Mama Speaks

Sleepypod

Baby Your Pet

Slick, posh, cool, sweet - I never thought I'd use those words to describe a pet product, but today I stand corrected. For pets up to 15 pounds, the Sleepypod [$165] is part-pet bed, part-carrier, and is loaded with unexpected features that make it nothing short of swanky. The idea here is for pets that have difficulty traveling to become more comfortable going place to place. This is accomplished by using the Sleepypod as a bed each day so that Spot/Whiskers becomes accustomed to the space. When I first read that I'll admit I thought to myself that it would be easier said than done. But sure enough the Sleepypod couldn't be more enticing. To start off one leaves off the mesh top of the pod so that the space is not enclosed and is therefore less threatening - it's basically just like a regular pet bed. The bottom of the pod is double-layered, with a foam core underneath and covered with an uber-plush layer of softness. That top layer is machine washable, by the way, which is key for those of us who have pets that suffer from car sickness. And if that's not enough, there's an optional Warmer Kit [$58] that can be inserted between the two layers making it the ultimate in coziness.

Once your pet gets comfortable with the bed it's time to add the mesh top, which is easily done with a zipper that encircles the pod. Now the Sleepypod has become a convenient pet carrier, complete with a comfortable handle as well as a removable carrying strap. I did notice it's somewhat difficult to keep the top of the pod open for putting pets in and out. The sides are supposed to be able to tuck in so that it remains open on the top, but it's tricky to get it tucked just right for them to stay that way. One of my favorite features of the Sleepypod, however, is that it can actually be buckled in to the car with the seat belt (Here are the how-to videos demonstrating how the Sleepypod works and how to buckle it in, which is super easy). After years of watching my husband try to accomplish this very thing with the seat belt and a plastic box carrier, I can't help but appreciate this added bonus that gives pet owners peace of mind when traveling by car. But wait, little Princess doesn't want to go in there without her special warmer? No problem - there's also a car adaptor [$13] for the heating pad so that it's like she never even left home. Now that's hot.

-Beth

BUY

Cause of the Week - ASPCA

the cause: The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals)

the problem: Hundreds of thousands of animals are abuse, neglected and abandoned on a daily basis in the United Stated of America. The ASPCA is here to make a difference in every animal’s life.  Join the ASPCA today; we are their voice.

the purpose: The ASPCA was founded in 1866 as the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. The Society was formed to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and they continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it’s saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources with shelters across the country, the ASPCA works toward the day in which no animal will live in pain or fear.

give/shop: You can become a member of the ASPCA with a monthly and/or yearly donation.  You can also give by shopping in the ASPCA online store.

Holden Designs

Bowled Over

We used to have a pet room. A nice little utility room that housed crates for the dogs to sleep and a little feeding station to keep food and drink out of the way of grown up feet (and crawling, experimenting babes). Those days are over and living in an open floor plan house has meant all the doggie's gear out in the open commingling with the rest of our decor- lets just say it hasn't been pretty. I am still on the hunt for a dog crate that will house a French Bulldog and oh, a 100 pound Doberman, (yes, together) that doesn't look like it was meant for medieval torture or a intro to plastics workshop, but on the doggie diner front, we've made some serious progress.

Holden Designs, Bent Wood Double Feeder [$98-$145], is guaranteed to make Mama's and our four-legged friends happy. The raised eating surface makes standing (or sitting in my lazy dogs case) to eat comfortable and digestion a breeze and it's available in two sizes to suit your needs. The curved sculptural design is ultra modern and simply gorgeous. And you can choose from two beautiful veneered finishes to suit your style.

While the price tag may seem considerable, I dare you to take a look around and see what else is out there. You might find some close in the cost department, but this takes the cake in design. Leave it to an architect to finally dream up just what we've been looking for.

Win it!
A small, Holden Designs, Double Bowl Feeder is up for grabs. To enter, send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Holden as your subject. Giveaway ends February 16.

Punk Rock Dogg

Fierce on Four Legs

There's no reason for anyone to be left out in the cold this winter and our four legged family members are no exception. If you're looking for something a little more subdued than that tu-tu Tinkerbell infamously struts around in, that still has a little more spunk than what's on the pet shop shelf,  look no further than the pages of Punk Rock Dogg.

You'll find a decent selection of simple, punk inspired tee's for pups, that suit my stubborn bully to a, well, tee. While some of the shirts aren't so G-rated the doggie skull and "Mama's little Monster" tee are all too reminiscent of the gear we choose for our human babes. And if you're into that sort of thing you and dog-breath can strut your stuff in matching style.

If your pooch is more for accessories, check out the collars, leashes, and some of the coolest (albeit kitschy) dog tags we've come across- seriously, is it weird that I'm wondering if I could get away with rocking one myself?