What would Kenny want for Christmas? Holiday Gift Idea #1

Pendant Diamond Chain

Adorable and durable, Wags & Tags’ custom dog tags are made of precious metals and diamonds that are so irresistible that if you want to spend a few dollars more – a matching pendant is available for YOU!

Browse this site and see for yourself the dog tag style that jumps out at you for your canine companion and then find the matching pendant that is made especially for owners.

Engraved with Impt. Info

Have a special message or pertinent info engraved on the back and this gorgeous piece can now also double as an ID tag.

With prices starting at $199, you can choose from white or yellow gold to sterling silver. Whatever you decide, W&T has a design that fits your fashion sense and budget. For more info, visit www.wagsandtags.com

To know your dog is to know yourself…

For years I thought I wanted a Jack Russell Terrier. I would watch the show Fraiser, and long for my own little Eddie. My first day of work at Entertainment Weekly magazine, back in the ’90s, Eddie was on the cover. He was so adorable and photogenic; he even came to the office. I was sold. Just recently, my new favorite TV show, Damages, had a recurring role for a Jack Russell Terrier. So when my family decided that we wanted to include a dog into the fold, I thought with such a serious decision, I had to do my due diligence. Armed with the internet and access to knowledge at my fingertips, I took the time to research about the Jack Russell and their behavior, in-depth. My findings showed that this breed would not faire well with me, my children or our lifestyle. The Schnoodle, however was just right and the only choice for us.

As if someone met him personally, the description of a Kenny’s temperament found on www.dogbreedinfo.com was right on! Kenny is very loyal to his family, affectionate, extremely intelligent, easy to train, clever, friendly, fun-loving, and has plenty of personality! He is good with children, especially toddlers, and gets along fine with other dogs, so far lol! He is a great watchdog as he lets us know when someone is near, but he isn’t aggressive. To him a good game of fetch played in the house or a long walk, is perfectly fine with him. Ken is not a yappy dog in the sense of making noise for the sake of barking. He love car rides and has shown that he is a great companion dog who shows potential in obedience, agility and fly ball. He really is first and foremost a loyal and loving companion! Another reason I chose a Schnoodle was because my sister is very allergic to dogs and because both the Poodle and Schnauzer breeds do not shed, they are a perfect choice for allergy sufferers.

So I say all of this to say, do you really know your dog? I mean really. Did you take the time to find out if the breed you like is prone to illness, nice to kids, sheds, requires a lot of attention or were you only thinking about if it will look good in a Louis Vuitton carrier? Start here at www.dogbreedinfo.com and let me know what you find and then remember to also check to see if your chosen breed has a rescue shelter. Many times folks get the “jewelry” pet and then get bored with them or the training period got overwhelming. These dogs need you and deserve a loving home.

Until next time…

Kenny Walks for a Cause!

Last month Kenny and I supported the Best Friends Animal Society’s NYC Strut Your Mutt event to end pet homelessness and hunger in NYC.

Kenny's all set for the walk.

Getting up bright and early is our routine, but getting dressed for a day in the City, for a great cause, was icing on the cake. What an amazing time we had meeting other dogs and owners who also care about this very important issue facing dogs and pets all over the City.

The Strut Start

Our two-mile walk was along the West Side Highway, offering great views of NJ across the Hudson River. Along the way we took a look inside Paws to Doors, a petmobile service for dog owners who travel with their canine companions. A cool concept, however, I couldn’t help but wonder what such a service would cost. Prices start as low as $20, and given that they are offering comfort, safety and cleanliness for your little one. Might be worth a try – one day. As we crossed the finish line, I couldn’t help but notice all of the vendors on site offering adorable bonding activities like yoga with your dog to kids participating in the paw-to-hand print painting activity. We took a breather and met several owners who had rescue dogs. One in particular, we fell in love with was Bear and he fell in love with my daughter, Nia.

Nia and Bear

Petmobile Service: Paws to Doors

While we had a wonderful time, we were mindful that the very core of all the work of Best Friends Animal Society is to keep their dream alive that one day kindness will replace cruelty, and animals will no longer be destroyed because they are unwanted or imperfect. That spaying and neutering will become commonplace, and adoption will be the first choice for everyone. With our support, shelters will have the knowledge and resources to help rehabilitate special-needs animals and find the right family for every animal. Making this dream a reality is the mission Best Friends Animal Society calls No More Homeless Pets®.

A perfect view of NJ.

Thanks to all who generously sent us a few bucks! We happily made our contribution and funds raised by Strut Your Mutt participants went directly to participating local rescue groups (Best Friends Network Charities) and to Best Friends local programs in New York (and Los Angeles) that support their mission.

I was so inspired that Kenny and I will keep you posted about this and any other upcoming causes that need our voices. It was our pleasure to be a part of this campaign.

Until next time…

Make Space for These New Fashion Finds!

This past summer I attended PET FASHION WEEK NY and just like last year, I continue to be amazed (not surprised) by all of the incredible brands and owners who have really dedicated themselves to the industry. As I made my way through, I came across some great new lines who were offering us outfits that are reminiscent of our toddler years, retro gear that will remind you of your rebel years and those who really want to make a high-end fashion statement. Here are some of my faves:

From the Gloire Collection

First up is Mochi & Jolie (www.mochiandjolie.com). Their knitwear collection is unique because it is made with Bamboo, a renewable resource. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice. Another great mention? When the bamboo yarn is not mixed with unnatural fibers, it is biodegradable. I love their sweaters and the price points are perfect.

Next is Bling Bone (www.blingbone.com). With Beth Ostrosky-Stern (radio legend, Howard Stern’s wife) as their celebrity spokesperson, this high-end fine jeweler makes incredible necklaces for both dog and owner. I also fell in love with their one-of-a kind recycled and hand-painted dog carriers from Brazil. Definitely a splurge purchase, but absolutely beautiful and perfect for those that take their little ones out all the time (Rumor: you could possibly use the carrier on the airplane.

Bling Bone Carrier

For the rocker doggie or nostalgic owner, Black Baron kingdom apparel (www.blackbaronkingdom.com) is just what you’re looking for in terms of one-of-a-kind items. From high school varsity jackets, to London Fog raincoats and 1970 concert memorabilia Ts, your pooch will be front and center with one of these originals.

Upper West Side Collection Autumn Collar

Finally for some stand-out collars and leash combos, check out Kane & Couture (www.kaneandcouture.com). What are their specialties? For once, great pieces made for the boys and for our larger breeds. As their bio says “…lets doggies have style too! For teacup and tyrannosaurus, fly boys and stylish bitches.” Nuff said.

For those that are new to my blog, welcome! Each week I will offer up style-based suggestions and new findings, as well as things Kenny and I have run into and participate in and around the tri-State of NY/NJ/CT. Be sure to visit our site: www.kennyscloset.com, follow us on Twitter and friend / like our page on Facebook. All keyword: kennyscloset.

Until next time…

Inquiring minds want to know…

Kenny’s going on vacation…

Look for an update next Wednesday, August 4th.

Kenny’s Closet is featured in a Blog!

Check out our shout-out on Billy Hendrix’s blog on Essence.com.

Also, great tips on shopping for your Pooch. Some of Kenny’s faves are on here…

Kenny and his Cronies

Dog walks used to be a time for me to serve as reflection and subsequent action plans for the day and future… however, Kenny has changed all that, by dictating his direction of travel and friends.

Each outing now is usually determined by him as he looks forward to smelling the freshly sprinkler-ed grass in front of the building, without leaving his mark of course, sorry flowers.

Kenny and his buddy, Owen

Next he likes to direct me to the driveway (so smart) so that we can go across the street to say hi to his buddies: Owen, a standard Poodle, and Lucy and Brooklyn, the Labs. Trio, the Shih Tzu – is not impressed with his youthful spirit, so we say hello from afar, – but Kingston, an adorable Yorkie (aren’t they all?) and our new long-haired chihuahua friend welcome his ‘what’s up bark,’ and wagging tail.

To expand his horizons, we visit Central and Riverside Drive Parks in NYC and in Leonia, NJ, we take a trip over to Overpeck Park, where we steer clear of the dog park, but instead greet the comers and goers as we play catch in the open field.

I say all of this to say switching up your dog’s environment as well as keeping them in touch with other dogs is important for both their temperament and social skills. Of course, before you approach, make sure you ask if a potential pooch is friendly… This course allows you the opportunity to meet other dog owners and network. I’ve gotten great restaurant recommendations as well as who is the best groomer in town by letting Kenny take the lead.

Claiming Canine Costs is in the House…

July 31, 2010 makes a year when the H.A.P.P.Y (“Humanity and Pets Partnered Through The Years”) Act was first introduced into the House of Representatives.

No new updates on its progress as of today however; this Act (H.R. 3501) proposes that those who own their dogs legally, will be able to claim as much as $3,500 on their tax returns for qualified veterinarian care.

We all know that these furry friends often provide a sense of camaraderie, comfort, and unconditional love and research supports this fact with a 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, indicating that 63 percent of United States households own a pet.

With the state of the economy now and for some who have pets with pre-existing conditions, the option of pet health insurance is not an option. And what about those whose canine companions are now older and prone to illness, resulting in more frequent trips to vet? Average costs for dog care is close to $1,000 a year and with unforseen clinical needs, this cost could easily rise.

Betsy Dribben, vice president of government relations for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says she is realistic about the bill’s prospects. But with more attention being paid to the fate of pets whose owners lose their homes, she said interest is growing on Capitol Hill and beyond about how the government can respond.

“There is a move afoot. There is a general acknowledgement that people really care about their pets,” Dribben said. “Taking care of pets does cost money, and during the dramatic decline of people’s income and the shaky economy, any possibility of assisting people in meeting those costs should be looked at.”

I agree and if you do as well… make your voice heard via your Representative!

To read this Bill in its entirety click HERE.

Dog Eat What?

When Kenny arrived from Boonville, MO, at 11 weeks-old, strict instructions were given to us on how to care for him – from food to eat, snacks to give and water to drink. I paid special attention, as I wanted to make the transition into his new home as smooth as possible. With direction to feed him Iams ‘dry,’ he ate that religiously for six months. I often wondered if he were getting bored because his bowl would be full for long periods of the day. After a week of observation, I started to research some alternatives. While Iams may be a great product for some, aside from cooking for him everyday, like some of my dog-owning neighbors (lol!)
I knew his puppy palate was looking for something else.

Grammy's Pot Pie

The first change we made was to Merrick brand dog food. We tried both the wet Grammy’s Pot Pie and also the dry. I followed the rule of adding a bit of the new into his old and then phasing out completely. Kenny seemed to like this and we carried on for about three months. I thought the wet was a tasty change with the complementary dry and then it happened again – bowl full. Not eating.

Spot's Stew

Next up? Halo brand’s Spot’s Stew was recommended by Petco staff and Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul – because my Dad’s Pom/Maltese – Sasha- eats this, and Kenny helped himself to her bowl around the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Once we got back home, the challenge was looking for stores that sold Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul. The one bag that I bought went far, but soon to the wayside. It has now been close to eight months and we are still going strong with Halo’s Spot’s Stew in chicken and sometimes, salmon.

Zuke's Mini Naturals

Concerning treats, we tried several types of snacks/biscuits but our faves are Zukes’ mini naturals (which is how Ken was “click” trained) and Old Mother Hubbard’s all natural biscuits, cheese and oatmeal flavors (he’s over these). Currently I do indulge him with a creme sandwich cookie from Petco and a piece of roast chicken, on occasion.

Bottom line? We don’t eat the same thing everyday, why should we expect our dogs to do the same? Pay attention to your Dog’s behavior. In this case, their actions will speak louder than words.