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Photo by Erwan Fichou

However, when temperatures begin to creep up, those dogs will be shedding fur by the fistful … and shedding and shedding and shedding … and shedding. Have you ever brushed your pup and seemingly gathered enough fur to make a full-size replica? (I grew up with an Akita -- that's a lot of fur.)

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Photo by Erwan Fichou

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Photo by Erwan Fichou

If so, and if you have ever thought, "Well, gee, I ought to spin this into yarn and make a sweater," then you will appreciate the work of photographer Erwan Fichou. We're not sure what the process was (we sure hope the fur was clean), but somehow someone gathered the fur of the dogs pictured here, spun it into wool -- dogwool -- and knitted sweaters for the dogs' owners. Fichou then photographed the dogs and their owners, who wore the sweaters made out of their canine companions' fur. For some, it's their greatest fantasy come to life.

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Photo by Erwan Fichou

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Photo by Erwan Fichou

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Photo by Erwan Fichou

Images via Erwan Fichou's website, story via NeatoShop

OK, look, when part of your job description includes looking for the Internet's cutest dogs, sometimes your work distracts you from your work. But I found something to show you! So I wasn't looking at shoes, I was doing research. Yeah, that's what I'm gonna tell my boss. "Sorry this story is late, I was researching!" 

And what did I find? I found, count 'em, not one, but two pairs of dog shoes.

First, it was the punny name that caught me -- "Pupped Up Kicks," like that Foster the People ode to stylish retro shoes. And then I clicked and was all, "Awww!"

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The lace-up wedge shoe is a little silly, recalling the upholstery of your mother's ottoman, but we can imagine them adding a little levity to your work outfit, as well as a little height, without sacrificing comfort. Designed by 80%20, the idea is that wear your "favorite 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time." Add dogs and it be 100 percent of the time.

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But if you're looking for something a little sexier, I also found these Jeffrey Campbell -- wait for it -- heels. Styled after the classic Mary Jane, these shoes can add a quirky touch to an otherwise demure outfit.

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After showing these shoes to Dogster Editor-in-Chief Janine, she was heard saying, "These come in my size!" Can you blame her? She has a dog wardrobe to keep up! [Editor's Note: I totally bought the 80%20 shoes, and it's all your fault, Liz.]

Images via ModCloth

The company sent us the red Faux Hawk design to try. I love how the color complements Spot's black-and-white coat, and the size medium provides a snug fit made even cozier by a fleecey interior.

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Such a cool pup.

I also appreciate the slit above the signature Julius the Monkey image on the back, through which his leash attaches. The pocket below will come in handy for the extra bag I always seem to need when walking the pups.

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Such a cool hoodie.

The new Paul Frank Hoodie comes in light blue sans the faux hawk, as well, and a black version features Julius riding a scooter with the British flag waving behind. The sweatshirts range in price from $29.95 to $35.95, depending on the size, but one lucky Dogster reader will get one for free!

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I'm ordering this one for Dolly. Slimming black and the British flag!

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win a Paul Frank hoodie? If so, please do the following:

1. Create a Disqus account, if you haven’t already, and include a valid email. It takes just a minute and allows you to better participate in Dogster’s community of people who are passionate about dogs. If you already have a Disqus account, check it to ensure the account includes a valid email. 
2. Visit the Paul Frank Sweatshirts page on 26 Bars & a Band's website and like the company on Facebook. 
3. Come back and comment below using your Disqus account, telling us which hoodie you want and why. Be creative! Our favorite comment wins.
4. Check your email for a “You’ve Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, Dec. 12. We’ll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don’t score the hoodie, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! And you can always purchase one if you like for that special pup on your holiday shopping list.

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Handcrafted in Portland using repurposed vintage blankets (including several by Pendleton), Nelson's designs are -- like the city they're made-to-measure in -- the definition of laid-back luxe: elegant yet understated.

Asha Wolfe coats are a cosmopolitan-casual uniform ready for globetrotting fashion hounds. I'm a fashion critic and globetrotting fashion hound myself, so trust me when I say these coats would look at home in any park in any of the world's style capitals.

We dig how serious Nelson is about style, calling her collection "a reclamation of animal respect in the form of fashion." Just check out her blog, which reveals an eagle eye for canine design that's almost as sharp as that of Dogster's own Janine Kahn!

Earlier in the month, we mentioned how H&M was getting spotty at a fairly low pricepoint (clothes from $12.99 and up). Now, Ann Taylor has joined the party in an arguably classier manner, using the Dalmatian print to punctuate an outfit rather than smother it. 

Here are some of our favorites:

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Above: Ann Taylor's Spotted Perfect Block Heels. They're currently $198, but the site has had 30 percent off deals on and off the past few weekends and will likely do so again if you're patient, bringing them down to $138. I'm considering going all in on these next time I get a paycheck (mainly because I'm already married to the crazy dog lady image -- see this clip at the 2:11 mark) unless you can talk me out of it.

There's also a spotted bootie at a much higher pricepoint (and heel).

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The Spotted Turnlock Cuff, $58, could definitely jazz up all that black in your closet. It runs a wee bit small according to comments left on the Ann Taylor site.

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If you want a small taste of this print in your wardrobe and don't want to scream Cruella de Vil, Ann's Spotted Necklace is a good pick. 

One buyer says: "I wanted to get my sister something in the spotted hair calf material but knew she wasn't as daring with her fashion. I got this necklace to go with a plain shirt and printed skirt and WOW! What a combo! She loved the look and got lots of compliments from her friends. Just the right amount of trend while still being true to her more conservative look."

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Another cute accent piece is this Spotted Belt, $44.

So, thoughts? Are you a fan of this trend or does it put a foul taste in your mouth? And more importantly, should I buy those heels next time they go on sale? Weigh in below.

Some of you will likely think this is over the top, but check out Carolin, a fashion blogger in Germany, rocking the Dalmatian top and pants below (full photo set at her site, Pink Fox). I don't think I could get away with this head-to-toe look (curse you, Spanish curves), but I think she looks smashing!

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Photo via Pink Fox.

The Dalmatian pants retail for $12.99, and the top (available in stores but not currently listed on the H&M website) is priced at $14.99. I'm not a fan of the peplum trend, but I did pick up that top and am now in need of a high-waisted black skirt to pair it with. I'm jealous of how cute Jenn of The Stylish Housewife, pictured below, looks in it. (Visit her site for her entire photo set.)

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Jenn, The Stylish Housewife, models H&M's Dalmatian top. Photo via The Stylish Housewife.

Also not flattering on me was the H&M Dalmatian dress, but it might look great on you (and at $29.95, it's worth trying on at the very least).

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Dalmatian Dress by H&M. Photos via the store's website.

So! Would you rock the spots or run screaming in the opposite direction?

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Doggone adorable!

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Good looking!

Available in men's and women's cuts, the Rosie the Retriever design is printed on soft, high-quality Alternative Apparel t-shirts. And this ain't a pajama kind of shirt! As the FluffPo proudly boasts, this is an "I'll wear it to really cool parties and all my friends will be jealous" kind of article of clothing. So what are you waiting for? Show your dog-love pride and help support a great cause, all while being the style envy of your pals. And then maybe they'll get T-shirts, too! And then you can all be stylish animal advocates!

Shirts are $19 each -- not bad considering some cotton T-shirts can cost $50. (We've seen it, folks.)

We can chew it indeed!

Via Laughing Squid

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The eternally elegant designer, still a knockout at 71, is renowned for dressing the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Renee Zellweger. She's also a devoted dog lover. How devoted? Herrera recently teased her pre-Fall 2012 collection with two bone-chic ensembles -- literally! Showcased now at her boutique on New York City's Madison Avenue, they are destined to delight Dogster readers.

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Both feature the whimsically sketched likeness of Gaspar, Herrera's beloved poodle who comes to work with her every day. The blue skirt (at left in the photo) features Gaspar's image applique'd onto the fabric -- it looks super-sharp paired with that crisp, white shirt -- while the dress (right) is fashioned of "Gaspar Print" silk.

Hey, is it payday yet?

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Bret Michaels with German Shepherd. Photograph courtesy of PetSmart.

“They all have the Bret Michaels signature touch,” Michaels said, as reported by MSNBC.

Other items in the collection include pre-tattered doggie T-shirts, Western shirts, bandannas, chewable vinyl cowboy boots, squishy toy guitars, skull-and-crossbones hair ribbons, flouncy sun dresses, and a food or water bowl emblazoned with red roses -- a reference to Poison's hit song "Every Rose Has Its Thorn."

“What I live for is to be creative in general," Michaels said.

In a career that began on the bar-band circuit more than 30 years ago, Michaels has been creative on stage as the lead singer for Poison, as the host of his own VH1 reality shows Bret Michaels: Life as I Know It and Rock of Love with Bret Michaels, as the winner of Celebrity Apprentice 3, and as an actor in such films as In God's Hands and A Letter from Death Row. He survived a brain hemorrhage in 2010. 

He sought inspiration for the Bret Michaels Pets Rock Collection by listening to some of his his favorite tunes. He tested early versions of his ideas on his own "family" of dogs, which include his two German Shepherds, Diesel and Phoenix. The line will be in stores next month, although most of the collection is already available.

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Dog wearing Western shirt from the Bret Michaels Pets Rock Collection. Photograph by Christopher Ray for Today.

Is it embarrassing when celebrities branch off into sidelines like this, or is it cool? (Martha Stewart has also designed a PetSmart collection.) It's not as if Michaels needs a few extra bucks. Turning oneself into a "brand" that can be worn in a shirt or bandanna -- by people or by dogs -- smacks of the crass. Then again, when celebrities show the world that they care about animals, maybe that can inspire fans to care about animals too. What's not to like about that? Granted, if some famous person came out with a line of accessories designed especially for rescued pets -- maybe T-shirts that said "Somebody Saved Me!" -- that would be sublime. 

In a video that introduces his collection, Michaels greets his "fellow pet lovers," then explains: 

"We've had the most unbelievable time putting this collection together. It's truly to bring out the inner rock star in your dog. That's right, I've been a pet lover since I was a child."

“Personally, as an owner of bigger animals, I love the toys that you can throw," he says.

These include spiked rubber balls and Frisbee-like disks. As for the collection's more, ahem, feminine items?

“I’m pretty sure than none of my shepherds or any of my dogs will be wearing any of the pink tutus. I don’t think Diesel, my guard dog, would want to wear that.”

You never know, dude. You just never know.

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Marc Jacobs Dog Tee

Curated by Wintour, Vogue magazine's editor-in-chief and style icon, the haute-design side of the site features presidential pet accessories for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Obama 2012 campaign. For hardcore design hounds, the hot items are a T-shirt for dogs designed by Marc Jacobs (which is embroidered with the slogan "I BARK FOR OBAMA") and a dog leash-and-collar set styled by Thakoon Panichgul in a perfectly patriotic palette of red, white, and blue.

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Bo Obama DIY T

There are also numerous nondesigner dog duds, including leashes and collars that proudly proclaim "BARACK'S BEST FRIEND," plus a Bo Obama DIY T-shirt that comes with fabric markers to color in the image of the First Dog, and also a cotton dog bandana. However, serious four-footed fashionistas will likely not settle for a cotton bandana; they would prefer to be accessorized with Panichgul's sumptuous, slightly pricier silk scarf, as worn by Her Vogueness herself in a recent video.

1. Please don't just get the guy a tie. But if you will anyway, at least try to get him new and unique neckwear with a delightful dog theme. Or, if not new, vintage and unique -- like this "pre-owned" Hermes number.

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2. As the tie exercise above proves, even predictable Dad's Day gifts look fresh if there's a dog angle involved. If your Pop wears French cuffs, consider Ted Baker's catchy Corgi cufflinks.

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3. For those rainy-day walks when Dad and his dog both need to take cover, consider an umbrella big enough to shield both of them, such as this neat golf brolly.

4. A John Bartlett T-shirt always looks good, plus buying one actually does good by supporting a great cause: The Tiny Tim Rescue Fund, named after the designer's late, great mutt (whose likeness appears on the T).

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5. Is your Dad the grillmeister of the house? Accessorize him with a stain-resistant apron. Not just any apron, but one proudly printed with a William Wegman dog doodle!

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6. Experts agree that walking is the heart-healthiest exercise, and Dogster readers agree that walking with a dog (or two) is the most fun form of fitness there is. So encourage Dad to get out and walk, and if he hasn't got a four-footed walking buddy, personally escort him to your local animal shelter to adopt one!

7. Don't let Dad's dog step out with just any old collar; make sure he's got a happening harness, like this one from Sporn, that looks great and prevents unwanted pulling.

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8. Help Dad cover up bedhead (or, as the case may be, bald head!) on those early-a.m. dog walks with Cloud Star's "Wag More, Bark Less" baseball cap.

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9. If Dad has left walking in the dust and prefers running with Spot instead, get him a pair of very cool, very cool-looking Newton shoes, and pretty soon he'll be marathon-ready.

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10. For apres-run, when it's time to give the Newtons a rest, Dad could sure use a pair of flip-flops. Consider these, by Musewear.

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11. Does your Dad do his fair share of traveling for business? Get him a pair of dapper yet casual pants that will feel as comfy on a long flight as they do on a jog with Spot.  

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12. If he's cuckoo for cocoa, get Dad an assortment of Rescue Chocolate bars; with profits from sales supporting animal rescue, this really is "The Sweetest Way to Save a Life."

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13. What Dad doesn't enjoy a cold one? Portland's Hair of the Dog Brewing Company lets you give him cold ones by the six-pack -- all with a K9 twist.

14. Is Dad more of an oenophile? Then by all means skip the brew and gift him with a membership to the Dog Lovers Wine Club.

15. Keep your Pit Bull Dad's beverages hot or cold all day with a big ol' Thermos that proclaims pit pride.

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Do you have any suggestions for the doggie daddy in your life? Please share in the comments! 

Man and dachshund by Shutterstock.com

Bartlett's irresistible T-shirts proudly showcase the image of Tiny Tim, the tripawd shelter dog he adopted and made his creative muse. Sadly, Tim passed away of cancer, but John keeps his memory alive to help other shelter pets in need, putting the dog's uniquely handsome silhouette on fab clothing designed to promote animal rescue by raising money for the Tiny Tim Fund. Ten percent of every sale is donated to the fund.

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Now, in honor of Gay Pride Month, John has unveiled a new, limited-edition "capsule collection" of his signature Ts. Titled "Gay, Proud, and Compassionate," the collection features T-shirts ($40) and tanks ($30) for guys and girls sporting the Tiny Tim logo in rainbow foil. 

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With these traffic-stopping threads, your fashion statement becomes a compassion statement! "The tops are not just a fun and colorful way to show your pride this year," John says, "they also highlight another part of our strong and powerful community that is often overlooked -- our compassion. The LGBT community cares about all members of this planet whose voices are not often heard."

One-stop shopping has never been more fun, chic, or consciousness-raising. Happy Pride!

Source: John Bartlett

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But all were thrilled to receivespecies-specific goodies: ArkNaturals Paws in the Pie pumpkin treats for the pets and Dunkin Donuts for the people.

A veritable rainbow coalition of K9s turned out for the festivities:dogs large and small, purebred and mixed, young and old. One scene-stealer who richly deserved her turn in the spotlight is Patsy the Pit Bull (below), a sweetheart, a looker,and a real good kisser who's available for adoption from the ASPCA.

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Also on hand and paw for the event were several sweet adoptable dogs from Animal Haven Shelter, including acharming Chihuahua named Eazy E (below).

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Dogs were offered sweet sweatshirts emblazoned with the logo of Morton Safe-T-Pet, the paw-friendly ice melter that sponsored this fun event. The dogs' handlers, meanwhile, got logo'dblue fleece hats.

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Piggy the terrifictripod mutt,below,was born with a warmthermal layer(he's a Border Colliemix, after all), so he showed up in his birthday suit and gamely sported a blue fleece hat for this photo (along with his dad, Darwin Animal Doctors founder Tod Emko)!

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Tonight (Friday, November 4) from 7 to 8:30, DAD volunteers are headed back to the park to bring more vet care and TLC to the intrepid OWS protesters on four legs.

Anyone needing medical assistance fora four-footed friend should look for the DAD volunteers holding up signs pointing dog and cat owners to "Free Checkups."

On hand and paw will betwo docs who are generously donating their time and services to vet the protesters' pets: Jodi Kuntz, of Manhattan's' Animal Medical Center, and Konstantine Barsky of Brooklyn's Hope Veterinary Clinic. "My tech Kimmy andI have been coming down and doing vet work for a couple weeks now," Dr. Barsky says."Very glad to be finding others interested in helping these animals of the 99%!"

In the meantime, if you'd like tomake a donation to helpDAD help the animals of Occupy Wall Street, here's a wish list of needed items any and all donations gratefully accepted:

- Dog booties

- K9 coats

- Blankets and towels

- Dog food

- Cat food

- Frontline (or any type of flea/tick treatment)

- Heartgard

- Dog-sized blankets

- Dog and cat toys

- Dog beds

- Large Tupperware containers (to keep pet food sealed and protected from rodents and insects)

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But I just noticed that Texas Governor and presidential candidate Rick Perry's Twitter avatar is a photo of himself with a dog. -->

A black dog, no less. At animal shelters, black dogs happen to be sorely underrepresented, overlookedK9 constituents.

The dog is even wearing a coat.

It's anice photo.

Also, Gov. Perry is a huge advocate of adult stem cell regeneration therapy — precisely the kind of stem cells that have so dramatically improved quality of life for my beloved dog Sheba.Just imagine if we humans could also benefit from that kind of breakthrough medical technology.

And just imagine if an American president would some day speak outinfavor ofshelter dog adoption— and actually adopt a shelter dog.

Just sayin'.

Does it matter to you if a presidential candidate is a Dogster? Bring on the comments!

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With its fetching motto Come, Stay, Shop Pause Boutique in Rhinebeck, New York, is a delightful destination

The store also carries an impressive selection of K9 gear, from food and bowls to collars and clothing, all selected with a keen eye for fun, function, and fashion.

But whether or not you're able to travel toNew York State'spicturesque Hudson Valley, you can alwaysvisit Pause'sonline shop, where you're bound to come away with something irresistible for your best friend and/or yourself.To help customers find the goods that are right for their lifestyle, items are conveniently denoted as "Rugged," "Ritzy," or "Real."

Right now, it's high time to start thinking about holiday shopping, and who on your list has been naughty or nice. With perfect timing, Pause recently unleashed its new collection of jewelry, apparently designed with Dogster shopping hounds in mind.

It's called Companion Wear and, according to its creators Colleen Dealy and Laura Betti, the collection "recognizes the underlying principles of companionship: love, loyalty, and a good dose of humor."

There's "Leader of the Pack" ($375),a glamorous sterling-silver charm bracelet (pictured above)that definitelybelongs in the "Ritzy" category. The weighty chain closes with a toggle clasp composed of a miniature dog collar and fetch stick; the charm sports a pawprint and a handprint along with the words, TOGETHER WE'RE BETTER.

If youprefer your jewelry personalized,the charmmay also be custom-engraved.

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If worn as a necklace, the "Scoundrel" is actually twodesigns in one: Sport it with the clasp at the back and thecharm dangling down, or the charm at the back and the clasp on display,depending on which trinket you prefer to feature.

Dealy and Betti offer customers the chance to give 5 percent of their purchases to one of three charitable organizations: the Good Dog Foundation, the Russell Refuge, or Perfect Pets Rescue.

The Pause team even made a cute video showcasing the "Companion Wear" collection check it out here.

Happy shopping!

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Behold the latest must-have fashion item, Dogsters:SocialPakt's dynamite dog-themed T-shirt (left)adorned withartby graphicdesigner and illustratorLiz Haywood. "Take Me HomeTonight"it says — and when it comes to shelter dogs, you can't argue with that!I confess I may have to order more than one of this T; it's a sexy item that makes anexcellent holiday gift.

The best part? Thirty percentfrom the sale ofeach shirt will be donated directly to the Humane Society of New York, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit adoption center and clinic,where the dogs are absolutely adorable and the veterinarians arethe most compassionate and competent you're likely to find anywhere.

It's a limited-edition design, so get yours while supplies last — the T-shirt is on sale now atthe steal price of $20and goes off sale on October 2. So don't delay: Order here. And while you're at it, "Like" the SocialPakt fan page on Facebook and each week you'll be entered to win a $100 donation to the charity of your choice.

What's the charity of your choice, Dogsters? Please let us know in the comments!

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This remarkable rescued pit bull inspired his human, filmmaker Jeff Theman, to make an excellent documentary feature, Guilty 'Til Proven Innocent, about breed-specific legislation, a.k.a. BSL, aka breed-discriminatory legislation. Read more about Preston and Jeff (pictured above), their movie, and their tireless campaign against anti-American BSL here and here.

Yesterday, Riverfire Films unleashed a new trailer for the doc, and it's a must-see: a beautifully filmed and edited portrait of a former fighting dog whose wonderful personality couldn't be concealed by the road map of scars covering his body. It's also a quick study in how one dog can change a person's life forever.

Watch the trailer here and listen to moving testimonials from Preston's inner circle: family members, friends, his foster Mom, the rescuer who first recognized his tremendous potential, even the ranger at his favorite park. Getting to know a dog like Preston can change a lot of minds and help reverse the "vicious pit bull" stereotype ” -- and this trailer is a great way to get to know him.

Or, you could just forget that precious Preston is a pit bull and enjoy fun footage of this good-looking dog playing, strutting his stuff, being his handsome self -- and looking especially fetching in a hooded sweatshirt. Then go check him out on Facebook: His fan page is "Preston (a.k.a. Pig)" and his film's fan page is "Guilty 'Til Proven Innocent."

After you watch this fine new trailer, I hope you'll consider adopting one of the literally thousands of pit bulls just like Preston who patiently await their forever homes at animal shelters across this country. Or visit Pit Bull Rescue Central. And if you happen to live in or near Ohio, please consider adopting a dog from Cleveland's For the Love of Pits -- that's Preston's proud alma mater.

Tell 'em Preston sent you!

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As we've seen before here, when the planet Mercury (pictured) stations retrograde - as it's doing February 23rd through March 17th - everything seems to go haywire and confusion reigns. Appointments are missed, computers crash, cell phones and other gadgets get misplaced, flights are delayed or canceled. Any process you expect to be speedy and efficient will appear to slow down to a frustrating pace, taking much more time than you anticipate.

To avoid scheduling glitches and long, frustrating waits, confirm all appointments with dog walkers, sitters, boarding and daycare facilities, veterinarians, and groomers. If you're traveling and leaving Spot behind, have a plan B in place, just in case your dog caretaker is called away on an emergency. Always arrange backup such as a friend or neighbor who knows your dog and has a set of your house keys.

But Mercury retrograde is not all gloom and doom! There's a positive side to this 24-day period too - promise! - and it has to do with looking back and revisiting areas of life with your dog that could use some improvement and organization. Now's the perfect time for assessing the past, so you're ready to implement positive changes for the future. Here are some ideas to help make life with Spot more efficient during this confusing and accident-prone period.

Take advantage of this time to organize your dogs medical and ID records. Keep them in a clearly-marked folder so they're ready whenever you need them.

When does your dog's license expire? You wouldn't want to be issued a fine for having an outdated tag on Spot's collar - what a huge, unnecessary drag. Avoid this by securing all the forms you need, and filling 'em out now.

If your dog requires vaccinations in order to be eligible for the license, don't just re-vaccinate without doing your homework; over-vaccination can be harmful to Spot's health. You can (believe it or not) ask a holistic vet to do a titer test so your dog can avoid the cancer risk that comes with excessive immunization. Locate a holistic vet near you, and schedule an appointment.

If Spot takes medications and/or supplements that need to be ordered online or via your vet, survey the supply to make sure you have everything on hand, and re-order the key items you're running low on. The same also applies to dog food and treats and oral care products - now's your chance to be sure you'll have enough for the next three weeks, give or take.

In most parts ofthe country, it's way too hot now to be thinking of winter. But there's nothing worse than waiting until chilly weather arrives, then discovering that, say, the zipper on Spot's thermal jacket is busted. Here we are in a Mercury retrograde phase, so why not take this time to clean and/or make necessary repairs to your dog's cold-weather gear (including bedding as well as clothing)? Then place the lot in a box marked with your dog's name and the word gear so it'll be ready when you need it.

Speaking of gear, make sure all leash and collar clasps are functional and secure - and consider using a climber-quality carabiner clip for extra safety and security, such as any model made by Petzl.

If you feel you haven't got enough photos of Spot, take this time to capture the K9 with your Kodak. Should Spot ever become lost, the pix you snap now will enable you to make the best possible "Lost Dog" flyer. If you have it ready, you'll never need it, right? And being prepared could some day mean the difference between never seeing your best friend again, and having him returned home to you, safe and sound.

Finally, since Mercury is the planet of communication and travel and it's out of phase for the next three weeks, simple sentences will seem difficult to comprehend. That goes double if you're a dog! Exercise patience if Spot forgets certain important routines, such as housebreaking or refraining from loud barking at night. Try to make a list of dog behaviors you're not crazy about -pulling too hard on his/her leash, for instance -then tackle each item with a positive attitude by, say, acquiring a training tool to help you.

For chronic procrastinators, a Mercury retrograde period actually offers an excellent, slow-paced opportunity to get important organizational and preparatory stuff done now, so you won't have to feel overwhelmed by it all later, when life's pace picks up to normal speed. In no time at all, the news of a Mercury retrograde period won't raise your hackles- it may even make you wish you had a tail to wag!

Got any Mercury retrograde war stories? Please share them in the comments!

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Yesterday in New York City, in a big victory for marriage equality, the first of my home town's pioneering gay couples tied the knot

But with marriage equality gaining ground, more and more of America's gay couples will be including their dogsas honored members of the wedding, whether as active participants (i.e. ring bearers) or witnesses or just guests.

Gay or straight, couples find that inviting a beloved dog to the matrimonial ceremony adds a poignant, personal touch to the occasion. It's a lovely, meaningfulthing to do. If I ever tie the knot again, I'm sure Iwon't say "I Do" without one of my K9s in attendance!

In Cathy Guisewite's comic strip "Cathy," Cathy and Irving included their two mutts, Electra and Vivian, in their wedding as ring-bearers and registered on The Big Day to benefit PetOrphans of Southern California, a Van Nuysshelter.

That's all well and good for fictitious couples. But in real life, managing mutts in the matrimonial ceremony requires patience and planning. Soit's high time for a discussion of how to prepare Spot for the big day. Making sure the dog stays on his or her best behaviorshould behigh on the list of prenuptial priorities.

The first order of business: Bone up on training basics. Whoever will be walking Spot down the aisle should practice by taking him or her to as many different public places as possible beforehand.

Have the dog sit and stay in busy, high-traffic areas that have no shortage of distractions, giving a reward when s/he complies. The goal is to teach Spot to stay calm while surrounded by people and activity.

Next, practice the down-stay routine, especially if your wedding ceremony will be on the long side, and your dog is a senior. For senior K9s wedding witnesses, lying down on the job is perfectly acceptable - in fact, it's adorable!

If you'd like your dog to wear a flower, bow tie, scarf, or some other form of collar adornment, put the ornament on for a few minutes every day, then reward with a treat - preferably something meaty. Repeat the process until the dog is totally oblivious to that strange object on his/her neck. This is especially important if the object in question is a real flower, for dogs' sense of smell is notoriously exquisite, and having something so pungently scented placed that close tothe snout can take some getting used to.

Fashion hounds who, like me, pooh-pooh pre-tied ties appreciate how dappera large dog looks wearing a traditionalwhite wing collar (pictured above) and gray or black silk bow tie. So consider buying a man's formal collar and tie from your friendly neighborhood haberdasher for your happy occasion. (In New York, A.T. Harris is the go-to place for this particular accessory.)

Tying the tie may take some practice, but the dashing effect - at once "individual and worldly," to quote the men's fashion authority Alan Flusser -is quite well worth it. Read Style and the Man, or any of Alan's other excellent books, for a reminder of why.

Training dogs is a piece of cake; training photographers, not so much. Many couples review their wedding pictures with mild disappointment when they realize that there are no good shots of Spot. This unfortunate outcome is easily avoided, however. Just remember to brief your wedding photographer on a list of desired dog shots - and askdog-loving friends tofocus their Canonson your canine. That way, you'll always have ample proof of how your four-footed attendant rose to theoccasion. Even if s/he calmly sat it out!

Do you have special memories of dogs at weddings, your own or someone else's? Please share them in the comments!