Pet products are selling, despite recession

 

Technorati Tags: New product,Pets food,Shaky economy

In hard times, pet owners are still shelling out for items like this DogTread motorized treadmill.

Despite the shaky economy, dozens of hot new products for pets are hitting the market.

Manufacturers are coming through for all those pet owners who are willing to cut back in other areas rather than deprive their pets, says Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Association.

"Total pet spending has grown at a pace equal to or greater than most other retail segments," says Vetere. He adds that consumers are following the trend toward natural products.

According to the Yellow Pages Association, based in Berkeley Heights, the "pet grooming" listings get the most response from 50- to 64-year-old women with incomes above $60,000. July sees the most frequent usage on grooming. "Our display ads in the pet supplies and food categories peak in August," says Larry Small, director of research.

More than 60 percent of all households (about 71 million in all) own a pet, according to a recent national pet owner survey by American Pet Products. The organization predicts the pet industry will generate sales of $5 billion this year with the top two categories being food ($17.4 billion) and supplies ($10.2 billion).

CHECK OUT THESE PRODUCTS

When we said hot products, here's one that just became available online tomorrow. If you don't want your couch going to the dogs while Scruffy lounges on it, Surefit.com offers a durable and attractive quilted soft suede cover to help keep it clean. How's that for hot?

Prices for the well-constructed covers range from $29.99 to $49.99. In the fall, covers also will be in major stores where the slipcover-maker's full product line is offered.

Remember Stump, the Sussex spaniel who holds the current Best in Show title from Westminster? He's now stumping for a line of products from the Children's Art Project. Launched last month at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, "Flag" doggie bandanas were designed by three pediatric patients. Proceeds from the $12 bandanas go directly to pediatric programs at the famed cancer facility.

Joy to the World Collectibles also sells adorable glass dog breed ornaments ($39) to benefit the program. View products online at childrensart.org.

Who doesn't want an easy million? All you need to do is look like your dog. All American Pet Company launched "Bow Wow Million Dollar Contest" to recognize the dog and owner that look the most alike. Submit a photo online no later than July 26 to capture the million or one of the other generous cash prizes. Details at
bowwowmillion.com.

Shop 'til you drop and help homeless animals at the same time through a newly launched website, bringpetshome.org, a nonprofit foundation in Roseland. The site lists 150 major retailers who will allocate a percentage of sales to benefit shelters. Operating costs are absorbed by Schering-Plough Animal Health in Kenilworth.

Sparky losing his spark? How about DogTread's motorized exercise treadmill? You don't want Sparky to reach the point of exhaustion, which means you'll need to watch him throughout his run. This product could be a boon in the dead of winter when a walk outdoors would be unappealing. It comes in three sizes, ranging from $500 to $900. The economy can't be that bad; they were temporarily out of the large size. Go to petzenproducts.com.

If you and your pup like night walks, let some light shine on both of you with HUGlight, a hands-free, flexible light that hangs comfortably from soft foam "arms" around your neck. At $10 to $15, the device generates enough light that you could even read The Star-Ledger at midnight without disturbing anyone. Check mylight.com for details.

Finally, a practical solution for the part of a dog walk owners like least. The name speaks for itself: "Never Touch Shovel Bag." Described as the "civilized way to scoop," packs of bags sell for $2.49 to $8.99, depending on quantity. Visit shovelbag.com.

FURminator.com has a wide range of products, including a terrific line of brushes to snare that extra pet hair and fur before it blankets your furniture.

The site also offers treats that promise to reduce shedding. I can attest that they work. Instead of shedding bushels, my Siberian husky is shedding far less and he loves the treats. Their brushes help, too.

Unquestionably, Up Country offers the most terrific lineup of colorful dog and cat collars, leads and harnesses I've seen, in fabric and leather ranging from $8.50 to $14. Their collections -- about 100 choices -- burst with color and clever designs featuring dog breeds, ducks, fish, Christmas themes, birds, horses . . . you name it. They also carry stylish furniture and healthy treats. Find the products at upcountryinc.com.

Pet Airways: Where the Fur Flies

 

Pet-Oriented Airline Will Take Dogs and Cats Airborne, Starting at $149

Technorati Tags: New Airline,Pet owners,Alissa Binder

 

There's a new airline that has no security lines, no middle seats and flight attendants who even take customers for a walk before they fly. The only catch? You've got to be a dog or a cat -- no humans allowed.

New airline offers safe travel for four-legged passengers.

Pet Airlines will get the fur flying next week when it begins service as the country's first pet-only airline.

The airline's launch is the culmination of an idea from pet owner Alissa Binder and her husband, Dan Wiesel, after they took their aging Jack Russell, Jack, on a cross-country flight. Like other pets, Jack had to fly in the cargo bay.

"We were totally stressed out," Wiesel said. "We didn't know if she was on the flight, didn't know how she was doing."

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To avoid that stress in the future, the couple leased a plane, hired veterinary technicians to monitor the animals in flight and started advertising their new airline. Starting at $149, pet owners can send their furry friends on flights that provide a preboarding walk and bathroom break.

Pet Airways will initially fetch animals from five cities -- New York, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles.

The planes have no seats and no overhead compartments, and are all designed for creature comfort.

"Our priority is the pets," Binder said. "It's about the pets."

While Pet Airways may be the newest dog on the block, they face competition with major carriers such as Continental, which moves an average of 500 pets every day.

"We've got dedicated personnel, constant monitoring 24 hours a day, tracking all animals," Continental employee Lisa Schoppa said.

Nearly 500 dogs seized from Montague County kennel

 

BOWIE, Texas — Nearly 500 dogs were seized Tuesday from a kennel where a Humane Society supervisor said several dead animals were found after complaints the dogs hadn't received proper veterinary care.

The Montague County Sheriff's Department served search warrants at Maggic Pets/Heddins Kennel, which offers on its Web site breeds including pugs, schnauzers, toy beagles, akitas and shitzus.

Cloyce Heddins, the husband of the kennel's owner, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the dogs received proper care and authorities had bad information. He said his wife, Carol, has heart problems and was taken to a hospital by ambulance when officers arrived.

"We've been in this business a long time," Heddins told the newspaper. "If you raise dogs, you've got to get them veterinary care, especially if you're trying to make a living of it."

Heddins did not immediately return a Tuesday night call from The Associated Press.

Sandy Grambort, a supervisor with the Humane Society of North Texas, said authorities found dogs in crates double-stacked in outbuildings, as well as in outdoor pens and kennels. Some had skin conditions and open sores, she said.

While not all the dogs appeared to have health problems, she said those in the poorest condition were discovered at the back of the property, where customers are not allowed.

"We are very secure in our case," Grambort said.

Heddins said officers took eight to 10 filing cabinets from the home. He suggested complaints could have come from a few dissatisfied customers.

"Every time someone gets mad they can just call and say someone is not taking care of his dogs, and that makes them subject to an

Technorati Tags: Humane Society,Veterinary care,investigation,warehouse

investigation," he said.

The dogs were taken to a Fort Worth warehouse donated to temporarily house them. A Montague County justice of the peace will decide whether to return the animals to the kennel or leave them in the custody of the humane society.

The People Speak Deposits For Guard Dogs Not Allowed

Technorati Tags: guide dog,pet owners,deposit

Here is the thing. Pets Guide In one conversation, a lady informed that she had a house for $525 per month and a $400 deposit, no pets. I informed her I was blind and had a guide dog. She promptly informed me of the following: “There will be a non-refundable deposit of $500 for that guide dog.”

I wanted to ask how long she had been in the real estate business. Landlords of any kind cannot charge a “pet deposit” for a guide dog/service animal. This is against the law. Landlords should acquaint themselves with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 or go to Assistance Dogs International (ADI.org) or GDUI (Guide Dog Users Inc.

These two sites have lots of information about guides and laws governing them. Landlords charge deposits for everything —pets, security and children, etc. Most deposits are not returned no matter how clean or what a place is left like. Yet it makes it hard for pet owners and guide dog users to rent.

These dogs are highly trained. We have to keep them brushed, bathed, clean their teeth, pick up after them, so they usually do not cause any problems. They are also taught not to bark.

Pets Guide I was raised in Muskogee and am returning home after 18 years away.I would like to begin my transition on a good note. Landlords need to wake up. Perhaps, you should start charging deposits for the drunks and druggies you rent to. I would hate to begin my new life in Muskogee in court for discrimination or civil rights violations.

Tags: 18 years, adi, americans with disabilities, americans with disabilities act, assistance dogs international, civil rights violations, discrimination, drunks, estate business, guard dogs, guide dog users, landlords, muskogee, pet deposit, pet owners, refundable deposit, returning home, service animal, these dogs, users inc

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Tags: 18 years, adi, americans with disabilities, americans with disabilities act, assistance dogs international, civil rights violations, discrimination, drunks, estate business, guard dogs, guide dog users, landlords, muskogee, pet deposit, pet owners, refundable deposit, returning home, service animal, these dogs, users inc

Patriotic pets parade for Fourth

Technorati Tags: patriotic parade,costume

If you're an animal person, the American Visionary Arts Museum's annual pet parade should be a must on your calendar.

More than 80 pets came out -- many sporting their red, white and blue -- for the event this morning. The costuming was as eccentric as you'd expect from the museum. A pup wearing a pickle. Not one but two pugs with the stars and stripes painted (hairsprayed, actually) right onto them. A tortoise that essentially hauled an entire art project on its back.

Check out my first batch of pics. More to come later. Happy Fourth!!

Photos by Jill

AP Poll: Half of pet owners give pets human names

 

 

This photo released by Veterinary Pet Insurance shows Snag L. Tooth catching a cat nap at his home in Portland, Ore.

NEW YORK — So much for Rover and Fido.

Almost half of American pet owners gave an animal a human-like name, such as Jack or Sophie, according to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll of more than 1,000 pet owners released Tuesday.

Some of the more unusual names: Hollywood and Chichi Mittens, both cats; Vegas the Labrador Retriever; Jibber Jack the dog; the Beagle named Talulublue, and Louis XIV, the Yorkie.

In all, 49 percent of respondents, including 51 percent of dog owners and 50 percent of cat owners, had given at least one of their pets a human-like name.

The most popular? Max got more mentions than other names in the AP Poll, but not enough to give it any broad claim of popularity less than 2 percent of all mentions). One database of pet names, maintained by Veterinary Pet Insurance, also finds that Max pops up more frequently than any other name.

There has been a move away from classic dog names such as Spot and Lassie, according to VPI spokesman Curtis Steinhoff. There were 13 Fidos in VPI's database in 2008, placing the name at No. 2,866. Rover was No. 2,534, behind names like Grendel, Ginger Snap and Munchie.

Steinhoff said the trend reflects a stronger bond between people and their pets.

Pet owners who give their pets human names are more likely to see them as full members of the family, said Wayne Eldridge, veterinarian and author of "The Best Pet Name Book Ever!"

But he cautions against reading too much into pet names. Many people choose names based on the animal's appearance, he said. One of the most unusual names in the VPI database was Snag L. Tooth for a cat with a "snaggle tooth" that protrudes.

And some people don't know why they chose a certain name for their pet.

Like Beth Hart, 63, of Houston, who started naming her dogs Sassoon for the hair salon Vidal Sassoon. Her current Shih Tzu is Sassoon the Third. Her husband named their Lhaso Apso, "Dawg," their second dog with that name.

Daniel Rivera, 23, of Lansing, Mich. said his 4-year-old daughter named their pit bull lab mix Little Fella. He said he guesses the name fits since the dog has very short legs.

For some it's all about being creative. Susan Jacobs, 45, of Long Beach, Calif., named her black poodle Kingston for her best vacation ever.

"It was beautiful, the people, the music, the warm weather," she said of her trip to Jamaica a decade ago. "Now whenever I say his name, I think of that time of in my life."

Technorati Tags: names,cats,dogs

2 British police dogs die after being left in hot car during heat wave

 

LONDON — Two British police dogs have died after being left in a car during a heat wave.

The German shepherds died Tuesday in a car in the parking lot of police headquarters in Nottingham, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of London. Nottinghamshire Police say they have called in animal welfare investigators.

Temperatures in the area reached 84 F (29 C) that day, according to Britain’s weather office. Police did not say how long the dogs were in the car.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Davies called the deaths “tragic.”

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says it is investigating. The maximum penalty for causing unnecessary distress to an animal is six months’ imprisonment or a 20,000-pound ($33,000) fine.

Technorati Tags: dogs,nottinghamshire,investigate

Pet python strangles Sumter County 2-year-old

 

Technorati Tags: sumter county homes,pet python

OXFORD — A 2-year-old girl was strangled this morning by a pet python at a Sumter County home, according to a sheriff's report.

The incident occurred just after 10 a.m. at a residence in the 1500 block of county Road 466 in Oxford, which is located west of Lady Lake.

It's not known if the pet snake got loose before killing the girl.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, pythons are a nonnative species to Florida, although some Burmese pythons have been found in parts of Florida.

An invasion of giant Burmese pythons in South Florida that made national headlines last year was "rapidly expanding" and could reach Central Florida, according to a University of Florida study.

"There's no part of this state that you can point at and say that pythons couldn't live here," researcher Frank Mazzotti said. "They're capable of incredible movement -- and in a relatively short period."

Most of the pythons were brought over as pets and then turned loose in the wild, he said.

Keep pets indoors during fireworks

 

Technorati Tags: pets,fireworks,safety

 

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Question: Is it true that the Hawaiian Humane Society supports bans against fireworks?

Answer: The Hawaiian Humane Society is not anti-fireworks but pro-pet safety. So many lost pets without ID end up at its Moiliili shelter after the 4th of July. Keeping pets safely indoors is the most important thing you can do to keep pets from getting lost. It's also useful to make sure pets are microchipped and wear a collar and tag, even if they're kept indoors. Pet owners may call 946-2187 to ensure their contact information is current with the Humane Society, which improves a lost pet's chances of finding his way home.

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The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail, hhs@hawaiianhumane.org. Indicate "Pet Ohana" in the subject line.

Question: Is it true that the Hawaiian Humane Society supports bans against fireworks?

Answer: The Hawaiian Humane Society is not anti-fireworks but pro-pet safety. So many lost pets without ID end up at its Moiliili shelter after the 4th of July. Keeping pets safely indoors is the most important thing you can do to keep pets from getting lost. It's also useful to make sure pets are microchipped and wear a collar and tag, even if they're kept indoors. Pet owners may call 946-2187 to ensure their contact information is current with the Humane Society, which improves a lost pet's chances of finding his way home.