Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com Paw Nation http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.pawnation.com/media/feedlogo.gif Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/'Pez for Pets' Treat Dispenserhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/02/pez-for-pets-treat-dispenser/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/02/pez-for-pets-treat-dispenser/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/02/pez-for-pets-treat-dispenser/#commentsFiled under:

Pez for Pets

Our favorite childhood collectible candy dispenser just got a pet-friendly makeover.

Pez for Pets works just like a regular Pez dispenser except it's bigger -- about 10 inches tall -- and it doles out dog treats instead of candy.

There are currently only two doggy Pez "heads" available: beagle or hound, priced at $14 each. Both come stocked with six yummy treats to pop from the top made from 100-percent corn starch in cheese, bacon, and beef flavors. And since you know how quickly those little treats disappear, make sure you grab a refill pack of 12 all-natural treats for $6.

Our only question -- how the heck do you pop the top without opposable thumbs?

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]]>dog treatsDogTreatspet treatsPetTreatspezTaryn FiolTue, 02 Mar 2010 11:00:00 ESTPetSmart Survey Reveals Motives for Pet Adoptionhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/27/petsmart-survey-reveals-motives-for-pet-adoption/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/27/petsmart-survey-reveals-motives-for-pet-adoption/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/27/petsmart-survey-reveals-motives-for-pet-adoption/#commentsFiled under:

Flickr/helorits Miller

In a group of animal lovers or "The Price is Right" hosts, it's easy to see a passion for adopting homeless pets and controlling the pet population. But thanks to a national survey commissioned by PetSmart Charities, we now have an insight to the overall national perceptions and opinions about pets.

Among 1,000 new pet owners (those who acquired a dog or cat in the past year), the study found that only 24 percent were adopted from shelters. This means a whopping 76 percent of pets were received from sources other than shelters, with the primary reason being a desire for a specific purebreed.

Interestingly, when those who purchased pets were asked what might motivate them to choose shelter adoption instead, knowing that "millions of purebred animals end up in shelters" was found to be the least motivating factor.

Despite Bob Barker's tireless encouragement, the study also found that nearly half of people who have acquired unsterilized pets in the last year haven't fixed them. As a result, more unwanted pets are being born into the world. Owners reported that more than half of the litters born to their dogs and cats were unintentional.

Other interesting findings from the study are that people earning $55,000 or more per year are more likely to adopt from shelters, and southerners and the under-35 set are the least likely to sterilize their pets.

"We hope that by providing this data to others who share our passion for saving the lives of homeless pets, we can break down the barriers to pet adoption and spay/neuter that survey respondents identified," said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of non-profit PetSmart Charities, Inc. "We can all use the data to develop new practices and messages based on what we now know to be key motivators and barriers."

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]]>animal sheltersAnimalSheltersbob barkerBobBarkerneuterspayTaryn FiolWed, 27 Jan 2010 17:00:00 ESTSmoke Mask for Pets Donated to Georgia Fire Departmenthttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/26/smoke-mask-for-pets-donated-to-georgia-fire-department/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/26/smoke-mask-for-pets-donated-to-georgia-fire-department/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/26/smoke-mask-for-pets-donated-to-georgia-fire-department/#commentsFiled under:



House fires are dangerous enough for people, but they too frequently prove fatal for our four-legged friends. Over 40,000 pets die of smoke asphyxiation each year.

Good news, then, that neighborhood fire departments, like Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue in Augusta, Ga., are acquiring smoke inhalation masks for pet use in emergency rescues.

"The majority of dogs and other animals that die in house fires are due to smoke inhalation and this will be able to take care of that problem -- might be able to save a lot more animals by having these devices available to us," Captain Robert Rosier with Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue told NBC Augusta.

The smoke mask that the Martinez-Columbia fire rescuers received was provided by an anonymous donor through Bark 10-4, an online store dedicated to helping fire departments nationwide obtain pet oxygen masks.

If you're interested in donating pet rescue masks to your local fire department, visit Bark10-4.com. There, you'll be able to buy a pet oxygen mask for $25, or a set of three for $65, shipped free of charge directly to your local fire rescue.

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]]>fire rescuefirefightersFireRescuepet oxygen masksPetOxygenMasksTaryn FiolTue, 26 Jan 2010 15:00:00 ESTPETA Wants Michael Jackson's Giraffes Out of Harm's Wayhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/25/peta-wants-michael-jackson-s-giraffes-out-of-harm-s-way/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/25/peta-wants-michael-jackson-s-giraffes-out-of-harm-s-way/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/25/peta-wants-michael-jackson-s-giraffes-out-of-harm-s-way/#commentsFiled under: ,

AP Photo/Michael A. Mariant

The deaths of two of Michael Jackson's pet giraffes are creating a media circus of their own. PETA is accusing the creatures' caretakers of neglect and asking Arizona police to confiscate two remaining living giraffes that belonged to the late King of Pop, E! Online reports.

Jabbar and Rambo died on Nov. 20 and Jan. 2, respectively, while under the custody of Tom and Freddie Hancock, owners of the Banjoko Wildlife Preserve in Page, Ariz. where all four of Jackson's giraffes had been living since 2006.

PETA claimed on its Web site that Jabbar and Rambo "may have died as a result of improper feeding and/or exposure to cold temperatures." PETA is now asking the Page, Ariz. Chief of Police Charlie Dennis to remove the remaining animals from the Hancocks' care, citing a possible violation of the state's animal cruelty law.

PETA is also offering their services to help find permanent homes for the remaining two giraffes, Princess and Annie Sue, and to arrange wildlife professionals to transport them.

But Freddie Hancock, whose wildlife preserve also acquired Jackson's exotic birds, snakes and crocodile, insists that PETA's accusations of neglect aren't true.

"We've had them for three and a half years, and they are like our children," Freddie Hancock told Salt Lake City's KSL-TV. "We're just absolutely devastated by the death of these giraffes."

As of now, Police Chief Dennis told the Associated Press that there's no reason to remove the other giraffes until police receive conclusive necropsy (animal autopsy) results.

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]]>giraffesmichael jacksonMichaelJacksonpetaTaryn FiolMon, 25 Jan 2010 15:00:00 ESTPampered Show Cats Work the Ring at Atlanta Cat Showhttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/25/pampered-show-cats-work-the-ring-at-atlanta-cat-show/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/25/pampered-show-cats-work-the-ring-at-atlanta-cat-show/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/25/pampered-show-cats-work-the-ring-at-atlanta-cat-show/#commentsFiled under:

Flickr/jilbean3

Dog shows have as loyal a following as the species themselves; pet owner or not, scores of animals lovers gear up to watch Westminster each February. But cat shows, even the biggest and most respected, have remained a pretty elusive affair.

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) International Cat Show, held over two days in "Catlanta," is a much quirkier affair than its pedigree would let on. The Western Hemisphere's largest feline judging show hosts more than 750 primped and preened cats and the adoring owners that live for them.

Just one look around the expansive show room and you'll see that most of the floor is dedicated to giving each of the adorable show critters a pimped-out place of his or her own: fifty rows of tables organized by each of the 41 different cat breeds recognized by the CFA.

But these show cats don't arrive in plastic carriers. Their owners spoil them with full-on luxury kitten lounges that are adorned with perches, pillows and beaded curtains, as well as photo frames filled with pictures of the prized cat. A few lucky felines' spaces are able to boast their cover shot on Cat Fancy.

The rest of the floor is where the action happens. Twelve rings set the stage for judges to assess around 300 cats over the two days of the show. The rings are small, just 15 crates sitting in a semi-circle, with a judges table (a podium with an overhead light and a scratching post) in the center. The cats won't take laps or be tested for temperament. The cat critics are just looking to compare each cat's body tone and fur against its breed standard.

Continue reading Pampered Show Cats Work the Ring at Atlanta Cat Show

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]]>Taryn FiolWed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00:00 ESTHot, or Fashion Faux Paw?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/09/hot-or-fashion-faux-paw/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/09/hot-or-fashion-faux-paw/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/09/hot-or-fashion-faux-paw/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images

The only reason we might have expected to see a puppy coming down a fashion runway would be if a toy breed escaped from the clutches of its fashionista owner. But during Vivienne Westwood's latest runway show at London's fashion week, spectators were caught off guard when a model strutted down the catwalk with a dog not in her arms, but in her pants.

This pair of skinny, cropped trousers is a part of Westwood's Red Label collection and features a sewn-in puppy pouch.

Will pooch-pouch pants be the new dog-carrier handbag for 2010? They're hardly flattering for the figure, but might be just the right fit for take-my-dog-everywhere types.

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]]>dog trousersDogTrousersred label collectionRedLabelCollectionvivienne westwoodVivienneWestwoodTaryn FiolMon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:00 ESTQ&A with the Creator of YouTube Sensation 'Simon's Cat'http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/15/qanda-with-the-creator-of-youtube-sensation-simons-cat/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/15/qanda-with-the-creator-of-youtube-sensation-simons-cat/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/15/qanda-with-the-creator-of-youtube-sensation-simons-cat/#commentsFiled under:

Simon Tofield Photo: Chris Gavin


When your new kitten paws at you to feed him, it's usually not worth sharing with the world. But Simon Tofield thought otherwise. Inspired by his own three cats at his Bedfordshire, England home, Tofield, 38, creates line-drawn films depicting the hilarious relationship between a man and his ever-hungry feline companion.

Thanks to YouTube and more than 30 million viewers around the world, the films are now an Internet sensation and fodder for Tofield's new book "Simon's Cat." The paperback came out just last month, but Tofield is already hard at work on a second title due next year. Tofield took some time away from the drafting table to talk to Paw Nation.

So when did you fall for cats?
My first cat was a tiny barn kitten I found in a stable when I was nine years old. I wanted so badly to keep it and I was crying for weeks before my mum finally said I could have her.

But you've got more cats now...
Yeah. Jess is about nine years old and she's a real lap cat. She's never more than a meter away. Then there's Maisie, a lovely marked gray tabby who's seven, and Hugh, who's two. I thought two cats was enough, but it didn't take too much persuasion to convince me to get Hugh. But he was worth it -- he started the whole "Simon's Cat" phenomenon.

He's the inspiration for your films?
He was my first ever boy cat and the inspiration for my first film, "Cat Man Do." He was on top of me one day, pawing at me and trying to get my attention for a long while before I finally got up to feed him. As soon as I got up, he just jumped off like he knew he was getting what he had been after. I just thought, "That's brilliant! That'd be great to animate!"

Are all your films based on real experiences with your pets?
I like to base them on reality. It's important that you put things in there that cat owners can relate to, like cats' mannerisms. Great cartoons have to be based on realisms that appeal to people. That's the secret.


Continue reading Q&A with the Creator of YouTube Sensation 'Simon's Cat'

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]]>simon tofieldsimons catSimonsCatSimonTofieldTaryn FiolThu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:00 ESTP@W Bag Keeps Your Small Pet and Your Computer Safe for Travelhttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/28/p-w-bag-keeps-your-small-pet-and-your-computer-safe-for-travel/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/28/p-w-bag-keeps-your-small-pet-and-your-computer-safe-for-travel/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/28/p-w-bag-keeps-your-small-pet-and-your-computer-safe-for-travel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Photo: PetEgo.com

Now we get to find out if man's best friend is also man's best personal assistant.

The P@W (That's for "Pet at Work") is a laptop bag that can also stow your pup. Or a pup bag that can also stow your laptop, whichever way you want to look at it. Either way, it's never been easier to take your small pet on the trek to your workspace.

The P@W keeps your pet and your computer safe on your back while you're en route. Then once you're at your desination and ready to get down to business, pull out the included foldable Pet Dome soft crate to keep your furry friend under wraps and out of the supply closet.

The P@W is available in black or tan for $178. Now you're all ready for when your office joins in on "Take Your Dog to Work Day."

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]]>dog carrierDogCarrierlaptop bagLaptopBagtake your dog to work dayTakeYourDogToWorkDayTaryn FiolFri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTObey the Purebreed! The Canine and Feline Revolution Starts with a Shirt http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/19/obey-the-purebreed-the-canine-and-feline-revolution-starts-with/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/19/obey-the-purebreed-the-canine-and-feline-revolution-starts-with/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/19/obey-the-purebreed-the-canine-and-feline-revolution-starts-with/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We all know who rules the roost. Your dog, and in some cases, your cat.

From the kitchen to the couch, your pet is the dictator of the house, and you ought to let everyone know about it.

Obey the Purebreed! supplies propaganda to let house guests, neighbors and the soccer mom behind you in traffic know that your Shar Pei is hell bent on world domination. The breed-specific t-shirts, posters, dog bowls and bumper stickers boast a variety of graphics and designs all with one bottom line: Your breed is top dog.

Prices range from around $4 for stickers to $40 for sweatshirts. Start shopping from their long list of breeds and designer mixes, or go with the simple "Mutt" for your mixed canine.

And if you're less about war and more about peace, you'll still find a shirt to spread your message with one of the variations of "A Insert Breed Here is my Homedog."

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]]>merchandisepurebredpurebreedPureBreedsTaryn FiolWed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST