Jaime Derringer

Rover: The Rise of the Preppy Pup

by Jaime Derringer (Subscribe to Jaime Derringer's posts): Feb 18th 2011 @ 11:00AM Filed Under: Dogs

Ella the pug in Rover clothing. Photo credit: Rover

No, this isn't an outtake from the latest J.Crew catalog photo shoot. Preppy pups are in. It's the newest trend, and leading the pack is the self-proclaimed "J.Crew of the dog world," Rover. This newly launched Etsy shop is chock full of dogs with ties, peacoats and plaids hanging out on what appears to be a Cape Cod beach.

So when did the prepster look become so fashionable, and how did Rover start the trend? Paw Nation talks with co-owner AnneMarie Minardi, who runs Rover with business partner Gillian Ward. The idea first came to her a few years ago when she got her pug, Ella, and had a hard time finding clothing for her -- most pug-size dog fashion was glittery or pink and not quite Minardi's personal taste. At that moment, she decided to start making dog clothes that she herself would actually wear.

Back in 2006, Rover was new to the world, but the idea for Rover as a business was born not too long after. Minardi knew she had something going, but for someone with no background in fashion design or sewing, she had to rely on her craftiness. While Minardi stitched away at the sewing machine, Ward put her background in fashion and communications to work spreading the word. It took a few years, but the pair opened their Etsy shop in August 2010 and fanfare immediately followed.

Rover

10 Great Ideas for Doggie Decor

by Jaime Derringer (Subscribe to Jaime Derringer's posts): Jan 11th 2011 @ 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs

adoptapet.com

Jaime Derringer, author of the design blog Dog Milk, shares some of her favorite pet products.

Those of you who are dog owners know that we often baby our pups, give them whatever they want and take them wherever we can get away with taking them. We put pictures of our dogs on our phones and share them with our friends. We buy them Christmas presents. But sometimes, dog owners take their dog obsession a step further. Not only do we love our dogs, but we simply love to be surrounded by dogs. Designers and retailers have taken notice, and there's been a rise in lovely dog-themed decor.

1. Yes We Can Rescue!
After the popularity of his Obama image helped raise the profile of that campaign, artist Shepard Fairey turned his attention to help promote pet adoption. Fairey created his "Lead by Example" ADOPT image, which you can purchase or download from adoptapet.com. Limited-edition screen print, $200; image download is free.

8 Beautiful Modern Dog Houses From $145 - $1500

by Jaime Derringer (Subscribe to Jaime Derringer's posts): Dec 28th 2010 @ 11:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Product Reviews

Jaime Derringer, author of the design blog Dog Milk, shares some of her favorite pet products.

When sourcing content for Dog Milk, I come across a lot of beautiful dog houses. However, many of them are one-off pieces. There still isn't a large selection of modern dog houses on the market, so based on the rarity of a unique outdoor hideaway, you'll pay a pretty penny for the perfect pup palace. But as you'll see in the gallery below, many are worth the price.

come-sit-stay-shop.com

A Hound's House
I first came across the Hunde Hus, $500, on Etsy and then realized that the designer had begun to sell the house retail. Now it is available at The Modern Dog, still with a pretty hefty price tag. However, this pet hotel is a bit different in that it has both inside and outside sleeping areas. If that wasn't enough, it also doubles as an end table or nightstand. If you're like many small-home or apartment owners, you're looking for as many double-duty items as possible!

momodern.com

The Handmade Home
I am drooling over the angles and the wood grain on this one! The Mutt Dog Dwelling, $1,500, by graphic designer-turned-woodworker Jesse Doquilo, is handcrafted bliss. There is nothing I like more than a solid wood piece of furniture. The high cost of this house seems justified when you consider that a real person sweats over each individual piece alone in a workshop somewhere.

Doggie Office Supplies

by Jaime Derringer (Subscribe to Jaime Derringer's posts): Dec 7th 2010 @ 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Product Reviews

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Dog-Themed Office Supplies

Is your desktop a boring endless white space piled with paper but void of personality? Well, dog lovers, listen up: You don't have to suffer any longer. Check out these great dog-themed accessories for your work desk or home office. Whether you're top dog or the company underdog, there's something here for you.

Kikkerland

Cat Beds

Pod Bed by Hepper Home, $155
Made of soft molded foam, the Hepper Pod bed provides your cat with a cozy hiding space on a raised base. The interior pad made of Sherpa fleece and microfiber is reversible and washable.

Hepper Home

Banana Leaf Cat Cave, $85
This cozy cave is made from eco-friendly banana leaf, a texture that cats love. You can position the sphere on the base in any configuration, plus it comes with a washable cushion.

Meijer

HARRY Felt Day Bed from Pet-Interiors, $302
This beautiful bed, from German company Pet-Interiors, is made of thick, durable felt and features a luxurious inner cushion with a custom filling developed especially for cats. The cushion cover is removable and washable.

Pet-Interiors

Bambu Lounger from Pet Lounge Studios, $249
The frame of this bed is made of solid bamboo, making it extremely sturdy but also lightweight. The cushion, made from the highest quality memory foam, helps to relieve pressure points, which can be a huge benefit for older or arthritic cats.

Pet Lounge Studios

Fatboy Catbag, $99
Perfect for an afternoon nap, the Fatboy Catbag is kitty's very own beanbag. It even has a removable outer bag to make cleaning easy. Comes in a variety of hip colors complete with a fish bone graphic.

Fat Boy

Retro Modern Cat Bed from Like Kittysville, $82
These hip kitty beds are each handmade using vintage fabrics, so no two are the same. The sleek boomerang shape floats on top of an acrylic base, for a cool retro look.

Like Kittysville

Scan Bed from Pet Revolution, $529
The glistening acrylic base of the ultra-modern Scan bed will have kitty sitting in style. The bed features a reversible micro-suede cover that is easy to put on and remove and is also machine washable.

Pet Revolution

Bent Bed from Pre Fab Pets, $349
Your modern cat will love this sleek platform bed made from molded plywood with walnut veneer. The cushion is covered in ultra suede, creating a perfect lounge spot for any stylish feline.

Pre Fab Pets

Bubble Bed from b.pet, $424
If you're looking for a little Italian design for your cat, then the Bubble bed from b.pet is for you. Available in a wide range of designer colors, the acrylic half sphere rests on a shiny chrome base and comes with a large comfy cushion.

b.pet

Operetta Pet Lounge by Kenneth Cobonpue, $TK
This architectural looking structure is the Operetta pet lounge designed by Kenneth Cobonpue. Made of polyethylene, nylon and steel with a leatherette pad, the Operetta is sized perfectly for a cat.

Dog iPhone Apps - 9 Fun Games and More

by Jaime Derringer (Subscribe to Jaime Derringer's posts): Oct 29th 2010 @ 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Product Reviews

Earlier this year we told you about 10 great iPhone apps for pet lovers, but of course, with so many apps available, and more being released every day, we barely scratched the surface. So today we have nine more recommendations for the best off-the-wall, silly and all-around fun apps that, while they may not change the world, will at least bring you and your furry friend a little bit closer.

dog iphone app picture Good Dog Training Clicker

Good Dog Training Clicker
Are you always forgetting to bring your training clicker to the dog park? We bet you never forget to bring your phone. That's why we love the Good Dog Training Clicker app. It's free and so simple: a training clicker on your iPhone. It also includes referenced information on dog training from basic training, to tricks, to reward/punishment and even harness and collar info.

dog iphone app picture Comic Touch

Comic Touch
Comic Touch is an app that costs just $2.99 but goes a long way in creating laughs. Everyone has taken a photo that warrants a silly caption. WIth this app, you can add thought bubbles to any of your photos, turning them into comics. You can even distort images with funhouse-mirror effects. This app is loads of fun for your dog and human photos alike. Share your silly photos with friends and family on various social-networking sites. There is a free version of the app available, so you can try before you buy.