The Swanky Pup - Stylish dog blog, dog forums, dog chat and directory

A Luxury Weekend of Wine Tasting and Tail Chasing

2010-03-11T00:23:00.004-05:00

For the second year in a row, the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana has asked Mutt Lynch Winery to be their feature winery at their 2nd annual Wine & Bitch Weekend this coming April 23-25. Featured events include hand made dog treats, a wellness seminar, spa treatments, a fashion show, dog parade, gourmet human treats and wines from Mutt Lynch Winery.

Fou Fou Sauvignon Blanc is featured on Friday's dinner and then Mutt Lynch Winery's 4 new Canis Major releases. Saturday's dinner at their Equestrian Center will be a bit more casual and have the Dog Series wines. Saturday afternoon will feature a fun wine educational seminar by Brenda.

Check out Wine and Bitch to book your reservation.

Hand Made Pet Beds

2010-03-04T15:44:00.003-05:00

Bonnie from SnacknSnooze makes comfy pet beds and yummy snacks. Everything from her shop is handmade with love. My favorite is this medium fleece bed. The colors are soothing and you can just imagine your pet resting comfortably on it with dreams of chasing squirrels.

Like they state at their store:
Snack 'n Snooze Home-made Pet Products came about from my love for our pets. We specialize in Pre-made and Custom-made fleece pet beds stuffed with quilt batting for cats & dogs, and also yummy dog AND cat treats. We also sell fleece tug toys for dogs & cat wand and catnip toys for cats, as well as cat scratch posts.

She's also a member of Etsy for Animals (EFA): Artists Helping Animals so you know that a portion of sales is going towards helping animals.

Duo Temperature Dog Bed

2010-02-25T19:43:00.003-05:00

Right now it's cold for most of the country but before you know it it'll be summer and with it comes hot temperatures. Wouldn't it be nice to have a doggy bed that heats and cools? Cozy Winters has a pet bed that does just that.

The first pet bed with an air channel cushion to offer both therapeutic cooling and warming to help pets stay active and healthy longer! The Dolce Vita Duo Temp dog bed provides comfort and promotes good health for pets. Hot weather or strenuous activity can leave a pet exhausted and overheated. Normally pets seek the cooling effects of laying on hard tile or concrete surfaces which can stress bones and muscles. The Dolce Vita Duo Temp delivers cool air therapy through a unique, patent-pending air channel cushion and provides your pet with the comfort of a cool therapeutic surface to sleep and relax.

The bed is listed at under $180 and comes with free ground shipping. Now you can provide year round comfort for your canine friend.

Folk Dog Art

2010-02-18T05:26:00.002-05:00

A graphic designer by day, Abby McMillen makes her home in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, where she knows more animals named Abby than people named Abby. She's a self-taught painter whose love of dogs and of folk art encouraged her to start pushing paint around on canvases.

Folk dogs (and cats) by Abby McMillen are playful celebrations of the furry friends we love. Disarmingly simple, each original painting is made in the true folk art tradition, capturing personality through color, whimsy and charm.

My personal favorite is the one I attached here. Abby's prints are absolutely charming and full of personality! Right now she's offering $20 off of a custom painting so get yours as soon as possible.

Pricing for custom folk dog art depends mainly on the size of the canvas, although there are a few other factors as well. The best way to get started is to email her and let her know what kind of dog(s) you have, and what size painting(s) you'd like. Once the canvas size is settled, all it takes is a few good photos to get your folk dog painting going.

Botanical Skin Care

2010-02-11T15:27:00.003-05:00

Jackson Sage has a botanical line of products for your special dog. I recently tried out the liquid herbal shampoo, conditioning mist and balm.

Since 2007 Doggie Sage by Jackson Sage has been handcrafting natural botanical dog shampoos, conditioning mists, paw and hot spot care products, and healing balms, all blended using canine aromatherapy. Look beyond the symptoms and try a holistic approach to canine care. When you properly cleanse, and treat their skin, you will see amazing results. Doggie Sage ingredients unlock the healing power of nature to nourish your best friend.

I loved everything! The balm is great to put on hot spots and dry skin and my Blitz has very dry skin. It worked great on his dry spot and seemed to have really helped heal them up fast. The conditioning mist smells simply divine and the shampoo is great for my doggies. Swan got to try that out first because she seems to get into all kinds of smelly situations.

You can find Jackson Sage products at select Whole Foods and dog boutiques as well as their site. Mention Swanky Pup and get a discount as well!

Puppy Rattles

2010-02-04T15:09:00.002-05:00

If you have a new puppy or know someone who does, trixie + peanut have the most adorable new puppy toys called Puppy Rattles.

Puppy Rattles are perfect puppy playthings. Charming animal designs with amusing rattle in luxurious plush with a sweet satin bow detail. They're available in green frog, black + white puppy, pink elephant, blue hippo + yellow bear shapes and are super adorable.

Named after founder Susan Bing's two rescued Boxers, trixie + peanut began as a mail-order catalog in 1999. trixie + peanut was born of Susan's desire to create a mail-order catalog of impeccable taste and beauty that would offer pet owners unique pet products of the highest quality. At the time, upscale pet stores and catalogs were virtually nonexistent. Susan's keen eye for design enabled her to assemble a wide array of distinctive products that were trendy, fashion forward, and fun. To this day, with its charming inventory and beautiful presentation, trixie + peanut continues to stand above the rest as one of the leading retailers in the rapidly growing luxury pet goods market.

Isle of Dogs

2010-01-21T03:23:00.002-05:00

Isle of Dogs is a company that strives to make grooming easier; a bonding experience with your dog. Their mission is to also to maximize every dog's health, beauty, and well-being, both inside and out. They offer an extensive line of products and I was fortunate enough to sample a few with my own dogs. Their site says it all, "We want to provide dog owners around the world with the products, tools, and customer service to keep their dogs clean, beautiful, and healthy. After all, these beautiful creatures deserve nothing less."

My dogs got to try out the organic treats and loved them. There's Treat for my Breath, Treat for my Nerves and Treat for 14 Days. Each provide a unique solution to different issues your dog may have. They're tasty too, according to my pups.

I also loved the Violet and Sea Mist Replascent and the shampoo. Everything was beautifully packaged, easy to use and a joy for my dogs.

Right now if the customer purchases 3 treats, they will receive a free Violet + Sea Mist Replascent. This is a value of $14.99. The promo code is 3treatswank. Just go to their site and choose your treats!

You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

Bully Sticks - The Gang Approved

2010-01-14T03:49:00.002-05:00

These things rock. When I first got my samples of Bully Sticks in the mail we weren't sure. They just looked normal, albeit perfectly packaged. Let's say that after I shared them with the gang an amazing thing happened; my dogs went nuts. I even took one away from Blitz just to see what he'd do and he actually jumped over me to get it. He only gets this excited over his bear that he likes to hug and love. I honestly wish I had more because the dogs loved these more than any treat I've given them lately. I'm definitely checking out more of these.

Right now you can get a 10% discount on everything on their site from now through Valentine's Day. The discount code will be: swankypup.

100% Natural, 100% of the time

Bully sticks can come from many different types of cattle and be processed in facilities with varying production standards. The bully sticks we sell come only from USDA and FDA approved facilities and are 100% vet approved. There are never any chemicals or additives added to our bully sticks.

Bully sticks come from grass-fed, hormone-free, free-range bulls. They are low in fat and high in protein. And they are fully digestible.

Memento/Memorial Boxes

2010-01-07T15:32:00.003-05:00

It's hard to lose a pet and I know it helps me out to keep their mementos. Memories by Karsun has memorial boxes where you can keep items from your pet. Whether you want to keep a collar or tags or even keep their ashes safe, you can find it all there.

Each box is handmade with real wood such as pine and walnut. Each item is then painted or stained and comes with embellishments.

These are perfect as a pet memorial and if you mention Swanky Pup in your convo to me, I'll give you a 20% discount.

You can even make it a gift for someone with a new pet or who has recently lost a pet. This is a unique item that will make a special addition to your home or the home of a friend or family member. Find them at the Memories store by Karsun.

Wear your dog next to your heart!

2010-01-04T08:40:00.003-05:00

Do you love to show off your dog, but are challenged on how to do it in a stylish and classic way?

Well, I recently got to sample a beautiful, classic necklace from Belladorn, featuring a photo of my two children, encased in an antique-looking, oxidized sterling silver photo charm with deep-set glass on a sterling silver ball chain.

Have Jody, the owner of Belladorn, create something special featuring your dog(s) alone or with you, your kids, or whatever photo you like.

This piece is a show-stopper. It is beautifully created and special. You will enjoy wearing your special animals and/or family members close to your heart.

Treat yourself with one of these amazing pieces today!

Thanks to Belladorn for providing an Antiqued Deep Set Glass Photo Charm and Necklace for review.

Custom Beach Writing

2010-01-03T00:23:00.002-05:00

What a perfect way to memorialize your pet with customized beach writing. Have whatever you want written in the white sands of Panama City Beach, Florida. Each 8x10 picture is custom made to your specifications and is as unique as each day at the beach.

These are perfect as a pet memorial picture and if you mention Swanky Pup in your convo to me, I'll give you a 20% discount.

You can even make it a gift for someone with a new pet or who has recently lost a pet. This is a unique item that will make a special addition to your home or the home of a friend or family member. Find them at the Memories store by Karsun.

Magic Hat

2009-12-24T03:43:00.003-05:00

I may have written about the "Hide-a-Toys" before but these are awesome. This is the next set I want to get. It's the Kyjen Magic Hat with Rabbits. Right now we have the Hide a Bee set and now my favorite thing is to tell my dogs to find their bee. They go nuts. They love the bees so I think the rabbits are the next thing I want to get them. By the way, for some reason the bees are a little cheaper and cheaper on shipping if you want to try them out first.

They're affordable at $8.99 with a semi-high shipping cost of $8.99 but you can find them at stores such as Pet Smart and save the shipping.

* Durable design and craftsmanship ensures long lasting puzzle solving fun
* Keeps pets occupied
* Eliminate boredom
* Interactive toy
* Puzzle for pets

Product Description
Magic Hat with Rabbits is a unique, interactive dog toy designed to challenge as well as entertain. Dogs will have hours of fun while sharpening their cognitive skills at the same time. Removable rabbits have squeakers.

Santa Buddies on DVD - a perfect gift for your dog-loving friends and family this holiday!

2009-12-19T11:46:00.005-05:00

My kids and I got to check out the new Santa Buddies DVD last week. We really enjoyed spending time together as a family watching this great Disney movie!

Take a fantastic journey with your beloved Buddies to the magical world of the North Pole! Join Budderball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha, and Mudbud in a touching twist on a Christmas classic. When Puppy Paws, the feisty son of Santa Paws, forgets the true meaning of the season, it’s up to the Buddies to remind him that Christmas is not about what you get; it’s about what you give. Unleash a stocking full of Christmas cheer for you and your family with this fun-filled film, featuring never-before-seen bonus materials.

My kids (ages 2 1/2 and 5) really enjoyed this movie and had their eyes glued to it the entire time. I thought the story line was very easy for my young children to follow, and I liked that the story teaches them about giving and about friendship. We all especially loved seeing each of the adorable and fun-loving talking dogs in the movie. It was heart-warming to watch! The songs throughout the movie are also great. I would recommend it for any age child that is capable of sitting through a movie. (It's 88 minutes long.)

Check out the Santa Buddies trailer here. You can pick up a copy on DVD or Blue Ray at most major retailers (I have seen it everywhere, from the Disney store to Walmart and of course online) It’s sure to be a holiday classic for years to come!

Thanks to DogTime Media for supplying a copy of Santa Buddies for this review.

Doggy Days of Christmas

2009-12-04T01:53:00.002-05:00

If you're looking for holiday cards with cute dogs then check out the selection at DogToys.com They have an adorable selection of cards to choose from for as little as $9.99 for ten cards. Jumping for Joy is my personal favorite but there are others to pick amongst. Including an assortment of cards so you can have more than one option. Have a look and let your friends and family see your holiday joy expressed with the love of a dog.

Beautiful Artwork

2009-11-27T01:00:00.002-05:00

Evelyn Morris Hecht, a basically self taught designer and artist, spent 15 years in the New York fashion industry but it was a rescue dog that got her started using her talent as an artist to do dog portraits. You might recall seeing her gorgeous pendant I wrote about previously. Well now I have to share her beautiful artwork.

Top Dog Art benefits a variety of rescue groups with donations of art.

The Labrador Retriever print that I received was beautifully done and a real treasure to own. Each fine art print is a reproduction of an original graphite drawing. The heavyweight matte paper and backing board are acid-free and suitable for framing as is, in a standard 8 1/2 x 11" frame. Comes in a protective clear presentation envelope. Each print is individually titled and signed by the artist.

Right now get a 10% discount (using the coupon code "swanky").

Dear to My Heart Pendant

2009-11-19T03:46:00.004-05:00

Evelyn Morris Hecht, a basically self taught designer and artist, spent 15 years in the New York fashion industry but it was a rescue dog that got her started using her talent as an artist to do dog portraits.

Top Dog Art benefits a variety of rescue groups with donations of art. Evelyn has also been a member of the Pastel Society of North Carolina since 2001 and creates custom portraits solely in pastel.

Her Dear to My Heart Pendant is a perfect way to memorialize a special pet. The pendant front is rich red enamel on sleek, beveled, high polish sterling silver. The flip side, inscribed DEAR TO MY HEART, shows the picture of your beloved (photo easily inserted and protected under a clear plastic window) and rests close to your heart. Comes with a 30" black silk cord and bears the artist's signature and date of release.

Right now get a 10% discount (using the coupon code "swanky").

A great holiday gift while supporting stray animals!

2009-11-12T15:18:00.002-05:00

I recently saw these adorable clay dog and cat figurines and a local craft show. The organization, Clays for Strays, raises money through the sale of handmade miniature clay figures for animal rescue, shelter, clinic, and sanctuary nonprofit organizations that service the needs of abandoned or unwanted animals. 100% of the proceeds goes to these animals!

Please support them by purchasing some dog and/or cat figurines for holiday gifts. These would make great stocking stuffers or a small gift for an animal lover! These would also make great gifts for kids to become their very own "pet"!

The animals are beautifully made with great detail and color. Check them out for yourself!

No more stinky dog

2009-11-05T16:38:00.002-05:00

If you have a dog that has bad breath, bad gas or both, Happy Tails has created a product just for you!

Dog Smog Remedy gives you the power to quell the smell from both ends of your dog. The all natural formula contains peppermint and fennel to slay the fire breathing beast but it’s more than just a breath freshener, Dog Smog Remedy gets to the guts of the problem with digestive enzymes papain and bromelain. All of these ingredients help calm the bubbling brute below and provide a long-term solution to an embarrassing problem.

You can spritz some in their mouth for bad breath or spray their water to help relieve gas. What more could you ask for?

Paw Plunger

2009-10-30T02:51:00.002-04:00

If your dogs are like mine, they come in with muddy paws. With the Paw Plunger you can eliminate paw prints all over your house and keep them where they belong, in your heart. The Paw Plunger gently cleans your dog's paws before they track mud and dirt across floors, rugs or upholstery. Just fill with warm water and plunge paws into the top, one-at-a-time. The water and soft, deep cleaning bristles do the work! Dry each paw with a towel, and your dog can have the run of the house or be ready to travel in the car mud-free. I think this is a great idea and they are reasonably prices at under $35. I liked that there were tons of excellent reviews as well.

Art by Aubrey

2009-10-22T02:27:00.005-04:00

Art by Aubrey does gorgeous, handmade artwork. The buyer can choose if they would like a square or rectangle canvas as well as the background color. Special things can be added such as the animal's name, birth date or date of death, the animals collar and tags, or any special item that the person would like to incorporate. If they are close to where she lives (Kansas City or Overland Park Kansas) she can even do a photo shoot with the animal to get the type of shot she needs. If not, you can e-mail me her a high resolution photograph. Her e-mail is ArtByAubrey@rocketmail.com They make great gifts!

One canvas (12x12) with picture is $40 plus shipping and handling. The larger the size, then the price changes accordingly.

Howloween at PetSmart!

2009-10-21T08:55:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite holidays, Halloween, is coming up. Bring your dog in on the fun and join PetSmart with their Howloween costume contest and photo event, on October 20th from 6pm to 8pm at your local PetSmart. There will be a pet parade, prizes for contest winners, and a free goodie bag for the first 100 customers. You can also purchase a 4x6 picture of your pet in a cute Halloween frame for $4.95 (using your PetPerks card). Have fun!

(You can also enter an online contest here, if you want, too!)

Portraits by Colleen

2009-10-14T15:25:00.002-04:00

Portraits by Colleen is a collection of beautiful artwork where your canine friend can be the subject. Right now she is offering 10% off on a commissioned portrait if you just mention that you found her here on Swanky Pup. She began doing portraits because she saw something in the subject (her own dog, relatives, friends, sanitation department workers) that she wanted to draw, sculpt or paint and the finished product is a special piece of art. You can browse all of her portraits and pick the style that you like best. Check out her site and tell her that Swanky Pup sent you.

From Stewart's Kitchen

2009-10-08T15:31:00.003-04:00

I was recently able to sample some HOWLoween goodies from From Stewart's Kitchen. I guess I should say that the pups were able to sample them but they smelled so darn good that I almost ate one myself. Since they have no preservatives in them, I could have. These peanut butter cookies were incredibly tasty according to my dogs. They were begging for more. Right now they have a special just for you Swanky Pup readers.

During the checkout process there will be an 'instructions to merchant' box. Type in 'The Swanky Pup' & receive a free 1/2 pound of treats with your order.
*The free 1/2 pound will be the same theme & flavor as treats ordered

You can't beat that kind of deal for such yummy treats. The site is more than just a store, by the way. There's an awesome Halloween contest and many things to do and see.

Go visit them and tell them that Karsun sent you!

Music for your dog

2009-10-01T01:28:00.003-04:00

Every now and then we need to have a calm and serene dog and while there are a plethora of items out there music is an effective way (according to some) to soothe your dog. At Bulldog Information they have a specific area of their site dedicated to music for your pet. According to a study done in Belfast, classical music contributes and encourages relaxation in dogs. There are quite a few different music CD's to choose from and some even have music geared towards the hearing ranges of dogs and cats. The links go to Amazon where you can find out more information and pricing but most are reasonably priced.

Tasty treats

2009-09-24T02:07:00.002-04:00

I recently opened a package from Dog and Bark and the funniest thing happened - my dogs immediately sat down. I believe it's because they could smell the yummy from the treats in my package. I got Bark Liver and Want a Cookie treats and they were instantly smitten by them. I think they liked Bark Liver best but then again, they are loving the Want a Cookie Treats as well.

Dog and Bark offers high end luxury pet products for the Cosmopolitan Canine who settles for only the latest of Hollywoods styles and Products. They carry Cruelty-free and environmentally conscious products that your pet will love. I know my dogs did!

Check them out. Not only do they have tasty treats, they carry a variety of gorgeous items for the canine connoisseur.