Luxury Dog Beds of the Rich and Famous

So, up until now, you thought you had a nice dog bed. You thought wrong! How can you consider yourself to be a member in good standing of the dog friend community if you don't have a luxury dog bed like these, inside a custom-built, miniature bedroom for your dog? How? How I ask you?

Surfing Cat Aint Afraid of Water - Or Maybe She Is

Peruvian surfer Domingo Pianezzi rides a wave accompanied by a cat named Nicolasa at the San Bartolo beach in Lima January 31, 2008. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares (PERU)

Cat Wigs: As if Life Isn't Dangerous Enough

We at The Pet Effect shouldn't be able to be surprised at anything, and then...this comes along. Cats with wigs? My cat would fillet my forearms if I tried to pull something like this.

These multicolored kitty wigs are the brainchild of one Julie Jackson, and (presumably) her cat Boone. The wigs are available in "pink passion, bashful blonde, silver fox and electric blue" (pictured).

Seeming to acknowledge that this ordeal will require some coaxing, the package comes complete with a wig box, wig form and "a mouse with rattle to help you direct Kitty's stunned gaze."

For my cat, that would be a "murderous" gaze.

(Hat tip, Gizmodo).

Exploding Dogs: Odd International Headline of the Day

Exploding dogs pose no threat to estate houses

Wow! What a relief! (I think).

You see, apparently, there's a nearby pet crematorium, and dog there have sometimes been known to, eh, explode. That's because they "haven't been defrosted properly," say crematorium staff.

Interestingly enough, no measures are being taken to stop the exploding dog phenomena, but merely to enact better zoning to make sure no residential areas are built nearby.

As far as exploding dogs go, I generally prefer the exploding dog.

How Much Poop Will You Scoop?

BaxterBoo.com just launched their first (of hopefully many) fun tools on their site. What is the most important item on their list of pet-related widgets that they stuck their intrepid developers on? A dog doo calculator. That's right. Just enter the breed of dog you have, his or her name, and the calculator will tell you how much poop you will likely have to scoop over the course of your dog's life. Plus, you get a handy plaque to post on your site to tell people just how much you love your dog to be willing to put up with that much crap.

Here's an example:

10,991

THANKS TO DEXTER

Iowa Caucuses Ignore The Needs of Our Pets!

OK, lady. Time to step away from the keyboard and take a wee break. Chelle Delaney of New Mexico has penned an opinion piece for the Clovis News Journal (woah, big name in news) lamenting the fact that no major presidential candidates are stumping with their pets, and that none of them are addressing the concerns of those of the four-legged (Or winged! Or scaled!) variety.

She calls for the formation of a new, independent political party: The Pro Pet Party.

Get real!

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for pets. Love 'em. But is this something that the Fed'ral Gummit needs to be concerned with? Do we need federal mandates and controls over local animal shelters? Just think about how many things the feds do well, and I think you'll agree that it's in the interest of all pets that Washington stays out of the micromanagement of local pet issues (as in actual dog-and-cat pet issues, not merely "pet projects").

Am I wrong, here?

Bionic Cat Can Drive Himself to the LitterBox, But Can't Use It

I'm a bit confused. Elvis the cat has lost his ability to walk. Therefore, his enterprising owner built a robotic extension for him to drive around in that looks like the love-child of a cardboard box and the Mars Rover. After watching the little guy drive around, I'm not sure it's an improvement. Sure, he can go places, but he can't actually do anything once he gets there because, well, he's encased in a cardboard box, for cryin' out loud!

Still, kudos to the owner for designing a control scheme that can be understood by a cat. Maybe there's hope for the senior citizens of the world.

Dogs-Only Christmas Album is a Pop Chart Hit

Care to guess what the number 3 album in New Zealand was last month? You may have already heard it and didn't know it. Your dog would have taken notice.

Turns out that a synthesized version of "Silent Night" that was recorded at such a high-pitched frequency to be completely out of the range of human hearing has become a top seller in New Zealand. The Kiwi country's dog population has apparently been tossing their heads back and howling along.

The $3 song was recorded as a fundraiser for New Zealand's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, so we're assuming that the doggie responses were howls of happiness, and not pain.

For Cat Lovers Who Speak in TXT

I've had this site in the pet links section of the site for a few weeks, but just wanted to point it out in case you hadn't noticed. ICanHasCheezburger.com is a huge online rage right now, thanks to it's "lolcats."


The site is composed of oddly entertaining and captioned images, mostly about cats, and almost always hilarious. I think a study needs to be done on why the site is so hilarious. Really. I'm actually a bit concerned about myself for laughing so much while spending entirely too much time reading grammatically incorrect captions on silly cat pictures. Why? Why do we laugh so much?

Seriously. Visit. Now.

Funny Pet Vid: Pug Takes a Pounding for Treats

Watch through to the second half. That guy will not give up! Quite the brutal cat and pug confrontation, though I think the cat may have just been trying to help the pudgy pooch lose weight.

Man Dies After Getting Stuck in Girlfriend's Cat Door

If I was found in this situation, I'd probably die of embarrassment if I didn't die from whatever actually killed this guy. Especially if the story is then picked up by Fox News.

India Man Marries Dog

You think you love your dog? That's nothing! A man in India has actually married a dog in a full, traditional Hindu ceremony. But this time, he promises not to kill the pooch. You see, he's marrying the dog as what he believes to be atonement for killing two other dogs in a rather gruesome fashion 15 years ago. Since then, his life has gone downhill. It's the result, he says, of a curse. Marrying this one (and presumably not killing the poor thing) will fix his bad mojo, or juju, or whatever.

So why should this poor dog now be cursed to be married to this guy? I'm just asking.

My I recommend the pearl dog necklace as a wedding gift to help cheer her up?

Genetically Engineered Ashera Super-Cat to Face Genetically Engineered Fearless Mouse

Tokyo researchers, who have apparently learned nothing from their run-ins with genetic misfits such as Godzilla and Mothra, have been tinkering with mother nature yet again. Cats everywhere take notice: there are mice afoot that no longer fear you.

The above article contains all sorts of interesting scientific tidbits, making all of this sound well and good, and in the support of austere scientific inquiry. All of this is merely a diversion, however, from the reality that this group of scientists is seeking to create a genetically bred mutant army of mice capable of fighting for good against the evil of the genetically engineered Ashera super cats.

Automatic Waterboarding Dog Bath Keeps French Dogs Fresh

From the nation that produces more types of cheese than able-bodied soldiers: The automated dog spa. Watch the video for a demonstration, complete with a concerned pet owner joining his pooch inside. Wait a second, isn't the whole point of this thing to keep you from getting soaked while trying to give you dog a bath?

Perhaps more importantly, is this waterboarding technique allowed under the Geneva Conventions?

Diamond Studded Gold Dog MP3 Player for Pampered Pooches

For those of you who simply cannot get enough doggie bling, Innobitz now offers JooZoo, a gold, diamond encrusted MP3 player. For just $2000, you can equip your pooch (or genetically engineered Ashera super-cat?) with audio clips that play in response to certain behaviors. That way, you never actually have to respond to your dog when she does something good.

If you've just got to adorn your dog with jewelry, may we suggest going with something a bit more regal, like the classic black pearl dog necklace? Sure, it doesn't substitute for a relationship with your dog, but what's the point of having a dog anyway?

We're just saying.

New Asian Dog Cafes: Dining With, Not On, Pets

A new Wall Street Journal article highlights some changes afoot in the Far East. The piece, Asians Get Passionate About Pets, was not in the culinary section of the WSJ, thankfully.

In a nearby neighborhood, another type of restaurant serves a traditional Korean dish of dog soup. While Mr. Huh thinks that these days more Koreans regard dogs as pets rather than meals, eating dogs "is a part of our food culture."

Mr. Huh is the owner of one of several new establishments cropping up throughout Tokyo and elsewhere. In trendy urban areas, new cafes allow customers to dine with resident cats and dogs. The restaurants cater to those who don't want the responsibility of owning a pet, but want some feline or canine interaction.

Sounds so Upper East Side, but yet...

Pet cafes like Bau House aren't to everyone's taste. They are not, generally, the most hygienic of places. At the Bau House, the dogs poop on the floor and lick the tableware, cups and dishes, staying one step ahead of the cleaning staff, who are prompt and thorough.

Tasty!

Read the whole thing here.

iPhone Halloween Dog Costume

I'm a gadget geek and pet freak, so this is right up my alley, and hopefully yours. I give you, the Apple iPhone dog Halloween costume. I'm not sure Steve Jobs would approve, but that's some seriously amazing DIY work, care of Gregory Hull, who kindly posted the pic on his Flickr page. (Check it out for a bigger pic). Hat tip: Make via Gizmodo.

I guess it's official. The iPhone has been hacked on the hardware side as well as the software side. Need your iPhone hacks? Talk to the dog.

Dog vs. Bike Racers: Dog Wins

This is the difference between dog mishaps and cat "mishaps." When something bad happens as a result of your cat, you know the cat planned it. With the dog, it just happened. Case in point: This video of a dog wandering across the racecourse during a bike race. Sure, he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he's just walking along, minding his own business.

Look closely, and you can see the biker's front tire completely bent out of shape, and the dog is totally fine. Just take it as it comes, man. Just think, if the dog's owner had just let him ride in his very own doggie bike trailer, none of this would have happened.

Ashera, the $25,000 Genetically Engineered Cat Breed

The UK's Daily Telegraph is reporting on Ashera, the World's most expensive cat. Ashera is not one cat, but a new trademarked breed name offered by LifeStyle Pets, a breeder of exotic animals. Ashera is a genetically engineered mix between African serval and the Asian leopard cat, and a secret domestic breed that LifeStyle Pets won't divulge.

For just a smidgen under $25,000 and a nine month waiting period, they'll deliver one of these big 30 lb. beauties to your door. They've apparently sold several in the U.S., Great Britain and in Asia.

At that size, these guys would rule the Kitty Treehouse, and probably any dogs around.

As one who has previously sounded the alarm on the dangers of evil cats, I'm a little worried about 30 lb. genetically engineered spawn of African and Asian wild cats being unleashed in one's home.

Incredible Feline Fondness for Pet Effect

One of the many Pet Effect regulars. He was a bit angered by my comments on the plotting of felines yesterday. This is a pic of him submitting his complaint. Clearly, though I still hold that cats are often malevolent, they're certainly more civilized than their canine colleagues.

Out of Egypt: Cairo to Shoot Stray Dogs

Another one for the Crazy-Things-Other-Countries-Do-With-Animals Department. This just in: Cairo will resume shooting stray dogs in a cost-saving measure intended to reduce the expense of dealing with strays. Apparently, shooting stray dogs will cost 1/1000th what it would cost to sterilize them.

PETA is obviously upset, but so is Bridgette Bardot. In a move that will certainly bring the country to its eastern-facing knees, she is boycotting all things Egypt. Presumably, this includes Omar Sharif movies.

Obviously, this book needs to be translated to Arabic and sent to Egyptian authorities post haste. If not, the dogs will certainly have their revenge.

If Michael Vick Had a Whippet

I just came across this image on Flickr. Holy Canole! At first I thought it was photoshopped, but it looked just too real. I work with PhotoShop a lot at work, and have done my share of silly photo edits, and getting a picture like this is tough. Perfect lighting, no telltale blurry spots, and very detailed.

So I dug around and found that this is a real dog named Wendy
that lives on a farm in Canada. She has a rare genetic mutation that doubles her muscle. Apparently, she's very friendly, even though her disorder means she's characterized as a "bully" dog.

Here's another article with better photos, including one with Wendy next to a normal whippet for perspective.

She's been part of genetic studies and has had an appearance on the Today show. Yes! I'm late to the party.

Sauron's Eye-Catching Armor for Middle Earth Pups

Paul Hersey of Organic Armor makes a slew of odd, semi-medieval armor for, uh, well...I'm not sure. They make stuff that fits adults, kids and now...pets! I have GOT to convince my cohorts at Baxter Boo to carry this stuff. Guys? Eh? What do you think?

Dudley would fear cats no more!

Click here for more pictures.

Making a Flag Into Something Dogs Pee on Maybe Not a Good Idea

Hey, don't get me wrong. It's a cool looking fire hydrant. But maybe not such a great idea to actually put it in a dog park where dogs, you know, celebrate their freedom to pee.

So the hydrant is being removed by the folks in Hillsboro, Oregon, though there had been no reports of dogs actually taking a wiz on the hydrant.

"Parks officials had thought of that problem, and had put the red, white and blue hydrant on an 18-inch-high base, surrounded by 'dog-unfriendly' shrubs including prickly barberry bushes."

Did anyone think the 4-inch bushes would deter anything but a dachshund? Just curious.

Toygers? Tiger House Cats Are Coming

The next trend in cat breeds? Toygers: Cat's that look like tigers. I gotta say, from the photos in that article, I'm in.

Those are cool cats.

Nora, In Concert

Nora the cat pianist. Of course, there are limitations to what one can play when you don't have opposable thumbs.

Back in Action

Sorry, folks...I've been under the weather for the past week or so. To quickly salve the pain (and distract you) from my absence, I give you: The Float-A-Pet.

It's a safety device designed to keep your pet safe when on the run in the middle of a hurricane, apparently. Contrary to the image at right, it is worn in a deflated manner until in contact with water. It then inflates to keep your pet afloat as well as performing the same function as one of those attractive cone collars.

Cats That Look Like Hitler

Ha! I mean, Hmmmmmm.

Interesting phenomenon, unfortunate felines.

People Cemeteries Making Room for People

"Pets-only cemeteries are nothing new. There are at least a half-dozen in the Yellow Pages.
But burial grounds where people and pets can rest in peace, in separate but nearby graves, is a trend that appears to have legs."

More here...

So, uh...is this a good idea? Anyone?

Faith Lost, Found

I posted a video a few days ago of Faith, the two legged dog that walks upright. It seems that she got separated from her owner when the dog was placed on the wrong flight. It looks like everything worked out, though. Phew! I wonder if Faith got through security at the other airport OK.

Bunny Fight Broken Up by Roosters

Don't see this every day. Aren't roosters normally the warmongers and rabbits the pacifists?

Police chief shoots cats...to help them?

The police chief in West Concord, Minnesota has been served warrants related to the shooting of at least 4 cats with a high-powered rifle in the area.

"Maybe Bob did it because of frustration by not being able to take care of these animals. You get no help from anybody," says the mayor.

Or, he could be a nut shooting cats for sport and hiding them in a local grain elevator, hmmm?

According to the article, some say "he was even using a night scope and baiting the animals with cat food."

I'm sure he had the best intentions.

Cat Burglar? Nope. The Doggy Done It

Hide those jewels, people. They're not even safe from people--er, dogs--in your own family. And it's probably not so nice to get them back if they're stollen, either.

In Ohio, that's just what a happless dog owner discovered.

A Tinkerbell Quick-Switch Trick?

The celebrity pet gossip world (oh yes, there is such a place) is aflutter with rumors that Paris Hilton's Chihuahua, Tinkerbell is not, in fact, Tinkerbell.

Paris recently brought a Chihuahua to the set of her new film "The Hottie and the Nottie" which she introduced as Tinkerbell, but when compared to old photos of her mutt it doesn't appear to be the same dog.

Her publicist denies a change, but could that be only because Paris doesn't know? Maybe this has been an "Invasion of the Doggy Snatchers" where her pooch has been replaced by the zombie-like pet of malicious alien pod people? Somebody warn her!

Somebody check Lacy Loo, Bit Bit and Lucky and make sure Britney Spears is OK!

And does Paris play the "Hottie" or the "Nottie?"

Exercise Wheel for Food Motivated Cats

Great idea, though I have to wonder about someone who would spend this amount of thought devising such a system. This contraption is powered by your cat walking inside a wheel (like a hamster), and food pellets are dispensed periodically. So, either this is some form of alternate energy or a way for a portly cat to get excercise. Just make sure the food dispensed is low-cal, I guess!

Why Your Water Bill is So High

Cat Indignity

I don't think if I were a cat I'd let a bird get away with this.

Play the Pet Prices Like a Pro

Wow. I had no idea there was a site like this. Why, with this information I can tell my broker, "breed me 30 Pomeranians, now!" and know I'll make a profit. Very odd.

To the right I've posted a handy live chart from the site, tracking the weekly price of Border Collies. As I post this, the price looks to be down. Buy! Buy! Buy!

The Dog Days of Tax Season

Repeat after me, people: You can't claim your pet as a dependent on your taxes! If you can't claim your dog as an employee of your home-based business!

Are we clear?

MSN MoneyCentral is all over odd pet-related writeoff schemes, among others.

Scuba Diving Cat Loves the Water

Is that a doggie paddle I see there?



Do you think that cat is actually relaxed or frozen with fear? Maybe this fellow would do better in the kitty washing machine.

The Dog with No Ears

An abandoned puppy in England has a strange birth defect, but that hasn't stopped him from winning the hearts of those who work with him.

His bright eyes and mischievous antics would melt the hardest of hearts...Experts say they have never seen anything like Weasel the border terrier cross - and hope he can find a new home where his disability won't be an issue. And, despite appearances, it seems the 10-month-old puppy can actually hear, for he is believed to have working inner ears covered by skin. Vets hope they will be able to let the tiny dog hear properly for the first time by making tiny openings where his outer ears should be.

Update: A reader just posted in the comments section that the dog should be "put to sleep," to "keep him out of the gene pool." All class, whoever you are.

My All-Time Favorite Super Bowl Ad

In the interest of equal time for cats, and because it's my personal favorite (and I'm running the show here, people!), I give you the "Herding Cats" Super Bowl ad from the middle of the dot-com glory days.

Preserving Pets?

There's apparently a growing trend among pet owners, that to some might seem a bit odd...stuffing their cat or preserving their pooch with taxidermy. Is this normal? Would you like having Binky stare back at you for all eternity? Does that actually help someone cope with the loss of their pet?

Anybody have any personal experience with this that can shed some light on this?

Tattooed Fish

A fish with a heart tattooed on it could be yours at Steve's Wonderful World of Pets in Williamsville, Texas. Though it's not clear how this is accomplished in Singapore, where the fish come from, the pet store owner theorizes that "they have to be restrained and then tattooed with a tattoo gun." I know fish supposedly have fewer nerve endings than mammals, but that can't feel good.