Cats and Canines in Christmas Clothing...

Finding the perfect outfit for that holiday party, or dress-up affair at the dog park, is essential. At barker & meowsky we know how hard you work to get your furry friends dolled up and we'd love to see the results. Please send us pictures, to blog@barkerandmeowsky.com, of your four-legged friends in their holiday finery and you may see them here on our blog.

As a special thank you from us to you - everyone who submits a photo will receive a holiday coupon to help you ring in the new year (in style) at barker&meowsky.com!

Santa Paws Coming To Town, story at 10.

barker & meowsky's elves have been very busy making headlines worldwide...

Although one of our elves, Gus, has been caught snoring more than once, he is still hard at work… really. Some of you may have seen Gus the Labrador trying on some holiday finery and sleeping on the job in your local newspaper or TV news recently, as barker & meowsky was featured in print and video by the very talented folks at the Associated Press. Check out the story and video at the following links!

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071120/business_of_life.html?.v=1
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/paws-itively-purrfect-pet-presents/2639221765

Our favorite winter couturier Tanner & Dash, was featured as a Secret Source by Martha Stewart on the Martha Stewart Show this Tuesday, November 27th. You may have recognized some of our favorite barker & meowsky models, shot by the very talented Laura Brown, flash by on your TV screen. Gaston, Rugby, Soleil, Penny, and baby Jack looked toasty warm, cozy and adorable.

Pssst, Martha…Tanner & Dash is no secret to barker & meowsky. We have been proudly carrying their full line of beautiful and thoughtfully made fashions for almost 10 years! Stop by our store or website to check out the entire Tanner & Dash Collection.

I love it, can it get there yesterday?

Need help choosing the perfect gift, give us a call or send an email and one of our ever-helpful barker & meowsky elves will be happy to be your personal shopper. We know sizes, colors, flavors and breeds like the back of our paw and can make choosing the purrfect gift easy and fun.

We are standing by ready to deliver the best gifts this holiday season to your best friends, furry or otherwise. Just let us know if you need a shipping quote for faster service and we will provide you with your options on in-stock items. The only thing faster is Santa’s Sleigh.

Melt your Stress Away

It has been widely proven that our pets help to reduce our stress levels. This time of year in particular, that can come in handy. Our in-house Certified Animal Massage Therapist, Pam Kuhn will be on hand to teach you the basics of relaxing, and therapeutic animal massage techniques. Good for you, good for your furry friend!

Book now and you and your pal can enjoy a 90 minute class. The next massage class is scheduled for Sunday December 2nd from 10 to 11:30am. Just bring a mat and one lucky dog. Mats will be on sale the morning of the 2nd. Book now, these classes fill up soon! Cost of class is $45 – receive $5 off with the donation of a non-perishable food item for dogs and/or cats.

Strutting with Santa

What do Santa Claus, a Fire Truck & Gus in a horse drawn carriage have in common? They will all be in the Armitage Avenue Holiday Parade Saturday December 8th to help kick off the holiday season in style. Come for the fun and stay for the shopping! Parade starts at Armitage & Clifton at 10:30am. Santa will be walking the street after the parade and will be available for free pictures at the Bridgeview Bank from 12:00 – 2:00pm. As always, Lincoln Park is the place to be for the holidays.

Park in Lincoln Park!

In the month of December Lincoln Park High School is giving a special gift to all shoppers. During the Christmas Break – and on weekends during December – the parking lot of the school (Just East of Halsted on Armitage) will be available for FREE parking.

Speaking of parking – the loading zone in front of the store is specifically for barker & meowsky shoppers. We also offer delivery and curb-side service - call us when you're out front!

Happy Thanksgiving from barker & meowsky

As we look forward to the coming holiday season we can say confidently that we already got exactly what we wanted this year – wonderful customers just like you.

You have helped to make this past year very special for us with your loyalty and your wonderful feedback. In fact, we’re so thrilled we want to give each and every one of you a hug! Keeping that in mind we have declared November “Cuddle Month” and are offering 20% off all in-stock bed sales and 10% off special orders. Take a look at our huge inventory of beds, mats and pillows and get your shop (and cuddle) on!*

Tis the Season
The air is crisp and our furry friends, curled up by the fire, have visions of toys and treats dancing in their heads. The holiday season is about to kick into high gear, but no need to worry, the busy bees at the new and improved barkerandmeowsky.com have been hard at work finding unique gifts that are sure to please pet-lovers everywhere. Here is a short list of our “must-haves” for the holiday season.

About that new and improved… We are thrilled to announce the new site is now “LIVE” and we have made it easier than ever for you to find exactly what you need. Now you can choose to “Shop by Dog,” “Shop by Cat,” and “Shop for You.” The shop by “dog” or “cat” makes it easier than ever to find products for your barker or your meowsky. Shop for “you” features our decorative items for your home, gift items and breed specific items.

Beds
When shopping for a bed, you sometimes have to sacrifice comfort for style or vice versa - not anymore. barker & meowsky introduces our exclusive new Mod Donut beds, the perfect balance of comfort (100% “high memory” polyester fiber) and style. Add the fact that this bed is completely washable and you can curl up at night knowing you’ve found the perfect gift.
Prints – (shop for you)Aristotle said, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance” then Aristotle’s dog said “woof.” This holiday season, we have an extensive collection of art prints, and original portraits, that capture the true significance of pets in our everyday lives. If you are looking for art featuring a specific breed that you do not see on our site, please contact us and we will do our best to find it for you.

Snuggly Pillow (shop for you)
Why not adopt one of our adorable, cuddly pillows? Available in a range of dogs & cats, and backed in soft corduroy, they are the perfect companion for anyone who has a lonely sofa, bed or chair. Always willing to hang out and watch Gossip Girls with you, or curl up with the Sunday paper - you’re sure to have made a friend for life.

Okay everyone… Say “Santa”
A picture may be worth a thousand words but a keepsake portrait is absolutely priceless. Just in time for the holidays Hosick Brown Photography will be joining us for 45 minute pet portrait sessions this coming weekend on Sunday November 11th. Sessions still available - Cost $125. Receive the best three digital images on a CD. Perfect for holiday cards or as a gift for that special someone.

Just a little to the left
The holiday season can be very stressful. Between the shopping, the errands, and doing all the everyday things that “just can’t wait” it may seem like no one gets a second to themselves. barker & meowsky has the solution for your pooch’s pent-up stress – Pam Kuhn. Book now and you and your furry friend can enjoy a 90 minute class teaching the basics of relaxing, and therapeutic, massage with our in-house Certified Animal Massage Therapist (voted best in the city 2007).
The next massage class is scheduled for Sunday December 2nd from 10 to 11:30am. Just bring a mat and your furry friend and learn how to melt all that stress away. Mats will be on sale the morning of the 2nd. Book now, these classes fill up soon! Cost of class is $45 – receive $5 off with the donation of a non-perishable food item for dogs and/or cats. One dog per participant, please.

* Some restrictions apply.

Happy Howl-o-ween!

Join us for our 4th Annual Halloween Party on Armitage Avenue, for canines (and kids too!) Sunday, October 28th outdoors in the Bridgeview Bank parking loton the corner of Armitage & Halsted.Enter our Costume Contests, Play Fun Games, Win Great Prizes, Trick or Treat on Armitage, Enjoy Brats & Treats at the RANCH Triangle Cafe, Get Your Pal's Picture Taken in their very scary (and we're sure very adorable) costume. (Haven’t settled on a spooky suit? Check out our amazing costumes in the Holiday section of www.barkerandmeowsky.com)Costume Contest Registration begins at 11am for Dogs & Kids.Judging follows at 12pm for Kids and at 1:00pm for Dogs.

Too Cool for your Canine?
We have been busy finding cozy, stylish and warm accessories for your furry friends.Check out our new coats, sweaters, hoodies & wraps. We will be adding new apparel to our website throughout the season & stocking the shelves as quickly as they come in. Check back often to find something to help your pooch look, and feel, hot, hot, hot!

A Specific Gift for that Special Someone?
Looking for a Malamut Mug or a Tibetan Terrier Tile? The perfect breed specific gift is just a click away – www.barkerandmeowsky.com has most breeds of dogs and cats covered. Ornaments, prints, pillows, mugs and lots more...let us know what you're looking for & we'll get it to you in time for the holidays.

PSSST...

Through October 31st take 20% off all beds & carriers online and in store.
Enter coupon code Boo30 in the gift message portion of your online order and your discount will be reflected on your receipt at the time your order is shipped. Please note, in store sale applies to in-stock merchandise only, all sale items are final sale. +

Back to Obedience School

It’s that time of year again, when the weather cools off and dogs, both young and old, are getting ready to learn some new tricks. With that in mind we contacted Wendy, Sam & Dennis of the D.O.G (Dog Obedience Group) in Chicago to get some simple and easy training tips for collegiate canines and the home-schooled alike.

"Here's a pre-school assignment you can practice with your dog indoors called 'Follow the Leader.' With leash in hand, walk a few steps away from your dog, if he follows say 'Yes' and drop a treat. As he eats the treat walk a few more steps, if he looks up then follows say 'Yes' again and drop another treat. Before long your dog will follow and 'catch' you all over the house. This game is a simple, fun and highly rewarding way to teach attention, focus, walking nicely and recall. "

Sleep 101

Whether curling up after a long day, or napping between classes, nothing is better than a beloved bed. With our huge selection of indoor and outdoor beds, pillows and mats, we have something to accommodate sleepy pets of every size.
Finding the perfect "look" for a space is very difficult, and if you're having trouble finding a bed to match your decor, we have the answer. We can work with you, your designer, decorator or best friend, and have any of our fantastic beds custom made using a fabric of your choosing. Please contact us for more details or to book a consultation.

Studying in Style

"Having the right tools is key for every good student. We highly recommend a 6' leather leash, these are very easy on your hands and they become soft as butter once they are worn in. It gives you distance when you need it but can be folded in half to keep your dog nice and close."
Looking great is a full time job for our fashionable furry friends, but it’s easier than ever to be fabulous with our latest and greatest collars, harnesses, apparel and much more.
We know how tough college kids are on their clothes - especially the members of Delta Omega Gamma (D*O*G) House. Our new Frat Dog collars are the perfect solution - machine washable, durable and hip. Perfect for the Abarkrombie & Fetch crowd.

Looking for this school year’s new crush? barker & meowsky is totally in love with the new “Pop Heart Collection.” Available in two pulse-racing patterns and a variety of sizes, there’s sure to be one that will take your breath away.

Fresh from the streets of Paris, we offer “Les Fleurs” – beautiful patent collars sporting leather flowers in bright, stylish colors.

The Meal Plan

"Create a trail mix of treats using dry dog food and delicious treats for class. Meaty, highly scented treats are most appealing. Remember, rewards are key. When you think positive reinforcement, the reward must be positive to your dog."

The latest additions to our menu are sure to please even the pickiest poodle and the most finicky of felines. Made with the finest of all natural ingredients these delicious new dishes are sure to delight.

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze dried treats are perfect as a snack, a training treat or re-hydrated as a stand alone meal on the go. They’re made using only free-range meat and poultry and they fit perfectly in a lunch box.

Forget that junky jerky - try our all natural beef chews. Made with 100% pure beef, they’re delicious, non-greasy and offer teeth cleaning benefits (almost like dental floss). They’re also nutritious, but that can be our little secret.

Up late cramming for exams? No worries - just have some Wild Alaskan Salmon. Packed with vitamins, including omega fatty acids for brain power, these treats will keep you in tip-top shape. Just remember to keep your eyes on your own training paper.

Meet your Match

On August 26th, the storefronts on Armitage Avenue, between Halsted and Kenmore, will be playing host to Angels with Tails™: Adoptions on Armitage. This is an amazing opportunity to meet the many wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption across Chicagoland, all in one place. Stop in to barker & meowsky to meet some charming canines who are looking for a new home. We have everything you need for a new addition to the family – just in case you fall in love.

Keep 'em cool

We’ve been asking the experts for their top tips for keeping our furry friends safe and cool in the summer heat. The ever brilliant Dr. Jane Lohmar, of Family Pet Animal Hospital, has some advice to keep your furry friends cool in the hot, hot heat.

Water, Water Everywhere... - “Hydration, hydration, hydration. Always be sure to have plenty of fresh water on-hand.” Having a handy traveling bowl for water will be sure to keep everyone cool and collected on even the hottest summer day. With options for dogs of all shapes and sizes, you're sure to find a solution that's right up your alley.

Pupsicles - "Get creative, freeze slices of watermelon, carrots and other healthy snacks to keep them cool." Chilly Bones - Soaking these vanilla flavored bone-shaped toy in water and then freezing them offers a terrific way to cool down in the summer heat. You can also soak them in chicken broth, before freezing, for added fun. The Honest Kitchen recommends putting a teaspoon of their dehydrated supplements into a large container of water - pour into an unused ice cube tray and freeze. These icy treats will definitely make your pal sit up and beg.

Lay your head down – “Keep those strolls to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day. The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening.” Taking a nap in the shade is a summer tradition. Help your pet take napping a step further by using a mat made from recycled materials - enjoy the earth while protecting it. Check out our new Eco Mats!

Cannonball! - “Keep in mind that your dog is much closer to the hot surfaces you're strolling on and as heat rises the four-legers absorb the heat much moreso than their two-legged companions." What better way to beat the summer heat than by taking a dip? Whether you're looking for a life jacket for your fishing buddy, or a floating toy for the dog beach, we have a variety of products to keep you occupied while you search for sea shells on the sea shore.

You Are Hot

What to wear while strutting your stuff during the dog days of summer? We have the answer - Fantastic new designs to choose from in collars to cover-ups, there's sure to be something to tempt you - whether you're heading up to the cottage or lounging around the pool. With color combinations inspired by scorching Texas days and balmy Florida nights. Urban Hund offers their latest collection of contemporary collars with a modern twist. Put everyone in their place with our "Alpha Dog" t-shirt, exclusively for two-legged companions. This super soft, men's vintage cotton tee feels as good as it looks and is available in a variety of sizes. Check it out, and take a bite out of life.

Lola Bell Party

On any given Wednesday night in July (and into August) we could be found enjoying potent punch with our favorite pooches at Joe’s Sports Bar on Weed St. Recently, we helped celebrate the first birthday of Chicago’s self-proclaimed “Queen of the Dog Scene” Ms. Lola Bell.

Upon entering the large patio (ringed by recently filled water bowls), Lola’s guests were greeted by barker & meowsky’s own Paul Semper, who offered some delicious treats right off the bat. Then Ms. LB herself made sure to greet everyone personally with a polite sniff and the occasional kiss.

Always one to make a fashion statement Ms. Lola Bell changes a number of times throughout the evening. This reporter counted four different outfits, but must admit that he did take the time to blink occasionally, so may have missed one or two.

Everyone gathered to watch Lola Bell open her gifts and then the bone shaped canine-cake was served and devoured quickly. Guests raved about the cake’s deliciousness – though we can’t provide quotes, due to the large number talking with their mouths full.

Finally the moon rose and everyone, worn out from all the fun, was chauffeured home by their respective parents. A perfect time was had by all. This reporter has already reserved a spot for next years’ party. Many happy returns to Lula Bell from Gus, Casey and the whole gang at barker & meowsky.

Your Furry Valentine Contest Winner - 2007

My boyfriend John and I adopted a beautiful beagle in 2002.

At a friend's urging, we checked out an adoption fair at a local park one
sunny Sunday. We had no intention of selecting a pet that day, but both
of us loved dogs and were especially partial to beagles. We picked up the
"Just Looking" pass at the entrance to the fair and off we went to spend
some time with the homeless animals.

We took several of the dogs into the yard for a "test drive" to give them
some exercise and enjoy their company for the afternoon. Although they
were all adorable, one shy red-haired beagle mix caught John's eye as
she was relaxing on the lap of a young volunteer. She appeared to have
an extremely calm nature and seemed to particularly enjoy human affection.

Once John began to hold her, I knew he wasn't going to hand her back to
the volunteer. I halfheartedly insisted that we weren't ready to adopt, as
both of us lived in apartments, but John undaunted handed our new friend
to me while he raced to the front table to trade in our "Just Looking" sign
for adoption paperwork.

After much debate, we agreed on the name "Brooklyn," as John and I had
shared a romantic night gazing at the New York skyline from a Brooklyn
restaurant. The name seemed girlish, yet sassy like our cute red-head,
and her name would be a constant reminder of one our most memorable
trips together.

Over the next couple of years, Brooklyn made a name for herself among
friends, relatives, neighbors and strangers alike. She had a personality that
won over non-animal-lovers and befriended all - young and old - with her
gentle spirit. She seemed to gaze into your very soul at times like a wise
friend. She amazed all by only barking outside, and then only when she
saw a rabbit. They shouted her name like Norm at Cheers when she
entered the local dog bakery and a parrot even whistled from his cage
when she tried on some dog booties at a neighborhood pet shop. She
learned a few obedience commands and responded beautifully to the tune
of "New York, New York," as she knew the tune signaled peanut butter was
not far behind. (Once, when she accidentally got loose, I was forced to sing
the song as loudly as possible - much to my neighbors' chagrin - in order to
stop her in her tracks!)

In late 2004, John and I went our separate ways after more than six years
together, and I dried my tears on Brooklyns soft ears. John and I exchanged
Brooklyn weekly in an amicable pet-sharing arrangement. It gave us an excuse
to stay a part of each other's lives, too, I think.

Approximately six months after we split, Brooklyn was diagnosed with a rare
nasal tumor. John and I took her to numerous specialists, but ultimately
decided her quality of life was most important and didn't opt for the extreme
treatment options.  She had seizures over the next week or so, and I still
remember meeting John at the animal hospital as he wrapped a hoodie
around our dearest Brooklyn while she trembled on the stainless steel
vet's table. 

As days passed, we tried to make her as comfortable as possible. I was at a
local pet store picking up "medical" supplies when John called my cell. I burst
into tears telling him that Brooklyn was too young to suffer from this and that
I should be buying her the cute baseball mitt-shaped cozy pillow bed and not
"doggie pads." John said, "Get it." Knowing she only had a very short time to
live, and knowing how practical John was, I was surprised, but took home the
comfy pet bed to Brooklyn. 

That night Brooklyn slept in that bed shaped like a giant mitt (John and I shared
a love for baseball and Brooklyn had joined us on the sofa watching many a
game over the years.) John placed his head on one side of her bed and I took
the other side, with our Brooklyn in the middle. Even though John and I had
now been separated for months, we both wanted to spend her last days with
her, and realized this would likely be one of our last times together as a trio.

A few days later, John had a vet come to his apartment to humanely end
Brooklyn's suffering and in our arms, Brooklyn took her last breath.

John and I loved Brooklyn deeply and the mutual grief over the loss of our
Brooklyn brought us closer again over the next weeks. John and I eventually
reunited and soon took a trip to New York. On July 3, 2005, we were standing
on the deck by that Brooklyn restaurant when a beagle bound seemingly out of
nowhere and raced toward us. We looked up and asked the couple trailing
behind if we could pet their dog, explaining we had just recently lost ours to
cancer. The Brooklyn couple encouraged us and proceeded to tell us his name
was Indiana! John and I turned and gazed at each other in amazement. As I was
born in Indiana, we thought this a wonderful coincidence, and concluded that
surely it was a sign from our Brooklyn that she approved of our reunion!

We miss her terribly still, but have the most wonderful memories. We have since
adopted another beagle, Haley. We moved together as a family to San Francisco
in May 2006.

Dawn F.
San Bruno, CA