March 23, 2005

Long Island Press

Throw A Dog A Bone: Pet Products Sure To Please

By: Alicyn Leigh

Ever since I included in this column an open invitation for pet-product manufacturers to send their goods for testing, a steady flow of pet treats, essentials and accessories has been flooding the Press offices. Clearly, there was work to be done.

I promptly began putting the various bags of liver snacks, squeaky plush chew toys and often-posh kitty beds through their paces, in many cases donating these items to animal welfare groups once I'd finished. Here are some of the products/companies that received truly high marks.

SeaYu Petrotech Odor Eliminator
www.sea-yu.com
It's no secret: Pet odors generally smell bad. Real bad. The kind of smell you immediately want to remove from your home. But have you ever noticed that no matter how much scented stuff you spray an "accident" scene with, there's always that underlying funk? Well, no more. Petrotech's Odor Eliminator spray, available in both scented and unscented varieties ($12.95), neutralizes those rank smells through a process called encapsulation, surrounding the offending particles and speeding along their decay. The stuff kills all natural odor sources, on multiple surfaces, and for all types of animals, including those ripe humans in your life.

Mei-Mei
14 Fifth Ave.
E. Northport
631-757-5066
This ingenious Long Island-based pet-products designer boasts a great selection of unique and funny pet toys, accessories and pet beds. There are silly squeaker toys for dogs, such as the "Pup Culture" line—each item parodies a popular product: A Campbell's Soup can is labeled Canine's Tomutto Soup; the Wonder Bread toy is labeled Pure Bred. There's also the Ball Park, a clip-on tennis ball holder with ball for fun days at the park with your dog. Or, to make pick-up easier, check out the Doggy D. Spencer, which stores plastic bags and doubles as a treat or toy carrier. Mei-Mei also offers some of the most luxurious cat beds you've ever seen, such as the Jester and the King's crown.

Lulu's Garden Retreat Pet Bed
www.lulujane.com
This magnificent masterpiece is beautifully decorated with a leaf design and a sturdy off-white wrought iron-style stand for the ultimate in pooch pampering. (The bed and pillow are sold separately; pillows are available in a range of colors and styles. The bed is suitable for up to a 25-pound pet. Pet bed, $200; Pet bed cushion, $100.) The company also offers other fabulous pet products, such as the Hollywood Vanity Collection and sumptuous truffle-style carob treats. Showstoppers include elegant pet carriers with matching handbag and pet collars handcrafted in Germany.

Puppy Stairs
www.puppystairs.com
Puppy Stairs offers a variety of pet ramp and step configurations made of a durable, high-density, lightweight industrial foam that absorbs shock, thus preventing injury to sensitive bones and joints. These are also great for pet owners who have dogs or cats nearing their senior years. They are easy to assemble and store and are available in your choice of washable designer fabric covers. (Retail Price: $43.90 to $241.90)

K-9 Casuals
www.k9-casuals.com
Want to have fun playing doggie dress-up? This LI-based company offers an assortment of dog-wear for the family canine, from the necessities to the extravagant. All items are well made and durable, with fantastic designs and bright, colorful prints. Check out favorites such as doggie coats, doggie bandanas (the small bandana can be used for cats), doggie jackets, raincoats and more. My favorites are the doggie bow ties—they come in traditional colors, so you can dress up your pup in proper attire for that special holiday or event.

Chocolick Dog Treats
www.chocolicktreats.com
Even though it's dangerous for them to ingest, many dogs absolutely love chocolate. Some have been known to perform amazing feats just to get at that candy bar their owner mistakenly left out on the kitchen counter. But with Chocolick dog treats, which are made of the tasty chocolate alternative carob, you can give your trusty pooch what it sorely craves, safely. The company offers both Chocolick Chips and thick, weighty Brownie Bites; both are sure to inspire wild canine delight.

Cain & Able Bath Collection
www.cainandable-collection.com
You know, every dog deserves his/her day at the spa. It's not easy keeping all that fur clean and pest-free, and a little help never hurts, like the Cain & Able Collection. Conditioning Shampoo, Soap-on-a-Rope and the tremendously useful Between Baths Spritz offer all-natural cleansing solutions devoid of synthetic perfumes that also repel bugs and fleas. The shampoo and spritz come in Original Lavender and Peppermint/Tea Tree varieties¸ and are infused with essential oils that'll leave your pup fresh and rejuvenated just like that trip to the spa.

Halo Pet Products
www.spotsstew.com
Halo offers some truly hearty dining options for your favorite animal. Its flagship Spot's Stew is made of all-natural products approved by the USDA for human consumption—put it next to a can of Dinty Moore, and Spot's Stew's moist meat chunks and fresh-looking veggies actually look like a better meal. Halo also makes innovative treats, like freeze-dried beef, chicken, salmon or cod nuggets, and its sprinkle-on Dinner Party line, which lets you season your pets' food with a healthy mix of protein and veggies in Beef, Chicken and Salmon flavors.

The Cat Returns DVD
www.disneydvd.com
From the creators of the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away comes the magical animated adventure The Cat Returns. After saving the life of an unusual cat, main character Haru is transported to a mystical cat world. Guided and protected by the big lovable kitty Muta and the dapper and astute Baron, Haru sets out to find her way home. It's cleverly made for feline enthusiasts—see how many different purebred cats are depicted throughout the movie. Voice talents include Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, Peter Boyle, Elliott Gould and Tim Curry.

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