When is a Dog Bed a Lifesaver?
According to a controversial new study published in the February issue of the Centers for Disease Control journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, sleeping with pets can put some people at risk for serious medical problems. “I know this will make me unpopular, but pets really don’t belong in your bed,” says vet Bruno Chomel, co-author of the paper.
At greatest risk for zoonoses (diseases transmitted from animals to people) are the very young, the elderly, and those whose immune systems are compromised, such as transplant patients, diabetics, and people who are HIV-positive. Please don’t panic if Spot or Fluffy jumps on your bed – as long as pets are up-to-date with vet visits, everything will be fine.
But if you do plan to banish pets from your bed, the kindest, gentlest way to do this is by providing the comfiest, most paw-supportive dog bed possible. Give it pride of place in the bedroom, and Spot won’t even miss your bed.
Sweet dreams!
Your Zodiac Sign Has Not Changed, says Susan Miller of Astrologyzone:
The zodiac made headlines last week when a Minnesota astronomy professor proposed moving all the star signs back one month and introducing a 13th sign, Ophiuchus, to readjust the calendar.
Astrology buffs around the world tried coming to grips with the possibility that the star sign they’d known all their lives was – gasp – wrong?! Leos were faced with the possibility that they were actually Cancers… and nobody, but nobody,wanted to be reassigned as a Virgo (which mystifies me, because it’s a lovely sign).
Whew – such drama. Thankfully, Crypton’s favorite planet-reading power, the world-renowned expert Susan Miller of Astrologyzone, set us straight on Twitter. Susan dismissed the whole Ophiuchus hoopla as a publicity stunt: “You are the sign you think you are, the sign you knew since you were little! Nothing has changed.”
So, next time you cook a meal, why not show your de-sign sense by wearing an astrological apron? With 12 zodiac signs to choose from, there’s one for every planetary persuason
- and they’re all Susan-approved.
Posted by Julia Szabo.
Congratulations to Amber King, Alison Ford and Hilary Scurlock!:
They are the lucky winners of the Crypton products available in the Dwell 2010 Holiday Sweepstakes. Enjoy your Throver, Power Lines Shopper and Multi-Plex Pillow!
Thanks so much to everyone who entered the contest. Please check back soon for more opportunities to enter to win Crypton products.
New Yorker Julie Klam is the author of the best-selling dog memoir “You Had Me at Woof,” which chronicles her adventures in Boston Terrier rescue. A must-read, the book is really wonderful: alternately heartbreaking and hilarious,but always heartfelt.
Julie is a hardcore dog lover, and although her heart belongs to Bostons, she won’t hesitate to help any dog in need, regardless of breed. This past summer, she and her family came across a sweet pit bull who had been abandoned outdoors for hours in the hot sun. Says Julie: “I wasn’t going to leave him there – I would leave myself there first.” The pit, named Puck, is a staff favorite at The Simon Foundation, an excellent animal sanctuary in Connecticut where he awaits his forever home. (To inquire about adopting him, go here.)
Meanwhile, back in New York City, Julie insists that her daughter Violet, age 7, is the real dog person in the family. “She’s the biggest dog lover I have ever met in my life – she makes me look indifferent,” Julie says with a laugh. Here’s Violet enjoying a cat-nap with K9 Dahlia on a size-medium dog bed that’s big enough for two!
Posted by Julia Szabo.
Crypton Throver Stars on the Today Show
Yesterday’s most-watched and re-watched “Today Show” segment featured Animal Fair’s Wendy Diamond showcasing holiday gifts for four-legged, furry friends.
In addition to pet beds, winter coats, treats, and toys, Wendy highlighted home furnishings for the animal lover on your list.
And what was top of Wendy’s list? The Crypton Throver, of course!
Wendy’s pick was especially festive: the new “Show” pattern by William Wegman.
Happy Holidays !
Posted by Julia Szabo.
Crypton Throver Does Double Duty at Play Time
When home furnishings and accessories get drafted into service as kids’ play things, the results are not always pretty. No wonder many parents are reluctant to let the living room double as a recreational venue.
But, as my favorite brother act Jack and Reeve Walsh capably demonstrate, some home accessories are durable enough to stand up to almost anything a couple of rambunctious boys can dish out. The Throver, for instance, looks elegant draped over the sofa, yet it’s rugged enough for real rough-housing. (Wish Crypton had been around when I was growing up!)
As tough as the Throver is, it’s also soft and inviting enough to earn the approval of a creature-comforts expert: Betty the tabby. She’s clearly wondering when her boys will be done playing with those Throvers so she can claim one for … a cat nap!
Posted by Julia Szabo.
A Power Present for the Holidays:
Buying holiday gifts can be a challenge, but even the toughest giftees on your list will be happy to receive something that’s both whimsical and useful, functional and fashionable.
That perfectly describes a shopper that looks great with any outfit, and folds up neatly into a small bundle, to stow away in your briefcase or handbag when it’s not in use. And unlike socks or ties, a shopper is something nobody can have too many of. When all is said and done, isn’t shopping something we all do – in some form – every day of the year?
Not many shoppers can call themselves genuine works of art, but we know of one that actually can. Artist Randy Twaddle has electrified this shopper with his Power Lines design. Not since the 1970s hit song “Wichita Lineman” have power lines been so eloquent! And don’t worry if anything spills in or on your bag – it’s got a patented moisture barrier to prevent liquids from penetrating the fabric, so whatever you’re carrying won’t short-circuit.
Posted by Julia Szabo.
The spotlight shines on Crypton in Newsweek video feature:
Last week, Newsweek interviewed our own Julia Szabo for a video feature on pet pampering. Viewers got a tour of Julia’s New York City apartment, which she’s customized for the comfort of her four – count ‘em, four – large dogs.
We spotted our favorite dog beds and pillows used as cushions on Julia’s bed, which she shares with her pack of canine companions.
Meanwhile, we learned about a new use for our multitasking throver. We knew it comes in very handy on the bed or sofa, in the car, even on a boat. Now we saw Julia use the Throver as a handy mat on the floor, where her veterinary chiropractor “adjusts” the senior dogs, to get their spines in proper alignment.
Now that’s what we call pampering! Watch the video here.
An Apron with Star Quality
Actress Juliette Bennett is an enchanting performer, a natural entertainer who’s in her element both on stage and in film. She has old-school star quality reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn and Veronica Lake, but with an ultra-modern edge.
She’s brilliant at interpreting playwrights from Shakespeare to A.R. Gurney, but Juliette is equally enchanting when she’s entertaining friends at her New York City apartment.
With its magnificent vistas on the East River, the view from her living room window is captivating. But so is the view inside the kitchen, where Juliette recently prepared a spectacular organic, vegan curry stew, served with rice and an avocado-dressed salad.
Nothing stains quite like turmeric, that dazzling yellow spice that’s the key to a great curry. In fact, turmeric has been used for centuries as a natural fabric dye. But Juliette needn’t worry about errant yellow stains on her outfit, because she’s armed with her favorite apron.
Posted by Julia Szabo.
A Crypton Throver Hits the Road in Style
A microsuede throw is a must around the house. But what about the car? Spread out in the back of a vehicle, the microsuede multitasker can be a driver’s best friend, protecting and beautifying the automobile’s interior while cushioning the ride for a very important passenger – the driver’s dog – on rocky roads.
Exhibit A: The Toyota Scion that ferries a sweet, handsome pit bull named MacCrash, recently adopted from Animal Care & Control of New York City. Mac’s daddy is photographer Christian Johnston, who appreciates the Screensaver pattern for its graphic appeal and silvery hue.
The road-ready Throver also happens to coordinate nicely with his Scion’s gray interior – but even more importantly, it’s a handy, high-style backdrop that spotlights Mac’s photogenic white-and-black coat!
