How a Dog Ramp Can Save Your Pooch’s Legs

How a Dog Ramp Can Save Your Pooch’s Legs

Trendy Dog Carriers - Good Enough for Oprah?

Oprah Winfrey is now the proud owner of two trendy dog carrier totes by PuchiBag.  The syndicated TV program “Extra” presented her with the bags as a surprise at her home during the celebration of the Oprah Winfrey Show’s twenty-sixth anniversary.

When “Extra’s” Mario Lopez went to her house to interview her at the premier of her twenty-sixth season, the show showered her with goodies by giving her a large puppy-themed gift basket. Among those gifts were two PuchiBag dog carriers for her new dog “Sadie.” Above is the Tami Elite, Zebra, that was among those gifts.

Oprah met Sadie at PAWS Chicago, the city's largest no-kill humane shelter, where she immediately fell in love with her.  “Out of all the pups….Sadie was the one I felt an instant connection with. She had licked my ear and whispered, ‘Please take me with you,’” says Oprah in the June 2009 issue of O Magazine.

The gifts were the brainchild of PuchiBag’s Founder and CEO, DeEdyre Burks who was successful  in presenting these dog carriers after many years of trying.

PuchiBag dog carriers are unique in that almost all conform to airline regulations and can be used for travel, errands or any outdoor outing.  At the same time they exemplify the ultimate in style and haute couture. In a recent review of the Blue Dot PetSak by PuchiBag, Dogtime’s “Secret Shopper” said, "Can I tell you this bag is wonderful! Anna Wintour would agree for sure."

PuchiBag was founded in 1999, by two Los Angeles business women who decided to bring together their knowledge of both fashion and furry friends. PuchiBag has been sold to over 1000 stores internationally and has appeared in feature films (including MGM's "Legally Blonde"), numerous publications (including InStyle, US Weekly, Vogue, Marie Claire and The New York Times) and has a long list of celebrity fans.

These and other fashionable and functional dog carriers may be found in pet boutiques and pet stores carrying upscale and luxury dog products, as well as on my website, www.PuppyCratesPlus.com. See you there!

Why a Dog Carrier?

Dog Carriers can Save Your Back and Protect your Sweet Pooch

Dog Carriers for small dogs are a blessing to pet owners because you're the one who has to carry him! Sure, there are carriers with wheels. But mostly you haul him--in your hand, over your shoulder, in a backpack, and even around your neck so you're wearing your dog infant-style.

Dog Carriers are useful when you want to take your small dog into a store or cafe, protect him from a crowded city street, or travel with him by air. Figuring out which carrier is right for you often depends on your dog. Some dogs dislike being on your back, for instance, even though it's easier to carry heavier dogs that way.

The right carrier:

• A dog carrier suitable for air travel has to enclose the dog completely. You may want to find a different carrier, one that allows your dog's head to pop out, for instance, for running errands.

• Most dog carriers list a maximum weight of 25 pounds, but in truth aren't big enough to accommodate dogs over 20 pounds. Some, like "The Train Case" on the right,  do not specify maximum weight, but give dimensions so you can make up your own mind. A 15-pound Westie isn't going to fit in the same space as a 15-pound Italian Greyhound; their builds are just too different.

• Make sure it's roomy enough for your dog to turn around in. Your dog should be comfortable and able to either see out or hide, as the spirit moves him.

• Using a dog carrier that rests on your chest like the one below can be comforting for old, ill, disabled, or emotionally sensitive dogs.
  

Products that complement your carrier or crate:

Cleanliness is key! Look for dog carriers that are sold with thin padding that can be removed for washing, so you can keep your carrier clean.

Dog carriers are in!  You'll do yourself and your precious pooch a favor when you join the numbers of pet owners who have discovered the advantages of toting their dog in dog carriers.

Croco Pet Carriers

The Croco Pet Carrier from Zack & Zoey is a popular, lightweight carrier for small dogs and cats. The carrier features a faux-crocodile look with rhinestone-studded bone charm accent.                                                                                                                                                    The top mesh and side grommets offer proper ventilation to keep your favorite pooch cool and comfortable on those hot summer days. The easy-care removable sherpa mat with interior clip gives safety and comfort. The front and side pockets allow convenient storage for toys and treats. These dog carriers have been a favorite!

Another favorite among dog carriers is the Pet Gear Bike Carrier 3 in 1. This carrier is The Ultimate Traveler -  It's a Car Seat, Carrier, Bike Basket -- all in one!
 

There are multiple storage pouches for treats, cell phones,etc. as you take your pooch with you on your leisurely bike ride. These dog carriers attach on and off easily to the bike and include a bike connector. A fleece pad and tether are also included.
 

No tools are required to set it up. It measures 14 x 10" and is perfect for pets  to 15 lbs.

It's available in: Black, Pink, Lavender, Blue.

You can purchase these and other essential dog products with a 10% discount during "September Specials" month on www.puppycratesplus.com Just enter the code "September Specials" at checkout.

The Blue Dot PetSak Dog Carriers

Hello again,

As promised, I want to tell you about the Blue Dot PetSak by Puchibag. 

This bag is typical of the dog carriers carried by PuchiBag. It is lightweight, sturdy, fashionable and will pass most airline carry-on regulations. What's more, you'll look trendy when you carry it, whether for shopping, airline travel, or just trips to the vet.

"The PuchiBag is a fashionable, functional and fabulous bag, designed to give the fashion-conscious pet owner a viable alternative to the dog carriers of old," say the PuchiBag people. Check out this recent review of the PetSak by the Secret Shopper on Dogtime. com, a highly visible and popular dog blog.

http://blogs.dogtime.com/secret-shopper-pet-product-reviews/2009/08/petsak-by-puchibag   

The Blue Dot PetSak comes in one size only and is made from cotton jersey with black hardware. It is great for pets up to 10 lbs. All PuchiBag dog carriers feature an elasticized safety cord that they suggest you attach to the dog's harness (not the collar) for safety. They also have a cushioned removable insert that can be thrown into the wash, side mesh panels, and one side Dutch window that can be zipped up for camoflauge. The firm bottom panel of the PuchiBag keeps your little friend from "sagging" as you travel.  There's also an inside zippered pocket and all the bags have at least one outer pocket, if not two (depending on style). 

So, as you can see, the people that designed these dog carriers have thought of everything!

Below is another bag from PuchiBag, the Martini "Chocolate Croc," a little pricier, but, let's face it, who wouldn't want to carry their precious pooch

Martini, Chocolate Croc

in a dog carrier like this! With this bag, you could take your pooch with you to any runway show in New York and receive compliments for your originality!

Let me know what you think of these fabulous dog carriers and give me any feedback you have. Are they worth it? I think so....not only because they are durable, but also for the "kick" you'll get out of carrying one! 

Hello, here I am.

Like many of you, I have never blogged before. Nor did I ever especially want to. Yes, I have owned wonderful dogs and cats, am a true animal lover, and contribute to many of the good animal causes around. But I never considered myself a writer until now.

That's because now I have something to talk about. 

A lot has changed in the world of pets. Where once they were loved as pets and were well cared for, they were still considered, to some degree, lesser members of the family. Oh, not they we didn't love them, feed them well, give them scraps from the table now and then as a special treat, take them to the vet when they were sick and bury them properly when they passed away, but still...they were just animals.

Not any more.....

Today's household pets are not only members of the family, they are "furry family members," sometimes even, the most popular member of the family. Whether considered an extended family member of a large family of kids, "one" of the kids, or "substitute kids" for "empty nesters," today's pets rule the roost.

The term "pampered pooch" has never been more applicable. From treats to trendy apparel, from sunglasses to sundresses, from bandannas to ribbons,  today's furry family members have never had it so good. And what about all the new organic foods, treats and grooming products that are available today?

Not to forget trendy dog strollers and dog carriers, which, after all, are the subject of this blog. Dog carriers are definitely a hot product area in the world of pet products and show no signs of slowing down.

What I would like to do is to start a discussion of dog carriers to help keep you abreast of the selections that are available and those that are emerging.

Some of these can be found on my new website, http://www.puppycratesplus.com. Some cannot, in which case I'll tell you where you can find them. As a website owner, I also need your input on the dog carriers you have purchased or are looking for. You will be a vital partner in making this blog work.

Next post I'll discuss some of the trends in dog carriers and where you can find them. Here's one of the trendy dog carriers that we'll talk about on my next post: PetSak Tote, Blue Dot, by PuchiBag.

http://www.puppycratesplus.com

Please feel free to add your comments or suggestions. 

Well, here goes....