Pet Products Review - Orvis Space Saving Corner Dog Bed
Did you know that dogs sleep as much as 14 hours a day! This means that they sleep more than half of their life. Some dogs even sleep more than others, especially large breed dogs like the Mastiff, St. Bernard and Newfoundland may sleep up to 19 hours everyday. So when considering a dog bed, remember, this is one of the most important purchases for your dog.
For my dog Champ, I noticed that the dog bed I bought him a few months ago on a large web retailer, just wasn't being used. I would see him actually sleep next to the bed on the floor, and often curled in a quiet corner. I wasn't too happy with the thin padding of the last bed and decided to shop around. Now living in New York City, space is at a premium. We're always looking for products that incorporate style, comfort, and high quality. Lucky for us Orvis had just the bed. The Orvis Corner Dog Bed was specifically designed to tuck into corners away from traffic. When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the superior quality and construction. The bed has an overstuffed mattress and very sturdy bolster sides. The fabric is a durable microsuede that zips off for easy cleaning. The bed really is luxurious and at a price starting at $129, very economical. And knowing that every bed Orvis sells has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, I was happy making the purchase on www.Orvis.com.
Champ does love his bed. Now it did take a week or so for him to feel comfortable sleeping there, but this is normal. Its so funny to see him climb into his bed which is on the floor next to my bed. You can tell he's very content.
My only recommendation if you are considering this bed, buy it one size larger than what the website recommends for your dog. For example, I bought the medium size bed for dogs weighing between 30 and 50 pounds. Although 35 lb Champ fits in the bed nicely, I know there is not a whole lot of room for him to stretch. A larger size may accommodate stretching and more casual lounging.
If you've got a product that you feel will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
Pet Product Review - Mellow Mut Chicken Treats for Dogs by Dogswell
This weekend at the Horse and Pet Expo in New Jersey, one of the best booths at the show was by Dogswell. Dogswell is the California based pet nutrition company with very high quality pet food products. Champ, my Sheltie companion loved this booth more than any other, because they gave out the best and most tasty samples. Champs favorites were the all natural Chicken Jerky Treats.
I really like the concept of this treat. Its an all natural, organically raised 100% chicken treat that has been fortified with chamomile and lavender. The only other ingredients are Vitamin E, a little lemon, and Linden Flower. Only natural stuff, no preservatives. The combination of chamomile and lavender create a pleasant calming affect for you pup. Its like having a cup of herbal tea before bed.
There are no hormones nor antibiotics, so you can feel good about giving your dog this healthy treat.
Knowing that my dog Champ certainly has a hard time with crowds and noise, I'm going to be stocking up on Mellow Mut chicken treats for the holidays. Hey, it can't hurt, and he does love the taste. You can purchase Dogswell Mellow Mut treats on www.dogswell.com or at your local high end pet stores. the packages come in 5oz for $9 or 19oz for $20. They are a luxury treat, but a recommended healthy luxury.
If you've got a product that you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
Pet Products Review - Mrs. Meyers Oatmeal Pet Shampoo.
Of all the products and samples we get here to test out, shampoos are perhaps the most popular. But seldom do we test out a shampoo because we really have to or else the dog is not coming in the house. Well, our Pitbull-Mastiff panelist Speed got into one of those situations this past Saturday. Lucky for us his Daddy, Ryan had the foresight to check the Dogtime.com Top Ten eco-friendly dog gifts list: http://Dogtime.com/green-dog-gift.html On the list our editors recommend Mrs. Meyers Oatmeal Pet Shampoo.
Now off the bat, I love Mrs. Meyers products. This company goes to great measures to assure that all products use natural ingredients, everything is biodegradable and safe for the environment, free of nasty chemicals and or course cruelty free. I am the world's biggest fan of her Lemon Verbena products for home and body. But, its not about me, its about the dogs.
Mrs. Meyers writes: Pets will actually enjoy bath time with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day tear-free Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. This unique product is made with natural ingredients including Oatmeal Extract and Vitamin E to give pets smooth skin and a healthy, shiny coat. Your furry mates will also appreciate the effects of calming and therapeutic essential oils.
Daddy Ryan confirmed with: "While Speed is not a huge fan of baths, Mrs. Meye'rs Clean Day Shampoo left his coat smooth, shiny, and very clean. His fur was also nice and soft. It is a very good shampoo".
So, the verdict is out, this is a great product and at $7.99 for a huge 16 oz bottle, an economical shampoo to boot. Go to www.MrsMeyers.com for more information and to purchase.
If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send and email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
Pet Products Review - PatriaPet Collars and Leashes Inspired by World Flags
Mr. Obama, when shopping for your new puppy's collar and leash look no farther than PatriaPet.com. This past weekend while attending the Horse and Pet Expo at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, I came across an enterprising young company that creates fashionable pet collars, leashes and accessories all inspired by world flags. It was a U.N. of pet regalia.
I couldn't help think to myself "what a better way to show pride in your heritage" than with a patriotic collar and leash for your pet. Surely the American flag collar belongs on every all-American mutt, not just around the 4th but everyday in the White House.
Now if you're not American, how lucky are you? Flags from every continent are available, nearly 20 in all. I saw the flags of Greece, Finland, Russia, UK, France, Cuba and many many more. I do suggest that you go to the website www.patriapet.com for ordering because you do have to consider the size and weight of your pet. On the site one can find all of those instructions.
As for construction, these collars are very durable, made of permanently dyed polyester. So, Mr. Obama, these colors won't run! In the price category, well you certainly won't need to worry about breaking the bank. Collars run about $13 and leashes an economical $19.
If you've got a product that you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com.
Pet Products Review - Meadowlands Horse and Pet Expo
As you may know, every weekend Champ my Sheltie and I escape to the country for a weekend drive. This week New Jersey to attend the the annual Meadowlands Horse and Pet Expo.
What a pleasantly fun day! Our friend and daddy of two kitties Patty joined us. Champ was very excited to attend this event as its an expo that allows both children and well behaved pets to attend; and this was a well attended event.
The Meadowlands pet Expo has something for every animal lover and pet enthusiast. At the show there were many educational and entertaining performances, special attractions, a petting zoo, pedigree dog shows, on-site pet adoptions and of course shopping!
I couldn't believe that they had in the expo building 2 full grown elephants and offered rides. My personal favorite was the wolf den. A cage where you can actually go in and pet and hug real life big, gorgeous wolves. Of course Champ was scared of the big not-bad wolves and wouldn't let me go in. My next favorite was the albino all white alligator. There are only 30 known albino alligators in the world and the Pet Expo in New Jersey had one of them. Patty couldn't stop watching the frisbee tossing contests.
There were many breeds of dogs on location for the dog show. We happened to be there right when the Siberian Huskies, Neapolitan Mastiff, Shih Tzu and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were being showcased. How interesting these shows are.
As for exhibitors, there were many local pet stores on hand and a few rescue organizations. I was dissapointed that not many national pet product companies exhibited but those that did stood out. Fresh Pet, Nature's Variety, PatriaPet, Dogswell, and American BioSciences had wonderful representation. A pet Supply Stor called Care-A-Lot was at the show and had some of the best prices I've ever seen for very good quality pet products. Go to their website www.CareALotPets.com for their eStore and catalogue.
The next show will be in Reading, PA on March 20-22, 2009. Only thing is do check the schedule at www.horseandpetexpo.com because due to the popularity of this event, there are special hours when pets are allowed. And take it from Champ, the noise level was very high, and at times both the noise and the crowds scared Champ a little. But do bring your pet, because there is a pet photo contest.
If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to secretshopperblog@gmail.com.
