The Red Fire Hydrant

We took a road trip to Georgia last week to visit family.  It's a six hour drive with stops along the way - necessary pit stops, food (I never can resist Cracker Barrel) and shopping.

On our way back home we hit the jackpot when we decided to stop at a Hobby Lobby in Alabama. I had purchased a light bulb shaker for Doug two Christmases ago somewhere I couldn't remember.  Being an electrician he has been searching for them ever since. I think he stocked up and at only $3.00 each they will make great inexpensive gifts for his fellow electricians. Pretty cool bright idea!

I was carrying a basket I had placed a few items in that I wanted until I walked by a table sitting in the middle of an aisle filled with goodies. Oh My God! My heart skipped a beat as I gazed upon the most whimsical thing I have ever seen! Deliriously I set down my basket and embraced a red fire hydrant. You know those commercials for Pier I where the the product speaks to the shopper? Well, this red fire hydrant was singing Kirby's name!

The price tag said $49.95 which was ridiculously high for such an inanimate object but I didn't care! I simply, absolutely had to have it.  I cradled it in my arms all the way to the cash register, rejoiced when it rang up with a thirty percent discount, and giddily swiped my card. This baby was mine, er, Kirby's forever and ever!

It's made out of a poly resin so it should last many years outside. It's not very heavy, it looks so realistic, and it's Kirby sized. I can always repaint it when it's faded from the Mississippi sun so as far as I am concerned, it was a great find!

So I gotta ask, "Does your dog have his very own fire hydrant?" Or better yet, "How long before your dog has his own fire hydrant?"

Friday's Fetch: Travel Gear

We are planning a road trip this weekend so I figured why not showcase the travel gear we use or want to use for Kirby's comfort and safety.  Key words being style and function.

1. The Solvit Deluxe Jumbo Tagalong On seat Booster Seat is the one Kirby uses - it's strong, comfy, and safe.  It looks really nice with it's washable cover. It's made to hold dogs up to 30 lbs and can easily be moved to the trunk when not being used.  Kirby loves that he can see out all the windows or curl up for nap.  It's large enough that his fosters can ride with him too.  $69.99

2. There are several harnesses hangin on a hook in Kirby's playroom but the one we always grab is theEzyDog Chest Plate Harness which is the perfect companion for walks or riding in the car. It's adjustable and forms to the dog's chest for a perfect fit. This harness really serves two purposes - we can hook his car seat tether to it so if there were a crash his chest would take the brunt rather than his neck which is much more delicate and if he bolted during a walk it would be much harder for him to escape the harness as opposed to his collar he could squirm out of.  I love how we can unhook the tether and hook the leash in just seconds!  $22.00 - $26.00

3. Of course every harness needs a leash and the leash we reach for time after time is the EzyDog Sparky Leash.  On the stylish side it's a perfect match to Kirby's harness.  On the comfort side this one takes top honors in my book. Kirby has a lot of strength which used to wear out my arm from all of his pulling. This leash has 12 in. of shock absorbing stretch in the center which has honestly changed our walks.  When Kirby pulls on the leash it tugs back at him which in turn causes him to back up causing him to walk with me.  Then there's the handle which is probably the most comfortable handle I've ever used. I don't know why other companies haven't figured this out! $26.00

4. Water is vital but can make your dog sick from chemicals used in different areas.  To avoid tummy upset we always carry bottled water which Kirby drinks from a cup. What I'm coveting right now is the new Thirsty Milo Portable Dog Water Bowl. This all in one container won't spill and comes with a two year warranty. I haven't been able to locate this product in the United States so please let me know if you do!

5. Every travelling dog needs a stylish bag to stash all their stuff.  Right now I have a really cute purse I use for Kirby's bag but one day he wants to own a Pet Jetsetter Bag to really travel in style. This puppy has six pockets with room enough for everything Kirby could possibly need.  Even better it only weighs two lbs with the included water and food bowls. $39.99 or $49.99 embroidered with your dog's name.

6.  Never, ever will anyone ever step on Kirby's poop.  We have a bone shaped poop bag dispenser and what I love is now I never forget it since it stays clipped on the handle of Kirby's leash. I keep it filled with biodegradeble bags so I can pull one out anywhere, anytime we are out and about. I saw this adorable weiner poopbag and chuckled - sooo cute! If every pet owner cleaned up after their dog so many more places would allow dogs so please pick up the poop! (I've been known to hand an owner a bag or even pick up their poop) $4.95

Have I forgotten something? Do you have a must-have product or one you just really want?

Friday's Fetch: Luxury Dog Beds

Sometimes I like to window shop where I can dream about the what ifs and if onlys before getting back to reality.  Today I wanted to check out the decadent, luxurious dog beds Kirby will never lay his sweet head on. 

1. The Refined Canine Wicker Dog Day Bed features hand woven, waterproof faux rattan and measures 16" H x 20" W x 25" L. Perfect for the sun room or front porch. $99.99

2. The Wine Barrel Dog Bed from Orvis is made from a real wine barrel and fits dogs up to 25 lbs.  This piece of furniture would look amazing with that wine crate bookshelf I plan to make for Kirby's playroom.  $219.00

3. The Snoozer Hide-a-bed provides comfort and security and comes in three sizes for dogs up to 30 lbs. The clear front cover can be left on for containment or removed. Honestly, this looks so much more stylish than that wire crate we have.  $278 - $386

4.  The Uttermost Lucky Pet Bed is a durable, brown imitated leather sofa with a plush, tufted and reversible russet brown cushion that buckles to the hardwood frame. It measures 36.5 L x 31.5 W x 18 T.  Oh my I nearly swooned when I saw this bed fit for royalty.  I can so see Kirby cozied up on this throne of a bed - he would be the "uttermost luckiest" dog ever! $433.40

5. The Green Bones Hand-Painted Bed from Jakey BB is all about the details from the welt cord on the cushions to the wooden bed box to the custom turned decorative feet.  The elegant yet whimsical fabric makes such a diva statement in any room!  Measures 19" X 25" X 10" High.   $575.00

6. The Hollywood Bed is made for dogs up to 25 lbs.   It comes upholstered in platinum lustered faux leather with genuine alder legs with a luxurious shaggy leopard print faux fur and matching pillows. Can we just say movie star?  $1,200.00

So all I can say is wowza! Breath taking design and function for the savy, albeit wealthy dog.  Guess Kirby is sleeping in my bed tonight but then again, I wouldn't have it any other way.  

P.S. If anyone just happened to want to send one of these for us to review, Kirby would be more than happy to waive his modeling fee. ❤