February 8, 2011
When Love's a Bitch: Canine Valentine's Guide
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 6 MIN.
We met under unusual circumstances. He had just gotten out of a relationship (abandoned, really) and I was bouncing back from the horrors of 9/11 - emotionally raw and in need of comfort.
When our eyes locked it was love at first sight. He was totally my type: blond hair, brown eyes and a slight swagger to his gait. He pooped on the floor on our first date, but hey - we all have our faults and I knew from that moment we were in for the long haul. I was deeply and madly in love with Wilbur, a feisty chihuahua mutt rescued from New York City's Center for Animal Care and Control.
Wilbur and I are celebrating our 10th Valentine's Day together. I'm not expecting a stunning bouquet of flowers or dinner reservations at Babbo. What I'll receive instead is a dopey grin when I walk in the door and that's just fine. I'll dig into a box of Vosges and he'll gnaw on a piece of dehydrated sweet potato. A match made in heaven.
Give some "bitch love" to your favorite furry friend this Valentine's Day with one of these great canine products - or choose to support a worthy animal organization.
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Tyler & Friends
Artist and designer Dennis Lee established Tyler Hall as a boutique design firm to create fabrics, wallpapers, murals, carpets and more.
Tyler & Friends is an offshoot of the company that features a collection of pillows, blankets, dog beds, wall hangings and coordinate wall papers.
The bespoke collection was originally inspired by Lee's dog, Tyler. With Tyler's passing last year, the new addition to the Tyler Hall family is Madison, a 7-month old cocker spaniel.
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Nulo
The folks at Nulo are total foodies and wouldn't dream of adding fillers like corn gluten meal or meat byproducts. Their new line of pet food is produced in small batches and uses top-of-the-line ingredients including lamb, brown rice and dried fruits.
Beyond the products, Nulo is committed to nutrition education for your pet and offers an online resource center (including a Weight Tracker) where you can log your pet's fitness progress.
Watch their video about the importance of your pet's diet, hosted by USA Today columnist and veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly.
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Dublin Dog Collars
It's a dog-eat-dog world, especially when it comes to trying to save our environment. Dublin Dog has created an eco-Luck collar, made from recycled water bottles and water-based ink. Manufactured in the U.S.A., the collars come in 4 limited-edition collections.
In addition, their "Re-Gift, Re-Cycle, Re-Focus" program is helping to reduce environmental impact by providing a way for customers to recycle their gently used collars in exchange for a 15% discount.
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Puppies Behind Bars
Puppies Behind Bars trains inmates to raise puppies to become service dogs for the disabled and explosive detection canines for law enforcement.
Founded in 1990 by Gloria Gilbert Stoga, the organization has graduated more than 400 dogs through this unique program that encourages rehabilitation within the penal system by providing inmates with the opportunity to take responsibility for another living being, offering and receiving unconditional love and teamwork. Their current program, Dog Tags: Service Dogs for Those Who've Served Us, provides service dogs to veterans returning home from Iraq and Afganistan who have been physically injured or suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Learn how you can get involved at:
www.puppiesbehindbars.com
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MSPCA-Angell
Founded in 1868, the MSPCA-Angell is an international leader in animal care and protection and the second-oldest humane society in the United States. From emergency care and veterinary services to adoption and dog training, the MSPCA-Angell relies soley on the support of individuals who care about animals.
You can support them by volunteering at one of their locations throughout the Boston area, helping on a national level with advocacy and legislative efforts, or shopping at their online canine boutique.
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Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
