swankypet.net News & Dog Blog

New Spring Holiday Prints are Here!!

2012-01-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Looking for cute Valentine's Day prints? Mardi Gras, St Patrick's Day or Easter?

We're happy to release our Spring Holiday 2012 Collection - click Here to see the whole collection!

Happy New Year to our Customers

2011-12-31T08:06:00.000-08:00

2011 was a rewarding, yet challenging year for us here at swankypet. We suffered an enormous loss this Spring when we lost Shirley, my mother and very dear friend to the other ladies who kept the swankypet operations running on a daily basis. She was such an important part of our business and we feel her loss every day.

In spite of the challenges we faced this year, it was our wonderful customers who kept us going. Hearing your kind words, candid feedback and suggestions for future enhancements, encourages us to strive for continuous improvement and creativity. Not to mention, we absolutely LOVE seeing photos of your adorable pets rockin' their 'swanky' wear!!

We have a lot of exciting things planned for 2012 that we hope you will enjoy! We have the best customers in the world (yes - all over the world!!) Thank you so much for your continued business - so many of you order on a regular basis and it really makes us smile and inspires us to keep moving forward with swankypet.

Wishing you a Happy and Safe New Year to you all!

Sincerely,

Jacqueline

Today We're Featured on Modern Dog's Friday Freebies!

2011-11-25T09:38:00.001-08:00

If you're on Facebook - visit Modern Dog's page. Today we're featured as one of their Friday's Freebies. Leave a comment for a chance to win a collar & leash set of your choice!

Buy 2, Get 1 Free is back, for a limited time!

2011-11-22T20:01:00.001-08:00

For 2 days only, we're bringing back our Buy 2, Get 1 FREEpromotion!! Here's how it works:

Order any 3 items and you will receive a refund for the cost of an equal or lower-priced item(s).
Initially you'll be charged for all items when you place your order, but we will manually credit the cost of the free item(s) within 24 hours

If your order is placed Wednesday, 11/23 through midnight Thursday 11/24 (Pacific) your order is eligible to receive this promotion

As always, our low flat-rate shipping ($3.25) allows you to get lots of 'swanky'wear to your door at a very low cost! (International shipping may incur additional shipping costs)

** Please measure your pet carefully, as all items are made-to-order.
We will not be able to honor this promotion on returned or exchanged items once the promotion has ended.

'Let it Snow' - Featured Print of the Day

2011-11-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

This is 'Let it Snow' and it's our featured print today.

Beautiful snowflakes in white & blue set against a pale, sky blue background.

If your order today (11/14) features 'Let it Snow', you'll receive FREE SHIPPING. Initially, you'll see a charge for shipping during the checkout process, but the charge will be manually refunded within 24 hours.

Veteran's Day Special!

2011-11-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

Beginning today (11/11) through Sunday (11/13) we are offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders that feature at least one of our Patriotic Prints!

There are several prints to select from and they are available for all of our made-to-order collars, harnesses & leashes. You select the print and let us know what to make for you!

Initially, you'll see a charge for shipping during the checkout process, but it will be manually refunded within 24 hours.

Questions? Email us at: inquiries@swankypet.net

Happy Veteran's Day!!

2011-09-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

We're adding some AWESOME new retractable leads to our collections that we think you'll love!

Stylish Animal Prints: Leopard, Zebra Stripes and Giraffe and a collection of sparkly crystals in Black, Silver, Red & Pink.

They coordinate perfectly to our collars & harnesses and feature:

Extends up to 9 feet
Rubberized comfort grip
Thumb activated security locking system
Suitable for dogs up to 44 lbs
Animal Prints $22 and Sparkle leads $32

See all of the styles here

Until they are added to our website, you can order by emailing us: inquiries@swankypet.net

Dog Helps Save Sea Turtles

2011-04-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

I just read the coolest article from TheBark.com and wanted to share with you:

It was the Cairn terrier, with his powerful nose, sharp teeth and aggressive personality, who helped Highlanders keep rats and other vermin from infesting both the cairns and their stone cottages. Indispensable then in Scotland, another Cairn has become indispensable today on the beaches of North Padre Island, Texas, where he is helping save the rare Kemp's ridley sea turtle from extinction.

Donna Shaver is the owner of Ridley, the dog who is helping find the 'missing' nests of the most vulnerable of the seven species of sea turtles. Shaver explains that, "we have had a huge increase in nesting in the last five years". But for the turtle's future to be secured, the number needs to grow by about 10 times – or to approximately 1,950 – within the next 10 to 20 years.

Shaver began to exploit Ridley's acute sense of smell to locate these elusive eggs. "I've known for years that dogs are used to find illegal drugs or explosives at airports and locate trapped people after earthquakes. So I was anxious to see if Ridley could find the 'missing' nests." Says Shaver. At a freshly emptied turtle nest, Ridley's attention was directed toward its pungent scents of hatchling turtles. After he got a nose full, Shaver and her fiancé Stephen Kurtz filled the empty nest with sand, walked him down the beach for about a half-hour and then told him to "go find the nest".

Within about 10 weeks, he was ready to begin the real work of finding the few but critical "invisible nests" the Gulf wind had hidden. Now, he is brought to the beach several times each year to find nests at track sites where humans have been unsuccessful. Found eggs are relocated to the humidity- and temperature-controlled incubation building at NPS headquarters. "I actually think Ridley understands just how important what he's doing is; he gets so excited when he finds a nest, even before he gets his reward," says Shaver.

Ridley Shaver not only lends a paw but most importantly, a nose to this environmental success story.

Fun and Stylish Easter Dog Collars

2011-04-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

Easter is just around the corner - April 24 this year - and we've got your pet covered for cute Easter themed collars, harnesses & leashes.

This fun print is called Eggscellent! With a crisp, white background, this print features several little pasted decorated Easter eggs. Perfect for the season. An Eggscellent collar would be the perfect addition to your pet's Easter basket.

All of our items are made-to-order, so they will fit your pet. Made from 4 layers of fabric with ultra-strong nylon webbing encased, so only the fabric touches your pet. Our products are strong & durable yet remain soft & flexible for your pet's comfort.

Top-quality metal hardware is standard, but if you prefer a lighter-weight item, we'll be happy to make your collar or harness with heavy-duty plastic buckles instead. They are available in black, white, pink and chocolate brown to match your favorite print.

Order yours today!!

Meet Swanky Pet, Teensy Weensy!

2011-03-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Hola! My name is Teensy Weensy and i am the cutest 2 year old chihuahua- (so my mom says), She tells me every day i'm the best christmas present she ever got. I love to wrestle with mom and steal her socks when she tries to put them on. I dont like it when she turns me over and tickles me, or when she hollers and jumps around watching football! Mom and me go on lots of adventures,the beach is the best! I love chasing the birds and crabs and digging in the sand. The big pasture at home is fun to explore too. Mom brings me lots of toys and things i love to chew! She's always dressing me up in cool collars like this one i got for Valentines day. I hope every dog could have the love my mom gives to me!

We think Teensy looks adorable in her new Glory Days collar!

Swanky Holiday Schedule

2010-12-03T05:53:00.001-08:00

The 'Swanky' Elves are working very hard to get your orders shipped right away! All orders received by Dec 15 will ship by Dec 18 for the holidays.

Beginning Dec 19, we'll take a short break for the holidays and return to our normal processing times on Dec 27th.

Happy holidays to you and your adorable pets!!

Meet Swanky Pet, Peanut!

2010-11-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

This adorable little vampire is Peanut from Ellicott City, MD. Mom, Jessica tells us:

"He is a 4 year old rat terrier. I got him about 3 months ago from the animal welfare society in my town. I fell in love with him as soon as I saw him! He has the best personality, so playful and he loves to cuddle and give kisses. He's always by my side, I feel like I've had him all my life. His favorite thing to do is play fetch/catch with a tennis ball. On the weekend I usually take him to play and for a walk at the park. I stumbled onto your website while looking for cute and unique collars; I ordered 3 right away! Here he is wearing the monster mash collar for Halloween and dressed as Dracula. I can't wait for December to put him in the gingerbread man collar. I look forward to ordering many more products from your website in the future! "

We bet Peanut was the envy of the Trick-or-Treating on Halloween! We can't wait to see him in his Gingerbread Man collar!

Meet Swanky Pet, KC!

2010-10-29T11:21:00.001-07:00

Meet Swanky Pet, KC! She lives in Palm Bay, Florida with her family. She's a 7 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback and her mom, Gail tells us she loves to sun herself in the sandbox.

In this photo, she is looking perfectly lovely in her new Wild Thing collar. What a beauty!!

20 Tons of Food Donated to Help Hurting Pet Families in the Gulf

2010-10-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

Thousands of people came to the Health Pet Clinic in Jefferson Parrish, Louisiana. This was the 1st of 4 events organized by the Humane Society of the US to help struggling pet owners in Gulf Coast Communities. Just outside of New Orleans, this one was very popular with lines so long that some people waited up to 5 hours!

But when the waiting was done and the people got what they came for, they said it was well worth the wait! Why? Everyone with a dog or cat that could get to the clinic got free microchips and free vaccinations for their pets. And because Freekibble donated 5 tons of Halo, Spot's Stew, each family took home two bags of healthy, nutritious food. This was a huge deal for people in the area… for many of them it meant that they could keep their animals in the family and not have to give them up.

We are very excited and honored to be able to help and see the many happy, smiling faces of people taking care of their pets. For all of the people at home or at work, playing Bow-wow and Meow trivia everyday, I want you to know that you are really helping make a difference! When you watch the video please realize that it is because of you that thousands of animals in the Gulf Coast area are eating big bowls of healthy kibble, while their human parents get to be relieved of the issues of trying to keep their animals.

Meet Swanky Pets, Cassey!

2010-10-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

This sweetie pie is Casey and she will be ten next month. She lives with her parents in Limerick, PA. Mom, Laura tells me:

"This past January the Dr. found a cancerous tumor in her right ear. They were able to remove the tumor, but they had to remove her ear canal, leaving her deaf in that ear. She has rebounded and is just as spoiled and energetic as ever (well, as energetic as a basset can be:) Finally, the impetus for getting her the cute collars and leash was a recent trip to Tennessee. My husband had bought her a standard black collar - everyone who commented on her kept calling her a 'he'. My daughter and I were talking about it and decided when we got home we would go on-line and see what we could find...leading us to your site and it was exactly what we were looking for! We can even tell that she feels 'prettier' with her new clothes. Thanks again!"

We think Casey is just adorable and glad to hear she has bounced back!

Waste Not: Can One Dog Poop-Powered Lamp Spark a Revolution?

2010-10-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

When Matthew Mazzotta visited a Cambridge, MA, dog park with a friend, he noticed the trash can stuffed with bags of poop.

The sight sparked inspiration; Mazzotta, an M.I.T. graduate, had been studying methane digesters for several years.

On a trip to India he even watched people fuel methane stoves with dog doo to make chai tea.

"With every bag of poop you tie off, you're cutting off its supply of oxygen and thus making a mini methane digester," explains Mazzotta.

This revelation led to his Park Spark Project, a gas-burning lamppost powered by the first Dog Park Methane Digester in the United States.

Basically, people at the park are prompted to use biodegradable bags supplied on site to pick up their dog's poop and deposit it into a big tank. As people put dog waste into this digester tank, it fills up to the level of an outlet pipe and then overflows into an overflow tank, thus keeping the digester tank at a constant level.

The small pipe coming off the digester brings the methane to the gas-burning lamppost. And then there was light! Although the installation in Pacific St. Park is temporary, Mazzotta plans to bring it to six different cities in 2011.

Why Dog Doo is a Big Deal

For those not lucky enough to have a methane digester to light your way, at least not yet, that's no reason not to be conscientious about cleaning up after your pet in an eco-friendly way.

It's estimated that dog owners fail to pick up over 4 million tons of dog waste annually.

Twenty to thirty percent of all pollutants in waterways can be attributed to dog waste; pollutants originating from rainwater run-off via sewer systems, and dogs pooping near watersheds or beaches. Dog waste is believed to be third or fourth on the list of contributors to bacteria in contaminated waters.

Finding Better Bags

Many commercial bags, even those advertised as "biodegradable" fail to adhere to biodegradable standards, especially California law SB 1749, which defines biodegradable as being able to degrade at the rate of an apple with no plastic bits left behind. The law also prohibits the sale of plastic bags within the state which are labeled "compostable," "degradable" or "biodegradable" unless the bags conform to standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Several companies do sell biodegradable, compostable bags for picking up after your pooch.

Companies like BioBag and PoopBags.com provide bags and dispensers for use in shelters and parks (including the Park Spark Project), pet-friendly campgrounds and hotels, apartment/condo complexes and doggie daycares as well as selling directly to consumers.

Poopbags.com president, Paul Cannella, used to pick up his dog May's poop with plastic grocery bags, bags from the newspaper, sandwich bags, whatever was handy, "then I started looking around and I saw how bad plastic bags were for the environment."

After testing different materials - including a film that unfortunately melted when it rained - Cannella chose the final product that launched Poopbags.com. While biodegradable bags might be a little more expensive than plastic ones, "it amounts to the cost of about one latte a month," says Cannella.

Community Matter(s)

In Ithaca, N.Y., several dog walkers who frequented Allan H.Treman Marine State Park noticed that the dumpsters were overflowing with bags of dog poop.

Members of the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group initiated efforts to turn the dog park into a dog waste-composting park.

Composting began in late spring 2009. "We bought biodegradable bags and dispensers and educated people to pick up after their dog, making sure they used our bags," says Leon Kochian, a professor of plant biology at Cornell University.

People use roughly 5,000 bags a month. And once a week, Cayuga Compost picks up the bags, weighing roughly 250 lbs.

What was once six tons of dog waste was reduced to what looks like a small pick up truck load.

After the material is tested later this year to make sure there are no pathogens that could cause illness if released back into the community, "Our hope is that it will be nutrient-rich and pathogen-free and can be sold as a fundraiser to benefit the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group," says Bruce Stoff, communications manager for the Ithaca Visitors Bureau. "It's nice that a little town can do six tons of it, but what about a big city?"

Meet Swanky Pets, Kylie!

2010-09-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

Meet, little Kylie who lives in Oakland Gardens, New York!

We got her from a breeder in New Jersey when she was only 8 weeks old. She is now two and quite a handful... loves to play and tease you with her toys. "Kylie" enjoys watching TV and barking at any animal that appears in a show or commercial. She hasn't quite gotten the fact that they're not real. "Kylie" also loves riding in the car (in her car seat). She goes shopping everywhere we go. She's very social... loves people. We are so fortunate to have found her.

Thanks for sending in her photo - she looks fabulous in her Swanky Plaid collar and leash set!

Abbie's Story: From "Almost Dead" Rescue Dog to Champion Surfer

2010-09-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

Do you doubt that shelter mutts can match dogs bought from breeders? Here's the tale of yet another formerly homeless hound who totally torches the competition.

Once upon a time, young Abbie went through heaven only knows what horrors. She wound up on the street, "almost dead," according to her rescuer.

Though she was lucky to be taken in by Silicon Valley Humane Society, her experiences left her feeling traumatized and withdrawn. In her lonely cage, she sat around twiddling her dew claws, trying to forget her past, and hoping that a Prince Charming would hurry up and come for her.

Actually she probably wasn't just sitting around. She must have been doing stretches, push-ups, jumping jacks and trotting in place, trying to stay fit, having a hunch that her future prince might be the athletic type.

Along comes hottie bachelor Michael Uy, and the next thing Abbie knows, he's patiently coaxing her out of her shell, and she's living the doggie dream with her own personal Dream Dude down in sunny San Diego.

Nowadays her past is so over. Running, biking, paragliding, snowboarding, sheep herding... There's practically nothing that three-year-old Abbie the Adventurer won't take on, especially when it involves face time with her fave fella.

Recently she scored one for shelter pooches everywhere by taking First Place in Helen Woodward Animal Center's 5th annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon in Del Mar, California, a fundraiser to help other needy animals just like her.

Then she garnered more top dog honors in Huntington Beach's Surf City Surf Dog fundraiser - First Place in the medium dogs division and Best Wipe-Out. Awesome Abbie also picked up a prize for Best Trick when she hung on, hanging 20, even through a wild backwash wave that slammed into hers.

"People ask me what treats I give her during training," says Uy, "but no - surfing is the treat."

Also, as you'll see, Abbie appears to hold champion rank in yet another popular doggie sport - Extreme Kissing.

Watch our video from Helen Woodward Animal Center's Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon.

World's Smallest Dog Meets World's Tallest Dog

2010-09-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

A dog's life isn't so bad, especially if you're top dog.

Giant George, a 245-pound Great Dane from Tucson, Ariz., sleeps on a queen-size bed -- alone, of course. And when he travels by air, he stretches out across an entire row of first-class seats.

Those are just some of the perks when you measure 7-foot-3 from snout to tail and you're the biggest dog in history. Oprah's people call your people, because she has to have you on the "That's Incredible" episode of her talk show.

"George eats 110 pounds of food a month," said his human companion, David Nasser. "And he'd eat a whole lot more if we let him."

But big isn't necessarily better -- or more pampered. Just ask Boo Boo, a 4-inch-high long-haired Chihuahua who holds the Guinness World Record as the world's smallest living dog.

Lana Elswick of Raceway, Ky., fed her from an eyedropper at birth, and this 4-year-old, 24-ounce pooch now calls a teaspoon her dog bowl.

As canine royalty, this odd couple flew first class to New York City, spent the night (in separate rooms) at the $400-a-night Warwick New York Hotel, and greeted a crush of news reporters from around the world in Central Park, as if they were "Twilight" stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson -- only these two celebrities actually have fangs.

Boo Boo and Giant George came to the Big Apple to ballyhoo the launch of the 2011 Guinness World Records book, which features a special section on amazing animals.

"I was a little scared," Elswick said. "I was a little afraid George would mistake my little Boo Boo for a snack. But he is, truly, a gentle giant."

Nasser admitted he was a little frightened, too, when he and his wife took their newborn daughter, now a 1-year-old, home from the hospital. This monstrous beast was waiting, swinging his prodigious tail.

"He's so big," Nasser said. "We worried how the two would adjust to each other.

"But they became fast friends. They love one another."

If opposites attract, Boo Boo and Giant George might indeed be a match. After all, on two legs he's taller than Shaquille O'Neal, and she's small enough to sit comfortably in a woman's shoe.

After a few sniffs, some wags and an indiscreet lick, it was clear they were just friends.

"Boo isn't generally afraid of other dogs, even this big one," Elswick said. "It's cats, really, that put her on edge."

After leaving the park, Boo Boo and Giant George headed downtown to visit the New York City Fire Museum, where the collection of hydrants, of course, were of great interest.

"It's not easy for George to travel," said Nasser, recounting the weeks of planning required before American Airlines found five seats at a bulkhead to accommodate the big dog.

Even little trips require planning. Such are the trappings of size -- and celebrity.

"We don't go to the local dog run much anymore," Nasser said. "When we do, a crowd gathers, and it becomes a scene."

That has been the case, especially since the February appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Giant George flew to Chicago, got whisked away to Harpo Studios by limo and hunkered down in a specially equipped green room with soft bedding and lots of nice things to chew on.

"It was a great experience. George felt like a total rock star, and like everybody else, he loved Oprah."

Canine Lifeguards Rescue Doggie Style

2010-09-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

Never underestimate the power of a strong doggie paddle!

Every summer hoards of beach-goers swarm the Italian coasts, and each year, the Italian Coast Guard estimates they rescue 3,000 people.

Working along side them is a team of very specialized lifeguards who are responsible for saving many lives during these seaside months — the graduates of canine lifeguarding school.

"Dogs are useful in containing the physical fatigue of the lifeguard, to increase the speed at which casualties are retrieved, to increase the security of both the casualty and of the lifeguard," Roberto Gasbarri, coordinator of the Italian School of Canine Lifeguards, told the Associated Press.

The program is three years long and trains dogs to rescue swimmers in trouble. The lifedogs wear buoys or tow a raft on which the victim can hold on while the dogs pull them to safety. The pups are particularly useful in missions where they need to jump from helicopters or fast boats, as they are much more capable than humans in these extreme situations.

"The dog becomes a sort of intelligent lifebuoy," said Gasbarri. "It is a buoy that goes by itself to a person in need of help, and comes back to the shore also by himself, choosing the best landing point and swimming through the safest currents."

There are currently 300 life-saving pups deployed on the Italian coast lines. Most of the dogs tend to be retrievers, but the only requirement to become a lifedog is weighing more than 66 lbs.

"Being retrievers, they set out to pick up anything we tell them, be it a human being, an object, or a fish, and they bring it back to the shore," said lifeguard Monia Luciani. "They do not associate it with a physical activity, but it is rather a game for them."

http://www.tonic.com/article/canine-lifeguards-rescue-doggie-style/

Meet Swanky Pets, Ashley!

2010-09-08T06:28:00.000-07:00

This adorable West Highland White Terrier is 9 year-old Ashley who lives in Horsehead, NY. Dad, Frederick, tells me he located her breeder at an agility trial show and just fell in love! Her dad tells me what a sweet, but tough little lady she is - living with diabetes.

We think she looks very smart, sporting her new Swanky Plaid collar!

New Holiday Prints

2010-09-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

It's time to get ready for the 2010 Holiday season! We're bringing you the cutest (and spookiest!) Halloween prints; beautifully colored Fall prints and the merriest of Christmas prints!!

They will all be added to the website soon under the Seasonal Collection, but until they are --- you can place an order for your pet by emailing us at: customerservice@swankypet.net

View the Halloween, Fall & Christmas prints!

Dogs in Cars Can Cause Risky Behavior Behind the Wheel

2010-08-27T06:27:00.001-07:00

Great article from ASPCA.org

Whether it’s a joyride or a long haul, taking your dogs for a drive can be fun for everyone involved—but it’s important always to buckle up your pet. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 30,000 car accidents are caused annually by unrestrained pets. In a recent survey of dog parents by the American Automobile Association (AAA), 59% of respondents admitted to participating in at least one distracting behavior while driving with a dog. More than half pet their dog while driving, and 21% let their dog to sit in their laps.

Any behavior that takes a driver’s eyes off the road increases the risk of a crash, and stopping short can send an unrestrained dog flying, causing severe injury to pet and passengers. The ASPCA urges motoring pet parents to keep their pets safe and secure in the back seat in a well-ventilated crate, carrier, or harness. If you choose a crate or carrier, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in.

Here are some more tips to keep your end-of-summer road trips festive and injury-free:
Always secure your pet’s crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
Resist the urge to feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it’s during a long ride.
Avoid letting your pet ride with his head outside the car window. He could be injured by flying objects!

Bring along a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity and comfort.
For more helpful hints, please visit our Top 10 Tips for Safe Car Travel with Your Pet.

http://www.aspca.org/news/national/08-27-10.html#2

Just added: Cute new doggie toys!

2010-08-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

We've recently added two new designs to our toy collection that I think you'll love!

First is, the brown Chewy Vuitton purse - perfect for the ladies and also a stylish Dogverse sneaker for the cute little guy in your life!

The Chewy Vuitton comes in two sizes --- Small (approximately 3" x 3") which is perfect for the smaller and toy breeds and Large (approximately 6"x6") for the medium and large breed ladies who are fashionistas!

The Dogverse sneaker is available in size Large and is approximately 6" x 6".

Both are high quality plush toys with squeakers.

Order yours now!

Last Day for Buy 2, Get 1 FREE!

2010-07-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

Final day for our Buy 2, Get 1 FREE promotion!

Here's how it works: Order 3 (or more) items and you will receive a refund for the cost of an equal or lower-priced item(s).

Initially, you'll see the charge for all items when you checkout, but we will manually credit the cost of the free item(s) within 48 hours. As always, our low flat-rate shipping $3.25 allows you to get lots of 'swanky'wear to your door at a very low cost! (International shipping may incur additional shipping costs)