Antler chews

A lot of deer must be roaming the landscape missing their "crown." This is the thought I had when first seeing antler chews for dogs. Then I met Cindy from Scout and Zoe’s and learned that natural shedding is a common source of this clever product to satisfy dogs who love to chew. Scout and Zoe’s antlers are organic, shed by elk. They do not stain carpeting, they last for what seems like forever, and my dog, Dexter, has an affection for them. Antlers offer less risk of splintering and breakage than regular bones, so bonus points (no pun intended) for this product. Always supervise your pooch when he is eating any sort of treat, though.

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Scout and Zoe know a good chew means a happy dog.

Udder toys

The Udder Tug dog toy is made in the United States from the recycled rubber liners used in machines to milk cows. Contact with all those cows leaves an irresistible smell that dogs seem to enjoy. According to the maker's website, the scent is "Eau de Bovine." Durability note: If used as an interactive toy (one you and your dog play with together), the tug will last many months. But like any other toy, if you let your dog use it as a chew, it will be destroyed much more quickly –- he’ll have a blast doing it, though. We’ve had our Udder Tug since before Christmas; with supervised play, it is holding up just fine.

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It's udderly fun, moo-tastic, and all those other bovine puns

Self-contained portable water bowl

Across the Atlantic, I discovered a water bowl with an unusual look. The Thirsty Milo is a 1.5-liter travel/portable water bowl. I like to carry my dog’s water with me on walks and at the park, but it is difficult to carry a bottle and bowl and try to balance it all while walking my pooch. In our travels, folks have stopped me to ask where I got what looks like a funky purse. The Thirsty Milo is made of UV-resistant dye, and the company claims it will not discolor. It is impact resistant thanks to a body made of high-density polyethylene, it is dishwasher safe, and it contains recyclable plastic.

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Allergy test kit

Does your dog have itchy skin or perhaps an irritable bowel or digestive symptoms you suspect are caused by food? Cocker Spaniels share my life, so allergies and itchy skin are the norm. This product helps find a solution to scratch that itch and make it go away for good! If I hadn’t attended a webinar by world-renowned veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds, I might not have learned about Nutriscan, a dog food sensitivity kit.

What is unusual about this product is that you test for allergies based on the dog’s saliva. NutriScan tests for the 20 most commonly ingested foods by dogs to provide you with specific results. Most notably, you get the results in approximately two weeks, allowing you to quickly get your dog on the right diet. Dog food allergies and sensitivities are no fun, and finally someone in the know has a test to help. Unusual in method, yes. Totally normal and amazing in results? Indeed!

Doggie fork

Who among us hasn’t let their dog lick a spoon? I know there are dog moms and dads who feed their dogs with a utensil, and inventor Val Arnold targets that audience with her doggie fork aka My Best Friend’s Fork. Arnold’s Rottweiler was taking a pill in a bite of food that Val had on a fork; with one swipe, her dog engulfed the fork, which lodged inside him and required urgent vet care. It has a loop on the end to prevent it from being pulled out of your hand, and it comes bejeweled with a Swarovski crystal and in a gift box.

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Safety first with the doggie fork

"Poop pack" vest

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It looks like an ordinary vest, but get closer and the secret is revealed: Doodie Pack allows dogs to carry their own waste. As founder Kristin Elliott tells it, "Doodie Pack was an idea that sat in my head for several months, but as I kept noticing others in same dog walking situation, carrying the 'nasty poop bag,' I felt more and more passionate that a solution needed to be found."

Pet parents tell her that the pack is their "duty" or utility pack, where they can stow keys, cell phone, wallet, bottled water, and treats, sort of like a "doggie –diaper bag."

Dog beer

If your dog really needs to kick back and unwind after a hard day of playing, how about a Brew Buddies malted dog treat, made with real malted barley? It’s true: Beer has gone to the dogs. Brew Buddies also contains brewer's rice and brewer's yeast, and the company says, "Whether it is watching the game, or enjoying that quiet moment together at the end of the day, Brew Buddies makes those moments together even better.” I just hope Dexter doesn’t invite his buddies over to wager when football season starts. Bottoms up!

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Bottoms up with these dog treats

Dog DNA portrait

Have a plethora of pup pics scattered in your abode? Do you have any of the "inside" of your dog on display? (Abdominal ultrasounds don’t count). Dog DNA goes “Paw-casso” with this item for the dog lover who has everything. In similar fashion to identifying a dog’s lineage and breed, dog moms and dads swab the inside of their dog’s mouth and send in the cells. What returns is a unique portrait of double-helix magnitude to proudly display.

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Bet you don't have a portrait like this one

Dog's-eye-view camera

Ever wonder what your dog is doing when you aren’t home or how he sees the world? Dexter has this product, and I can honestly attest, New York City looks completely different from a Cocker Spaniel’s vantage point. EYEnimal is a 1.2-oz. camera that requires no special software uploads or downloads and comes with a USB charger. It clips onto a dog’s collar easily, and after recording in half-hour segments for as long as 2.5 hours, you slide it off and attach it via the USB to a computer. It's Windows and Mac OS compatible. I now know what ground level really looks like. (Note: It ain’t always pretty).

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Wanna know what your dog sees? Dex tested it.

So there you have it, nine of the most off-the-beaten-track products I’ve encountered in my dog travels. What are some of the unusual products for dogs you have bought or seen? Bark at me in the comments below.

Here's some fun stuff I thought you'd like:

1. Petmate Zip & Go Pet Bed 

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Petmate's Zip & Go Pet Bed gives your buddy a soft, familiar place to crash while on the road. Photo: Petmate

No more lugging around heavy, unwieldy pet beds when you're away from home. Petmate's new Zip & Go Pet Bed is a super soft, super comfy and durable bed that zips up when not in use. Handle straps make it easy to carry, and guess what? You can even throw your dog's toys and other gear right inside to keep it all contained! Side pockets offer additional storage, so now bringing all your pet's stuff with you is a cinch. 

$39.99-$59.99 at pet stores nationwide this spring.

2. Longshots Launch Toys

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Fun for your dog and for you! Soft, aerodynamic Longshots toys shoot up to 70 feet! Photo: Longshots

Talk about the ultimate game of fetch! Longshots is a launcher/toy combo that launches up to 70 feet. Made of water-resistant ballistic nylon, the Ballistic Duck (pictured here) is super durable and fun. First-time buyers can buy the launcher/toy combo and purchase additional toys separately. 

$9.99 online and at pet retailers in late spring. 

3. Samsung PetCam

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Is your dog hosting wild parties while you're not at home? Find out with the PetCam. Photo: Samsung

When you're gone, is your dog sleeping, eating, watching TV, or stealing snacks from the litter box? Now you can know for sure. Samsung's new PetCam is a wi-fi video monitor that's super easy to set up anywhere in your home. You can access the video via your smartphone, tablet, or online. And there's two-way audio so you can even love on your dog from afar. Plus, the device is capable of real-time streaming and recording high-def video, even in the dark.

$149 nationwide in May.

4. The Ruff Leash by Zee Dog 

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With the Ruff Leash, you can stop your dog from pulling and look ubercool at the same time. Photo: Zee Dog

This super-hip-looking leash is also extremely functional. The Ruff Leash is a great solution to dogs who pull. It uses a unique polyurethane spring that's flexible, resistant, and shock absorbing. And, because the spring is closest to the dog, it's designed to quickly absorb shock. A cushy neoprene handle provides a comfy grip.

$30 at Zee Dog.

5. Lickety Stik Gel Treats 

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The Lickety Stik Gel gives your pup a low-cal, vitamin charged lickety treat! Slurp! Photo: Petsafe

Dogs love Petsafe's Lickety Stiks lickable treats. Now there's a new texture and manner of delivery, through an easy-dispense bottle with a dial to help measure the amount of tasty gel released at a time. Offered in five flavors, the gel has added health benefits, targeting immunity, bone and joint, skin and coat, digestive, and stress and anxiety.

$7.99, available in spring online and at pet retailers nationwide. 

6. Zututh Breeze Toothbrush 

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Brush up, baby! The Zututh electric toothbrush makes effective brushing fast and easy. Photo: Zututh

Dog toothbrushes aren't new. But an electric dog toothbrush made with a unique angle to literally surround each tooth is. The Z-shaped head and ergonomic handle cover more surface of your dog's mouth, reducing brushing time (awesome!) and maintaining effectiveness. Available in small, medium, and large sizes. 

$9.99 at Zututh. 

7. Petlinks Scents of Security 

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Now you can be "with" your anxious dog all the time. Give him a toy...that smells like you! Photo: Petlinks

I loved these new toys by Petlinks, designed to help calm and comfort dogs by providing them with a toy that smells like their owners. The Scents of Security group of toys each contain a pocket into which the dog owner can insert an article of his or her clothing. 

$7.99 and up, available at retailers nationwide. 

8. Auto Grass by Kurgo 

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Kurgo Auto Grass will keep you and your dog safe by eliminating a driver's doggie distractions. Photo: Kurgo

Finally, a solution to distracting paws or curious dog nose coming at you while you're driving! The Kurgo Auto Grass is a plastic mat that fits in the front seat center console. Pets opt out of putting their paws into the funny-looking (and funny-feeling) plastic grass so they stay in the back. A bonus: The grass easily holds your cellphone. 

$30 nationwide or at the Kurgo website.

9. Tracerz by Innovet Pet Products 

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Help your blind dog feel more confident as he learns his way around a new environment. Photo: Tracerz

Although dogs are extremely adaptable, sometimes a little help is good. Tracerz are scent markers that help blind dogs (and cats) figure out their environment. The calming blend of essential oils help distinguish the markers from other household products. Tracerz can be affixed to most anything in your home to help your pet adjust to blindness quicker and with less anxiety. (We wrote about them in Scented Products Help Blind Dogs "See" with Their Snouts.)

$19.99 at Innovet Pet.

10. Modapet Bowls 

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Pretty and practical! Gotta love that! Modapet bowls have new colors and design updates. Photo: Modapet

For Modapet fans, here's good news: new colors and designs! For those who aren't familiar with these stylish and funky bowls, listen up. Modapet bowls are BPA-free, made of food-grade polymer, and are microwave and dishwasher safe. Plus, their durable non-slip bases keep the bowls in place. And, well, a little color never hurt anyone! The Mango Tango (pictured) features a cool new hue, larger non-slip base, and a more curved rim to further prevent spilling. 

$14.95-$24.95 online. 

What do you think, guys? Any of these products sound like must-haves for your household? Share in the comments below! 

I'm not being cute -- I have issues putting foods with certain textures in my mouth, and the only way you'll get me to eat a carrot is in soup. My partner has joked about taking me to a hypnotist enough times that I'm starting to feel like he's dead serious. I often tell him to can it, but I know he's just trying to keep me from keeling over dead.

Anyway: dog toys! When our friends at P.L.A.Y. SF asked if we'd like to give away a set of their Garden Fresh plush toys for Valentine's Day, the first thing that came to mind was "Urg, produce, my favorite." But you know what? These might be the cutest fruits and vegetables I've ever seen. (Mostly because they're not real, but that's just me.)

My dog, Mr. Moxie, is a vegetable fan. But he didn't understand what I was up to when I arranged this cornucopia of plush toys next to him for this shot:

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Sometimes I can't stand how cute my dog is!

When I take a new toy out, Moxie goes absolutely bananas for it. But five toys at once is apparently a sensory overload for a small dog like him, as evidenced by the video clip below:

P.L.A.Y.'s produce toy pack ($40) includes a plump, teacher-worthy apple alongside a pumpkin, zucchini, carrot, and pea pod. Each toy is beautifully crafted -- not a stitch out of place -- and each has a squeaker or two hidden within (Moxie's favorite part).Scroll down to find out how to win a set of your own!

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Would you like an apple, Mr. Moxie?

Why You Want to Win:

+ Aside from being the cutest, least-threatening fruits and veggies around, these toys are double-stitched and have a two-layer exterior for durability.

+ Like the rest of P.L.A.Y.'s products, they are eco-friendly, and stuffed with dog-safe PlanetFill filler (which is spun from recycled plastic bottles).

+ You can throw them in the washing machine without trouble.

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Why yes he would!

How to Win Some Fruits and Veggies for Your Pupster:

To enter, leave a comment below to telling me about a phobia of your own ... or a food you absolutely will not eat.

I will pick my favorite answer next Thursday, Feb. 21, at noon PST and contact the winner via email. You'll have two days to respond or I'll choose another winner. (Sorry, that's just how it goes!)

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 I won't be able to contact you. That's the worst! So, pretty please, check your account.

This thing should be ... gangbusters? 

Actually, we don't know. We're not 9. Do 9-year-olds like fashionable girl-dolls who look like dogs and in turn have their own dogs who look like their half-dog parts? Or rather, isn't that exactly what they want? 

You've got to admire Bryant's spirit. His plan, according to CNNMoney, was to "create a doll that was sweet, cute, stylish and looked like [his sister's] real Cocker Spaniel named Pinkie Cooper."

He wanted to make a doll that looked like his sister's dog. We love inventors.

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Three girl-dog dolls are in the line. They are Pinkie Cooper, Ginger, and Pepper. We like how the names are equally "dog" and "girl" -- will 8-year-olds like that? Which is to say, 8-year-olds who like their fashionable girl-dolls to have a bunch of dog in them? 

The toy industry is ecstatic at the launch, which is expected in July. 

"When you put a dog's head on a human body, you've already crossed over to something that we haven't seen before in fashion dolls," Gerrick Johnson, toy industry analyst with BMO Capital Markets, told CNNMoney. "She's an example of the risk and innovation that the toy industry badly needs right now."

Jay Foreman, founder and CEO of Florida-based The Bridge Direct, which is producing the dolls, said, "Pinkie Cooper is our single biggest product launch in our four-year history."

"She's unusual. Like Bratz, she has the potential to break the mold," he continued, but "ultimately our livelihood is based on the whims of 4- to 8-year-olds."

Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, and Kmart have already placed their orders. 

Of course, we could be a little wary of this -- dogs are not playthings to be dressed up and forced to go to fashion school. Respect the canine, people! But that would be silly. Anyway, it's sort of cute? 

But I believe she sees herself as a superhero, and every new toy as a challenge to be conquered. When we say, “Here’s a new toy to play with,” I believe she hears, “This toy is a threat to all of humankind. Your job as protector is to stop this menace from destroying society.”

At least, that’s what I imagine goes on in her furry head.

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Sasha is a good dog -- good at wrecking playthings!

Needless to say, it’s really a challenge to find toys that last longer than a day. At pet stores, my husband and I avoid all the racks of cute plush toys and colorful rubber squeak toys. I can look at a toy and instantly visualize how it would look in pieces on my floor. But a few months ago while we were shopping for dog food and treats, we saw display of toys that looked pretty tough. I picked up the one of the Tuffy Mega Rings, which was graded a “10” on a scale between one to ten on durability.

The packaging claimed that the toys were “tiger-tested” and were constructed with seven rows of stitching, four rows of material and protective webbing on the edges. We read the employee recommendation on the display that said that her pit bull terrier had one of these toys for months and it was still in one piece. Hey, if it’s tough enough for a tiger and a pit bull terrier, it’s tough enough for Sasha.

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Oh, Tuffy, you'd really have to be made of bricks to survive Sasha.

We gave her the ring, and after the initial sniffing and excitement of her new treasure wore off, she began to dig in. In less than 30 minutes, she had punctured through the material and was pulling out the stuffing. I managed to get the toy away from her and finished pulling out all of the stuffing so she wouldn't ingest any of it. So much for durability! The manufacturer has a video of a tiger playing with the toy (you can see it here) to demonstrate how strong the product is. Well let me tell you, this tiger’s a real pussycat compared to our dog.

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Bye bye, Tuffy. Not so "tuff" now, are you?

This past Christmas, we resigned ourselves to the fact that none of her presents would live to see the New Year. We bought her a plush Christmas tree that squeaked. With a little bit of hope in our hearts, we selected a sturdy-looking retrieval toy made of jute. I imagined throwing the toy on a sunny day at the park, and Sasha faithfully running after it and returning it to us, eyes gleaming and tail wagging with pride.

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They never stood a chance.

Cut to Christmas morning. Sasha remembers that her Christmas stocking holds new treasures, and she is eager to start opening her presents. Minutes later, under a flurry of red tissue wrapping paper, the stuffed tree is sprawled out on the carpet, white cotton stuffing and squeakers all over the floor. I hold my breath, awaiting the fate of the sturdier retrieval toy. But no such luck. Sasha quickly lays into it, and it soon starts unraveling before my eyes. I begin picking up the pieces from her aftermath.

We don’t have much luck finding toys that can withstand our dog’s super powers. In fact, the only toys that have stood the test of time are an extreme Kong, a couple of tennis balls, and a Tux made by West Paw Design.

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Meet the only survivors.

The rest are in tatters around the house or in the designated toy box. Perhaps we should find her work as a dog tester, because she’s clearly good at finding weaknesses in product designs.

Cathy Weselby is a writer and marketing specialist who lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains. She enjoys hanging out with her Australian Shepherd mix, making mixed media art, and blogging about dogs and pop culture.

Got a Doghouse Confessional to share?

We're looking for intensely personal stories from our readers about life with their dogs. E-mail confess@dogster.com, and you might become a published Dogster Magazine author! 

I generally encourage my clients to be choosy about who their dogs socialize with. Maybe it's like human parents, who prefer their children not to necessarily have the most friends, but the best friends, who help them to be happy and reach their full potential. 

So, how do you choose an appropriate playdate playmate for your pooch?

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Cooperative play + self-handicapping!

1. Look at play style 

While play is a topic worthy of its own article (or book!), there are a few rather easy-to-identify play styles. If you put dogs with incompatible play styles together, you'll often get some sort of conflict. Some dogs are specialists, preferring only one particular style, while others tend to be social butterflies and are much more tolerant of diverse play styles. It's always best to find playmates who like to play the way your dog plays.

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Cuba and Leila share a tug

• The chaser: These dogs like to chase and be chased. Some dogs actually only like chasing, and will get really upset if they are chased by other dogs. 
• The cooperative player: This dog likes tugging on a long rope toy with another dog. In dogs who are not cooperative players, toys in a social environment may increase the level of arousal and the likelihood of resource guarding. I generally only allow cooperative play between familiar dogs or dogs I know to be solid, well-established cooperative players.
• The wrestler: This dog spends a lot of time rolling around on the ground, often making insanely weird grunting noises. They sometimes make what I call "bitey face" or "clacky mouth," where there is a lot of open-mouthed contact to the face, jowls, and neck. 
• The tackler: This is a steamroller dog who comes on strong. These dogs like to jump up and make a lot of physical contact, and they do a lot of body-slamming in play. Tacklers tend not to be well-received by non-tacklers, so you'll need to supervise, even when two tacklers are put together, so that arousal does not escalate to the point where play becomes aggression.

What you often find is that a chaser does not take well to being tackled, and a wrestler may be totally uninterested in chasing. Cooperative players think clacky mouth is ridiculous, and pretty much everyone but tacklers wonders what the appeal in a tackler could possibly be.

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Cuba, a much bigger dog, self-handicaps for bestie Westie McKenzie.

2. Size matters -- sometimes

While size certainly does play a part in selecting appropriate playmates, I've seen great clacky-mouth or even tackling play between dogs who are dramatically different in size.

When very large dogs play with very small dogs, you always want to keep an eye on the larger dog to ensure that he is doing what trainers call "self-handicapping," whereby the stronger or more athletic participant doesn't use his full strength or speed to make himself a more appealing playmate. Perhaps you remember your dad "letting you win" at arm wrestling when he could have beaten you with little challenge. It's never fun to play if you lose all the time! 

3. Look for similar ages

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Leila is an adult dog who is an especially good puppy raiser, but not all adult dogs enjoy the company of adolescents or puppies.

Generally, it is best to select a playmate of a similar age to your dog. Puppies and adolescents tend to be very annoying to senior dogs -- I often see young dogs bullying seniors and their owners looking baffled when the senior dog snaps and lets them know he's had enough. While some seniors might tolerate tackling and chasing shenanigans, many won't -- and they shouldn't be forced to. Far better to find your dog a playmate who not only tolerates, but loves his stamina and style!

4. Three is usually a crowd

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Mokie and Monte running through an Adirondack forest together

I always prefer, whenever possible, to separate dogs into pairs. If there are three dogs, I often see one dog exhibiting "odd man out" symptoms, frustrated because the other two are just slightly more compatible and are relatively uninterested in his play advances. It's not unheard of to see two dogs team up and pick on the third dog by barking, rushing in and nipping a leg, or muzzle punching. 

Now, get out there and find a playmate! 

English Bull Terriers play in surf by Shutterstock

You might think it's a good idea -- every dog should know how to handle his money, and should anything happen, you'll know he'll always be able to buy himself groceries -- but once you start finding weird things on your credit card statment like, oh, "Tennis Balls Unlimited" and subscriptions to newspapers in languages your dog doesn't even speak, you might think again. Two trips to Vegas and one stretch Escalade rental later, I'm still paying off the extravagances of my youth.

But there's a solution to this -- and it's perhaps the solution my parents should have thought of. Why not get your dog a plush credit card, like one of these we found at PupRWear?

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Everywhere you want to be.

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Comes with a free cosmetic bag!

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No interest until next year -- or ever!

Then they can use it to buy a Pawda bag to carry their small dogs. (Very meta, right?)

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Can you fit a Chihuahua in there?

An iPaw'd to keep up to date with their dog friends on Arfbook.

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Fido's update, "Just peed on a fire hydrant" received 100 likes.

And a Furcedes for transportation.

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Dogs can't drive! Oh wait ...

Better yet, maybe we should just stick to a well-slobbered tennis ball. Or better yet, a nice, thick stick. (But if you would like any one of these silly toys, you can buy them here.)

Photo: Black labrador puppy lying on a pile of money by Shutterstock.com

Images via PupRWear

A word to the wise: These folks are opinionated about what products we put in, on, and around precious canine companions. Many are highly house-proud, and dog lifestyle gifts from bowls to beds are created to complement a specific style of interior -- be it traditional or modern decor. Hence, for a hardcore canine-design hound, it'd be tough bordering on impossible to get a doggie home-furnishing gift exactly right.

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Thirsty dog drinks water by Shutterstock

So, here's how to prevent disappointment (or regifting) and ensure that your favorite EDL thinks only warm and fuzzy thoughts contemplating your ever-so-thoughtful present.

1. Pet-food gift certificate

Pet food and treats are always a necessity, but don't buy the actual food or treats -- chances are your EDL has strong opinions about pet nutrition. And heaven help you if you gift a vegan with, say, raw-meat treats!

To avoid that kind of snafu, get a gift certificate to her favorite local mom-and-pop or big-box pet food store, or a mail-order supplier such as Pet Food Direct. That way, she can redeem it for the food and/or treats of her choice.

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Gift certificates don't need much wrapping. Basenji with Christmas tree by Shutterstock

2. Water, water everywhere

Ah, water, It's such a basic necessity, and yet what about those times, such as during a natural disaster, when it threatens to be in short supply and becomes a precious liquid commodity? In that case, it helps to have a case of premium bottled water on hand.

Give your EDL a case of some fabulous glass-bottled mineral water (Italy's Fiuggi brand comes in seasonally appropriate green bottles). For fun, make this gift both practical and whimsical by removing one of the bottles and replacing it with a bottle of wine or bubbly! Or, if you're feeling extra-generous, a water ionizer will turn ordinary tap water into an elixir of canine (and human and feline) wellness.

3. Silent night, Whole-y night

Whole Foods is such a dogsend: It's open late and carries a wide selection of items for dogs and people of every nutritional persuasion (not to mention an array of bottled water brands, per above).

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Raw bones might be the best treat ever for your dog. Cute dog thinks about bones by Shutterstock

A gift certificate for this enticing emporium is always appreciated by anyone, but especially so by an EDL -- it'll help her restock on whatever just ran out, whether it's pet food, coconut oil, probiotics, homeopathic remedies, veggies, steak, or raw beef bones (the best holiday treat ever, from a dog's perspective).

4. Atmosphere enhancers

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Here's one thing all EDLs can agree on: Items that help keep the home front fresh and calm are always welcome, especially at holiday time, when we expect more house guests and higher stress levels.

One such item is the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, which contains bamboo charcoal to absorb unwanted odors. A case of Get Serious! stain and odor extractor is also a super-thoughtful, practical gift to make doggie messes disappear. 

5. Fetching flu fighter 

We know that dog walking is a joy, not a chore -- unless, that is, you're down with the flu, in which case it's a nightmare.

Now that it's officially cold and flu season, assemble a gift basket that will truly be treasured by the frequent dog-walker. Just fill a decorative receptacle with remedies to help combat the common cold quickly and keep her immune system in top shape: Peppermint tea, raw honey, coconut oil, probiotics (Jarrow has a great new, "Pom-Berry"-flavored chewable probiotic-plus-Vitamin C lozenge), Nordic Naturals Omega-3 oil (in decorative cobalt-blue glass bottles), Umcka Cold Care, and Sambucus. 

6. Festive first aid 

Regular Band-Aids, large gauze pads, tape, povidone iodine, and polysporin or Bacitractin ointment are essentials for any first-aid kit.

Our ideal first-aid kit would also include Pawz Dog Boots (to protect Spot's bandaged paw from making contact with the mean streets), arnica montana pellets (for bruises), and neem oil, which has multiple healing uses.

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Desiree gets a rinse after an application of neem oil shampoo.

Assemble these items in a handsome container and offer it as a pretty yet practical gift. Your favorite EDL will think of you with gratitude the very next time one of her dogs sustains an owie. 

7. Pet-person pampering 

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Rescue Chocolate is delicious -- and all the proceeds go to animal rescue!

Because you always put the dog first, those pouncing paw-pads are probably well-protected already -- so why not remind your EDL that humans are entitled to a little pampering too?

For those freezing, midwinter-morning dog walks, help keep sensitive human skin soft and protected -- especially leash-worn hands -- with lovely lotions such as neem-enriched body butter. Throw in some all-natural facial and eye serums by Jurlique plus a bar or two of Rescue Chocolate, and your EDL will remember you all year with a warm, contented smile. 

8. Staycation for their pup 

Does your favorite EDL daydream of getting away from it all for just a few days (gasp) without the hounds? Maybe she's just met a hot new human playmate she'd like to spend uninterrupted time with. Or perhaps an elderly or ailing human family member is suddenly hospitalized and needs undivided attention.

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Treat your friend's pup to a pampering at doggy day care. German Shepherd in towels by Shutterstock

Give your pal a certificate to a few days' stay at a super-reputable dog boarding facility with fun amenities, so she can rest assured that the dogs will have a safe, fun staycation while she catches a break.

9. Help out an animal charity

A holiday donation to a worthy cause-for-paws is always warmly welcomed by hardcore dog lovers, especially if their own dogs were adopted at animal shelters.

Targeting small, local rescue groups that could really use the cash infusion is a safe bet. But if you want to donate to a national group, for safety's sake just be sure your donation is going to a cause that actually operates a shelter in addition to doing dog's work in political circles. (Best Friends Animal Society, which has a shelter and worked tirelessly to get Los Angeles to ban retail sales of pets, is a fine example.)

10. Give a gift to planet Earth 

The gift of eco-friendly poop bags is always welcome; environmentally minded EDLs are always gung-ho to pick up after our pups. You can't go wrong if you pick one we recommend.

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Use eco-friendly poop bags to pick up after your pup. No dog fouling by Shutterstock

With each scoop of poop, your giftee will feel like she's helping keep planet Earth clean and green.

Are you giving a gift to an Extreme Dog Lover this year? What's your plan? Let us know in the comments!  

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The Boomering is made of wool and tough "jutey cotton rope," and filled with coconut fiber. The Boomering is designed to attract playful pups with its unique combination of all-natural scents and textures. And it works!

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Here's another thing my furry roommates and I agree on: supporting businesses that support animal rescue. And it so happens that all ABO Gear Aussie Naturals products are, as the company proudly proclaims, "tested by Atlanta's Toughest Rescue Dogs" -- namely, the rescued residents of Atlanta's excellent Barking Hound Village Foundation, who get to gear-test these posh products while they await their furever homes. As Tiki and Bentley prove in the photo, they gladly wear themselves out in the process.

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Super strong toy.

Bionic Pet Products' dog toys are made from -- surprise -- Bionic Rubber, which is specially engineered to survive the most aggressive onslaught of jaws and paws. The compound's "cross-linked molecules" make it flexible, bouncy, and nearly puncture-proof. That all sounds toxically high-tech, but believe it or not, Bionic Rubber is totally nontoxic (it's actually an FDA food-grade material, so no worries if curious kids taste-test it). What's more, it's 100 percent recyclable!

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Intriguing shapes ... from the future.

According to the manufacturer, fewer than 5 percent of dogs are able to outsmart these toys. So far, none of my canine crew has managed to destroy them, despite repeated gnawings and power tuggings. Plus, Bionic toys float and they're dishwasher-safe, so slimy saliva removal is a cinch. (Can you tell their invention was inspired by a slobbering, water-loving Labrador Retriever?)

I love getting packages in the mail. Even when boxes that arrive aren't for me, it's fun to tear through the cardboard and get to the contents. Then Maria eventually comes back downstairs to retrieve the packages, and wow! The way she reacts, you'd think I'd done a leg lift on the Queen Mother. 

So imagine my excitement when three packages arrived in the last couple of weeks with my name on them. It was like it was Christmas, only without the "Jake! Did you eat the gingerbread house?!" kinds of comments I hear all season.

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Using my handy, built-in box cutters, I made quick work of the cardboard. Maria realized that the items these companies sent me as a perk of my work for Dogster formed a theme: summertime fun. So she decided I would review them (a dog backpack, life jacket and flying saucer) to earn my keep. It's the least I can do to repay her for all the flip-flops I'll shred this summer.

We'll start with an item that looked pretty great from the get-go: An Outward Hound Pet Saver Life Jacket. This model is a nice chartreuse, and it's really well constructed, with a secure, wide body strap on the bottom, which closes with Velcro tabs. It's made extra secure by buckle straps. This puppy ain't falling off.

I can swim super well, but I do go on boats occasionally, since we have a sea captain in the family. Sometimes I get a little too excited, and people have to do everything they can to keep me from jumping into the drink. Maria said this would be a really handy item.

It looks so good on the Outward Hound catalog model. Check it out.

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Very funny, Laura. Yeah, verrry funny!

Wow, not exactly star treatment! I was a bit confused as to the source of their merriment. This life jacket is super comfortable. I walked around and didn't even notice it was on. Didn't seem funny to me at all. I was beginning to get vaguely annoyed at being the pond clown, as you can see.

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What?? Whaaaat?

As I was standing there perplexed, Maria brought the camera close to my bulging chest and took a photo. Ha ha, very funny.

It seems I'm just so well-built that the giant black tummy/chest strap was not coming close to Velcro-ing shut. It's supposed to have significant overlap, but the two sides weren't even shaking hands. I'm just "special," Maria says. She had thrown out the packaging, so we don't know if it's a large or extra-large. I am hoping it isn't the latter, because I would feel a little portly if i can't even fit into an XL.

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OK, embarrassing.

This little issue didn't stop me from trying it out in the pond. I can swim without a life vest just fine, so I knew it wasn't going to be a problem. Plus the dual buckle straps, when adjusted to their largest setting, fit around me and held it on super securely. I felt pretty great swimming in it, and I look pretty great, too, don't you think?

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I give the Outward Hound life vest four paws up for its comfort, style, and quality construction. I think any dog who isn't a strong swimmer and is around pools or docks or on boats this summer should talk their people into getting one. Just make sure you measure his or her girth correctly when ordering. It's fine when June is busting out all over, but not so good when your chest and belly are ....

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The next present I opened was another Outward Hound product. This time, it was an Excursion Dog Backpack (product page here). The first thing I noticed is that it was powder pink. A lot of people think I'm colorblind. I'm not. And a lot of people think I'm a girl. I'm not. The company must have seen one of my prettier pictures and sent this my way.

Initially I was embarrassed. I took a bite from a big yogurt container and tried to hide my face from the paparazzi.

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Then I realized: Hey, I am a manly dog! I regularly wear a pastel floral collar, and it doesn't bother me at all. It just sort of makes my manliness shine out extra strong all around it. A pink dog backpack wasn't going to be a problem, either. Real men can wear pink backpacks! 

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And I'm happy to tell you that it's another really comfortable, secure product. The torso straps are padded, so the thing didn't bug me at all. The pockets are roomy, and there's even a poop-bag dispenser. How many humans can say that about their backpacks?

The last product I tried out was a Kong Saucer flying disk. It's the usual Kong red rubber, and that alone gets me pretty excited. Maria threw it for me once, and the flight was perfect. When I caught it, it was delightfully gentle on my mouth.

I loved it. To death. Maria got distracted by a visitor, and I absconded with it. When she came looking 15 minutes later, the Kong Saucer was in 138 separate bits. Laura counted. Maria gave me the "OMG you did a leg lift on the Queen Mother" face again. (I warn her that her face is going to stick like that, but she pays no attention.)

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Most normal dogs will really enjoy the Kong Saucer for its intended purpose. If your dog is normal and not "special" like me, go get one.

Enter to Win a Summer Essential!

And now for how to enter the contest. It's easy, 'cause I'm a simple guy. Just leave a comment below saying if you'd like to win a doggy backpack or life jacket. We'll do a random drawing for a winner for each. Please leave your comment by Friday, June 15, at noon Pacific time. You must have a valid e-mail address attached to your Disqus account for commenting. If we draw your name, PetSmart, which is supplying the winners with their fun prizes, will contact you to find out your dog's size and your shipping info.

Good luck -- and have a great summer!

During a staycation, the idea is that you don’t venture very far. Instead, you take advantage of what’s around you. Maybe you drive an hour or two away for a day or two, but nothing too distant. 

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Woman reading in park by Shutterstock.com.

This is fantastic news, as far as your dog is concerned. Your dog doesn’t have to kiss you good-bye as you run off and have fun without him. He doesn’t have to hang in a kennel or stay with a pet sitter. He gets to have his best pal right beside him for days at a time. It’s a dog’s dream vacation, er, staycation. 

Remember, for a dog, it’s not the destination. It’s the journey. And as long as you’re together for the journey, life is very good –- even if that journey is just around the corner.

Below are some ideas for how you and your well-behaved dog can make the most of your staycation. For each category I list, there are many guidebooks about dog-friendly places that can help you identify specific staycation ideas. My favorite book for my area is the 1,000-page tome The Dog Lover’s Companion to California. (Did I mention that I wrote this, and it’s now in its seventh edition?) You can also turn to the Internet. Keep in mind that even if a place is listed as dog-friendly, you should call ahead and ask, as rules can change quickly. 

Now pack that leash, and bon voyage! 

1. Walk

Have you tried all the parks and trails in your local area? What about branching out a bit and taking your dog for a stroll or hike in a new place? Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, and it’s fun to check out new outdoor realms during your time off. Even dogs can get bored of the same old walkies.

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Man and his dog by Shutterstock.com.

2. Dine

Many restaurants these days allow well-behaved dogs to dine at their outside tables. Some restaurants even offer dogs water and treats. Dogs love the attention they often get from other diners and passersby, and revel in hanging out around so many good food smells. Make sure you dine at a time of day that’s not too crowded or hot.

3. Wine

Wineries are popping up everywhere these days. (I recently had a really tasty wine from Nebraska, of all places.) Many wineries welcome dogs to join you at their beautiful picnic areas, and some will even allow dogs into tasting rooms, although they can’t officially announce that because they could get in trouble with health departments. 

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Vineyard in the mountains by Shutterstock.com.

4. Listen

During the summer months outdoor concerts abound. Many are fine with having dogs in the audience. Turn your staycation into a picnic and enjoy the music. It’s a good idea to stay far from speakers so the music doesn’t bother your dog’s ears.

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Young man playing acoustic guitar by Shutterstock.com.

5. Shop

The number of dog-friendly businesses is rapidly increasing as shopkeepers realize that most dogs bring good customers with them. Many pet-supply stories welcome dogs, and dogs love shopping when surrounded by delectable treats and fun toys. But there are plenty of other shopping options. In one afternoon, my dog Jake and I recently visited a department store, a gift store, an antique store, and a shoe store. He was warmly greeted at all of them. (Just make sure your boy dog doesn’t do a leg-lift on the merchandise. Doing that kind of business in a store is never good.)

6. Go

If your dog likes to go for rides in the car, there’s no better time than a staycation for taking a day trip to a nearby destination you’ve been hankering to visit. A drive of an hour or two can transport you worlds away.

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Dog in small boat by Shutterstock.com.

7. Stay

Just because you’re sticking around your area doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the fun of staying in a hotel for a night or two. Room service, anyone? Dog-friendly lodgings abound these days. Many hoteliers think dogs make great guests. (After all, dogs don’t steal towels or get drunk and trash the room, and they usually come with people who are very grateful for the privilege of bringing a dog into a hotel.) There’s a lodging for any taste and budget. With a little sniffing around, you’ll find economy motels, luxury hotels, quaint bed-and-breakfast inns, hip boutique hotels, rustic cabins, and everything in between.

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Dogue De Bordeaux by Shutterstock.com.

8. Chill

You can have a wonderfully refreshing staycation by taking the most relaxing approach possible: just hanging out and chilling at home (with good walks, of course). Fire up the barbecue and have a feast with your beast and some other pals. Snuggle up with your dog as you get through your reading list. Whatever you do –- even if it’s just taking extralong naps and tending to household projects -- your dog will be over the moon simply because you’re together. 

Have you ever planned a staycation with your dog in mind? Let us know in the comments! 

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The intrepid OWS protesters — on two and four legs — have been standing their ground despite the surprisingly early arrival of snow in New York City.

DAD volunteers held up signs pointing dog and cat owners to "Free Checkups." On hand and paw was Dr.Jodi Kuntz(pictured above) of New York City's prestigious Animal Medical Center, who donated her time to examine the protesters' pets.

The dogs were clearly gratefulfor the attention,generously bestowing kisses on the volunteers, including fearless DAD leader Tod Emko (pictured below,receiving passionate K9 kisses).

DAD will return to Zuccotti Park again soon; we'll keep you posted on the date(s). In the meantime, make a donation to help them help the animals of Occupy Wall Street. Here's an amendedwish list of needed items — any and all donations gratefully accepted:

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- Dog booties

- 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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If you read this column, you may be familiar with the excellent nonprofit Darwin Animal Doctors (DAD), the first to bring much-needed veterinary care to the dogs and cats of the Galapagos Islands; the group's founder, Tod Emko; and his magnificent mutt, a vivacious vegetarian dog namedPiggy.

Tod is a fine example of the profound compassion that charismatic Scorpio natives have for all creatures not only their own beloved, pampered pets. (Read more about what Scorpios are like as dog lovers here.)

Why? Because, besides being an awesome dog dad to Piggy andhis three adopted cats (plus godfather to my beloved Border Collie,Sheba), Tod never stops thinking of ways to helplessfortunate dogs, or any dog in need.

Tomorrow (Sunday, Oct. 30), Tod is leading a group of DAD volunteersatNew York City's Zuccotti Park, site of the Occupy Wall Street protest.

The mission? To hold a veterinary campaign, bringing creature comforts to the protesters' faithful dogs, who have been loyally camped outdoorsall this time, alongside their intrepid humans.

DAD will provide two vet techs for animal consultations, and DAD volunteers will hand out basic necessities to help OWS K9s cope with their outdoor environment: flea/tick treatments, dog food, pamphlets on the city's low-cost vet care resources, and itemssuch asdog beds to keep pets warm and comfortable in the park.

But supplies are limited, and DAD needs help. Sothe groupis calling all dog lovers in the New York City area, asking themto please consider bringing donations of the following to the park:

- 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)

"Occupy Wall Street is very controversial, and people count the protesters either as heroes or a nuisance.But regardless of how we feel about the human protesters, the dogs and cats of Occupy Wall Street are innocent in all respects, and nothing should stop them from getting the proper care, food, and medicaltreatments they need while they live outdoors in a publicly shared space for so many weeks."

Fleas area persistent hazard in any urban park, Tod emphasizes. "After living in the park and being exposed to the elements, the companion animals of Occupy Wall Street need to have proper flea and tick and parasite treatments. We need to make sure that the animals'health is not suffering from the intensity of living in those conditions.Serving their health needs simply makes sense, for everyone's safety."

AsTod concludes, "Some of these animals and their human companions are homeless. A veterinary campaign to serve these loyal companion animals is long overdue." (And, we might add, very much in the spirit of Occupy Wall Street.)

If you're interested in bringing donations for the OWS dogs,please proceedto the south side of Zuccotti Park, near theMedical Tent, at 11 a.m. "We may move if it gets too crowded, but that's as a good aplace as any to meet," Tod says. "It's getting cold outside please help these brave companions stay fed, healthy, and warm!"

Dogsters, please share your thoughts on Occupy Wall Street and dogs' participation in this historic event in the comments.

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It's high time to give credit where it's due: The paws-down favorite dog toy in New York City's Central Park, the mutt-have pooch playthingis the squeaky rubber "walking ball toy," a.k.a. the ball with feet, a.k.a. the Cuz.

Imade this discoverywhen I started taking Sheba and Tiki myoldest, mellowest dogs to Central Park for off-leash playtime and socializing. Tiki never showed an interest in squeaky toys; his thing was rolling on his back in the fresh white snow or nibbling the glorious green grass. He was happy to chew the cud while his K9 peers chewed the Cuz.

Sheba, on the other hand, regularly made a sport oftrying to stealand desqueakother dogs' Cuz toys. Finally, I got a clue and bought her a cache of Cuzzes to call her own. At home, however, I carefully hid the collection, because once she got her paws on one, she'd immediately perform a radical squeakectomy and a desqueaked Cuz is not exactly a hot item.

The Cuz comes in many variations. There's "Bad Cuz," who sports devil's horns, and his goody-two-shoes cousin, the hornless "Good Cuz." There's also the futuristic-looking "Other Cuz" (with or without horns), Dexter the Frog, and Darwin the Elephant. Sheba has 'em all.

Oftentimes, more than one dog will lay claim toone Cuz. That's when humans step in to settle matters.

How, you ask? Just as smallchildren's clothing sports identifyingname tags, the Central Park dogs' Cuz toys are distinguishable by the name indelibly inked in Sharpie pen on the bottom of the feet. That's how everybody can leave the park with the same Cuz toy they came with.

Stumped for a holiday gift?For authentic New York Dogster flavor, why not package The Dogs of Central Park, the book,with a Cuz?

What's the mutt-haveplaything at your localdog park? Pleasetell allin the comments!

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There are times when it's transcendent to be a dog — or a human caring for one. For my dogs and me, the day I learned about coconut peanut butter was one such time

In myconstant quest to discover new things to keep my dogs amused — especially during those times when I must leave them alone for more than acouple ofhours — peanut butter usually figures into the equation. Like all dogs (and most humans),mine adore this creamy treat, so slathering the inside of a Kong or Busy Buddy chew toy goes a long way toward alleviating the guilt all Dogsters feel at leaving our dogs home alone.

To keep this tastytreat virtuous and healthy, I take care to use a brand that contains only organic peanuts — to reduce the risk of aflatoxins, which adversely affect canine and humanwellness — plus no added salt or sugar.

Peanut butter never seems to get old. But after a while, a good thing —even a great thing — could stand a little improvement. And how better to improve on peanut butter than with an equally irresistible ingredient: Coconut?

I recently learned about coconut butter, aka coconut manna, an irresistible blend of ground coconut meat and coconut oil. There are fewbad days a spoonful of it can't improve. Butthere's more tothis delicacy than just mouthwatering good taste (although, as any dog would tell you,that's nothing to sneeze at).

We've seen the many health benefits of coconut oil for dogs and humans. Among other things, it promotes brain health, which makes itespecially important for senior dogs' wellness.

I'm always seeking new ways to introduce hedonistically healthy habits into my dogs' and my own routine, yetit never occurred to me to mix coconut butter and peanut butter for a truly orgiastic taste experience. Happily, Tropical Traditions, whose organic coconut oil is a favorite of my dog Sheba, thought of this clever combination, and offers coconut peanut butter, a blend of peanuts, coconutflesh, and coconut oil.

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That's a win-win scenario if I evertasted one.Bone appetit!

Dogsters, what extra special treats make your dogs forget you're gone? Please share trade secretsin the comments.

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Sometimes, a product enters your life at exactly the right time - i.e. when you need it most

This ingenious invention mayseem low-tech - it's a purple rubber object that looks a lot like a dog's chew toy. Specifically, it closely resembles the Busy Buddy line of dog toys by Premier,pictured below, which are also made of purple rubber and come in eye-catching shapes. But this particular purple rubber item is no toy - it's a serious tool to help relieve pain.

You can use it on your pet, or on yourself - theMuscle Angels was actually designed for all species to share and enjoy, from dogs to cats, humansand horses.I've always believed that the best thingsin life should be shared with our best friends, sothis ismy kind of product.

Whatever aches, the Muscle Angels can help lighten the pain load. Thehurt might be caused by Tendonitis, Iliospsoas muscle strains,or shoulder subluxation injuries. Muscle Angel alsoworks toreduce stress and anxiety, as well as toincrease blood circulation for better flexibility and mobility.

Using the Muscle Angels onhandicapped pets helps prevent muscle atrophy, a sad side effect when limb function is lost. And, its maker claims, it even heightens concentration and alertness -a great fringe benefitfor senior dogs - and deepens the pet-owner bond.

After all, when you receive a relaxing massage from somebody nice, doesn't that person hold a special place in your heart? Your dog seesit the same way. Except this isn't any ordinary back rub - it's "all-in-one acussager" therapy that combines three effective massage techniques: Myofascial trigger point, acupressure, and deep tissue massage. So think of the Muscle Angels as a wonderful tool to help cementthe loving relationship between you and your best friend.

Last night, after finishing the evening's final dog-walking shift, I deployedthe Muscle Angels to relieve the tension in my left leg, which was tightly, painfullycramped up afterall that exertion.I rolled it up and down my lower leg, then rolled my foot back and forth over it.I'm certain thishelped me get a decent night's sleep.

Here's how it works:The bright-green"sculpted nub tip" stimulates circulation and breaks up muscle knots anywhere on the body (yours or your pet's). Meanwhile, the 290+ tiny"nubbin fingers" work to knead knotted muscles. Making things extra-easy is the ergonomic stability handle, which fitscomfortable inthe masseur's hand. This helps prevent repetitive stress injuries - a good thing, because once you've tried the Muscle Angels, you'll want to use it so often that you might risk hurting your wrist!

My dogs observed the proceedings expectantly. Hadeach one of thembeen cartoon characters, the thought bubbles over each dog's head would've clearly read, "My turn next!"

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It's small and lightweight enough to take with you on any trip, perfectly portable and easily packable in your carry-on bag. In fact, if you find yourself in the passenger seat on your next car ride, why not bring along the Muscle Angels and make the drive more pleasant for your pet by using it to administer an en-routemassage?

Do you have a favorite tool to facilitate a relaxing rubdown? Please tell us about it in the comments!

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It took many weeksforZolito recover fromthe particularly virulent case of kennel cough that landed him on the euthanasia list. Duringthat time I too had abarking cough, so the two of us were quite the noisy pair! Finally,Zoli was well enough to be neutered, and ready to find his forever home.

But fostering is easy; finding forever homes is hard. How do you think I wound up with so many dogs?

Zoli seemed like a no-braineradoptable - besides being a looker, he happens to be one of the sweetest, smartestdogs I've ever known, combining the endearing personality traits of three of my all-time favorite pit bulls: mydearly departeddogs Samand Pepper,plus Angus, the dog who now lives with my ex. He hasa pale blond coat,an enormous head, and dazzling green eyes. He loves to give people hugs - especially youngwomen with hair as blond as his own!

He's also, paws down, the strongest dog I've ever handled - stronger even than Magnus, who's almost twice Zoli's size. If I let his leash get too long,Zoli had a habit of tunneling under my other dogs andlevitating their rearends; this was funny whenit happenedto myyoung dogs, but no laughing matterwhen thevictim wasmyarthritic Sheba, who would shriek in pain.Managingthis super-high-energy dogin my animal house was one of the toughest challenges I've ever had to man up to.Zoli needed a strong hand - much stronger than mine - and fast.

Which is why I'mthanking my lucky starsfor the instantIran intoayoung man on the street who expressed interest in adopting a dog from Animal Care & Control.

It was a Saturday night on upper Second Avenue. The young man, a law student,had read about "Urgent Part Two," a Facebook page that listsabout-to-be-euth'd dogs,in a New York Times blog.This kind soul wanted nothing more than to adopt a dog from the city animal shelter, to do his partand save a life. I told him about how Zoli had been an "Urgent" because of kennel cough. I describedwhat a sweetheart he is, and how he ached for a permanent home with fewer or no other dogs in residence. I didn't forget to mention his magnetic attraction to young, blond women. The guy agreed toswing byand meet the dog.

Upon receiving the Zoli bear hug and running up and down the block with him a few times,he agreed to takethepupfor a few days' trial period. But first, something had to be done aboutZoli's powerful pull.

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Not all such intimate first meetups turn into lasting relationships, especially in New York City, so I was prepared to be disappointed. I didn't hear from the guy for a solid week - and Ididn't want tobreak the spell, ifindeed there wasone, by callingto askfor an update.

That's why I'm especially thrilled to report thathe eventually did call to tell meZoli wasa keeper.

I put togetherZoli's paperwork plus a fewitems I wish I'd had when I adopted my first pit bull: Get Serious stain and odor extractor(to erase all trace of anything unpleasant man or beast might leave behind); TheraNeem Pet Shampoo (perfect for pit bulls' sensitive skin); and a soft flying disc by WestPaw Design, the perfect pit bull plaything. Then I handed over the lot to Zoli's new owner.

I can't get enough of saying that: Zoli's new owner, Zoli's new owner, Zoli's new owner.

There's an oft-quotedsaying that goes, "Saving one dog will not change the world...but surely, the world will be changed for that one dog." At my place, Zoliwas one of many pits,the latest arrival and therefore the bottom dog in the pack hierarchy. In his new crib,he's the only dog, focal point of all attention -not to mention sole beneficiary of peanut-butter-filled Kongs.

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Special thanks to the shelter's New Hope program for makingZoli's new leash on life possible.

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But here, in the fabulous forum that is Dogster, I am very lucky tobe ableto publicly appreciate my dogs' antics, for better and for worse. Sometimes, I evenhave the camera handy. And hopefully, some of whatmy dogs and Iexperience here in our animal house is useful to my fellow Dogsters.

As revealed here, my rescued pit bull Lazarus believes it's hissolemn mission to remove the stuffing from miscellaneous home furnishings. He's un-stuffed small pillows, quilts, even full-size memory foam mattresses. It's a good thing he's so adorable, because there have been times I've been sorely tempted to unstuff and re-stuff him myself.

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These ingenious playthings are intended to prevent the annoying chore of picking up toy stuffing from the various surfaces in one's home (not to mention the surprise offinding it in a dog's poop). Picture a very skinny plush toy with two loud squeakers built in for stereophonic squawking. Dogs enjoy givingthisfurry objecta vigorous shake, pouncing on and gnawing at it, carrying it from place to place, resting their heads on it, cuddling up with it, and generally doing to it whatever they would do to an ordinarystuffed squeakytoy.

Meanwhile, Tiki, my Chow-Rottweiler, is walking more and more slowly as a result of his conscious proprioceptive deficits. As explained here, this is causing him to have diminished control over his hind legs. We recently tried aproduct called Power Paws, which are socks designed toprovide "freedom and movementfor senior dogs." These are made of breathable cotton and elastic, and they stretch for a snug fit, so they take afew secondsto put on; but oncethey're on his problematic hind feet, Tiki has a much easier time moving around the house and weavingamong his younger packmates.

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My sweet little Cupcake beganexperiencing digestive issues to the point that shewas rapidly shedding pounds she could not afford to lose. Happily, she's now producing picture-perfect poopsthanks tofrequent snacking on Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula canned dog food, a tip borrowed from herneighbor, friend andfellow rescuee,Piggy.

After recovering froma fierce case of kennel cough, Zoli the pup has finally been neutered and is ready for adoption. When I picked himup from the vet, he was wearing a ginormous cone of shame. Except he was wearing it in a most unusual fashion: attached to his regular collar at three points, and hanging wide open. Something had happened to the tabs clasping the thing shut, and they were no longer doing their job.

The effect was something to see: With every step the poor dog took, therigid plastic was madlyflapping and scrapingagainst the ground.He looked like a K9 kite that was too heavy for liftoff. I managed to snip the offending plastic contraption off ofZoli's collar with scissors; once we were safely at home, I replacedthat horrific conewith a soft, inflatable collar;Zoli promptly sighed and went to sleep.

Zoli must be crated while he convalesces, or he risks busting up his stitches the way he busted up that ridiculous E-collar. Happily, his crate is a comfy, cleanden of healing thanks to the new Crypton crate mat, which isstain-resistant, spot-cleanable anddisinfectable. As soon as he's recovered, it's off to the dog park, where his new testicle-free look won't irritate the other males.

My magnificentMagnus has grown into an absolutely gorgeous 80-pound hunk of dog. Everyone who stops to petMaggy remarks on the softness of his coat. I atrribute that silky quality to a variety of moisturizing factors, applied inside and out: TheraNeem Pet Shampoo, which contains super-emollient Neem Oil and has no chemicals to dry out a dog's skin... Neem Supercritical Capsule supplements, hidden in canned food...plus a teaspoon of Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil drizzled over hiskibble twice daily.

Today is mild and drizzly, a perfect day for an outdoor grooming session with my fuzzy, double-coated dogs, Tiki and Sheba, who are both blowing their coats. Must grab the Furminator and run - catch you later!

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dogtoy

This is not as horrible as it sounds. "Challenging a dog mentally uses aboutthe same amont of energy as challenging him physically," reminds master trainer and Siris Radio host Greg Kleva.One fun way to flex your dog's mental muscle - without leaving the house - is with brain-teasing games.

Hide a tasty treat (hint: soft jerky treats such as Wellness Pure Rewardsareespecially effective). Start out by placing a treat on the floor in plain sight, then tell your dog to "Find it!"

"Make the next prize a bit more difficult to locate, say, behind a chair," Greg recommends. "Continue to vary treat placement, or, for a real challenge, set up a roomful of hidden delights in advance. Watch your dog as he searches, and tap your foot and give an OOH or gasp to get him excited about the ones he's missed."

MyK9 crew hasa lot of fun with the Brick and Twister (pictured), two interactive games designed to keep dogs busy and entertained. Simply hide your dog'sfavorite treats in the puzzle compartments and watch her use her smarts to find them, retrieve them, and "treat herself." In action, these games are almost as much fun for people to watch as they are for dogs to play! (For more info, go here.)

If your dog needs to lose weight, avoid the treat trap by using small handfuls of his mealtimedry foodas rewards that you dole out, one piece of kibble at a time. At mealtime, don't forget to subtract the amount you used during your play session - you can always replace that amount with Spot's favorite raw or cooked veggies, so he gets extra nutritional benefit and doesn't feel cheated.

Toys are nice, low-calorie rewards - so why not use them to teach Spot a few new words with "Name That Toy"?

"Gather a group of toys that are noticeably different (for example, a stuffed duck, pig and shark)," Greg says. "Hold a toy up for your dog to sniff and see, get him excited, and toss it, saying WHERES YOUR SHARK? When he comes back with it, give him lots of praise, then do the same with the pig, then with the duck, etc. Repeat again and again, and be consistent with your naming. Once he has mastered a few names, set out multiple toys and tell him which to get."

If you have access to a stairway, encouraging your dog to bound up and down the steps after a toy is excellent exercise - especially if your dog has a spare tire and needs to whittle his waist.

"Settle in at the bottom of the staircase, putting your dog in a SIT/STAY next to you," Greg says. "Throw your dogs favorite toy to the top of the stairs. Say FETCH or GET IT. After he dashes up the stairs and grabs the toy, call him to COME, ask him to DROP or RELEASE, and repeat as above until your dog slumps to the floor in giddy exhaustion."(Note that this is not a good game for puppies, as their joints are still developing, or dogs prone to injury.)

Make the most of indoor time by boning up on important training commands - but make it so much fun, Spot won't know he's learning!

"Call your dog to COME, put him in a SIT/STAY, and then move away from him," Greg says. "After a minute or so, call him to COME again, and repeat. Try to increase the distance you move away and the length of time you wait before calling your dog to you. This game is great for dogs with attention-seeking behaviors, as it teaches them to wait for your commands."

After a playful day of practicing this important routine,you'll have a better chance of getting Spot to come when called on your next visit to the dog park.

What's your favorite indoorsy activity to do with your dog? Please share it in the comments!