Pet Stuff

Charms

Protect your fur-baby with these cute "Santitas Do Brazil"charms ($22) that attach to your pet's collar. Each charm includes a St. Francis of Assisi charm (protector of animals) and a silver charm of your choice. Available from Ravinstyle.

Charlybox

This canteen-like box is a compact carrier for your pet’s food and water. Made of two halves, the Charlybox ($60) includes a two-liter canteen for fresh water, and two bowls for water and kibble. Snap the two halves together and set out for a day with your dog. When it’s time for a snack, separate the halves and fill one of the bowls with water from the canteen. The second bowl can be used for storing and serving kibble. Available from Design Within Reach.

Sock Monkey

This sock monkey dog toy ($10.99) is made from durable "sock" material with the requisite squeaker inside. Measures approximately 10" in length. Available from retailpets.com (and many other places online).

L.A. with Dog

We were in L.A. this weekend with our dog, Otto, and since we couldn't really leave him in the hotel all day we had to tailor our plans to bring him with us. Here's a couple recommendations for doing L.A. with your fur-baby.

Figtree's Cafe

After walking Otto up and down the Venice Beach boardwalk we headed to the Figtree's Cafe for a late breakfast. I would recommend this cafe whether you have a dog or not--good strong coffee, omelettes with fresh, locally grown veggies and herbs, chicken apple sausage, amazing fruit bowls. They have a large patio with a view of the boardwalk and beach which is great for people-watching. Our server brought Otto a big bowl of water and sat us near the edge away from the crowds.

Figtree's Cafe

Open 8 to 6 daily

429 Ocean Front Walk

Venice, CA

310-392-4937

Chateau Marmutt

Not to be confused with the fancy hotel in Hollywood (Chateau Marmont) the Chateau Marmutt is a dog-grooming and doggy day-care facility right in the midst of the hip 3rd street shopping area. Very friendly staff. We were able to drop Otto off for an oatmeal bath, teeth brushing and nail clip and had a few hours to do some shopping and strolling without the dog. He came back fluffy and soft and tired out which was great.

Toast Bakery Cafe

After Otto's day-o'-beauty we took him for a nice meal at Toast which has a sidewalk patio right in the midst of the hip 3rd street shopping area. Great place for people-watching and ducking out of the sun on a hot summer day. During peak hours there is always a wait, but we went around 3pm and were able to snag a table right away. The menu features, salads, sandwiches, burgers and breakfast fare and there are also great cupcakes and treats from the bakery. I had a turkey burger with grilled onion and avocado and amazing sweet potato fries. Loved the bottomless glasses of Lemonade and Passionfruit iced tea (they will even give you some to go!). Our server brought Otto a big bowl of water and we were able to keep him under our feet at one of the outside tables.

Toast Bakery Cafe

Open 7:30 to 11 daily

8221 W. 3rd St.

Los Angeles, CA

The Dog Lover's Companion

I bought a copy of the Dog Lover's Companion to Los Angeles for our trip. It definitely has a comprehensive list of parks that allow dogs. Was a little bit dissapointed in the dog-friendly restaurant listings, but definitely a handy reference and a good place to start.

Stars and Stripes

Bejewelled

I absolutely love this sapphire dome ring ($80) from Sundance Catalogue Company. It looks very mystical and celestial.

Not technically a star, but in the celestial theme, I am about to buy these hand carved mother of pearl crescent moon drop earrings($38) from Bell'Occhio that I have been admiring for some time.

For Pets Too

Otto the pugottie has this great Star studded hemp collar from Earth Dog. It's water proof and wears extremely well. He's had his collar for almost a year and it still looks as good as new.

Antique Flags

I love antique flags as artwork. We've got a very large (and tattered) civil war era flag hanging in our living room.

Jeff Bridgman antiques has a great selection of antique flags that you can view by size or time period.

Barn Stars

When we were driving in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire we couldn't help but notice how so many of the barns and outdoor buildings had these big metal stars on them. We've come close to buying one several times, but haven't made the leap yet. AmericanTinStar.com specializes in all types of stars--the traditional Amish barn stars as well as Texas and primitive stars.

Pugotties Rule!

What do you get when you mix a Pug with a Scotty?


Only the most awesome dog ever--The Pugottie!


This is our wonder-dog Otto. He's the perfect blend of terrier and pug. Loves to play fetch and is fairly active, but still mellow enough to cuddle up on the couch. He's got the ears and tail of a pug, and a slightly shorter nose than a Scotty. His wirey coat and coloring look very much like a Scotty, but his hair is shorter.


The Puggottie is actually a recognized hybrid and can be registered with the AKC if both parents are purebreds. In Otto's case his dad was a pug and his mom was a Scotty.

I would love to get another one if we could find one. Let me know if you hear of any Pugottie breeders!!