Monday, August 17, 2009 There’s a good chance you’ve seen this already, but a friend passed it along and I wanted to share with you guys. You’ll feel bad for a second…and then you won’t be able to stop laughing. Make sure you watch through to the end. (Ps, I’ve now watched it eight times.)
Does anyone else's dog have dreams like this?
Thanks for sending, Candice!
Saturday, August 15, 2009 So, by now, you may all know of my obsession with the pet company Harry Barker. Started by a former model who battled Cushing’s disease (her story is amazing…check out the website if you have a chance), the company makes some amazing products, from beds to collars to toys. I also love that most of what they make is environmentally friendly.
I noticed that I haven’t featured many dog toys on RedRiley, and I wanted to share some with you guys. Two of my favorites are the Cotton Rope Celtic Ball and the Hemp Stripe Bone Toy. There aren’t many bells and whistles with these; they’re simply classic and whimsical. 
To take a look at other Harry Barker toys and products, visit their website.
I’m also wondering, does your dog have a favorite toy?
Thursday, August 13, 2009 My friend Di—who has an adorable bulldog named Ozzy—has been raving about a talented pet artist named Rory Mackay, who recently completed a gorgeous portrait of her beloved dog. I have to say, I was incredibly impressed by Rory's work...not to mention, he's an unbelievably nice guy.
Two of Rory's pet portraits
How Rory works is, he either uses a pre-existing photograph (if you have one that’s sentimental to you) or he arranges a time to come to your apartment or house and do a photo shoot with your pet. He’ll select the best 20-30 images from the 150 he usually takes and will send them to you so that you can choose your favorite. He will then work/paint from that particular photograph and will even update you with images of the painting at various stages to make sure it’s in keeping with your vision. (Clearly, your dog isn't going to be down with posing for hours. Hence, why Rory works off of photographs.)
One thing that’s so great about his work is that he uses bespoke measurements and will go with whatever canvas size and material you’d like. So, you’re getting exactly what you want. Be sure to look out for a feature on Rory and his pet portraits in the October issue of Quest Magazine!
To view Rory’s dog portraiture, visit www.yourpetsinpaint.com or go to this link: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Rorz95/YourPetsInPaint?authkey=Gv1sRgCNr0iaLX68SJ4gE&feat=directlink.
To contact Rory, you can email him at rory@yourpetsinpaint.com.
Thursday, August 13, 2009 Today, my friend Ashley sent me a link to FatBoy Doggie Lounges. The “Doggy Boy” beds come in a variety of cool colors, including orange, pink, lime, camo, red, sand, black, and brown. But by far the best part? To clean, you just wipe down the nylon with a damp cloth.
Fatboy beds come in small and large sizes, and if your dog prefers less stuffing you can remove pellets for a softer feel. Prices range from $99-$139. For more info or to buy, click here.
Does your dog have a favorite doggie bed? If so, where is it from? Please share!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 The global economy may be crap, but American pet owners are still spending on their animals like crazy, according to the Christian Science Monitor. In fact, the pet industry has grown to $46 billion this year from $17 billion in 1994, says the American Pet Products Association. Some evidence of this phenomenon? Despite the pet food recall two years ago, the pet food industry is booming; Pet Airways recently launched; PetSmart and Petco are hiring and opening new stores; Martha Stewart has opened a pet franchise; and Honda introduced a dog-friendly concept car this year.
Credit: Ann Hermes/Christian Science Monitor
The article credits a combination of “emotion and anthropomorphism” for what’s driving pet sectors—including the market for doggie drugs, “healthier” specialty foods, doggie day care programs, organic shampoos, and more. Just this year alone, I’ve bought Riley her own lifejacket, a monogrammed tote bag, two new beds, a DNA test, calming pheromones, and countless other things. Clearly, I’m as guilty as the next dog owner, if not far more so.
The article also references several “social readjustments” that have come about due to our bond with our pets. “Legislatures are now struggling to rework legal codes that consider animals property—a status that creates all sorts of difficulties in divorce cases, for instance, where the resolution to a disputed pet is to sell the animal and split the proceeds. Some courts have started to issue protection orders that cover pets; a number of domestic violence shelters allow battered women to bring their dogs.
“It was hurricane Katrina, as much as anything, that drove home the importance of social institutions evolving with the animal-human bond, says Stephen Zawistowski, of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. During the New Orleans evacuation, he notes, people of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds refused to leave if it meant abandoning pets. Later the government and organizations such as the Red Cross changed their pet policies. ‘The emotions might have been here all along,’ he says. ‘But this showed the depth to which the sentiments have become part of our culture.’”
I highly recommend reading this article if you have a few minutes! You can find it here.
