How much is A LOT of Elk antlers?

Recently, the Green Dog had a new delivery of Elk Antlers. For those who don't know, here is what is A LOT of antlers, after we cut them :

Dog collars and dog medals

I just finished a product review (that you can read here) about dog collars and it made me think about a very important aspect of dog-ownership that is sometimes forgotten.

A few weeks ago, a neighbor's dog escaped. He was caught a few houses down but, because he didn't have a proper collar - the collar was only closing with a snap - he ran away and was never found. Because he was - and I am sure, still is - a beautiful dog, I am certain that he found another home. But who knows? Nobody knows, and that is my point.

The importance of a proper collar is too often overlooked when, in fact, it should be the first accessory that a new dog owner should be looking for.

Not only the collar is important, but what you HAVE to put on the collar is important too. I cannot press the importance that a simple dog medal can do.

My dogs have more than one medal on their collar. They have :

- Rabbies shot medals (changed every year)
- Registration medals (of our city, changed every year)
- A cute non-necessary medal with their name and our phone number
- And a plastic tag with their registration number with a micro-chip company

And if you think that having that many medals make a lot of noise, you are wrong. You see, I tape their medals together. Yes, I tape them. This way, I don't have to hear them (without taping them, you would only last one hour before going crazy) but I know that they are safe should they run away and be found.

So make the effort to protect your dog, to protect your family. Make sure that they have their own identification.

PRODUCT REVIEW - Spiffy Dog "Air Collar" - 5 BONES

When you have dogs, collars are the one accessory that you can’t ignore. Collars are important because they are the Plan B when it comes to restraint your dog when a verbal command will not work.

That being said, finding a good collar is not as easy as one might think. Sure, you can find plenty of them out there, in every Super Store and/or pet store. I know, I shopped and got burned more time than I care to remember.

I am now looking at four criteria when it’s time to buy a new collar. I want a collar that will be durable and will have soft edges, so my dogs will not be hurt and the collar won’t tear up. A collar that is cute (yeah, cute) because... well, just because I like cute things. With a swimming dog and another dog that loves to roll herself in the mud, I often have to wash and dry their collars. Which brings me to criteria three and four. A collar that will dry FAST and a collar that will NOT be SMELLY. And I will repeat these two criteria because they are so important to me. Dry fast and NOT smelly.

After a smelly expensive collar experience, I heard about the Spiffy Dog Air Collar, and I contacted the company because I wanted to know more about their products.

This is what I learned and I must be honest, I never thought you could make high-tech dog collar. The Air collar is made out of nylon aerospacer – a soft mesh that you commonly find in Nike or Adidas Running shoes, so it is quick drying, is lightweight, breathable and especially comfortable. Their collar is known as The World's Most Comfortable Dog Collar

And because I love to know more about the companies out there that are offering cool dog products, I investigated a little bit more and found out that Spiffy Dog has been around for 9 years now, and originated as an outdoor human gear company, using the same material in a log of "techy" bags as well as climbing and kayak equipment. They are based in Steamboat Springs, or Dog Town USA.

They are a small but flourishing company, and their products are especially useful for dogs in and out of the water, as well as a perfect fit for those with hotspots or allergies because of its non-chafing technology-dog's barely notice they're wearing it.

I am sorry, but you can’t get cooler than that. Seriously.

When I asked them if I could try out their products, Spiffy Dog graciously offered me their products, so I can test them and write down my impressions.

When I received the collars I would dog-test, I was very excited. For those of you who don’t know, I have two crazy dogs that are very active. One loves water so much that he can’t resist a body of water. So he does spends summer with a wet (and smelly) collar and he spends winter outside because, for some unknown reasons, he loves snow. He eats it, digs it and whatever in between. My other dog is a crazy wild dog that we rescued. We think that it might because she lived in the street for the first 6-7 months of her life that she loves mud so much. Yes, she loves mud and is like a toddler when he sees a puddle of water. She jumps in it, rolls in it and sometimes, eats it.

So  I had the perfect testers for the Spiffy Dog collars.

Look at the style of those two super awesome collars I received :

This style is named Yellow Stars :

Back of the collar

And this one is 2010 Christmas 

So, as I said, I put these collars to the test, as you can see :

Jake and Bella playing in wet sod... and mud.

Bella falling down IN the mud

It didn’t take long before the collars were filthy. Yes, that what playing in the mud does.

I usually get upset a little bit when the dog’s collars get dirty because it means that they (not the dogs) will soon become smelly. But when you are dog-testing products, you do what you have to do. So I put the collar in the washer.

Clean Collar ! Look like it is new!

Yes, you read that right. I put the collar in the dryer. After the wash, because I wanted to test if it really would dry fast, I put it back wet on Jake. And it took less than one hour to dry. And it DIDN’T SMELL. Yes!

right now on sale for $5!

I checked their website, which you can do by clicking here,  and they do have a cool collection of collars, affordable. Another VERY important point for me, because I have two dogs (if you are asking yourself, yes, it's double the food and double the poop-patrol) and I need good products that are not expensive. Spiffy Dog also offer something really nice : customized dog collars (check here). Who knows, maybe in a near future, maybe we could have GreenDog Collar! 

Conclusion

I loved the Spiffy Dog Air Collar. They do what they say they will do and they are cool looking. Their soft edges takes away my guilt when come the time that I have to restrain them somebody comes in. I hate having a collar that might have sharp edges and hurt my dogs. Also, because my Lab and Wild Girl are pullers, I feel confident that the buckle of the collar won't break or open. Their price is very reasonable and if you really don't want to pay much, visit often their website because they have cool sales. I will recommend them to anyone who asks the Green Dog about a good collar.

 

Green Dog is giving 5 BONES to the Spiffy Dog "Air Collar"!

And not only do I like them, but my dogs liked them too!

Bella is now a Spiffy Dog (and looking for a treat)

Jake is now a Spiffy Dog

 NB : Spiffy Dog didn't pay me to do this review. I formed my opinion by trying the collars on my two dogs, Jake and Bella. And if I sound like an infomercials, it is only because I REALLY liked their product.

PRODUCT REVIEW - Arf Dog Gift Box - 5 BONES

Before I knew about the Arf Dog gift boxes, I was a little bit blase about the whole gift bag/box for dogs. Probably because it has something to do with the bad quality of the wrapping (mind you, I don’t care about the wrapping usually. As long as the inside is of quality) and the dangerous quality of the content of the wrapping. I prefer an American and/or North American treats/foods/toys to give my dogs. Take no offence, green dogs, I just prefer our own security – for food and toys – norms and standards than those of others countries. If you don’t believe me, follow the actuality and you will know which country I am referring to.

When I received my gift box from Arf Dog, I was more than pleasantly surprised : I got excited because the box was so cute!

Isn't it cute ? This is the Sleepover Suitcase

The box is called the Sleepover Suitcase Box and just by the box, I want to take my dogs with me for a road trip. Take a look at what is in the suitcase:

Without the bowl box open

The layout of the suitcase is perfect. Here is what’s in it:

- One blankie

- Two toys (a NYC cab and a Newspaper)

- One bowl (look at the next picture)

- One bathrobe

- Organic treats

With the bowl box open

I have to note that everything (except the bowl) is American made. And to make things better, the suitcase (and every other gift boxes from Arf Dog) is printed on recycled paper using soy based inks. Yep, you read this right.You can quote me on this one.

The Blankie

The blankie was love at first sight for Jake. He loves his blankie. I believe it is because it is so soft. 

Jake loves his blankie

The blankie is from a company named West Paw Design. It is made with a rugged yet smooth faux suede on one side and a silky soft fabric on the other. I did a little bit of researches for you, green dogs readers, and not only is this blanket all-american-made, but West Paw Design is working hard to have a minimal environmental impact. This is something that the Green Dog likes. Read more about it here, where the Green Dog explains more about the carbon footprint.

The Bowl

The bowl is immensely cute and convenient. I never thought about this before, but how clever it is to have it made so it is easy to pick it up from the floor. 

I had to show you the bottom of the bowl. It's little details like this that I love.

See the little indentations? That is what I was talking about.

The Toys

The suitcase is home to two toys. A furry NYC yellow cab and a newspaper. The toys are very cute, there is no doubt about this. But, the Green dog being the Green dog, maybe Arf Dog could replace them by Elk Antler (from the Green Dog, of course!) ?

You have to read how much is the newspaper. 5 "scents"! Clever!

The BathRobe
For those of you green dogs that are asking themselves about what to do with a bathrobe, let me tell you a little bit about my life. I have two crazy dogs. Jake, my chocolate Lab, and Bella, my dobbie-mix. They L.O.V.E to play outside, in mud preferably. So I have to clean them often. Yes, I said often, as in, often. Once of twice a week. Minimum. Anyway, I use the bathrobe for when my beasties are coming back inside or when they get out of the bath tube. The bathrobe is perfect.

Take a look at model Jake :

How cute is Jake?

The Treats

I kept the best for last. Not many of you know that the human dad of the Green Dog is from NYC. The Green Dog's dad now lives away from his beloved NYC, but he still remembers... the good food that can be found in NYC. This is why, when I looked at the name of the little cutie box of treats and I saw : 

I immediately called him. Because, according to the Green Dog's dad, there is no better pizza than the pizza that can be found in Brooklyn. I was curious to see if Jake would love the pizza treats as much as his human daddy. 

A little bit more and Jake would get crossed-eyes from looking at the treat!

And I was not disappointed. Jake LOVES the treats! He loves them so much that we are on our way to order more! You can check them here.I was, again, surprised by the treats ingredients. All organic and no additives. I love to see that, because it means that somebody else beside me is taking care of my dogs. Thanks Arf Dog for opening my horizons!

What the Green Dog thinks?

Overall, I LOVED the Sleepover Suitcase because I can use ALL of its items. The holidays are coming soon and we will be doing a lot of traveling. I can totally see myself bringing the bathrobe, the treats, the bowl, the blankie and the toys (under supervision) with us because it is, always, what we forget at home when we travel.

I can't let you go without telling you more about the other gift boxes, that can all be founded on the Arf Dog website.

Arf Dog proposed four others boxes, that looks as interesting and exciting as the Sleepover Suitcase : 

1. The Sporty Gift Box

Playtime is special time for you and your pal. Having the best collection of toys, yummy treats, a conditioning spray for after play and a great team jersey or jacket (in the latest dog fashions) to show your fan loyalty, all add up to a great day in the park.
You can choose the sport you want your pup to try out for, or let him or her play them all. We figure if there’s a ball involved, there’s gonna be fun!
The SPORTY Gift Box can be customized to feature the football, baseball or basketball team you support. Get the jersey to match your own…or choose an international soccer team if you prefer.
This exclusive dog Gift Box makes a great gift for any special occasion or no occasion at all. You can mark the start of Spring Training, dress up for a Super Bowl party or gather round for the local high school or college competitions. A great gift for the Coach of your kids’ soccer team, the gym teacher, or anyone who has a dog and loves the sporty life!

2.  The Spa Gift Box

Want to send the very best in luxury home beauty treatments for dogs? What comes to mind when you think of Tuscan hillsides and thermal natural baths? The Borghese Line of Shampoos, Conditioners and Sprays for dogs, of course which is the ultimate in dog luxury gifts. They have combined exquisite essences and fragrances along with superior ingredients designed to condition your pet’s coat leaving you both molto contento. And after the bath? What is cozier than a warm terry-blend robe? The fluffy monogrammed robe is in the height of dog fashion and your pet will wear it with pride, putting a smile on your face.
The after-treatment treats are healthy and satisfying…just the right nibble with a cool bowl of refreshment…a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired ceramic dog bowl – you just provide the water.
And to show that your heart is in the right place, you’ll find the perfect toy to make snuggling up even more fun!
All this complete, in the best carry-home pet box, shipped wherever this lucky pup calls home.

3. The Beach Gift Box

Did you ever watch a dog run along the shore? See the joy and spark in his eyes as the water teases his paws and challenges his bravery?
The sense of freedom and fun is invigorating...even if you’re just watching from your beach chair!
Our exclusive dog toys for the beach are all designed for fun and exercise…in the water or out. Concerned about Ozone layers and UV rays? We included a spray to protect your friend’s skin underneath the fur. And don’t worry about water, water everywhere…there’s a dog bowl from which to drink! You can add items to this BEACH Gift Box. After a day at the beach who wouldn’t want to make their dog look, smell and feel really fresh? We have shampoos and conditioners, brushes and plush terry robes – all the best dog accessories to do just that.
C’mon…have you ever heard of a bad day at the beach??? Neither have we.

4. New Puppy Welcome Box

How do you celebrate the arrival of a wonderful new puppy to someone’s home? You send a gift that will make both proud owner and young pup happy. We have the perfect Gift Box for that!
Once you see the beautiful ceramic dog bowl hand-crafted for the new little girl or boy, with the healthiest dog treats, and the best toys...both for puppy chewing and puppy snuggling. We even include a book to teach good manners to your new pup. You know that the gift you are sending will be as welcome as the new arrival.
You can also customize this luxury dog Gift Box with adorable announcement notes; a cozy fluffy monogrammed bathrobe; healthy and fresh-scented shampoos and between-bath sprays...even more toys and books. You can select from among the most exclusive dog accessories – the softest and most luxurious leather collars and leashes and even add a soft throw for the pup to cuddle and nestle on.
The NEW PUPPY WELCOME Gift Box can be something you give yourself, or to anyone you know who has a new puppy to love.

I can see giving away Arf Dog gift boxes as gift for a new puppy, a new season or, just because we love our furry friends !

But don't take my word for it. Try it yourself. Visit Arf Dog here and get a gift box, for you or for a family member/friend. The boxes can be personalized to your dog's needs. They are high quality, have a luxurious feel (who am I kidding, they are) and you can use all of their content.

The Green Dog gives Arf Dog a 5 Bones!