I’m a few days behind the curve on this, but last week several outlets reported on the upcoming launch of Pet Airways, and airline that will cater exclusively to pets. They all get to fly in-cabin, and human passengers are not allowed.
For more details, there’s a full write up in the WSJ’s Middle Seat Terminal blog.
I think it’s an intriguing idea, but I have to question how much demand there will be to send just the dog or cat. When I take Mr. Henry somewhere, I like to have him travel with me in the cabin. Same aircraft, same schedule, and I can give him comforting scratches during takeoff and landing.
But for folks with dogs too big for commercial airline cabins, this could be a great alternative to checking the dog in cargo. That’s something Metro Dog recommends against unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Either way, your furry friend is going to need a mobile home to ride in. Why not send her in style with The Carle designer pet carrier? Ample room, great ventilation and superb style make it an easy recommendation. The high quality and value pricing make it an easy choice.
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March 31st, 2009
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We saw this on “the Twitter” and think it’s an incredibly worthy idea for a Valentine’s gift for any dog lover:
Sponsor a furry friend for Valentine’s Day through Best Friends Animal Society.
In case you’re not familiar with Best Friends, they do lots of good work with a variety of needy animals, including rehabilitating dogs rescued from nefarious places like kill shelters and puppy mills.
Personally I can’t think of a better Valentine’s Day gift than knowing I’m helping a timid and needy pup like Mr. Alex (a Katrina survivor, no less!)
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February 11th, 2009
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There’s no doubt that we’ve become a mobile people. With coast-to-coast airfares often under $300, it’s only natural that we take advantage of our mobility and live a more adventurous life than the generation before us ever could.
Knowing that I’m crazy about travel, friends often ask me if having a dog inhibits my ability to flit around the country at will. My answer: it certainly can, but only if you let it. The biggest obstacle is expense. Last year airlines raised every fee they could think of to keep from drowning in expensive oil. Now that prices have come back down to earth, have fees gone down? Of course not.
The bigger issue to how your dog will travel. If you have a large dog, there’s only one option: in cargo. Airlines have gotten better at handling dogs in cargo, but there’s still much to be desired. The Fort Worth Star Telegram ran a piece yesterday in their SkyTalk blog highlighting the lack of improvement by airlines on pet deaths in transit. 30 animals died last year while flying cargo. That may not seem like a lot, but if you’re one of those 30 pet owners, you’ve lost your dear companion.
If your furry little friend is cabin-sized, Metro Dog recommends bringing him with you in the cabin every time you fly. Sure, it’s a little extra hassle at security and less legroom for you, but he’ll be much more comfortable and secure with you nearby.
And since we’re old pros at this, we’ve got stylish, versitile, airline-approved carriers like the Rio for you.
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February 9th, 2009
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1. Foster a needy, homeless dog this year. It’s an amazingly rewarding experience and saves a dog from probable death. Just as Ms. Penny.
2. Donate, either time, money or both, to worthwhile causes that help pets. We support the work done by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
3. The economy sucks, money is tight, etc. But you should still spoil her, just a little bit.
Happy New Year, dog lovers.
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January 7th, 2009
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It takes a cold-hearted person not to love a wee little puppy. But playing with an energetic and snuggly pup under the Christmas tree is a lot different than the long-term commitment of pet ownership.
Three tips for responsible pet ownership:
1. Buying or adopting a dog or cat is a serious responsibility. Long after the Christmas tree is put away and the novelty of a puppy wears off, she’ll still be living in your house, eating food, needing veterinary care, and demanding a steady supply of exercise, discipline and affection. If you’re going to give a pet as a gift, don’t let it be a surprise. Talk about it with the recipient and make sure that her lifestyle and living situation will allow for the best possible care. Not just in the weeks after taking the dog in, but in the years to come.
2. Not all packs are created equal. We’ve observed first hand how some pet owners do not have the leadership qualities to be an effective pack leader. In one extreme case, the dogs rule the house, defecating where they like and answering to no one. Before bringing a pet into your family, do lots of research about dog or cat psychology and get an understanding of how to be a good pack leader. This can be a time consuming process: make sure you’re up for it before you buy.
3. A very sad example from Metro Dog’s current foster, Ms. Penny: neglect is the most insidious form of abuse. If you’ve owned a pet for years and your lifestyle has changed, or you’ve decided you just don’t want her anymore - for whatever reason - you have a responsibility to make sure your pet finds a good, healthy new home. You may not drop her at a city shelter or abandon her on the street. If you must part ways, it’s your job to find a warm, loving family to take her in.
If you’re reading this blog, you love pets; it’s only natural to want to get them out of a shelter and into homes. While it might work in some cases, in general we can’t recommend giving a pet as a gift. There are many, many dogs and cats in the world in need of good homes, but dropping a pet on an unsuspecting friend or relative is not the best way to help them. Instead, consider a donation in the gift recipient’s name to an organization like Best Friends Animal Sancutary. And then encourage the giftee to volunteer at a shelter with you in the new year.
Of course, if someone you know already has a dog, we can help you find lots of ways to spoil her…
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December 9th, 2008
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At Metro Dog we don’t just sell luxurious dog products. We love dogs. Love of dogs came first, and the site came as an extension of that, as a way to spoil our furry family. Last week that love of dogs led us to Ms. Penelope.
Ms. Penny has had a rough life. We think she’s 9 or 10, but her total lack of veterinary care makes it impossible to know. She lived with a family for most of her life, but not as a part of it. She was a victim of the most insidious type of abuse: neglect. When she got older and the family tired of her, they dumped her at a kill shelter. She was soon red listed, meaning she would be killed within days. Thankfully, the good folks at Dogs Without Borders rescued her from death. But life in a cage at a veterinary office, while better than death, is no life for a sweet girl like this. So we took her into our pack to give her all the love, attention and care she needs to recover from her illness and injuries (some nasty “kennel cough” and a corneal ulcer).
As you know, finding forever homes for older dogs is a big challenge. Ms. Penny is spending the holidays with us to adjust to her new, better life. But in 2009 she will need to find her permanent pack. If you’re based in Southern California and have a heart for a beautiful, loving, low-key dog like Ms. Penny, please get in touch.
It’s amazing what a love can do for a dog; we’ve seen a difference in her demeanor in less than a week. There was little hope in her eyes when we first met, but now she’s responsive and loves to snuggle on the couch with us. We’ll keep following her story on the blog as she continues to recover.
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December 8th, 2008
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It’s the holiday season, and for many of us holidays mean travel. There’s absolutely no reason we shouldn’t bring our furry family with us whereever we go. Since many of you will be traveling with your pups throughout December, we’ve invited our friend Janine at Luxury Paw to guest blog with some expert advice on pet travel. For more great tips and resources, see her site at http://www.luxurypaw.com.
It’s time to Strap on Your Doggles and Hit the Road!
I’ve done a fair amount of traveling alone all over the world and I can tell you it is a decidedly different experience when you travel with a dog! Usually, it’s a lot more fun and dogs are universally
such conversation starters that you meet so many more people as you stroll through new and exciting places.
I’ve discovered that really, the trick to traveling with your dog, like most anything else, is planning and anticipating every possible scenario…which can be mind numbing! Well, you don’t have to do
that, Beau and I have experienced most of them and we’re happy to give you the ‘Cliff Notes’ you’ll need for a smooth, fun, safe trip whether it be heading home for the holidays or the vacation of your dreams!
Top 5 MUST haves for a Smooth Trip:
1. Clean up baggies; so many more of them than you think you could possibly ever use! When you are packing for your trip, put a little bio-degradable baggie into the pocket of every pair of pants, every
jacket, sweater, vest, and yes, even bathrobe that you pack. Tie a dispenser to your purse, put one in the glove compartment of the car. There isn’t much worse than not having a baggie when you need one and
you can be assured that the one time you don’t have one…some one will be watching!
2. Your pets favorite toy and treat. It’s helpful to provide as much structure and recognizable routine as possible when you are on the road and their favorite toys will comfort them in the unusual surroundings.
3. Food. It’s so much fun now that many hotels offer pet-room service menus! “Smothered Comfort”, (a pot roast-ish dish for pets) and frozen dog yogurt for dessert all sound very appealing. Be careful though, these foods can be tremendously rich and cause upset for your pup. Always bring plenty of your dogs normal kibble or food and try to utilize the creative efforts of the kitchen as a supplemental treat. I pre-bag Beaus kibble in zip lock baggies and that way it’s easy to grab however many I need for the number of nights at each hotel.
4. Bottled water; two or three small bottles are easy to stash in the car or in my purse and they come in handy every time! For instance, when on a hot day you’re waiting for AAA to arrive for roadside assistance, or when you head out for a ‘quick walk’ and end up on the other end of town because it’s such a gorgeous day and there are so many new and interesting things to see. You’ll be happy, he’ll be happy if you always have a little bottled water on hand.
5. A safety harness for the car. Especially when you are driving in an unfamiliar area and you aren’t exactly sure where you’re going or which direction is the right one a harness/seat belt for the dog is a
must! Imagine how much more horrible and scary an accident would be if you were suddenly in the car with a 65 pound projectile, or when the rescue worker came to assist you, the dog wouldn’t let him near
you or worse jumped out of the car and got hit or caused another accident. Restrain the dog while you’re driving, it’s just the smart thing to do.
Those are our tried and true suggestions to help make your trip safe and enjoyable. The Doggles are not a ‘Must Have’ but if your pup likes to put his head out the window like Beau does, it really does
protect their eyes from street debris and dust, (that’s what I tell
myself, but the truth is they’re just so darn cute!).
…
Many thanks to Janine and Luxury Paw for those holiday travel tips!
Speaking of pet travel, whether you’re looking for something to tote her around town or jet-set to Veil, Metro Dog has airline-approved pet carriers for every style and taste.
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December 1st, 2008
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October and November are dangerous months for Southern Californians. Dry, hot weather and gusty Santa Ana winds combine with disastrous consequences for anyone within a mile of combustible material. Every year people lose their homes, and sometimes their lives, trying to escape mother nature’s wrath. Compounding this annual tragedy is the saga of the animals left behind.
The LA Land blog at the LA Times ran a great piece on this yesterday, including evacuation tips. My advice - and plea - is that you never leave your household pets behind. Locked up in a house or yard, animals are totally defenseless against the encroaching flames. As a pet owner, you are 100% responsible for the safety of your entire pack. Your pets depend on you; don’t let them down.
For those of you with larger animals like horses, some good advice from the Humane Society.
Please consider donations to the SPCA LA.
Credit: Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times
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November 19th, 2008
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Courtesy of the fabulous lifestyle blogger at Urbzen:
With the recent spate of recalls and the obscured origins of much commercial pet food, many dog owners have turned to home-cooked meals as a safe and cost-effective solution for feeding their furry companions.
Most pet parents know that chocolate and certain plants like poinsettias should be off-limits to man’s best friend. However, several natural and seemingly healthy human foods are also harmful–even toxic–to dogs. So before you head to the kitchen to whip up fresh batch of canine casserole, read on to discover five surprising foods that are toxic to dogs—and five Fido-friendly snacks you may already have in your cupboard.
Caveat Eater:
Garlic & Onion: Though treated as a health food and often taken in supplement form by humans, garlic (along with its alliaceae cousins onions and leeks) is toxic—sometimes deadly—for pets, with reactions ranging from stomach damage to acute dermatitis to asthmatic attacks. Pets By Nature reports the story of a Pennsylvania woman who lost her Newfoundland to garlic poisoning: “Within two weeks of feeding a popular garlic supplement available at most pet stores and over the Internet, her Newfoundland developed a bleeding ulcer and perforated intestine.” The dog did not survive.
Grapes & Raisins: While not as toxic as members of the onion family, consumption of grapes and raisins can cause vomiting, dehydration and, in large quantities, kidney failure. The exact toxin present in grapes is not known, but scientists have established that both commercially and privately cultivated grapes, as well as raisins, present a risk.
Avocado: According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic substance called Persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal unpleasantness in dogs. While a medium-sized dog would have to consume a substantial quantity of avocado (picture a big bowl of guacamole) to become seriously ill, even a little bit is enough to cause an upset tummy.
Macadamia Nuts: Not widely consumed outside of Hawaii, macadamia nuts pose a stealth risk to canine health. The nuts can cause macadamia nut toxicosis, resulting in soreness, stiffness, and listlessness, according to Working Dog Magazine. The condition usually passes in 48 hours, but can lead to shock in severe cases.
Nutmeg: This popular spice, commonly used to season cakes, vegetables and even lasagna, should never be found on your dog’s dinner plate. Nutmeg, which has mild hallucinogenic properties, can cause seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems in dogs. In severe cases, shock and death have been reported.
Fido-Friendly Snacks:
So what’s an aspiring canine gourmet to do? In fact, there are several so-called human foods you can use to add flavor and variety to your dog’s diet. Carrots and apples are a favorite of many dogs who enjoy crunchy snacks and can be served cold on a hot summer day. Be sure to cut them into small pieces, though, as dogs have shorter digestive tracts than people do, preventing them from completely digesting large chunks.
Well-cooked rice is a great starting point for much homemade canine cuisine, particularly for dogs with sensitive stomach or those, like many terriers, who are allergic to wheat.
And of course there is rarely a dog who will turn up his nose at meat; however, many dogs are sensitive to beef and chicken. Turkey and salmon are good alternatives, though they too can cause problems if they are undercooked.
The key to feeding your pet well at home is creating a healthy, safe and balanced diet that suits the particular needs and tastes of your canine companion. Always consult your veterinarian before making any decisions regarding your dog’s health and diet.
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November 17th, 2008
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A quick reference guide for those of you (like us) who bring the entire pack when traveling. Sky-high oil prices earlier this year prompted airlines to ratchet up every fee in sight (including, infamously, Frontier’s fee hike for checking antlers.) These fees are each-way, current as of today and apply for in-cabin travel in the United States:
AirTran: $69
Alaska Airlines: $100
American Airlines: $100
Continental Airlines: $125
Delta Airlines: $150
JetBlue: $100
Northwest Airlines: $80
Southwest: does not allow pets on board
United Airlines: $175
US Airways: $100
Virgin America: $100
In a word: ouch. Don’t get us started about the fact that our little guy must remain inside his carrier at all times during the flight. At least he’s in a comfortable, airline-approved portable house, with his pack leaders nearby.
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November 14th, 2008
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