know it's grandma, or they're barking like crazy because they think they have to protect us from some sort of evil trespasser.

You can't tell by the photograph, but this piece by Amy Wood and Dean Lucker is actually a hand held dexterity game. You know, the ones where you try to get the tiny steel balls to roll into the small divots on the surface?

I love how the artists have transformed a simple game into a very unique piece of artwork. You can try your hand at the game, or if you're like me and have a limited amount of patience, you can set the piece up like a picture frame, or hang it up on the wall.

Ruff Love

Alright, so I know I promised to post all dog art this week, but I have to digress today because I just can't wait another minute to share this find with you.

My brother has always wanted a dog, and I have to say he's been pretty patient about getting one. We wanted a puppy so badly growing up, but my mom just was not INTO it... can you believe that? So one day, after a particularly difficult break up, and old enough to make my own decisions (I was 24 at the time), I walked into a pet-store, fell in love with Charly, and brought him home.

But poor Bruno is still waiting for his chance at what I like to call, ruff love. He and his wife have been contemplating adopting a puppy for a couple of years now, but a dog is a pretty big commitment, and they've been waiting for the right moment. But I think once Alicia sees this brocade print dog bag, she just might think it's time!

These exclusive doggy bags from Dog Interiors are so stylish that they can be used as a regular bag, AND as a carrier for your brand new puppy! Made by hand using loom-woven silk and ecru linen, these bags are lined with water-resistant material and perfect for puppy and you.

Score!

People! I'm so incredibly excited about this print I bought at the Uptown Art Fair yesterday. I spent a couple hours there on Sunday afternoon looking for dog inspired art, and to my surprise, I actually found quite a few different artists who I'll post about this week.

This is a Dolan Geiman print that I saw and immediately had to have. I spent $150 dollars for it (there goes that floor lamp I need from Pottery Barn), and I couldn't be happier. I just love it! In fact, I was so excited about my purchase yesterday that I probably took it out of the bubble wrapped bag at least 4 times to show different people I met on my walk home.

Dan says that for every piece of dog art that goes up in our house, one must come down, or we'll end up being those crazy dog people that live down the street. I'm thinking I'll just have to rotate the artwork, maybe every 6 months or so, because this is getting dangerous...

Light Me Up

Our house has plenty of natural light, thanks to all the windows and the loft design, but it always seem like at night we just don't have enough.

I've been looking desparately for some better light fixtures, but just can't seem to find what I want at the right price. We really need some floor lamps and those seem to be very hard to come by, unless I go to Pottery Barn and spend $150.00 on one. And I need more than one, try two or three. I may just have to break down and pay the price at some point, but right now I'm still trying to find myself a deal.

I absolutely adore this Le Chien Table Lamp from Ballard Designs. It's out of stock right now, otherwise I'd be out, oh, I don't know, at least a couple hundred dollars. I'd be willing to splurge on this one!