15 California Chihuahuas Arrive in NYC

On Wednesday, Virgin Airlines flew 15 Chihuahuas to New York City from San Francisco Animal Care and Control in search of new homes. According to the ASPCA, " over the past year, California shelters have seen a dramatic increase in Chihuahua intakes—this toy breed now makes up more than 30% of the state’s shelter dog population. While demand for Chihuahuas has declined in much of the Golden State, their popularity in New York City is as high as ever."

I was so impressed with this entire initiative and all of the people involved. Take a look at the ASPCA's video below.

If you'd like to adopt one of these guys, the dogs will be available for viewing at the ASPCA Adoption Center on Wednesday, January 13, between Noon and 7:00 P.M. Says the ASPCA: "Adoption fees will range from $75 to $200, and include all medical and behavioral treatments, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and a microchip."

For additional information, please visit ASPCA.org or call the Operation Chihuahua” hotline at (212) 876-7700, ext. 3210.

An Indoor "Doggie Restroom"

Have you guys heard of the Potty Patch? I got this via email the other day, and I couldn't stop laughing at the infomercial. It's a soft grass mat billed as "an indoor doggie restroom." How it works is, your dog pees on the antimicrobial faux grass, and the urine drains into a tray two layers below that you have to wash out when you get home.

I'm not a huge fan of these for two reasons: 1) you're reinforcing your pet to pee in your living space (which is going to confuse him at some point), and 2) people get lazy and never take their dogs out for exercise when they have things like this out all the time. Still, I realize that it is a good solution for many, and saves dogs from having to "hold it" for a super long time in certain cases. Plus, it's sponsored by the AKC, so it can't be that bad. You can find them here for $39.99.

What do you guys think? Would you ever try one?

Stars and Their Dogs

On New Year's Day, the New York Daily News created a slideshow of celebrities and their animals. To be honest, I hadn't a clue that half the celebs they included even own dogs. Some noteworthy findings: Christina Ricci's dog is basically bigger than she is (shocker); Ashley Tisdale apparently dyes her hair to match her pooch; home wrecker Sienna Miller's dog, Bess, is darling; Dog the Bounty Hunter apparently owns a Boston Terrier (who knew?); and Matthew McConaughey's dogs look like they're sick and freakin' tired of jogging after him on the beach.

Check it the slideshow here.

Happy Friday!

You may have already seen this, but it's worth watching again either way. Amazing. Get yourself a box of Kleenex first.

Is This Wrong?

I can't decide. In the Company of Dogs makes holiday costumes for pets, and they seem to be equal parts hilarious and degrading. You can get them for just $19.95, and if you order by Monday, December 21^st, you can get one in time for Christmas. Joy to the world, right?

My guess is, your dog would rip the mini-legwarmers off his paws within seconds. Still, I kind of want one.

To look at more ideas from In the Company of Dogs, click here.

To view a previous post on holiday gifts for dogs and dog lovers, click here.