What style of bed do you like most for your pet? I frequently find myself overwhelmed by the number of stylish sophisticated choices — not that that is a bad thing by any means! Here’s a roundup of a few of the beauties that Rory and I presently have our eye on…

(from top to bottom)

1. Tuxedo Stripe — a classic and clean monochromatic pattern that suits any home decor style.

2.  George Moroccan — a vibrant and sassy option that blends casual style and sophisticated lines.

3.   Mr. Roboto Cover — a fun, funky contemporary cover set that adds a dash of quirky cuteness to any space.

4.  PetEgo Donut — a cuddly comfortable bed for any any snugglebug.

Which is your favourite design?

When it comes to giving Rory an extra special treat, I try to do my best to stay away from that ‘spoiling your pet’ line (something I wander towards a lot if I’m not careful). That’s why I like to combine treats with a challenging toy that will make her exercise her mind just as much as her stomach.

There are two great products on the market that I personally cannot get enough of; the classic Kong Classic and the Tricky Treats Ball which has been reviewed on Pawsh here. Each of these toys allow you to hide something tasty inside so that your pup has to work for the reward. However, each has its own set of pros and cons…

The Kong is extremely durable and will stand up to any manner of ferocious chewing, while its odd shape is wonderful for keeping your dog on his or her toes if you choose to play fetch with it. The Kong is particularly great because you can tuck anything inside of it from peanut butter to biscuits and it is easy to clean (bonus!) However, some dogs can ‘master’ the Kong in mere minutes. My father’s Great Pyrenees for example has learned that if she simply squeezes the Kong from either side and throws her head back, the cookie will unwedge and fall out easily.

The Treatball is also very durable and can double up as a fun fetch toy too. By placing a handful of dog treats or even kibble inside, your dog is enticed to nose it around on the floor until sweet surprises fall out, thus keeping them entertained for ages. However, the ball is limited in terms of what sorts of treats you can put in it and can also be a little difficult to clean.

I adore both of these items and they have kept my little fluffball entertained for hours (which is a great gift if you’re like me and work from home from time to time). So I am curious, which is your favourite? If you could only pick ONE of these great items, which would it be?

PS: Did you catch last week’s ‘This or That?‘

All photos belong to 1000 Pugs

I am always incredibly moved by the number of high-quality, ‘pawsh’ and creative pet projects that continue to emerge in the world — especially those endeavours that strive to do their very best to give back to the pet community. 1000 Pugs is just one of these projects and I couldn’t be more delighted to have fortuitously stumbled upon it….

Described on its website as “the ultimate expression of pug love by San Francisco pet photographer, Amanda Bradshaw,” this pursuit aims to capture 1000 (yes, 1000!) individual pugs on camera and publish their adorable pug-ish-ness in a book, all while raising $10k to support pug rescue.

Bradshaw’s obvious talent is undeniable in the smattering of smart photos she has already published as sneak peeks into the project on the site’s official blog. Not only do the images burst with colour, character and charm, but they are brimming with emotion too and inevitably evoke the rather embarrassing yet oh-so meaningful ‘D’awwwww!’ expression from men, women and children alike.

Photos belong to 1000 Pugs

I for one am eagerly looking forward to following this project more closely as it paws its way towards 2013 and the exciting book release date. I have a feeling it will make the perfect gift for any pug lover and make everyone fall in love with this quirky breed.

This week’s Pet in Need from Hopeful Hearts Dog Rescue is named BB King. His sweet comical face is reminiscent of a racoon’s and he has quite the mischievous nature to match it. He is patiently waiting for a new home, so please keep reading to learn more and if you can, please share this link with your family and friends. Every share helps us find a new loving family for these deserving pets.

STORY: BB King came to Hopeful Hearts via the Gatineau SPCA after he had been found wandering the streets.  When he first arrived he was in pretty bad shape; full of infection and  rotting teeth, and at times  almost catatonic. However with some nurturing and some medical attention he has recovered and become quite a little character!

FAVE SNACK: BB’s favourite treat is to lick out the yogurt container when close to empty.  He will get his little head right in there and leaves the container very clean when finished. Since healing from his surgery Hopeful Hearts has considered changing his name to Piglet.

FAVE GAME: BB is quite mischievous as he will suddenly take off at a trot and seems to want to be chased.  Not to worry though,  he usually only goes a few yards and then stops for a sniff.  His “fits and starts” way of exploring the world is very funny to watch.

BIGGEST FEAR: BB seems quite fearless – to this point nothing seems to scare or upset him.

FUNNIEST QUIRK: When he first came to us we believed him to be completely deaf, but seems to be picking up some noises now.  However, as soon as you make eye contact he can become very animated and bounces around like a crazy boy.

CATCH PHRASE: I’m a goofball and proud of it!

If you would like to learn more about BB King or any of the other dogs that are up for adoption with Hopeful Hearts, please email [email protected] today! PS: Did you meet this sassy young lady?