Dog City Dime Store

Paul Frank Romance in France

2012-03-13T01:03:00.003-07:00

Today we added some charming Paul Frank collars and leashes to the store. The name of this print is Ooh La La! The theme here is definitely love. Paris (there's la tour Eiffel), a lovestruck young man, another fellow wearing a beret, and a girl who may be just a bit indecisive, it's a little romantic novel for your dog.

The diamond ring, loves-me, loves-me-not flower, and heart-shaped box of chocolates all suggest the complications and intricacies of dating, love, and deciding who really is "the one." Well, we can all relate.

These are the leashes, and we also have some collars.

So I guess the question is, will she pick the guy in the beret or that other fellow? Hmmmm, something to ponder while you walk your dog in the warm days ahead. This gear is just so different, and what a great gift for a friend! Perhaps you know a dog-owning someone who is wrestling with a romantic decision of her or his own.

Your dog will take it all in stride, and love the attention that these adorable accessories will bring. Paul Frank is about fun, and these are definitely something to smile about.

Unique dog gear for the Paul Frank collector, a lighthearted take on the dating scene, and just a colorful, charming collar and leash for your best friend.

We love these fashionable accessories that will have the folks at your dog park exclaiming, "Zut Alors!"

Bringing Home the Bacon

2012-03-11T23:19:00.002-07:00

Arlo hates to stay home alone. This morning he was too tired to care much when I left for an early church service, seeing as we sprang forward and all. On the way home we stopped for breakfast at a great retro diner, which is always a treat. I was particularly delighted to get our favorite waiter: efficient, fast, and friendly. One of those people that earns a tip and a half and really makes you feel welcome.

At the end of the meal I had to ask for some wrapping to bring the bacon home to Arlo. (The little guy just loves it when I bring him a food surprise.) Not wanting to wrap greasy stuff in a napkin and ruin my purse, I explained to the waiter that I had this little dog at home...

He listened, nodded, then stepped away. Moments later he set a takeout box on the table, and held out his cell phone. There was a photo of a couple of the cutest tan Chihuahuas. Their proud Papa told me a little bit about the two, and I realized that there was no need to apologize for packing up my dog treats; he understood everything. I've always said that dog owners are the most delightful people. And when sharing stories about our pets we create a kinship all our own.

Needless to say, Arlo was delighted with his bacon slices. He probably thought his prayers had been answered, even though he doesn't like it when I leave home without him. Glad that we only spring forward once a year, as this early bird stuff is for the birds.

Spring Ahead

2012-03-09T23:52:00.000-08:00

We've got spring gardens on the mind, even though it's moody March weather.

We really got carried away with these adorable pink floral print dog items, and got

the hoodie pullover

the cushy plush beds

and the birthday girl shirt

not to mention the pink flower plush toys

and this adorable retractable leash with a long line, so your dog can

have some adventurous spring walks

Find something fun and pretty for your pet that will help you say

Hello to Spring!

Dog Wash Day

2012-02-16T00:31:00.000-08:00

A sunny day in the Pacific Northwest is so appreciated this time of year. We take the opportunity to sit by a sunny window and enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book, watch for Bald Eagles circling over the water, or observe hummingbirds buzzing around their feeders like so many Starbucks customers. Since our hummers do not migrate in the winter, we make a special point of providing for these gorgeous little aerobats.

Light yes, warmth, not so much. Maybe a vigorous walk, or a little garden clearing to make way for the emerging bulbs is in order, but it's still the time of year to stay warm inside the house and enjoy the sunshine streaming through a window. The dogs understand this perfectly, and position themselves for sunbathing in all the optimal locations. It was so warm and cozy today, it was clear that a dog wash was in order. I worked so quickly, they barely had time to notice the grooming apron before being whisked into the laundry tub. They were soon done, and scented like Sugar Cookies (that's the actual dog shampoo we used), they lounged around like beachgoers in the Bahamas. No guilt, no shivering, no drama. The sun was on my side.

The luxury of warm sunlight after a dark, bleak winter here is so enriching. Even after putting up with a laundry tub bath, the dogs reveled in the warmth, moving like stage-wise performers to gain the spotlight and bask. Like our hummingbirds stopping to take a long sip at the feeder, we drank in the light and its warmth today. Tomorrow will probably have us back to gray skies and Vitamin D3 tablets, but today was pretty special, even if it was dog wash day.

NY Knicks Dog Gear

2012-02-14T22:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, can Jeremy Lin play basketball or what! We have some fine orange and blue dog gear for you New York Knicks fans. A great way to show your support for Jeremy Lin and the team that's making basketball so exciting this season. Get your dog in on the game day fun with a leash, collar, or sweater that tells us just where to rank your team.

These all ship free in the USA from our ebay store. Happy to ship internationally, but we do charge shipping for our overseas customers. Get your Jeremy Lin gear right here!

small business joy

2012-01-29T15:47:00.000-08:00

I found this article so heart-warming that I want to share it with all of you. Thank you for helping us enjoy being a small-scale business that appreciates all our wonderful customers!

Here's our new girl wearing her American-made fleece pullover. She loves being warm!

Conversation Hearts and Dogs

2012-01-19T01:24:00.000-08:00

Today we added some adorable conversation hearts design dog collars to our ebay listings. Not only are these an American product, made right here in the USA, they are perfect for Valentine's Day.

We have these in XS through Large, so don't miss out! Always a favorite Valentine's Day candy, conversation hearts are silly, very sweet, and absolutely unique. A lot like your dog.

It's fun to have seasonal collars for your dog. After all, who wants to wear the same thing day in and day out? And although they are a Valentine's Day tradition, the candy's mawkish, sentimental declarations of love are just what our dogs demonstrate every day of the year.

So give your little sweetie something pretty to wear for February 14th, and any day of the year. And here is a little back story about Conversation Hearts in case you're another Mark Summers fan and love retro candy, too. Also a glimpse of the production line and some history of the company that created these candies back in the 1860s. A great American candy, a fine American-made dog collar, and a lot of fun for any day of the year, our Conversation Hearts dog collars in stock today!

Blanket Burrowing and Dachshunds

2012-01-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

We don't know the parentage of our little adopted dog, although shelter workers guessed that she was Chihuahua (eyes) and Dachshund (length). Her coat is short and she seems to get cold easily. I'm really curious about her actual lineage, and this week found at least one positive genetic marker in the Dachshund column.

Remembering that my childhood pet, a Dachsie named Herman, loved to burrow under blankets, I went out and picked up a couple of inexpensive fleece throws (half-price at that), and proceeded to experiment. There are lots of citations on Dachshund sites about the blanket burrowing thing, so it seems to be a commonly observed trait.

When it was time to put the dogs to bed and turn down the heat a bit, I offered to cover up our little dog with a blankie. Well, Bingo! She looked at me with an expression of great appreciation, and proceeded to settle in for a nice warm sleep. Not one to kick off the blankets, or mess up the bedding, it was like tucking a child into bed at night. and has been every night since. Who'd have thought that a few dollars worth of blankets could be useful as a DNA test? I'm convinced we have at least some Dachshund here, sleeping soundly and contentedly in a soft blanket burrow.

Geaux Saints!

2011-12-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

Celebrate some NFL history with a Black and Gold #9 jersey for your dog. Drew Brees fans everywhere love this shirt, and you can see why.

Here's video of a pre-game chant led by Brees.

These are selling out fast, so pick up your dog's NOLA spirit shirt today, when Drew broke Dan Marino's single season passing record. Your dog will love the attention he gets wearing this jersey to run around the dog park, take a walk in the neighborhood, or enjoy your game day party.

Christmas Wishes to All Our Wonderful Customers

2011-12-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Your sweet innocence and goodness

Your upbeat outlook that always expects the best

Your goofy antics that keep us lighthearted

Your calm dignity that connects us to the eternal truths

and helps us to transcend the worries of today

Your eager cooperation in our holiday celebrations

Your sharing the outdoor trail of discovery, and helping us to appreciate the beauty in our natural surroundings

Your commitment to our homes and families

and your willingness to dress up for the occasion

Who can put a price on all these gifts our dogs so freely give us?

And even the magical addition to our dog family this fall

of a stray who waited in a shelter so long before

she became our little girl

Destined to bring companionship to our dogs and ourselves

as she begins to understand that her place is safe and

secure in our family home.

Precious Hannah,
our new dog and Arlo's special friend.

Gentle and kind, affectionate and fun,
She loves his madcap personality!
(Here hamming it up as an ear of corn.)

What gifts our dogs give us everyday by their presence!
Our own connections to one another, through them, are precious friendships
and bonds that we value and cherish.

Thank you for being our customers and friends! Please give your precious pets
a hearty Christmas hug from all of us here at Dog City Dime Store.

Go Blue and Roll Tide

2011-11-26T22:04:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite categories of dog supplies is sports team gear. Whether it's a Buckeye or Tiger, Aggie or Dawg, our football fan customers are enthusiastic and friendly.

That's why we stock team logo collars, leashes, sweaters, and even though it's way past Halloween season, Tiger costumes.

You know that a dog's idea of fun would be to indulge in some of that game day party food and see who's running with the ball. Our own dogs love to zip around the house, zigzagging like quarterbacks to keep the ball away from each other. No fetching for this crew They like to take off and be chased, block, and intercept when they see an opportunity. Coachless, but not without talent.

I'm sure that dogs love their football fan families, who cook and share great eats, love a fast-moving ball game, and shout out cryptic slogans like Roll Tide!

In spite of the grim economy, negative news stories, and cold, dark days of fall, dogs, like football fans, know how to have a great time. As we say up here in the Pacific Northwest, Go Dawgs!

Top Dog Model

2011-11-17T20:52:00.000-08:00

I think we've found the next dog fashion world top model. Of course she has great bone structure and a toned body. But there's that kind of "I could clean your clock with one punch," and "I make more money in one shoot than you do in a year" attitude in her slightly indulgent expression that gives luxury brands their cachet

Meet Darla!
Here she is, modeling a football team jersey the way it's meant to be worn.

Notice how her gaze extends far beyond beyond the camera, and she has artistically arranged her legs in an unassuming, casual dominance. We see that Darla is a New England Patriots fan, with the natural talent of her favorite quarterback, #12.

Here she is, in a more pensive mood, as if reliving the twists and turns of last weekend's game. (Can you spell mistakes?) Her range of expressions offers a designer unlimited opportunities to showcase quality clothing. The effortlessly displayed sleeve borders say so much about this jersey's soft, comfortable wearability. Darla's set jowls say everything that needs to be said about her fierce loyalty to the team.

With a slightly quizzical expression and a subtle shift in mood, Darla could be wondering if it might not be time for a small slice of smoked chicken, or a bit of salami from the game day party tray. We say she's earned it.

Way to go top model! Thank you for sharing some fabulous dog fashion with the world.

LSU Tigers and UW Dawgs - We have your gear!

2011-11-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

Your dog wants to get in on the football fun! Here are a couple of purple and gold items that will give your pet a chance to show that team spirit.

Here's a cozy sweater

And a charming collar

Get these while they last, LSU Tiger fans, because the University of Washington Huskies are after them, too.

Wishing winning season to you favorite football team this year, and a lot of fun cheering them on.

Christmas Dog Cheer

2011-11-13T20:56:00.000-08:00

one of the lovely Huskies owned by our customer and friend on the coast of Scotland

So, are we dreaming of a white Christmas? Maybe some interesting and interactive toys. Perhaps this gingerbread house with smaller takeout units.

Each one of the smaller toys has a squeaker, and it's quite a challenge to remove them from the house itself.

What I love about this dog toy is that it is actually four in one. Perfect for the multi-dog household (like ours). This is a great time to pick out your Christmas toys while we have our best selection.

It's also a good time to plan the holiday cooking. Around here, this will be the year we serve Gingerbread Waffles. This recipe looks like a winner. Here's another recipe by Rachael Ray. I hope the reviewers are right on these.

My small dogs give this favorite dog Christmas toy a rave review!

A very enthusiastic wag and yap for the plush gingerbread house and the three little toys that live there.

Santa's Workshop Now Open

2011-11-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

With the time ticking away before the holidays, we are busy helping our customers find items for their dogs: warm winter sweaters, coats, toys, and gorgeous collars and leashes.

If you are shopping for a dog-owning friend in another town, we'll be happy to gift wrap and ship your purchase to the gift recipient on your list. That way you can scratch one off the list, and we'll take care of everything. If you'd like to use this opportunity, just let us know immediately when you purchase your item, and we'll get the elves busy wrapping in some pretty Christmas paper. We use delivery confirmation on every order, so you can track your gift's path through the USPS website.

Today we listed a leash and solar-powered flashlight set that is top quality, high tech, and so useful this time of year. The light beams ahead of the dog and walker to illuminate the path. Terrific design, waterproof, and quite sturdy. This would be outstanding for a medium to large size dog.

These are a German design, such a functional and useful item. An all-round great idea for dog walkers everywhere.

No need to juggle a flashlight while you manage a leash, all in one piece, this lights the way with a strong solar-powered beam, making things easier for you and your dog.

Toys, leashes, and bandanas are easy to select and make great gifts for the dog owners you ship gifts to. Let us help you get the gifts out! Save time and post office lines when you buy your dog Christmas gifts from us.

Of course, we're happy to wrap for your own dog, too, so just tell us you want a gift wrap when you buy, and you'll receive your item in cheerful Christmas paper. No extra charge!

Dog Sweater Mania

2011-10-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

We are listing so many new dog sweaters this week! A little bit later than we'd planned, as we recently adopted an angel of a dog, and have been concentrating on making her comfortable and supervising play sessions with our other two dogs. Happy to report that all is going well, and the new girl is thriving and happy. Right now she's a little camera-shy, but we'll have pictures soon. Just imagine a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix with a heart of gold.

Yesterday we added a blanket-style sweater by Zack and Zoey in a soft, plaid.

What I love about this style is the straight back edge, which is so comfortable and classic. We also have this one in blue:

Here's a view of the tummy side.

Today we'll be adding some adorable Snowman sweaters in mostly small sizes.

in pink and blue

But that's not all! More sweaters, coats, and lots of football gear listing this week,

so check in often and see what's new!

As always, thank you so much for reading our blog and visiting our store. We appreciate all of our customers and their owners, our friends and fellow dog owners. You are the best!

Halloween Dog Costumes

2011-10-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Our costumes are flying out the door. So much fun to imagine all those dogs dressing up as penguins, witches, princes, and tigers.

The dogs at home are going to be a can of lite beer and a knight in shining armor. Always good for a hilarious picture and a visit to the neighbors on Halloween night. What dog doesn't love the attention she/he gets in a funny costume.

This pop-up witch is listed at a takeaway price, as well as our happy plump, plush pumpkin. A great size for little dogs.

The must-have, however, is the cackling witch. Hilarious and realistic screeching laugh that our dogs find irresistible.

This toy is perfect for small or large dogs. She'll add lots of fun to your Halloween celebration.

We're busy adding new winter items to the store, so check in often to see what's new. And remember, with the dark days of October, we need to have some crazy fun. So dress your dog up in a hilarious costume and grab a handful of candy corn. Halloween isn't just for kids anymore. It's time to laugh a little and get back to that kid-style fun we all remember so well.

Halloween Dog Collar and Leash

2011-08-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

Halloween isn't just for kids anymore. We have what your dogs needs to be the hit of any Halloween party.
Costumes are arriving this week, and we have a terrific selection.

Today we listed these amazing collars and leashes.

Shop early for your best selection of sizes. We like to be the first to list for Halloween, and when we sell out, we're out, so check our store this week for your bootiful Halloween dog gear!

Soft Collars in amazing colors

2011-08-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today we listed some of the cushiest dog collars in eye-catching colors. Made right here in the USA.

First there's marigold yellow, which is that back-to-school bus, pencil yellow.

This would be a perfect match for my favorite old maple tree when it does its best to dazzle in late September. Marvelous and unexpected color for your dog in a soft, comfy collar.

Here's another lovely soft watermelon shade that would be so wonderful on a white or black and white dog.

Of course, all dogs match these collars, so you just have to choose the one you like best. Your best friend will appreciate a fine hemp and organic cotton that is made here in the USA.

This bubblegum pink is an adorable option. We have collars and leashes in this appealing shade. So girly.

There's nothing like a new collar on grooming day to give your dog a new look for the season ahead. Shop our latest selections to find just the right new look for your best friend!