The images come from wedding photographers around the world, with authors Katie Preston Toepfer and Sam Stall providing the sweet backstories. Here are six of our favorites dogs from the photobook.

1. Banff

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Photo by DAVINA + DANIEL, from the book "Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Mutrimony," published by Quirk Books.

Banff waited patiently for his turn to kiss the bride, taking full advantage once he had it. After all, the Siberian Husky carefully carried the rings on his harness and did not allow local wildlife to distract him during the ceremony, which took place outdoors in Toronto. He earned the face time captured here!

Erika Hasler-Gentile and Mark Gentile shared their decision to cast Banff in the role of ring bearer. In the book, Erika says, "Seeing that we had no little cousins, nieces, or nephews to include in our wedding, he was the obvious choice. Although, to be fair, even if we had little cousins, nieces, or nephews, he would still have been the obvious choice."

2. Oscar

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Photo by Wendy Hickock Photography, from the book "Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Mutrimony," published by Quirk Books.

James and Jennifer Montrose regret not giving their Jack Russell Terrier ring bearer duties in their Maryland wedding. Their three-year-old nephew chickened out at the last second. Oscar instead went as a guest, sitting calmly as he watched Jennifer head to the altar. 

"He was a welcome distraction," Jennifer says in the book. "One of my husband's family members commented on how my face lit up when I saw Oscar. He helped me walk down the aisle." What a good boy.

3. Sadie

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Photo by Aves Photography, from the book "Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Mutrimony," published by Quirk Books.

For their wedding photos, Brice and Jacqui Russell decided to visit points of interest around Fort Worth on a Vespa. They did not plan for their Weimaraner, Sadie, to take part, but she found her way into many of the images.

Brice says in the book, "Jacqui's father brought the Vespa, and her along with it. We decided, spur of the moment, to try a couple of shots with the dog. We wound up taking tons of pictures. ... She hammed it up real nice." Perhaps Sadie was hoping to tag along on the honeymoon.

4. Brutus

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Photo by A&A Photography, from the book "Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Mutrimony," published by Quirk Books.

Brutus and Bulldog sibling Bella were in attendance when their humans, Ryan and Lindsay Christiansen, tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony in Colorado. This bride and groom also risked having their vows interrupted by nearby wildlife.

"Fortunately for us, during our ceremony they didn't notice the deer grazing right behind the spot where we were married," Ryan says in the book. "If they'd seen them, they would have been gone." And mess up their fancy clothes? We think not.

5. Princess

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Photo by Adagion Studio, from the book "Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Mutrimony," published by Quirk Books.

What guest dares wear white to a wedding? A little Bichon Frise named Princess, that's who. The dog of bride Danielle Mante's father and stepmother, she did not have an official role in the South Florida wedding, but she made up for the lack of spotlight by appearing in as many photos as she could, such as this one of Danielle and groom Paul.

Danielle says in the book, "She greeted everyone as they entered the house, left everyone alone during dinner, then worked the crowd after the meal." That sounds like behavior befitting a royal.

6. Toby

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Photo by Brook Mayo Photographers, from the book "Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Mutrimony," published by Quirk Books.

Travis and Jennifer Ward also did not include their dog in the Virginia Beach exchange of vows, for fear that the Chihuahua would bark the entire time. Toby made up for the slight by becoming fast friends with the wedding photographer.

"He helped corral the kids, because they wanted to be around him," Travis says in the book. "Though it was hard to get them to stop looking at him and look at the camera." Can you blame them?

Let's hear from you, readers. Were your dogs at your wedding? Please share your memories and photos in the comments. If you're still in the planning stages, we want to hear about that, too! You can even pick up a few tips in "7 Tips for a Dog-Friendly Wedding."

You also can enter to win one of 10 copies of Weddings Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Muttrimony by following the directions below!

HOW TO WIN

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. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us how your dogs took part in your wedding or why they didn't. Or, tell us your future plans! Our favorite comments win. Note: You must be a U.S. resident to win.
3. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon PST on Wednesday, May 1. We'll give the winners two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don't score the book, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes. You also can find out where to buy the book on the Quirk Books website. 

"Dolly! Spot! A package came for you," I told them, quickly opening their first-ever BarkBox.

Dolly thought bubble: "Pressies!" Spot thought bubble: "Don't get too excited. The last time we got a box, it was just a bottle of glucosamine. Hey, wait -- is that a toy?!"

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Dolly thought bubble: "MINE!"

Spot thought bubble: "I call dibs on the one that looks like a mustache!"

We then headed outside with the toy that did indeed look like a mustache.

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Spot thought bubble: "Oh, I get it. I'm supposed to put the ball in my mouth, so it looks like I have a mustache. And then you are going to take a photo and shame me once again on Dogster. Yeah, that's not going to happen."

Once back inside, we tore into the rest of the BarkBox and found two kinds of treats, plus a bottle of teeth cleaning gel. One lucky reader also will get these products as part of this week's Friday Freebie: a six-month subscription to BarkBox!

Let's recap the items in my BarkBox (yours will contain different items each month):

Moody Pet Humunga 'Stache: Sooner or later, Spot will forget and pick the toy up by the ball, correctly positioning the mustache, and I will snap a pic. Oh, and it's made from nontoxic, all-natural rubber.

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Spot thought bubble: "Still not doing it."

Jax & Bones Elton the Octopus Rope Toy: Made from vegetable-dyed, hand-tied cotton rope, it unravels over time to act as a natural dental floss for dogs.

Bocce's Bakery Elvis Treats: These all-natural, organic treats contain only oat flour, peanut butter, and nitrate-free turkey bacon. They were a hit with Spot and Dolly.

Get Naked Super Antioxidant Dental Sticks: These also earned rave reviews from the pups, and I appreciate the fresh breath that came from the all-natural blend of fruits and veggies.

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Spot thought bubble: "You got the shot, now hand over the treat."

Dolly thought bubble: "What he said."

Tropiclean Teeth Cleaning Gel: Speaking of fresh breath, I can't wait to try this gel on Spot and Dolly. It uses natural ingredients that help remove plaque and tarter, and the bottle contains recycled materials and post-consumer resin.

Did you notice a theme among the above products? They all are natural and eco-friendly, in honor of this month's Earth Day celebration. BarkBox places a high priority on only doing business with companies that keep the health of pets and the planet in mind. 

For a chance to win a six-month subscription to BarkBox, which will deliver a combination of four to six treats, toys, and hygiene products to your door each month, simply follow the instructions below.

HOW TO WIN

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. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us a little about your dog or dogs. Extra points for photos! Our favorite comment and photo wins. Note: You must be a U.S. resident to win.
3. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon PST on Wednesday, April 24. We'll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don't score the BarkBox subscription, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes. You also can buy a subscription for a little as $19 a month at BarkBox.com, which ncludes shipping. The company donates 10 percent of its profits to shelters, rescues, and animal welfare organizations!

It was probably inevitable that I would write a book about a boy and his dog -- and also that the dog would be a rescue. The house I grew up in was a menagerie. My mom was an animal-lover to the nth degree, and my older brother, Matt, and I were carried along. She had a passion for adopting animals, and we had as many as eight at a time. About half were cats and half were dogs; half were rescues and half the pick of someone’s litter (often our own).

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With Winston, a canine pal, in New York City.

The cats included an uncommonly loyal Maine Coon and a truly devious Siamese, but it’s the dogs I remember best. Growing up among so many made an indelible impression on me -- sometimes literally. Running to get the phone one afternoon, I made the fateful decision to hurdle a dog gate protecting the front of the house from the soggy depredations of our latest arrival.

I was a freshly minted teenager and thus convinced that the call was vitally important (and for me). The decision seemed sound, and the leap was more than adequate, but our house had been built in the 1800s, when life was simpler, people were shorter, and doorframes lower. I hit the crossbeam mid-skull and was knocked out cold.

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I came to on my back in the living room, with Fluffy heroically licking my face. She was a Poodle my mom had coaxed off a street during the year we spent living in a rough patch of Hartford. Her fur had been so filthy that we didn’t realize it was white until she’d had a thorough bath and clipping. Now this rescue dog was attempting to return the favor, using the only medical equipment at her disposal.

Fluffy was the exception among my mom’s rescues. Most of the others, canine or feline, came from the Little Guild of St. Francis in West Cornwall, CT. That’s probably where mom got Max, too, but I can’t be completely sure because I was in college at the time.

Max had some enormous paw prints to fill. He was replacing a black Lab mix named Little Bit. For my brother and me, “Boo Boo” had been the great dog of our childhoods. He was our Lassie, our Skip, not to mention an escape artist for the ages. His back legs had finally given out (a phrase that still guts me) shortly after I’d left for New York University. It was as if, after seeing two boys up and out, his job was done.

Max was a Brittany -- at least he seemed to be (he was suspiciously large for the breed). More to the point, he was a rescue who’d been abused. My third young-adult novel, Rotten, is dedicated to both of them -- “To Little Bit and Max, two great dogs, two good boys” -- but it was Max who made it possible for me to write the book.

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Max made it possible for me to write my book.

Rotten is about a troubled teen named JD and a rescued Rottweiler named Johnny Rotten. I had long known that every dog has its own personality, but Max opened my eyes to how years of abuse can both shake and shape those psychological foundations. One example: He responded to the first safe, loving home he’d ever known by constantly trying to escape. That first summer Max was with us, we practically had to build an airlock on the front door.

At first, his escape attempts made no sense to me, but then I realized that, after years of wanting nothing more than to get away, Max couldn’t just walk into a new place and flip a switch. He had to learn to trust us in order to feel safe. And we had to give him the time he needed, and to try to understand not just what he did, but why he did it. It took a while, but we got there. Max became a prince of a dog, and a tremendous comfort to my mom during her final battle with cancer.

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In Rottweiler Platz in Germany. Ironically, dogs are not allowed.

Maybe I could have learned those lessons earlier, from Fluffy. She’d also had a rough go of it, but I’d been too young to fully grasp the changes in her -- from tiny dog shaking in the corner to valiant face-licker -- and I was always hitting my head back then, anyway.

When the time came to write my third novel for teens, I decided it would be about a rescue dog. I knew early on that I wanted to write about one of the so-called “bully breeds,” because they are subject to the same sort of knee-jerk suspicion and distrust that teen boys often encounter. Here in NYC, I’ve seen people cross the street to avoid both.

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Showing some Rottie love with stickers and shirt for the book.

And, frankly, the idea that some dogs are inherently dangerous based only on their breed drives me a little crazy, as do breed-specific laws. It’s worth remembering that when I was a kid, German Shepherds were still widely vilified.

For this book, the Rottweiler jumped out at me (so to speak). Less overtly politicized than Pit Bulls these days, Rotties still get a bum rap. But dog-lovers know that the breed is famous for its courage, obedience, and devotion. They have huge hearts and love to work. They were bred to herd. They’re also my dream dog, for the day I no longer live in a fourth-floor walkup.

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Rottweilers are still my dream dog. Many Rotties by Shutterstock

I did a lot of research on Rotties -- I met some amazing dogs, quizzed their owners, and even visited their home turf in Germany -- but I also thought a lot about Max and Fluffy and the rest of the menagerie. I thought about how much they changed and grew, based on nothing more than their own personalities and some decent treatment.

Seeing those things with my own eyes and then hearing about supposedly irredeemable dogs was a disconnect I needed to explore. A young adult novel seemed like the perfect venue. Teens have an acute sense of right and wrong. It’s a dramatic and not always fair age -- and, of course, they love an underdog.

How to win a signed copy of Rotten

Would you like the chance to win Michael's book? 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. Using your Disqus account, comment below using your Disqus account and tell us how a dog changed your life when you were a teen. Our favorite three comments win! Note: You must be a resident of the U.S. or Canada to win. 
3. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon PST on Monday, April 22. We'll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment. 

Michael Northrop's Rotten is published by Scholastic and available at your local independent bookstore or online from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Michael tweets doggedly at @mdnorthrop.

Turns out, I can combine the durability of stainless steel with stylish design thanks to elevated feeders such as the one up for grabs as this week's Friday Freebie. The ModernMews Feeder from Zoe Pet Supply gets its inspiration from the iconic Eames side table, introduced in the 1950s but still popular today.

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Love the red!

ModernMews, a mom-and-pop shop in Seattle, makes the feeders by hand using Baltic birch plywood, high-pressure laminate, and welded steel. They hold two 1-pint stainless-steel bowls at a height better for your pet's comfort and health. The bowls come out to go through the dishwasher, and the laminate surface cleans easily with a damp cloth.

Zoe Pet Supply will send a ModernMews Feeder to one lucky Dogster reader. To enter, we want to see the sad state of your current dog bowls. Are they a little rough around the edges with chew marks? Chipped or cracked? Or are they simply boring like mine? Post a photo in the comments and follow the instructions below, per usual.

Also, don't forget to tell us which laminate (light blue, dark grey, apple green, deep orange, sunflower yellow, white, red or black) and base color (black or silver) you want!

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win a ModernMews Feeder from Zoe Pet Supply? If so, please do the following:

1. Like Zoe Pet Supply on Facebook.
2. 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.
3. Comment below using your Disqus account and include a photo of your current dog bowls. Our favorite comment and photo wins! Note: You must be a U.S. resident to win. 
4. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon PST on Wednesday, April 10. We'll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don't score the feeder, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! You also can purchase it through Zoe Pet Supply for $68.

The Colorado artist makes fun and colorful portraits of pets under the name of Beccavision. Her work, which Liz Acosta wrote about last year, uses unconventional techniques, shapes, and hues to create a funky, full-of-life rendering. She works from a photo and uses art marker -- think fancy markers for artists, not kids -- as her medium.

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Bettie Boo, by Rebecca Fischer

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Rory, by Rebecca Fischer

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Jess, by Rebecca Fischer

Fischer has generously offered to create a custom portrait for one very lucky Dogster reader. The piece, measuring 16 by 20 inches at a value of $275, will arrive matted and ready to frame. If you simply must see your beloved pup in a bigger portrait, she will put the value toward a larger 24-by-36-inch piece, which regularly costs $325. Fischer also will include a print of the original. 

To enter, show us the photo you would like to see in Beccavision and tell us a little about your dog. Also, per usual, please follow the instructions below -- to the letter. Over the past few weeks, we've had more than a few readers not include a valid email on their Disqus account or simply not respond to our email after they've won. Check your spam folders!

Also, if you would like to win a custom Beccavision portrait of a feline family member, enter over on Catster.

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win a Beccavision custom pet portrait? 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. Comment below using your Disqus account, post the photo you want used to create the portrait, and tell us a little about your pup. Our favorite comment wins! Note: You must be a U.S. resident to win. 
3. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon PST on Wednesday, April 3. We'll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don't score the Beccavision, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! You also can commission a portrait through the Beccavision website.

The dog collars feature a design that keeps pressure off the buckle, spreading it evenly across the strongest part of the collar -- the webbing -- to ensure the buckle stays securely fastened at all times. Peach and her habit of pulling on the leash inspired this design choice.

Check her out in the boutique's Ruffled Dog Collar.

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Peach strikes a pose in the Ruffled Collar by Pooch and Puddy.

Pye favors bright colors and fun fabrics for her creations, with several perfect for spring and summer. My favorites include:

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A sweet collar for a sweet pup.

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Love love love!

I'm also digging Pye's bow-tie accessories for collars. My Boston Terrier, Spot, would look adorable in this number.

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Who says skulls can't wear a smiley face? Not Pye.

Pye has generously offered up one of her collars to a lucky Dogster reader as this week's Friday Freebie. To enter, post a photo of your pup in his or her current neckwear and share why you simply must have one of Pooch and Puddy's stylish and safe designs. Is the existing collar worn and stinky? Or does your dog love to pull like Peach? Also follow the instructions below. If you want to win one of Pye's equally stylish and safe collars for cats, enter over on Catster. 

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win a Pooch and Puddy collar? 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. Comment below using your Disqus account and post a photo of your pup in his or her current collar, share why you simply must have a new one from Pooch and Puddy, and tell us which one you want; see the full collection. Our favorite comment wins! Note: You must be a U.S. or Canadian resident to win. 
3. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon PST on Wednesday, March 27. We'll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don't score the Pooch and Puddy collar, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! You also can purchase a collar through the Pooch and Puddy boutique on Etsy. The regular collars cost just $18, with the bow-tie accessories running $12. 

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The lightweight bed keeps dogs up to 50 pounds comfy, whether at home or when traveling. It assembles easily (no tools required) and folds into a compact size that fits into an included carrying bag -- and it all weighs less than eight pounds. The thick padded liner and bed itself resist water, and you can remove the cover to throw it in the washing machine. The bed retails for $229.99.

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The jogger fits pets up to 45 pounds who either can't keep up on walks or simply feel like letting you do all of the work. It also has a comfy padded liner, which removes easily for machine-washing. A mesh cover gives your dog a little privacy while allowing for ventilation and visibility.

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Other features include an 18-inch interior safety leash, a large storage basket, and a pet-parent storage tray with two cup holders. It assembles without tools as well, folds with one hand for storage, and weighs less than 10 pounds. It retails for $249.99.

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HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win the LazyBonezz Travel Bed or the LazyBonezz Jogger? If so, please do the following:

1. Like the LazyBonezz Facebook page. 
2. 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.
3. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us a little about your dog or dogs, as well as which item you want to win and why. Photos are a plus! Our favorite comments win.
4. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, Feb. 20. We'll give the winners two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comments.

If you don't score a either item, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! You also can purchase one from the LazyBonezz website.

The RuffBowl simply snaps onto a large Flexi Leash, allowing you to never be without a bowl for rehydrating your pups. Check it out.

I appreciate the way the two items work together, leaving you one less thing to carry. The RuffBowl comes in red, blue, and green, and it also features a clip for holding a poop bag until you hit the nearest trashcan.

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We have three RuffBowls to give away. Please note: The bowl fits the large Flexi Leash only, and the leash is not included in this giveaway.

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win a Ruffbowl? 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. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us a little about your dog or dogs. Photos are a plus! Our favorite comments win.
3. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, Feb. 13. We'll give the winners two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comments.

If you don't score a RuffBowl, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! You also can purchase one from the RuffBowl website.

Dickstein noticed that whenever the family dogs were present in the practice room, they quickly fell asleep during her warm-ups. Watch the classical musician and her pups in action -- or inaction, as the case may be.

This repeated reaction inspired Dickstein to create Chill Dog, a collection of improvisational pieces performed by Dickstein and recorded by Grammy-winning producer audio producer and engineer Frederick Vogler. Both believe that the songs, along with their electronic enhancement, work to calm dogs and ease separation anxiety over time; a recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior shows that such soundtracks work.

Through her music company, Pupsnap, Dickstein has generously offered to give five Dogster readers their own copy of Chill Dog!

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HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win one of five Chill Dog CDs from PupSnap? 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. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us about your dog and why he or she needs a copy of Chill Dog. Our favorite comments win.
3. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, Feb. 6. We'll give the winners two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comments.

If you don't score the CD, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! You can also purchase the CD from Pupsnap.

1. The Pet Haven is an indoor den

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A dog can relax, nap, or even sleep overnight inside, if the human bed is off-limits. It's the pefect home inside the home!

2. And it's so comfortable

The Pet Haven comes with a comfy memory-foam pillow and soft terry pillowcase. Older, arthritic dogs will especially appreciate these features.

3. The top flips up to reveal attic space

Toys, leashes, and clothing can go inside.

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4. It has ventilation holes

The side holes also allow you to easily move the doghouse around your home.

5. Dexter gave it his sniff of approval!

Fellow Dogster writer Carol Bryant reviewed the Pet Haven with her dog, Dexter. He particularly liked the comfy pillow.

6. It fits into any décor

The exterior features high-quality faux-leather in dark brown with a contrasting tan stitch. I plan to order one for my living room, as it would complement the browns, reds, and yellows nicely.

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7. It cleans up easily

The faux-leather wipes clean with a damp cloth, and the terry pillowcase can go in the washing machine.

8. It assembles (and disassembles) in no time

No tools or fasteners are needed to build this doghouse, simply folding skills as shown in this video. It comes apart just as easily.

9. It has a carrying case

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Traveling can stress out certain dogs, but the portability of this doghouse allows you to bring his den on the road.

10. Ooboo designer Scott Greer has generously supplied an extra-small Pet Haven as this week’s Friday Freebie!

One lucky dog (who measures 17 inches nose to butt) will get his or her own Pet Haven for free!

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win the Pet Haven from Ooboo? 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. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us about your dog and why you think he or she deserves the Pet Haven doghouse. Be creative! Our favorite comment wins.
3. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, January 30. We'll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don't score the Pet Haven, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! You can also purchase the doghouse from Ooboo; it comes in small and medium sizes, as well.

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Jedi by Kari Egan.

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Janie's Conundrum by Kari Egan.

Egan has graciously agreed to provide a personalized print to one very lucky Dogster reader as this week’s Friday Freebie. You have the chance to choose from more than 300 breed illustrations, as well as direct the colors and wording -- name and/or phrase -- used.

The 8-by-10-inch print will feature museum-quality archival inks on heavy acid-free matte art paper, with Egan’s signature in the lower-right corner. We're talking a serious work of art here, people!

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win a personalized print from Pop Doggie? 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. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us how you would personalize the print. Be creative! Our favorite comment wins.
3. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, January 23. We'll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don't score this personalized Pop Doggie print, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! You can also purchase Kari Egan's work through her Pop Doggie Etsy shop.  

Enter Paw and Print, an Etsy store that personalizes one-of-a-kind items. Owner and "bona fide crafter" Sarah Voss starts with a unique base, such as a wood slice or travertine tile. Per your instruction, she then leaves your image as is or alters it using a sepia, black-and-white, or vintage filter before she applies it to the piece. Her magnets, keychains, and coasters have a rustic look and feel, and they make excellent gifts, whether for yourself or a fellow pet parent.

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Paw and Print transfers an image of your dog to a wood slice for its customized magnets.

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You can choose two images of the same dog for a keychain or put a different dog on each side.

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Paw and Print coasters feature a non-tacky, stain-proof, and water-resistant finish on the front, as well as a cork backing to prevent scrapes on furniture. You can choose different photos for coasters, too.

Voss prices her custom items at $11 for a magnet, $13 for a keychain, and $37 for a set of four coasters, but she has generously offered to give three Dogster readers their choice of one item for free!

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win a customized product from Paw and Print? 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. Like Paw and Print's Facebook page, then comment below using your Disqus account, telling us which item you want and why. Be creative! Our favorite three comments win.
3. Check your email for a “You've Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, January 16. We'll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don't score one of the Paw and Print products, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! The items also are available for purchase at Paw and Print's Etsy shop, and you can score 20 percent off by using the code "20january" at checkout!

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The new KlipScoop from Popware for Pets combines a dry food scoop, measuring cup, and bag clip into one handy tool.

Not only does it make the lives of pet parents easier, it also reinforces the feeding of proper portions. More than 53 percent of adult dogs and 55 percent of cats are classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarians, according to the most recent statistics from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

Among the many health risks associated with pet obesity are joint problems, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems, and shortened life expectancy. This cool three-in-one tool will help you practice proper portion control.

The KlipScoop contains no harmful bisphenol A (more commonly known as BPA) and goes in the dishwasher. It comes in sizes 1/2 cup, 1 cup, and 2 cups, as well as three colors: lime green, purple, and pink. It costs $6.99 for the 1/2 cup, $7.99 for the 1 cup, and $9.99 for the 2 cup -- but three lucky Dogster readers will get a KlipScoop for free!

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HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win a KlipScoop from Popware for Pets? 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. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us why you want the KlipScoop, as well as your desired size and color. Be creative! Our favorite comments win.
3. Check your email for a “You’ve Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, January 9. We’ll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don’t score one of the KlipScoops, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! The KlipScoop also is available for purchase online and in select stores along with Popware for Pets' many other products, all of which combine cool design with convenience. I don't head to the dog park without my Collapsible Travel Cup.

Lessing launched Lilly & Abbie, an offshoot of her design firm for humans and named for her black Labrador Retrievers, to provide discerning pet parents with the ability to custom-order dog beds, carriers, collars, leashes, and other items. She sent my dog, Dolly, the Madison collar and leash to take for a test walk. 

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The Lilly & Abbie leash and collar get high marks for style, sturdiness, and comfort. Not once did Dolly scratch at her neck, which she will do if a collar bothers her in any way.

Lilly & Abbie collars adjust via a side-release contoured buckle and are machine washable. They come in sizes small through extra-large and in three widths: 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and one inch; dogs with short, thick necks appreciate the width customization. Heavy nylon webbing behind the chosen fabric, as well as sturdy nickel-plated hardware, add to the upscale design of the company’s collars and leashes. Leashes come in two lengths: four and six feet.

As mentioned, Lessing offers more than 200 stylish fabrics to choose from when ordering her products. The only downside to winning this particular Friday Freebie will be deciding which one to use! 

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These are just a few of the fabrics available for Lilly & Abbie dog beds, carriers, collars, leashes, and other items.

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win a custom collar and leash from Lilly & Abbie? 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. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us why you want the set. Be creative! Our favorite comments win.
3. Check your email for a “You’ve Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, January 2. We’ll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don’t score one of the items, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact!

Needless to say, I was more than happy to test one item in particular from this week's Friday Freebie giveaways provided by As Seen On TV: the Pet Rider seat cover.

Check it out:

The waterproof, claw-proof cover was easy to install. I pulled the buckles through to secure my dogs, Spot and Dolly, in their seatbelt harnesses for a trip to the park. We drove there in style!

In addition to giving one lucky Dogster reader the Pet Rider seat cover, As Seen On TV also has a Pet Cave and a Comfy Control Harness up for grabs.

Check out the Pet Cave:

Full disclosure: Spot and Dolly didn't go near the Pet Cave the week I had it out, but they also don't sleep in the super-fancy pet bed I bought for them. Oh, well. My queen-size pillowtop suits them just fine, apparently.

I did find a customer review on the As Seen On TV website, though:

"My dog absolutely loves this bed," writes All About Belle. "She spends more time in it than any of the other beds she has or has had. I believe it's because of the clever pocket design where she feels burrowed in. I highly recommend it to owners of smaller dogs."

The Pet Cave measures 25 inches in diameter and has a domed top, sherpa lining, and machine-washable polyester cover.

Finally, check out the Comfy Control Harness:

Spot gave the mesh harness a test walk. It fit snuggly and performed as advertised -- and wasn't uncomfortable at all, from what I could tell. It comes with a 5-foot attachable leash and is offerred in size small (15.5 to 19 inches at the chest) and medium (19.5 to 22 inches at the chest).

I originally planned to give these three items away as a prize pack, but the Pet Cave and Comfy Control Harness really only suit smallish dogs. The Pet Rider, on the other hand, fits bench and bucket seats, no matter the dog riding on them, and also works in the far back of an SUV. Keep sizes in mind when following the instructions below.

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win an As Seen On TV's Pet Rider, Pet Cave, or Comfy Control Harness? 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. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us which item you want and why. We'll give away one of each to different winners. Be creative! Our favorite comments win.
3. Check your email for a “You’ve Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, Dec. 26. We’ll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don’t score one of the items, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact!

We had so many deserving dogs enter, but Angus had the right combination of adorable mug, compelling story, and good photo. We wish we could have had more winners, but we have only one Nigel and lots of work to do.

Here’s a photo of Angus sent by one of his humans, Megan Spoonamore:

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Here’s Angus’ story again, sent my Megan: “We drove four hours away to adopt Angus (then named Namath) last December. He was severely underweight and had the worst pressure wounds our vet had ever seen. We diligently dressed his wounds several times a day, and we gradually got that down to once per day. It was clear to see the pain in his eyes, but he always seemed grateful for our attention. It took well over six months to close up all the wounds, and he's putting on weight each meal. :) Angus has taught my daughters how to love and care for something. This level of compassion could not have been taught by just anyone. Angus came into our lives just at the moment when we needed. We are reminded by his expressive eyes just how much he needed us, but we remind him every day just how much we needed him in our hearts. Angus deserves to be immortalized, and although my daughter is quite the artist, I’m afraid her preschool portraits lack that certain something felt by Nigel's work. :)”

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As stated above, we had so many deserving dogs whose photos and stories we received. It really was a difficult decision, and everyone who sent us images and tales should be proud of their canines.

So, with that, here’s the portrait Nigel created for Angus:

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Nice work, Nigel! And great pose, Angus!

A framed print of this digital piece is on its way to Dogster HQ for Nigel to sign, after which we'll be shipping it to Megan. We wonder whether Angus will recognize himself dressed as a classic gentleman?

The pet products company just came out with a line for Target, and among the collars, harnesses, and storage items are the toy box and hanging organizer we tested. I started with the toy box, placing all of the pups' balls and stuffed animals inside. Because Spot and Dolly also are pretty pushy pups, I placed a deterrent on top to ensure they didn’t attempt to undo my tidying up.

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Spot Thought Bubble: Why are you so mean? Dolly Thought Bubble: Get off that box right now, Miss Puffy.

The hanging organizer proved equally useful. It features various pockets -- some labeled, others not -- plus hooks for collars and leashes, as well as frames at the top for pictures. I hung it over a closet door in my home’s entryway and found a place for just about every one of Spot and Dolly’s other belongings. It would work well on a pantry or laundry room door, too, or it comes with a tie if you want to hang it somewhere else other than over a door. 

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A place for everything, and everything in its place, thanks to the Lazybonezz organizer.

Both items come in brown or black, wipe clean with a damp cloth, and are available as part of the new LazyBonezz line at Target. You can win one for free, though! 

HOW TO WIN

Would you like the chance to win a LazyBonezz toy box or organizer? 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. Comment below using your Disqus account, telling us which item you want and why. We'll give away one of each to different winners. Be creative! Our favorite comments win.
3. Check your email for a “You’ve Won!” message from us after noon, PST, on Wednesday, Dec. 19. We’ll give the winner two days to respond before moving on to our next favorite comment.

If you don’t score one of the items, not to worry: You still have plenty of opportunities to win other great prizes -- every Friday, in fact! 

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Amy in marketing shows us a sample Boston Terrier tat.

We had a bit of an impromptu tattooing party here at the office the second I whipped them out, with the awesome gals from our parent company's marketing and social media teams wanting in on the action.

Fake dog tats for everyone! Including you, perhaps, since we're giving some away in the breed of your choice -- read on to find out how to win. 

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Our community manager, Lori, shows off her fresh ink.

Steadfast Friends' tattoo selection includes 80 breeds thus far and a pack of 5 retails for $10 (10 percent of which goes to dog charities). They hope to continue to add to the collection, so don't feel too bad if they skipped out on your favorite. They also have a smaller selection of breeds (23) you can have put on a silicone iPhone 4 or 4S case if you'd like something a little more permanent than a fleeting piece of ink. 

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Liz, our assistant editor, shows off her new greyhound friend.

CONTEST TIME!

The nice folks at Steadfast Friends would like to give one Dogster reader the chance to win a set of tattoos in the breed of their choice and an iPhone case as well. To win, use your Disqus account to leave a comment below, telling us which of the 80 breeds on this page you'd like tattooed on you temporarily. 

We'll pick a random winner on Wednesday, Dec. 19, and contact that person via email to find out where to send the loot. If you win, you'll have two days to respond before we pick another winner. (Sorry, that's just how it goes!) The contest is open to U.S. residents only. 

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Anna, Say's social media manager, models an Iggy.

Creating a Disqus profile and avatar just takes a minute and is a great way to participate in Dogster's community of people who are passionate about dogs. Please note that if your Disqus account doesn't contain a valid email address, you can't win because we can't contact you. That's not fun for any of us! So, pretty please, check your account.

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Allyssa from marketing shows off a Frenchie.

Steadfast Friends has also given us a 20 percent off coupon: just enter the code Dogster20% at checkout. It's good through Dec. 25.

If you had your heart set on the Big Bone dog pillow or a set of pillows for your own couch made from sturdy dog bed fabric, use our exclusive coupon code DOGSTERPILLOWPLAY to get 25 percent off on petplay.com.

And now, on to this week's giveaway...

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Week 4 Giveaway: Don't Sleep on This One! (Or, do.)

This week, P.L.A.Y. is giving away one of their lovely dog beds! They have a great selection, with prices ranging from $85 to $188 and our winner will get to pick their favorite design and size.

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Why You Want to Win:

+ Each bed is built for tough love from dogs, and comes with a removable cover for easy washing.
+ Like the brand's other products, these beds are filled with PlanetFill stuffing, which is spun from recycled plastic bottles.
+ P.L.A.Y. believes a pet bed "shouldn't just be a lump of cushioning with a pretty covering." Each bed takes pet ergonomics into consideration.
+ All beds are tested by a team of fickle four-leggers.

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How to Win:

To enter, first "LIKE" P.L.A.Y. on Facebook. Then come back to this page and leave a comment below using your Disqus account, telling us you did so and which bed your dog has her heart set on (you can see the full selection at the P.L.A.Y. website).

We'll pick our winner on Sunday, December 16, at noon PST and contact them via e-mail. You'll have two days to respond or we'll pick another random winner. (Sorry, that's just how it goes!) The contest is open to U.S. residents only.

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Creating a Disqus profile and avatar just takes a minute and is a great way to participate in Dogster's community of people who are passionate about dogs. Please note that if your Disqus account doesn't contain a valid email address, you can't win because we can't contact you. That's seriously lame! So, pretty please, check your account.

Best of luck, and happy holidays!

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But more than a week after the Neiman Marcus items hit the web (after months of having been teased via social media), most of the much-coveted pieces crafted by 24 top designers are still in stock.

So maybe Target didn't get the level of hype it wanted for this collection. Tough. But the good news for dog people is that the adorable dog bowl and leash-plus-collar set designed by Oscar De la Renta (pictured above) are still available in stores and online. 

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When the collection hit the web last Friday night, I was sitting in bed, credit card in hand, prepared to do battle with failing servers and scores of online shoppers to get the pet goods just so I could do this little giveaway for you. I was amazed at how easy checkout was, and I was really impressed when the items arrived like clockwork on Tuesday.

The porcelain pet bowl ($30) is pretty good quality for a Target item -- heavy enough that your pup won't knock it over, and nicely embossed with floral lace and a medallion at the bottom. The pink collar and leash set ($40) are made of a beautiful supple leather, and the lace details on the collar are rather intricate. Really nice, overall. I picked up the bowl, and the collar set in medium (it will fit a dog neck from 6 to 12 inches in circumferance) for my giveaway. If you'd like to get your paws on either of these items, read on below:

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How to Win

To enter, leave a comment below using your Disqus account telling us which item you'd like to win and why. I'll pick a random winner on Friday, Dec. 14, and notify that persom via e-mail. Per our house rules, you'll have two days to respond or I'll pick another winner.

Creating a Disqus profile and avatar just takes a minute and is a great way to participate in Dogster's community of passionate pet people. Please note that if your Disqus account doesn't contain a valid email address, you can't win because we will be unable to contact you. So pretty please, check your account. 

Best of luck!