I love West Paw Design.  And there are not a lot of the large scale pet products manufacturers that I can say that about.  Because I really don't.

Having been in the business for over 30 years, I have seen manufacturers come and go. I was around before West Paw Design was around.  So I have watched them grow from a small booth at the large trade shows to one of the industries leaders.

Since the very beginning West Paw Design has had a strong mission and ideas concerning manufacturing, sustainability, safety, originality, taking care of employees,  being made in the USA and just about everything else that one thinks that a responsible company should do.  And they have done it.

So when I got the email concerning their Spring 2012 releases I am more than thrilled.  Here is a quick peek at what is coming your way.

And that is a good thing! Pechanga's Closet is a wonderful place where Darlene Shinn shares her most wonderful crafties.

And they really are wonderful.  Once inside you will be amazed at the creativity that is bursting from every corner.  Color, style and originality are the trademarks.

Not only will you find it full of Doxies (inlcuding Darlene's beloved Pechanga), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Schnauzers and custom dogs too, but you will also find all other kinds of creatures, some real and not so real.  For a little visit here is the link to her etsy shop.

When it is a Poop Monster that's when! I love the playful, fun and handmade.  If I am going to spend my money on something I want it to be unique.

And Poop Monsters are that! I am so tired of the same old, same old that I have been really trying to branch out and insert some personality into my everyday living. And these certainly do that.

All you have to do is stuff the Poop Monster with plastic bags and clip on the leash and you are good to go.

Poop Monster is the creation of Doggy Detail, a great etsy shop that is filled with lots of wonderful things.

Then I have found the watch for you! Just found this big faced watch, with a silicone strap, rhinestone bezel and a big paw in the middle. 

They come in a the staples of black and white, as well as some brights.  You can get them for $15.99 at Terrier Toys.

Thursdays at Petco is markdown day.  At least it is on the ones that I have been to.  So if $ is tight, that is the day to get first shot at the markdowns.

And if you are really nice and talk to the manager, most of the time you will be able to get the 30% off almost expired food treats marked down to 50%. When I ask, I let them know that I want to but alot and I really do stock up when they help me out.

Of course I would prefer that local, independent stores be first on your (and my) list when it comes to shopping.  But sometimes there just isn't one close (and I know.  I lived in Hew Hampshire for awhile and there was nothing in driving distance) or you are just on a really tight budget, and just can't.

Leo is by all accounts a very much loved 8 year Japanese Chin that is living in Wisconsin.  He has Congestive Hear Failure and Bladder Stones. To keep Leo comfortable he needs 2 prescriptions a day and a special food.  

Leo's Veterinarian has come up with a "comfort only" plan for Leo.  And that is $200 every 3 months.

That is where the trouble began for Leo. Mr. Lange lost his job 2 years ago and his family is living on a fraction of what they once were.  There are 2 young children in the family that are 6 & 12.  Needless to say, they love Leo dearly.

Because Leo's family love him very much and realized that due to the costs, they may not be able to keep him.  Fortunately Mrs. Lange reached out to Japanese Chin Care and Rescue Effort and the representative came up with a plan to help keep Leo in his home.

This plan was to keep Leo in his home where he is happy and loved until he passes to the rainbow bridge.  It doesn't make sense to put Leo under the stress of moving him to a new environment with the health conditions that he has.  And his is loved, his family just needs a little help.

So what they did was come up with a chip in to come up with funds to get Leo the help he needs and to keep him in his home.  The chip in has closed since the $200 was reached.  And Leo and his family will have an outpouring of love that will keep them going for awhile.

There are many Leo's out there.  If you come across one, please step up. If we can help to keep them in their home, it is much better than seeing them in the shelter or a foster home.

It really doesn't take a lot. Even $1 makes a difference to a dog like Leo.  And think about what the children in his family have learned.  That there is caring and compassion in this world.  And all this from a little dog and a few of his friends.

What better way to show the world that we love them than to wear our favorite breeds on beautiful piece of jewelry?

That’s exactly what Tracileigh01, owner of My Two Cavaliers at ETSY, thought when she started making European Charm Bracelets for all of us dog lovers out there.

Not only can you choose charms that represent your favorite dog breed, or dog breeds, but you can pop them on beautiful charm bracelets adorned with Murano glass and Tibetan silver beads.

She even does custom orders should you not like any of the bracelets or necklaces that are currently available. That’s right, if you can dream it up, she can probably get it for you.

Her prices are also extremely fair when compared to other companies that sell European charm bracelets, and she often has sales and discounts available for holidays and sometimes just for fun.

Convinced? Well check out these beautiful bracelets at My Two Cavaliers on Etsy, and decide for yourself!  

Santa surprised us all this year with someone really special on Christmas Day.  Her name is Miss Kitty.  I had no idea that she was coming to live with us.  Neither did anyone else in our house.  

A family member had been feeding her and as the weather was getting colder, they were letting her stay on an enclosed porch.  However that was not going to be a permanent thing.  Somehow that morning when Rich was at a family gathering and I was at home sleeping, he learned about her.  And best of all made arrangements to have her delivered that afternoon.

Later on that day I answered the door we had 3 visitors and one of them was holding a cat.  And all I could think about is what kind of nut would bring a cat into a house with 3 dogs.  Then I found out she was mine. Or that we were hers.

She has been my first cat on my own.  And it has been quite a learning experience.  Fortunately Miss Kitty is quite a good teacher. I am having a really good time getting to know her.  

Please excuse her picture.  She is black and doesn't photograph too well.  

Over and over again, I have been hearing about FuglyFriends dog toys so I finally popped over to etsy to find out what all the buzz is about.

So I poked around and found the shop.  And I have to say that it was worth searching out.  FuglyFriends is everything that I love in one really cute package.  They are safe, durable, creative, made in the US and by a real person.

A real person that gets dogs. And understands that they all play differently.  You can get a FuglyFriends with stuffing, without stuffing, with legs, without legs, large, medium, or small.  You can even get them for cats. And did I tell you that they donate $ from each sale to animal shelters across the United States?

They even have a little heart inside that covers the squeaker. And if your pet gets that far, there will be a little message inside. And it can be personalized.  That lends itself to tons of possibilities.

Prices are from $8.50 - $15.00, shipping is cheap. So I really do not think you have anything to lose by giving them a try.  My pets have not had their mouths around one of these toys yet, but they will soon.

The great thing about a New Year (and Birthdays) is that it gives us a time and a date to measure what we have done in the past and decide on what we want to do in the future.

For me, my passion has always been animals and I that has led me in many different directions.  I have met so many wonderful people and pets along the way, that I know that is my path.  I just needed to define where on that journey I really wanted to go. 

When I saw this graphic posted by Dogs for the Paws it gave me a great visual of what I wanted my resolutions to mean and what I wanted to do in the coming New Year.

I hope you find it as powerful as I have.  I have printed it out and put it on my Vision Board for 2012.  Because I truly believe if I can accomplish these, I can help change the world.

Wishing all of you love, peace, prosperity, happiness, good health, joy and lots of pet love in 2012!

Celebrating in high fashion is Sebastian the dog in residence and the muse of Erika at Sew DogStyle.

To get a jump on 2013, here is a link to the very easy tutorial.