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 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.
Fido Friendly magazine features Crypton dog beds
The high-style magazine Fido Friendly recently invited me to contribute advice for its fabulous “Crate & Garden” feature. The topic was creating the ultimate mud room for dogs and the people who love, walk, feed, play with, and (of course) clean up after them.
Creating pet-friendly spaces happens to be my pet project, so I’m always on the lookout for creative K9 components to make home life easier – and easier on the eyes – for both people and pets.
The mud room winds up being a favorite napping and nesting destination, especially for dogs with thick, heavy coats who enjoy hanging out in a nice, cool atmosphere. So, one very important tip is to outfit your mud room with a dreamy dog bed that sports a durable, machine-washable cover- and the Fido Friendliest dog bed is, without a doubt, one made by Crypton.
Check out this and many other fun, informative articles in Fido Friendly’s new February 2010 issue, on newsstands now.
Posted by Julia Szabo.
Healthystuff.org a non-profit environmental research organization, recently revealed the results of its first-ever study of pet products. Researchers at Michigan’s Ecology Center used an X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer to examine over 400 pet products for hazardous chemicals. The findings showed that many mass-produced pet products – especially dog beds – are treated with brominated flame retardants (BFRs), which a 2007 EPA study linked to hyperthyroidism in cats.
All this is eye-opening and frightening, and it means that animal lovers need to take precautions when purchasing items for the most vulnerable consumers: pets. This news is particularly upsetting to animal lovers with kids, who often snuggle up on the family dog’s bed right alongside Spot.
We believe that kids should cuddle up with dogs at every opportunity – and that pets should not have to nest on bedding that emits toxic substances as they sleep! Here’s just one more reason to love Crypton dog beds Crypton’s green technology ensures that your dog will rest his or her head on the safest, most stylish dog bed available – no BFRs here.
healthystuff.org urges concerned parents (of kids as well as pets) to support federal regulatory reform that would require manufacturers to take responsibility for their products’ safety. Until our government requires companies to take responsibility, it’s nice to know some have their priorities straight. For proving that high-tech does not have to mean harmful … kudos, Crypton.
Posted by Julia Szabo.
