Pet Products Review - Blue Ribbon Housetraing Pads, 32 count
So, no that I have a puppy, I get to test all of the puppy products. Most important on my list at this stage, house training pads. Also known as wee wee or pee pee pads. The last review of pads was a super economical brand I bought at Walmart. This time, also sticking to Walmart's selection was Blue Ribbon Deluxe Housetraining Pads, 32 count. The price was about 30% more than the super economical brand. But was it worth it?
Well... the size of the pads are the same. I do like how the pads look just like diapers being all white. Personally I think they smell a little better than the others. And they are made in the USA ! Big plus in my book.
What did my puppy think? he used them the same as the super economy brand. I don't think they were more attractive to him what so ever.
One downside is that the plastic seems to repel pee more than the super economy brands. With that I did notice that the pads seemed a little more wet than the economy ones. But, that could be because my puppy is growing and hence peeing more.
Anyway, if aesthetics are important to you, spend the additional 30% for Blue Ribbon. If not, go with the super economical brand. They both work great. Blue Ribbon is available exclusively at Walmart. Prices vary from store to store.
If you have a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
Here is a story that I heard happened not far from me in New York City. A wedding couple foolishly thought that realeasing albino doves at their wedding was a sign of love, prosperity and best wishes. No people! Its the sign of stupidity. Albino Doves that you find in pet stores are not wild and can not take care of themselves. In most cases these poor birds end up scared and starving or the meal of preditors.
Lucky for some benevolent bird watchers, the birds in New York were saved and now being nursed back to health. Here is the full story from the New York Post:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07282009/news/regionalnews/tragic_doves_left_at_altar_181723.htm
Remember people, animals are living creatures and never to be used as props or for entertainment. Just ask Mr. Vick.
Pet Products Review - Jr. Tuff Peanut Butter Balls
So in my basket of puppy goodies that I bought the first day I got Charlie one of MY favorites were Jr. Tuff Peanut Butter Balls. No, they are not candied bon bons, but small petit sized tennis balls with an essence of peanut butter.
Jr. Peanut Butter Balls are heavy duty tennis balls made especially for little dogs and flavored with natural peanut and other flavorings that taste great and neutralize doggie breath. They are non-toxic and colorfast. Made with a special felt that is less abrasive. This helps prevent dogs from wearing down their teeth while playing fetch. Pack includes a pair of 1.8" diameter balls.
I think they are adorable and sure your little pup will love them too. You can find them at PetGuys.com for only $1.98 per pack of 2: http://www.petguys.com/-713080700180.html
If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
Pet Products Review - Close To Nature Soybean Cat Litter
Wow... okay, this is a hard review for me. I've been using the big 10 lbs sample bag of Close To Naturenow Cat Litter. What do I think? Gosh.... call me old fashioned, but as a cat owner I need to see blue crystals turn from bright blue to green and have the cat extrement practically float to enjoy using a cat litter. If you're like me, you probably won't love this product, it is different, very different.
Now, ask my cat. I was sure my cat Stinky was going to turn up his nose immediately like he did with Yesterday's News and Feline Pines and express anger by going outside the box. Well, this time he did not. In fact, he wasn't even phased by the fact that I introduced him to a new litter. I did so gradually just like the instructions told me. By week 3 he was completely used to the litter.
Here is what I like:
Close to Naturenow is a great all natural, organic and environmentally safe product that is made in the USA. I love that. It is a cellulose litter one of the most ecologically friendly choices. Litters made from corn, wheat, beet, soy, pine, pulp, and recycled newspapers are biodegradable. The all natural biodegadability is so superior that it can even be used in compost; do remove the feces of course.
It is light weight, so no more heavy litter boxes and bags. Now that I have a puppy in the house, I feel safe using this product. Everyone knows how puppies like litter boxes, well now I don't have to freak out if he's near it. And I know immediately if he has because the yellow soybean husks stick to his nose. And speaking of noses, Close to Naturenow does a superior job of keeping odor out. Who knew that soybeans contain natural enzymes and proteins that allow the litter to be inherently absorbent to moisture, neutralize odor and make it easy to scoop? And speaking of tracking, with exception of the few grains that occassionally end up on my puppies nose, there was no tracking at all.
What I don't like is that it does such a good job clumping, I use more. Because the clumps may be flushed down the toilet, something you would never consider with clay or silica based litter, you clean your box more often. Another negative, and its a silly one, the color yellow doesn't match the tiles in my bathroom.
All in all Close to Naturenow Soybean Cat Litter is a refreshing environmentally friendly product that I recommend. If you are looking to make your home and greener home with more safe and all natural products, switching your litter to Close to Naturenow is a good start.
A 10 lbs bag is only $9.99 that is 30% less than the price of Arm & Hammer or Fresh Step. You can order directly from the manufacturer here:
http://www.theorganicfarmstore.com/products/view_item.asp?id=17&cat=
If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
Pet Products Review - Trixie Kootz Good Dog Collection
When I picked up my puppy the other week, what did I do? I went straight to Petsmart and filled up a shopping cart full of the best toys, treats and puppy essentials. That first puppy shopping spree, if anyone doesn't know is a significant spend. But seeing your puppy play with his favorite toy is completely priceless. With that, I was starting to write about Charlie's favorite toy, his stuffed yellow butterfly plush squeaky dog toy by Trixie Kootz Good Dog Collection.
Sorry couldn't find a pic with the toy, but its coming.
Anyway, as I was doing my research, I realized that Dean Koontz has a whole like of products and accessories brought to you exclusively by Petsmart. I applaud Dean Koontz and Petsmart as all of the royalties and proceeds go to the CCI charities. These products are adorable and fun and your pet will love them. Look for them at Petsmart. Here is their press release:
PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - June 25, 2009) - PetSmart® (NASDAQ: PETM) announced today the availability of exclusive product lines from Dean Koontz, Tamar Geller and the Animal Planet. Pet parents can now celebrate the special bond with their pet through favorite training, grooming and play products designed to match the individual lifestyle and personality of each family.
The Dog Bliss You™ product line by Dean Koontz, worldwide best-selling author and pet parent to the late Trixie, his beloved golden retriever, is based on the book "Bliss to You, Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life." Available items celebrate Trixie's wit and wisdom and include:
- Butterfly toys, plush bones, disks and rope tugs to play with dogs.
- "Bliss You" and "Laugh 'til Your Face Hurts" tanks for a carefree style.
- Stationery and specialty gifts such as coffee mugs, photo frames, key chains, journals and pens.
PODCAST: Dean Koontz on Trixie
Tamar Geller, renowned life coach for dogs, the people who love them, and dog-coach to the stars is introducing The Loved Dog™ products to train dogs to be well-mannered, making them happy and proud. Products that help dog parents raise truly loved dogs in return for a lifetime of unconditional love include:
- The best-selling book, "The Loved Dog," and how-to DVD, "Celebrate Your Dog - The Loved Dog Way of Training"
- Durable, plush ball or bone, ultra tug rope and throw disk for training games as well as occupier toys to redirect chewing.
- Calming spray and collar with pheromones and bitter orange chewing spray to modify behavior.
- Shampoo to smooth and strengthen the coat and conditioning spray specifically formulated as a leave-in conditioner.
Animal Planet-branded pet products by JAKKS Pacific are modeled after animals around the world as seen on television series on the Animal Planet network. The line, designed to help promote the well-being of animals, features packaging with animal facts and includes:
- High-quality, animal-shaped plush play toys and beds for dogs and cats.
- Apparel and accessories such as a leopard print dress and giraffe print tank for dogs.
"Our commitment to offering a wide variety of products and services is just one way PetSmart helps pets live healthy and happy lives," said Matt McAdam, PetSmart's vice president of dog and cat hard goods. "Our Dean Koontz, Tamar Geller and Animal Planet products represent unique personalities and brands that enhance the relationship between pets and their parents and reflect individual preferences in entertainment, training and play."
Exclusive PetSmart products are available in all U.S. stores and online at www.petsmart.com. Select products are available in Canada.
