Green is everywhere - these days, it’s all about sustainability and other earth-loving goodness. Your dog can help save the world too! These eco-friendly dog toys are made from 85% post consumer recycled soda bottles. Sounds unappealing, but they are super soft with enough strength to withstand all that chewing. And so cute too! The toys are also filled with recycled polyfill batting, and you won’t find any eyes or ears that your dog can pull off and possibly swallow. Choose from the amphibious frog and salamander, or a turtle, in earthy colors like sage and willow.

And regardless that these little guys are helping to save the environment, they wouldn’t be toys for your dog if they didn’t squeak, right?

 

Don’t leave your darling pooch off your shopping list! Ideal for pets of hikers, backpackers, and other outdoorsy types, the Ruff Wear Palisades II Dog Pack features a three-strap system to disperse the load evenly so as not to trouble your doggie’s back. The pack also comes complete with two collapsible water bladders, a grab handle on the back, and a reflective trim to keep your puppy visible in the dark.

Of course, this one’s a gift that very much gives back to the giver, as evidenced by ThisNexter Kristine’s shopcast: “Poor fortune for my dogs I live by the rule ‘There’s no such thing as a free ride,’” she says. “These backpacks work very well for carrying groceries.”

BTW, has anyone ever actually named his/her dog Fido in all of world history? I’m guessing not.

Cuteoverload is a well-known and weeeeird blog with just about the cutest pictures and the funniest headlines/commentaries you’ll ever find.  It never fails to make me laugh, and hey, I don’t laugh easy these days.   They also recently pointed to one of the strangest products in the world: a Poodle Disguise for Dobermans – which includes (1) Fake fur pieces (4 leg pieces, one body piece, and head piece), (2) Black face paint (safe for dogs), and (3) Safe suit-fitting method statement and instructions.  You can even get an under-harness (sold separately).  It’s not entirely a joke; the Australian folk at attackchi.org.au behind all this really are trying to make a point about how certain breeds are wrongfully considered unsafe and even have laws made to restrict their keeping and breeding, while other equally dangerous (or non-dangerous) breeds are virtually ignored.  So it’s kind of a social statement, kind of a product, kind of a joke, and really very funny.  Coming soon: Golden Retriever disguises for German Shepherds and Old English Sheepdog disguises for Mastiffs.  Don’t miss ‘em!

While browsing the dog blogs of the internet - wanted to point dog owning readers towards the Dogs and More blog - that has a list of things that can kill your dog… Peach Pits, Mouthwash, Fabric Softeners to name a few.

Don’t get us wrong, we love your pets at ThisNext.

But we also love smart, efficient products.

So if you’re just toting a teacup poodle as an accessory, why not just get a dog-shaped bag?

CoughParisHiltonCough.

Doggy bag via fashion blog What’s Haute.

 

 Perhaps paradise for your small dog is… a delicious veggie muffin:

Servings: 12 Veggie Muffins
Ingredients:
480 ml (2 cups) shredded carrots
1 shredded apple
100 ml (1/3 cup) molasses
250 ml (1 cup) bran
60 ml (1/4 cup) water
200 ml (3/4 cup) whole grain flour
60 ml (1/4 cup) dry oatmeal
Methods:
Combine all ingredients thoroughly. If the consistency is too liquidy, add more flour or oatmeal until the mixture becomes doughy.
Spoon into muffin tins (lined or unlined) and bake for 30 minutes at 200ºC (400ºF) or until browned.
Bite Tips: Most of the prep time in this recipe comes from shredding the carrots and apple. A lot of grocery stores now sell pre-packaged shredded fruits and vegetables, so check your produce section to cut some time out of this otherwise simple recipe.

Mmmmm. We are loving the dog recipes, training tips, hollistic dog care/training tips from the Small Dog’s Paradise. 

Tired of leaving your dog behind, or running along (assuming its smaller) when you go out cycling? Want to save gas when you’re bringing him to the vet perhaps, but its just too far to walk? The Saavy Dog Lover found this cute and practical Doggie Bike Basket to let your pup ride up front.

We love browsing the All Things Dog blog, because everyday is like a doggie fashion show - only with each fun pic, there’s an article full of suggestions and ideas - like how how to stay in shape with your furry friend, and tips on good doggy hygiene.

Its all about quality not quantity here at ThisNext, and the PamperedPuppy gets that in a way that your puppy (and your interior designer) will love you for. You can’t afford not to check out this incredible list of bleeding edge designer dog homes (i call them homes, because it just doesn’t seem right to call these works of art Dog Houses) Take a look through their treasure trove of articles for more lists of brilliant new products for your PamperedPuppy!

Pet Travel News! Clover: A Modern Dog Weblog says “Companion Air is an airline that offers first class travel for people and their pets. They even offer flights for your pet if he/she is flying solo. Their packages include a shuttle, airfare, executive seats, special pet section, and treats and toys for your pet.” Too bad it hasn’t launched yet, but sounds like a great option for pet owners, and you know how we at ThixNext love to discover great new products and services.

Think pets are just pets? think again… is the subtitle of brilliant pet blog What the Pets!? At ThisNext we value the importance of personalization - and we love that everyone has their own taste and style, but isn’t it funny when some people match so perfectly - say… with their pets? Check out the winners of the “I Look Like My Dog” Contest. They also have other great pet related finds - like their roadtested Bowlgaiter which slipped on your usual water dish manages to control spillage substantially compared to without. Great finds here for animal lovers of every kind.