Barker and Meowsky

LXTV 1st Look goes shopping with Ms. Meowsky for the best gifts of 2010!

2010-12-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

The perfect presents for your pets are at barker & meowsky! Just ask Bessie Tsionis from LXTV who discovered that the options at barker & meowsky for great gift giving for pets and their humans are endless!

click here for video!

Wreath Rope Bones - Holiday favorite!

Just to mention a few, Bessie checked out our extensive selection of cozy coats and sweaters for large and small dogs including our exclusive collection by Tanner & Dash,. She admired the the simply beautiful Square Meal Diners by local Chicago designer Luke Wong, sampled some of our Organic Pumpkin Treats (delicious!) and snuggled up with Gus & Casey on the fabulous Katie Puff Bed while wearing one of our adorable Santa Hats. Awwwwww!

Fox Business News visits barker & meowsky

2010-09-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

Fox Business News stopped by barker & meowsky to wish Gus a happy 10th birthday ...And, to ask us a few questions. Casey put a big wet nose print on the camera, a perfect example of how our furry friends help us smile while we're thinking about the worrisome stuff. Since 1998, barker & meowsky has been focused on helping our super savvy customers make great choices for their dogs & cats through any ups and downs.

Watch the video right here!

Thanks Jeff Flock & the Fox Business News Team - come back anytime!

"Dog of the Bride" Bridal Trunk Show

2010-05-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

If you're part of the 18% of dog owners that, according to a 2006 survey by the American Kennel Club, would include or want to include your pets in your wedding ceremony, stay tuned! barker & meowsky, a paw firm based in Chicago, is ready to kick-off the wedding season with class and style by hosting a true-blue bridal trunk show on Saturday, June 5th from 12pm – 4pm.

This isn't your typical trunk show, however – this one is all about the 'Dog of Honor' (or perhaps the 'Best Dog.') barker & meowsky, together with dog fashion designer Alice Nichols of UpCountry, will have the latest wedding day fashions and accessories for pets available and on display all afternoon. Among the many items to be featured are tuxedos, top hats and even made-to-order collar and leash sets that match your wedding colors. Event attendees will meet wedding service providers such as trustworthy professional wedding day dog handlers and will receive some invaluable tips & resources to ensure that special day goes on "without a hitch"!

Volunteers from Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue will also be on hand with some wonderful adoptable Labradors. So, if you don't have a Flower Dog yet, don't worry, you may just meet the furry love of your life!

"Over the years we've assisted the finest wedding planners in selecting the right outfits and accessories for the dog of the bride – so we're excited to be able to host an event that brings it all together in one place," explained Alice Lerman, founder of barker & meowsky. "We love to see pet-friendly weddings that are done well, that not only have style and flair but also respect for the dog, guests and wedding party. Our specialty is getting the right items and info to the happy couple to make that happen.

Details for the event are as follows:

WHAT:	'Dog of the Bride' Bridal Trunk Show
WHERE:	barker & meowsky, 1003 W. Armitage Ave in Chicago
WHEN:	Saturday, June 5th, 2010
TIME:	12pm – 4pm CDT

As if 18% of dog owners aren't enough, the American Kennel Club survey also reports that 27% of dog owners under thirty years old said they wouldn't think twice about including their best friend of the four-legged variety in their weddings – so this trend is on the rise.

WXYZ in Detroit Covers Pet Friendly Safety in Cars and Features barker & meowsky Owner and Owner's Dogs

2010-02-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

WXYZ Detroit was on hand at the Chicago Auto Show to do their piece on pet friendly safety. The piece, which highlights dog safety while traveling, features barker & meowsky owner as well as the stores pet mascots. View the video on WXYZ.com.

6th Annual - Your Furry Valentine Contest

2010-02-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Share your love stories and everyone wins! barker & meowsky's 6th Annual - Your Furry Valentine Contest

With Valentine's Day’s arrival, we can’t help but think of true love and love stories – especially those little sources of unconditional love, our own furry valentines. Throughout the year we’re privileged to hear from our customers stories of rescue, destiny and love at first sight and we want to hear more! Think back and remember the moment you realized that you and your furry friend were meant to be together. Was it love at first sight? Were you surfing petfinder.com and saw a face you just couldn’t forget? Were you in a shelter and saw a cat that you had to share your life with? Did your dog save you from a burning building? What is it that they do every day that makes you love them a little more?

Every year the entries make us laugh and cry - we are always touched. Last year’s winning stories illustrated the powerful effect our furry friends have on all of us. Just when we think we are rescuing them, they are rescuing us right back! Good luck, and remember, you have a furry valentine so you’re already a winner! As always, we want to reward true love, so every entry receives a coupon code for a special valentine offer. (Cat got your tongue? Simply tell us you love your furry friend to receive your coupon.) Thank you for sharing your stories with us!

This year we’re thrilled to welcome our celebrity judges, beloved Chicago veterinarian Dr. Marla Minuskin & animal expert Steve Dale.

The details:
Everyone who enters gets a coupon code.
Prize packages: 1st place = $150 value, 2nd place = $75 value.
Entry deadline 2/28/2010.
Winners announced 3/4/2010.
Email your story & pictures (we love pictures!!!) to blog@barkerandmeowsky.com
Winning stories will be published on our blog.

About Our Celebrity Judges:
Dr. Marla Minuskin, is one of Chicago’s most beloved veterinarians. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985 and the co-founder of Family Pet Animal Hospital in 1990. Dr. Minuskin skillfully and lovingly cares for more barker & meowsky customers than we can count!
Steve Dale, a champion of the human-animal bond, pet expert and certified dog and cat behavior consultant, reaches more pet owners than any other pet journalist in America. Steve writes a twice weekly syndicated newspaper column (Tribune Media Services), he’s a contributing editor at USA Weekend and host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, The Pet Minute, and Steve Dale’s Pet World at WLS Radio, Chicago. Steve Dale's website is a wonderful resource for all of us who love our pets.

ABC 7 Chicago Features Pet Care Tips Including Dog Winter Booties

2010-02-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

The chill of the winter doesn't just affect humans. Our pets experience bone-chilling cold just like us. Which is why ABC 7 Chicago ran a segment called Winter Paw Care Basics. The segment featured Gus and Casey, barker & meowsky mascots, and products such as dog winter booties.

Below is the segment:

The coverage included great winter pet care tips as well as excerpts from the book Happy Dog: Caring for Your Dog's Body, Mind and Spirit. If you are a concerned pet owner, here is a list of products featured on the segment including pet wipes and winter dog coats.

Did you see the segment on ABC 7 this morning? What did you think, leave us a comment.

Have Happier Holidays with Gifts for Dogs, Cats & Humans from barker & meowsky!

2009-12-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

We love to make holiday shopping easy for you. Our shelves are full of unique gifts that are perfect for the most festive of felines, the most cuddly of canines and the people who love them.
With Christmas fast approaching & Hanukkah already here, there’s still time to pick the perfect present and get there in time.
Don't know what to buy? Call or email anytime for your own personal shopper!

Deck The Halls

Put your dog on your Christmas tree! Our beautifully handmade dog & cat Christmas ornaments in your favorite breeds are the perfect choice for the dog and cat lovers in your life. Also, check out the many whimsical breed-specific art prints & pillows – perfect to deck the halls of any pet-lovers home.

Oh Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel

Yiddish dog toys? We've got 'em! Singing dreidels? Yep, we've got those too! We've got enough great gifts for your furry friends to last for eight days and then some!

Jingle Bells

What to wear while caroling? We have tons of special holiday collars, ruffs, scarves, santa hats and antlers! With options for the really rambunctious to the mostly mellow there’s something that will stay put no matter how much they party.

2009-06-11T01:39:00.000-07:00

"Moose & Me"

Last October at Camp Dogwood, Casey and Gus had the distinct pleasure of meeting Moose, a black lab from Iowa, and his person, Trevor Meers. Moose and Trevor were working on a piece for Midwest Living Magazine that examines the joys of vacationing in the Chicago area with your best friend. “Moose & Me” appears in the June 2009 issue of Midwest Living (on newsstands now!). This fun article reminds us that traveling with our best furry pal is a great idea, features our favorite dog camp and mentions your favorite dog and cat-centric shopping locale and some happy Labrador campers.

Moose, Trevor and their adorable family stopped by barker & meowsky for a quick shopping excursion on their way downtown. One of Moose’s cute little girls picked him out a new Sea Turtles collar from our “Life’s a Beach” collection. Looking good Moose! In the Trip Guide you’ll read about barker & meowsky: “This leading pet boutique in Lincoln Park offers treats, leashes, beds and more without the precious attitude that accompanies many such stores. Say hi to Labs Gus and Casey, loyal Camp Dogwood attendees.”

Gus, Casey and fellow Camp Dogwood beach game Team2 players feel that Moose contributed greatly to their big win in the “Kibble Relay”. So, “hi” right back at you and thanks Moose and Trevor!

barker & meowsky is featured on ABC 7 Chicago

2009-06-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

This season is definitely "Puppy Season." barker & meowsky was featured on ABC 7 Chicago with our favorite dog trainer from Animal Sense, Jamie Damato, CPTD. Below is a list of Certified Dog Trainer approved dog treats that are easy to break into small pieces, have enticing aromas, and many are appropriate for dogs with sensitivities and allergies.

Real Meat Healthy Gourmet Dog Treats

These all meat treats are easy to break into small pieces for training. Their limited ingredients make them a great option for dogs with allergies.

Details: size = 4oz and 12oz packages - varieties = Lamb, Beef, Venison – price = $6.99 to $18.95

Cheesefest

Made in Wisconsin with 100% cheese. The small size and great smell make these terrific for training.

Details: size = 1.7oz – price = $4.99

Evanger’s Nothing But Naturals Jerky Treats

Evanger's has paired a unique variety of game meats with fruits and vegetables into their fantastic training treats.

Details: size = 4.5oz package – varieties = Pheasant, Buffalo, Venison & Organic Chicken – price = $7.50 to $8.50

Fido Salami and Beef Sticks

Made from 100% American Beef. These treats will make you hungry. Dogs will do just about anything for them.

Details: size = 3.5oz – varieties = Beef Salami, Beef Sticks – price = $3.95

Zuke’s Mini Naturals

All-natural mini’s are a great soft treat to always have with you.
Details: size = 6oz, 16oz – varieties = chicken, peanut butter, salmon – price = $5.25 to $11.95

To watch the video from ABC 7 Chicago, click here.

"Seder Fare for Pets That Keep Kosher "

2009-04-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Tongues (and tails) were wagging recently when the New York Times came calling at barker & meowsky to discuss one of our favorite topics -- food!

While researching a story on kosher pet foods for the Business Section (April 9, 2009), they reached out to Food Expert, "Alice Lerman, who owns Barker & Meowsky, a Chicago pet store billed as "a paw firm," [who] said that Evanger's is also favored by non-Jews "who perceive kosher as being another group of checkpoints, so that the protein sources are maybe better checked than for non-kosher food." This, the article points out, is why Evanger's (like all other foods carried at barker & meowsky) was not affected by the 2007 pet food recall.

While talking about the benefits of finding high-quality foods, the reporter couldn't help to note that, "there is a certain kitsch factor, too."

"Ms. Lerman, who grew up in an Orthodox home and keeps kosher still, does a brisk buisness in quadruped Judaica in her store. She sells yarmulkes and tallits (prayer shaws) for dogs as well as plush toys by a company called Chewish Pets, including a bagel and a fish embroidered with the word "lox." The storesupplies such items, and Evanger's food, to increasingly popular Bark Mitzvahs, a cheeky canine rite of passage where, as documented in videos of the celebrations posted on YouTube, some guests utter a congratulatory "Muzzle Tov."

Muzzle Tov, indeed!

Your Furry Valentine Contest First Runner Up 2009

2009-03-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

"I'm never getting another dog again." Those were the words I cried out to my mother on that October day. My father had just taken Randy, our beloved 14 year-old family dog to the vet. It was time and I was inconsolable. I cried as I saw Randy sitting in the backseat looking so sick as my dad pulled the car out of the garage. It's an image that still makes me weep now, 20 years later. I could not bear to ever go through this again and from that day forward, there would be no more dogs.
Randy was a wonderful, sweet and smart mixed breed with floppy ears and an adorable face. My dad, who had two daughters called him "son" and often pedaled around on his bike with Randy on a leash happily trotting beside him. Five years later my father passed away unexpectedly. I didn't remember many details from that time but I do remember that I tucked a note inside the casket right before they closed it. It said "Say hello to Rand y". It gave me some comfort to know they were together now. So me, the dog and animal lover went on through life with no pets after that.
I had a recurring dream over the years that Randy was still alive - he was a dog in his 20s and 30s which I knew was impossible but after all, anything is possible in a dream. I had been a child when we got Randy and now I was a young adult with a busy job and life an d now with a home of my own. A dog just didn't make sense.

Fast forward to 2005. I sat transfixed before the TV news one Sunday watching a live rescue from rooftops in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. While the helicopter plucked people up one by one , I was fixated on a little white dog that was standing among the people on the roof of a building. "Please God, let them take the dog too." I thought to myself. Finally, the last man they rescued picked up the little dog and away they went to the safety of the helicoptor.

Now it was a few months later - Christmas time, and a series of events led me one Saturday to visit the local shelter - The North Shore Animal League. Mostly, it was that image of the little white dog from New Orleans that had somehow triggered me into thinking about getting a dog again. I debated if I should go and then ;finally decided that I would and "just look." It was getting dark and I couldn't find the street that the shelter was on and was about to turn around and go home but oddly, for whatever reason, I looked up and there was the street in front of me so I figured I'll just st op in for a few minutes since I've come this far but again, "I'm only gonna look". Famous last words.

I walked in and on every cage was a sign that said "Hurricane Rescue." I was shocked. Did not realize that any of those dogs and cats had made it all the way up to New York so many months after the Hurricane. They all looked so sad and tears immediately welled up in my eyes. Then I saw the sign that said "Nursery". I turned the corner and there he was. First cage on the top row. A little black ball of fur curled up and peering out at me. I put my finger through the cage to stroke his nose and his eyes followed me. Before too long, one of the workers swooped in and asked me if I wanted to hold him. "Sure!" I said. He was no more than 6 weeks old and cute as a button. I held him for a while and then the girl was back and she said the magic words - "Do you want him?". I thought how can I put this little guy - all alone with no mommy and no siblings back? He had been rescued from the ravaged south and God knows what he went through in those first 6 weeks of his life - he was so little and all alone in a strange place. "Oh my God what am I doing "Yes", I blurted out! That was it, they flipped the sign on his cage to signal that he was taken, put him back in the cage and whisked me off for paperwork, interviews, references, etc. I then was directed to a waiting room where other perspective nervous new "parents" sat. The large signs on the wall warned "Are you ready to give the next 15 years of your life to this animal?". Suddenly the door opened and the woman asked for the "lady from Garden City". I thought "Oh no, I've been rejected!". But instead she asked me if I could come back to the nursery because the puppy would not stop crying since I left him. OK, that was it! I knew it then, he was mine!

A few minutes later after being congratulated on my successful adoption, I left carrying my new little boy with not a clue as to what to do with him. I had nothing prepared and told no one where I was going that day. Boy, were some people going to be surprised. I tried to stick his little body in my large purse in the car but that lasted about 2 seconds so I ended up driving home with him on my lap. "What have I done?" I thought to myself. "Am I crazy? I'm not prepared for a dog let alone such a young puppy" - no crate, no puppy barricades , no toys, no food, no nothing.

As I turned down the street to my house, it seemed to all make sense. This day would have been my father's birthday and when I looked at the papers that the Animal League gave me, my new puppy had been born on the same date that Randy had died on so many years before. As my new little bundle of joy scampered onto my white living room rug and promptly tinkled, I knew his name: "Maxwell Joseph Randolph" - the last 2 names after my dad and his "brother" Randy. I knew that they were both were smiling down on this new little guy.

Elizabeth H.

Your Furry Valentine Contest Winner 2009

2009-03-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Two years ago on the 4^th of July, Maxx, our Great Dane, wanted to go outside to play. She immediately saw something orange and white in the lawn and ran over to investigate. My husband thought it was one of her numerous stuffed animals which she likes to carry outside when using the potty. Maxx just kept licking this curious orange and white lump more carefully then she does her toys. As my husband got closer he saw that it was a tiny kitty no more than a few weeks old. The little stray kitten was dehydrated, very ill, and had puncture wounds form his siblings all over his little head. We rushed him to the emergency hospital where they kept him for 3 days for treatment. On the day we picked him up from emergency hospital, they had discovered a giant abscess covering his head. They told us he would not make it. We did not give up hope and brought him immediately to our vet. For the next 12 days the kitten was in and out of the vets to drain the abscesses that had continued to form. Our dog Maxx was so worried that every 10 to 15 minutes she would walk over to her tiny kitty to check on him and give him kisses. Maxx even slept close by to make sure she was there if any problems came up over the night. With lots of time, hand feeding and love, the tiny kitty survived. Seeing how well our dog Maxx cared for this little kitty, we decided to keep him and name him Sid Vicious. This was because of his tough cat attitude and… naughty behavior at the vets when he was better. Sid had become Maxx’s new baby to care for; where today they are the best of buddies. Our vet to this day says the only reason Sid survived was because Maxx took such a special interest in Sid, making him hold on to life by giving him all the love she could.

Christy R.

Late gift excuses for the holidays

2008-12-20T14:46:00.000-08:00

Excuses, excuses (we've got 'em for you!)

For years many have worked on the perfect late gift excuse. We've decided to share a few of our favorites that ought to buy you a little time.

1 - My dog ate my credit card.
2 - Gift wrap related injury...I don't want to talk about it.
3 - The sleigh wouldn't start.
4 - Ran out of reindeer feed.
5 - Grandma had holiday cookie baking emergency.
6 - Had to wait around for fireman to get cat out of Christmas tree.

As you can see, we love a great excuse. We have asked our customers to send us their best excuses and we got some good ones! We'd love to hear from you too! Send your excuses to blog@barkerandmeowsky.com

All of us at barker & meowsky wish you the happiest of the howlidays!

Here they are, great excuses from our dear customers:

Dog wet on the tree and shorted out the electricity.
Angy M.

I got stuck in the blood pressure machine at Walmart!
Jennifer P.

My dog buried my credit card.
Susan B.

Thought home was broken into...realized later that it was Santa Claus!
Annette L.

I ran out of tape to wrap gifts, all the stores were sold out. Tried to use superglue and glued my fingers together.
Angela B.

I went to too many ugly Christmas sweater parties and was too traumatized to shop.
Tara P.

Let sleeping dogs lie...

2008-11-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

What does a dog dream of? Flying like Superdog across fields of squirrels, stopping to sniff a floating fire hydrant every once in a while? Does he dream of turning the tables on his human masters, fomenting a revolution where all domestic animals rise up like in an Orwellian farce? Maybe he dreams of being in a bathtub full of greenies, or of a creature with a looped body and the head of a rooster? Does she dream of showing up late to take an obedience training test? Naked? With no No. 2 pencils? Well let her sleep in peace!

Check out "Dog Having a Bad Dream II" to watch the facial expressions. Then check out the noises in "Dog Crying in Sleep" to listen to people laugh at the dog's anxiety dream.

Hew was just a regular black lab. Now he's "Skeeter, J.D."

2008-11-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, awarded an honorary law degree on Saturday to Skeeter the black lab. Skeeter served as a companion to law student, now graduate, Amy Jones since she became a quadriplegic in a skiing accident. The Houston Chronicle reports that Skeeter who attended classes with Amy would sometimes growl to underscore a professor's point. This paw firm is ready to put Skeeter on retainer immediately to settle some of our, um, beagle issues. A dog doesn't need to pass the bar to wear a Superdog ID tag, so we'd suggest one if you're looking for the right gift for any awesome dog you know and love.

Kitty mutters to self while drinking

2008-11-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

Why is kitty acting like grandpa at Thanksgiving dinner? We don't have the answers, but we can't stop watching this video. Awwww. But we have to say, "Don't try this at home!" Kitty shouldn't have milk. If you want to give kitty a delicious treat so good that may or may not make him talk to himself, try some Wild Alaskan Salmon.

"A Howl Of A Good Time" - Our 5th annual Halloween extrav-O-ganza!

2008-11-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks for coming out and making this Barker & Meowsky event a howlin' good time! You guys are beautiful. But don't take my word for it. Look at your pictures! (Click for a closer look.)

Obama: "a mutt like me" - the presidential dog hunt continues

2008-11-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

At his first press conference as President Elect, Barack Obama took questions on many topics, and thankfully addressed the one most important to this humble blogger's heart. Who will be chosen to fill the seat of First Doggie? When asked this question by a brave reporter Obama answered,

"We have two criteria that have to be reconciled."

New Chief of Staff appointee Rahm Emanuel giggled in the background at the President Elect's earnestness. We frankly do not see what is so funny. This is important to us, and we demand an apology from Mr. Emanuel. Unaware of the chuckling behind him, Obama continued in earnest,

"One is that [cutie-patootie 10-year-old daughter] Malia is allergic. So it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypo-allergenic. On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts, like me."

Although there isn't really such a thing as an allergen-free dog there are many wonderful dogs out there who are shown to be hypoallergenic, or to be less likey to cause an allergic reaction.

We'll keep you posted when it's time to break out the T-bone Treats and Catnip Cigars to celebrate the new presidential puppy.

Happy Father's Day from barker & meowsky

2008-06-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

We think a great day for Dad would include some nice weather, fun at the old ballpark, something sizzling on the grill and, of course, a good game of fetch with friends and family. Here are a few great ideas for spending some time with dear old Dad on his day.

'Que it up!

This Father's day, many a Pop will don a "Kiss the Cook" apron and head out into the yard with a heaping plate of "delicious". Despite what your dog may tell you, not everything grilled is pup-approved - here are some great ideas for the four-leggers at the barbecue:

The best part of a barbecue is all the delicious bite-sized appetizers and sides - we recommend "Carnivore Kisses" which come in three delicious flavors; chicken (all white meat), kobe beef and even bison. Guaranteed to result in kisses from your favorite carnivore.

Both man and beast love to wash down a hot-off-the grill steak with a cold one. With our new bakery treats, Pop and his pup can share a steak and a "Pawbst" at the family cookout!

Take a Walk

Better than a boring old necktie, why not get his favorite hiking companion a new outfit that reflects Dad's personal style?

For the outdoor sports enthusiast we recommend the "Great Outdoors" collection featuring camouflage, canoes, fish, ducks and even campfires. The "Surfdog" collection for the Beach Boy who never grew up, or for Daddy's little girl, check out the new "Layla" collars.

Play Ball

Throw the ball around, play some fetch, do some retrieving already! Dad's faithful friend will be happy to play ball with some of our favorite new toys. Check out the Tux, the Zisc and of course our favorite arm-saver, the Chuckit!

Grab Some Couch Time

What could be more rewarding than back-to-back baseball games and maybe a few hours spent in blissful slumber on a Sunday afternoon? As long as the dog is allowed on the couch, not too much! For the shocking few whose fur-bearing friends are forbidden from couch surfing, a pillow in the likeness of Dad's best pal is the perfect gift. Check out our newest breeds of pillows, Dad'll love 'em!

For the Man who has Everything

Browse our latest selection of stylish baseball hats. Whether your Dad is a weekend warrior, a sports enthusiast or a little more... laid back, we have a cap that's sure to be just his style.

While many Dads aren't big on "the decorating", we're sure he'd love a "Headstrong Hound" print from the "Pub Pup" series. One of our favorites declares, "All hail the scented trail that leads us to a pint of ale."

What's Happening

barker & meowsky cordially invite you to join us for our annual Tasteful Art on the Avenues, an evening showcasing the art and cuisine of local artists and restaurants. Friday June 13th 5:30-8pm. Artwork will be on display at over twenty Lincoln Park boutiques on Armitage Avenue, Halsted and Webster.

Your donation of $10 benefits Children's MemorialHospital. barker & meowsky is proud to host Matthew Owens, a Chicago area muralist specializing in Pet Portraiture. Matthew likes to say that "these are portraits of your animal the way you see them first thing in the morning as you open your eyes." The Twisted Lizard will be providing guests with a delicious taste of southwest cuisine! It has been said that The Twisted Lizard has "the best margaritas in town". Yum!

Dad will love to show off his well-behaved pooch on June 20th for Take Your Dog to Work Day, but this holiday is for Moms as well. We suggest a bath, a nice new collar and an all natural beef chew (to keep them busy). Now, get to work!

Happy Mother's Day from barker & meowsky

2008-05-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

Listen to your Mother!

Mother's Day is this Sunday. (No need to panic, there's still time to find the perfect gift for the woman who feeds, bathes and walks you.) Because we know that all a Mother really wants is for you "to be happy" we've gathered some of her sagest (and most repeated) advice.

"Be safe"

We all know that Lassie could find her way home, even from miles and miles away, but not all pooches are that proficient. ID tags are a great way to ensure that if you and your furry friend ever get separated, you're only a phone call away.

Until May 31st, with the purchase of any collar, you will receive 20% off the purchase of an ID Tag. (Coupon code: MOM08)*

ID tags: $12 and up. Peace of mind: Priceless! (These tags are cat and dog tested and Mother approved.)

*Enter coupon code into the gift message area when placing your order - discount will be reflected on sales receipt with shipment.

"Eat your veggies"

A balanced diet is important, not only for over-all health, but to maintain strong bones and a shiny coat. A great way to ensure proper nutrition is by giving your furry friend treats made of healthy vegetables. Veggie Life treats come in a variety of delicious flavors (sweet potato fries, sweet potato chews, chicken & banana, chicken & apple, and chicken & sweet potato) and are reinforced with additional vitamins and minerals to provide even more health benefits; "Happy Hips" for strong joints and "Vitality" for over-all health.

Our in-house taste-testers give them 4 enthusiastic paws up!

"Make your bed"

Getting a good nights sleep is essential, especially when your waking hours are filled with chasing balls, trotting through the neighborhood or wrestling with a catnip carrot. Whether your furry friend prefers to curl up, stretch out or flop on their side, we have beds, mats and blankets that will make chasing dream bunnies a very relaxing experience.

Check out our favorite new line of beds; the Pod, Podium and Nest. Their sleek and modern design will compliment any decor while their classic colors will please even the pickiest of parents. A bed every Mother will love.

"Be Good"

Taking care of our planet is everyone's responsibility, but it doesn't have to be a chore. With the many green options at barker & meowsky your cat or canine companion can nap, play, eat or even make a fashion statement all while reducing their carbon paw-prints.

Our latest additions are the "recycle ball" and "recycle bone". These fun, durable toys are made entirely in the U.S.A. from 100% safe materials that would otherwise have been discarded. Have a great time with the three Rs: Reduce, Re-use and Rewoof.

"Do your homework"

Some people say that, "a job well done is it's own reward" but everyone knows that after working hard a real reward is much, much better. Enrichment toys are the choice of Dog and Cat Behaviorists and we got 'em! Because every Mother knows that when the mind and body are busy, noone's getting into trouble. We have recently introduced some great interactive puzzle toys that are a very smart choice.

The Leo and Leo Mini are a bouncing, tugging, fetching and challenging treat dispensing toy. Use one on it's own, or link them together to increase the difficulty and fun!
The reward is the best part - your canine genius can get rewarded with an IQ treat (specially designed for the Leo products) that is grain free and rich in powerful Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. A delicious way to learn.

The Play-N-Treat toy is challenging and rewarding for your feline friends. They get a realistic foraging experience (cats love to hunt for their food). They will not only get mental/physical stimulation but the slower feeding aids digestion and promotes better nutrient absorption.

It's fun to be the smart kid, Mom was right!

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

Help your furry friend reduce their carbon paw-print!

It's April 22^ndEarth Day, which serves as a welcome reminder as to how important protecting the planet is to those with their noses to the ground. We are committed, all year round, to digging up and showcasing “green” products. We are adding new eco-fabulous finds to our product mix every day so check back often!

Here are just a few of our current faves:

Sweet Dreams. Your pal can rest easy knowing that his Eco-Mat is made of 100% “Post Consumer” recycled materials (aka plastic pop bottles). These plush mats are machine washable, portable and made in the USA. Curl up and think about green fields and crisp, clean creeks – full of Eco-friendly frog toys, also made of “post consumer” materials, this squeaky toy is so popular, it’s practically endangered!

Catch! The Huck and Hurley are made of a revolutionary new material, “Zogoflex” which is 100% recyclable. These tough toys will stand up to even the most enthusiastic of playmates – they can chew it, bounce it and float it, but they’ll never have to send it to a landfill.

Walk the Talk. Your canine companion, or fashionable feline, can strut their stuff in our “Go Green” hoodie. It’s the perfect accessory for the trendy and the tree hugger alike by concentrating on the three Rs. Reduce, Reuse and Remarkably stylish.

Get Outside

The weather is finally warming up, so go out and enjoy all of your favourite activities with your constant companion. Whether your pal loves fishing, hiking, camping, or even barking at the ducks in the local pond, they can do it stylishly with the “Great outdoors” collection.

April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring big puddles and muddy fields. Keep your furry friend looking his best with our top of the line grooming products like Lani shampoos and conditioners. Available in three fetching fragrances; Park, Beach and Woods – they can help your dog’s coat shine, even when the sun doesn't.

barker & meowsky Spring Sample Sale

2008-04-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

“Finally a designer sample sale for the four-legged set.”

Chicago, IL – March 26, 2008: barker & meowsky is hosting an exclusive spring sample sale - a unique opportunity to stock up on designer products at fantastic prices for all of your favorite dogs and cats. Designer merchandise from Tanner & Dash, Urban Hund, Scooter’s Friends and Ella Dish including tanks, tees, hoodies, collars, harnesses, leads, beds, bowls, carriers, coats, sweaters, toys, gift items and much more will be marked down 25-75% off during this exclusive three day shopping event.

WHERE: barker & meowsky; 1003 W Armitage Ave

WHAT: barker & meowsky Spring Sample Sale

DATE: Three Days Only! April 11^thto 13^th

TIME: 10:00am to 7:00pm^th Friday the 11

10:00am to 7:00pm^th Saturday the 12

12:00pm to 5:00pm^th Sunday the 13

Get a great deal, do a good thing, a percentage of proceeds to benefit PAWS Chicago.

Cash & all major credit cards accepted for barker & meowsky merchandise.

Cash only accepted for Urban Hund merchandise. All discounted items are final sale.

Your Furry Valentine Contest Winner - 2008

2008-03-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

I am not a cat person. Maybe you can see where this is going
just from that sentence, but in my case, it's true. My
childhood pet was a sturdy little Norwich Terrier (who looked a
little like the love child of Toto from the Wizard of Oz and
Duncan McTavish, the Westhighland terrier who fought crime). I
thought I would always have a dog in my life, preferably just
like the one I'd had when I was little. My love of dogs led me
to the local animal shelter where I volunteered to walk and
socialize the dogs. I enjoyed working with them, both the
behaviorally challenged ones and the sweet tempered ones.

After volunteering there for several months, the shelter
director offered me a job. I was happy to work there, though it
was the hardest job I've ever had, both emotionally and
physically. Like anyone who has worked at a shelter, the
stories I have are both devastating and inspiring. I held a
tiny kitten over a vaporizer as it gasped its last breaths; I
pulled a three-week-old kitten out of a sealed tupperware
container that had been left on the shelter steps; I watched as
a badly beaten dog was euthanized while its owner was simply
reprimanded. I also saw a cat who was hit by a car learn to
walk with only two legs, becoming the friskiest cat in the
cattery; I saw a dog who growled and bit out of fear from abuse
learn to trust and love being petted and held; I watched a cat
with only one eye get adopted by a four year old girl who
thought he was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.

There are so many love stories from my time at the shelter, but
only one has become lifelong; that's the love story of me and a
cat named Minky. I saw a homeless, sick, and sad little cat,
weighing only four pounds and missing part of her ear, come
into the shelter after complications with a forced spaying.
She'd been caught from a feral cat colony outside of a trailer
park. When she was spayed, the vet discovered that, even though
she was only about four months old, she was already pregnant.
Her complications led her to a slow recovery at the shelter
where I worked. Minky always rolled over in her cage to say
hello when I came in, and she always tried to grab a sip from
my Starbucks travel cup (to this day she tries to drink my coffee).

I'm not sure what exactly it was that made her stand out from
the other 106 cats who all had strong and moving stories. Maybe
it was that, even when sick, she had the softest fur in the
world. Or that she would follow me with her eyes as I moved
around the shelter, making chirping sounds if I came near her
cage (she had the cage in the uppermost right corner, on a wall
of 54 occupied cat cages). It could also be that, no matter how
many times I had to give her pills, injections, or clean her
ears, she never bit me, scratched me, or even narrowed her
bright green eyes at me. She always purred. She still does. She
came to the shelter nameless and I came to call her Mink,
because of her soft fur and because, as she got healthier, she
would try to ride around on my shoulders like an expensive
stole. She melted me. She sleeps on her back, curled in a ball,
and purrs every second of her life.

When I left the shelter to take a full time teaching job, I had
to take her with me. I couldn't bear the thought of her waking
up, excited to sneak a sip of coffee and chirp at me as I
worked, only to find me not there. When I brought her home, I
thought she would hide for a little while, but she walked the
perimeter of the house, then came to curl up in my lap. Now,
she lives not only with me, but with my husband and two small
children. She wraps her little paws around their heads while
they watch television and she grooms them, licking big clumps
of their hair and purring loudly. They love it and are
disgusted by it. She's still never bitten or scratched anyone,
and her motor is always running.

Sometimes we think about her life before she came to our
family, about what the E! True Hollywood Story of Minky would
be like. Truth is, she's the most gentle, kind little animal
I've ever known. Now, when people ask me if I'm a cat person, I
tell them I'm a Minky person. I couldn't leave her there in the
shelter, but she's given me more than I've given her. She makes
every day of our lives better by gracing us with her purr. We
all love our pets this much; I'm so grateful she's mine.

Your Furry Valentine Contest Runner-up 2008

2008-03-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

I don’t just have one furry valentine… I have three. My pups are all so different and each has captured my heart in different ways. They all have their own stories, but at the end of the day, we are our own little family.

Sullivan is my incredibly handsome Labrador, and he was my first dog. He’s a true Southern gentleman who, although a little bashful, gives his heart completely to anyone who offers him food! I love the fact that he’ll fetch and swim all day long, but he’ll curl up with me on the sofa for hours at a time as well. He was a single dog in the beginning, and he was painfully shy. I couldn’t take him anywhere or he would tremble in fear… definitely not a typical, confident lab. So I began working with him to give him confidence and help him overcome his fears. Gradually – week by week, month by month, year by year – he has turned into a different dog. Although he still is shy, he is healthy and happy. He can travel with me and have a blast at the beach. We can have houseguests and he’s actually happy to see them! One of the biggest influences on Sully was actually the next little orphan to come into our family…

I actually discovered Oliver on Valentine’s Day a few years ago after he had been dumped at six months of age off a country road. He was dirty, starving and cold, and his big pink ears were badly sunburned. I scooped him up and took him home. I left him on the back deck to go inside to get a towel to dry him off, and by the time I came back out, he had crawled into a big flower pot and gone to sleep. Soon after I took him in, I realized he was deaf. But he is such a little survivor and has learned all his commands with sign language. And because he’s deaf, he’s often more in tune with my body language and how I’m feeling than the other two hearing dogs. I adore this little guy and his wonderfully happy attitude. He also depends a great deal on Sullivan. As soon as they met, it was almost as if Sullivan realized Ollie would need assistance. So Sully never goes anywhere without him. Because Ollie can’t hear, he depends on watching Sully to know when things are going on, and Sully makes sure that he’s always in Ollie’s line of sight. The two brothers are inseparable, and once Ollie had settled in with us, I thought our family was complete. Oh, how I was wrong!

I call Mona Mae my “Drive-through Dog.” I found her late one night as I pulled out of my local fast food drive-through. She was trying desperately to find food. She came home with me, and at the vet the next day, we discovered she was expecting her second litter of puppies at only one year of age. So she settled in with me and had a litter of six beautiful puppies (who have all gone on to wonderful new homes) on the Fourth of July. When I rescued Mona, I fully intended for her to be a temporary rescue and planned to find her another forever home. But during the weeks of helping her raise her puppies, I fell completely in love with this bossy, brilliant and loving little dog. So now, two years later, she runs the household. And I can’t imagine my life without her. She has gone through two advanced obedience training courses with me, and we are currently working on her Pet Therapy Partner certification. She visits nursing homes with me and although she is full of energy and attitude at home, she goes through a complete transformation the moment we walk through a facility’s door. She becomes quiet and gentle and will sit for hours on end allowing her self to be petted, kissed and loved. Everyone who meets her is completely smitten.

Finally, one of the biggest reasons I adore my three furry valentines is that they allow me to continually rescue other pups in need. My house is constantly topsy-turvy with different rescued dogs (and cats) coming in and out. My house is always just a place for them to rest, get some love and care, and then I find them forever homes and send them on their way. But all three of my dogs take this in stride. They always welcome other animals – sharing their toys, their beds and their hearts. Without their kind indulgence, I couldn’t continue my rescue efforts.

They are indeed a motley crew… no serious pedigrees, blue ribbons or fancy titles. But all three are so incredibly special to me, and I am so grateful that each has come into my life.

Lucky in Love

2008-03-14T12:22:00.001-07:00

Once again, the love stories have poured in and they have warmed our hearts. Choosing the winners was a very difficult task. We laughed, we cried and we were reminded how much our furry friends mean to us in so many different ways. Thank you to everyone who shared a love story with us. We would like to officially declare everyone a winner as you all recognize the love and devotion of your furry valentines.

The First Prize winner of the contest, and a $200 barker & meowsky gift package, is Anastasia Fitzwater & her cat Minky (now we’re Minky people too!) Our first runner-up is Ryan Dawkins and her three pups Sullivan, Mona Mae and Oliver. Ryan will receive a $75 barker & meowsky prize pack.

The winning stories will be posted here for all to read. The barker & meowsky team would like to thank Steve Dale for his help in the difficult task of choosing the winners.

Haiku by You

2008-03-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Our furry friends are definitely well-springs of inspiration. Send us a haiku about your best friend and receive a special coupon code to be applied to your next online or in-store purchase. All haikus (three lines consisting of 5 syllables, 7 syllables then another 5 syllables) will be published here on our blog.

Here are a couple of examples to get you started:

Spring is now here and
my dog rises to greet the
morning sun – her twin

Labrador brings me
fuzzy rabbit toy and more
Please put down the cat

Zoe loves barker & meowsky

2008-03-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Zoe and I live in downtown Chicago with my person Jacky.

She adopted me from the anti-cruelty shelter. My name was James then (after the
elderly gentleman who dropped me off). James the person wanted me to live with
someone who could take care of me for a long, long, time. I knew when my person
agreed to foster me that I could convince her I was staying for good. I mean come
on, look at this face! She was in the palm of my hand in no time.

I have 3 brothers who LOVE me, whether they want to or not. Everyone in the neighborhood loves me too, especially the guy who sells streetwise on the corner, he is very nice to me. I used to go to Starbuck's everyday with my person - even the staff was happy to see me, but as I got older I didn't like it as much so we stopped going. I don't like loud noises and the train is LOUD. I got to ride the train once. I went to barker & meowsky and everyone swooned over me. We got some kitty food and kitty hooch and THIS BAG. It is the best bag EVER !!

Zoe's person, Jacky, volunteers at the Anti-Cruelty Society.  We
encourage everyone to visit their local pet shelter when looking
for a furry friend.

Our Furry Valentines

2008-03-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some of our favorite pictures that came along with the "Your Furry Valentine" submissions. It's definitely not hard to see why these bundles of love (and fur) are so adored!

Click on image to enlarge

barker & meowsky staffer falls in love

2008-02-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

I have never considered myself a dog person. Dog’s always struck me as needy – always jumping all over you, licking every inch of bare skin, etc. But for years I’ve often said that if I were ever going to get a dog, it would be a long-haired Chihuahua (my good friend having one that was sweet natured and very quiet).

After living in Chicago for 2 years my career was going swimmingly and I had an apartment that I loved. In late December of 2006 I decided that the New Year was THE year that I was going to adopt a little bundle of joy.

After all of the holiday craziness was over I began browsing the websites of various rescue organizations throughout Chicagoland. My only stipulation is that I wanted a smaller dog, my apartment being less that palatial.

One day, I was browsing through www.pawschicago.org and saw a picture that caught my eye. This one:

"Mollie" in 2007

I showed everyone this picture. My boyfriend, my colleagues, I even sent it to my brother in Canada. Not everyone shared my enthusiasm - my good friend A.B. said she looked like a fear-biter. I checked the website at least twice a day, making sure that the little long-haired Chihuahua (named Mollie) hadn’t been adopted yet. Finally, I broke down and filled out the online adoption form and called to book an appointment.

I was so nervous that I asked Alice (Ms. Meowsky herself) to come with me and give her honest opinion. On a cold February day, Alice and I jumped into the car and headed down to the adoption center on 26th street.

Once we had checked in with the staff, they brought Mollie out for us to meet. PAWS has gotten her from Animal Care and Control, so no one really knew what her life had been like before she was picked up as a stray. The staff thought that she had had a litter of puppies, though she was only around a year old. She was so tiny and thin, her ribs being very prominent against her coat. I knew immediately I wanted her, there was only one problem. Like many strays, she had already bonded with the PAWS staff because they had treated her so kindly and given her so much love – she was very, very shy of me.

Luckily, little Mollie had an Achilles heel – treats! The staff gave me some treats and the next thing you know I was able to coax her onto my lap. I really wanted her, but decided that I would foster her first, to make sure it was a good match and that she could warm up to me on her own.

That evening, my boyfriend Joseph and I are discussing potential names. I had promised to let him choose the name, but I retained veto power. After tossing some names out that just didn’t work Joseph suggested a Spanish name – I didn’t love the name but said I enjoyed the idea of an exotic name, I thought a French name would be terrific. Then Joseph said “What about Soleil?” and we both knew instantly that this was the perfect name.

Soleil was a little tentative for the first night, though she did curl up next to me, but in the morning everything changed. She woke early and crept up onto my pillow and curled up right next to my head and that was it - we’ve been inseparable ever since.

Now, as her second birthday is rapidly approaching, she is happy, well adjusted and just a little spoiled, but despite all things I have given her I truly believe she has given me so much more. She is the light of my life and I am grateful every day to wake up with the Sun - even on the cloudiest day.

If you have any questions about adopting a dog, please feel free to send any questions to paul@barkerandmeowsky.com.

Soleil today - my little ray of sunshine!

Extra, Extra - FOX News reporter falls in love

2008-01-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

My love affair with my white boxer, Rudy, started when he was just 6 weeks old. My sister is a vet and brought him home to me from her clinic. It seems there was a family who wanted to put Rudy to sleep because he was born all white and they figured he would have a lot of problems. My sister just couldn't do it and instead gave him to me. My sister put Rudy on my white bedspread and told me there was a surprise waiting for me in my room. It took me a few minutes to find him because he blended in with the bedspread he was so white!! Rudy could fit in the palm of my hand at the time and he was the most beautiful and sweet puppy I had ever seen. I fell in love with him instantly.

So... 6 and a 1/2 years later... Rudy can't even fit in my lap anymore. He is super tall and weighs about 74 pounds. Rudy got his name because he was born on September 11th - that day. I named him after Rudy Giuliani because I thought he did a great job on 9/11. I wanted his name to be something patriotic and Rudy's name fit perfectly. Rudy has been through so much in the past two years. He has had a total of 10 cancerous tumors removed, one ACL surgery and he has another knee surgery to look forward to in the next year... but no matter how stitched up he has been... Rudy always manages to keep his tail wagging. Some of my friends now call Rudy Franken-Rudy because he has so many scars he looks like frankenstein. To me... he is still beautiful!

I have lived in three different states with Rudy...my job requires me to move frequently. He is always ready to get in the car and move and he always adapts well to all of his new environments. Rudy really has been through everything with me... he is my buddy, my best friend and he is always by my side. I fell in love instantly with Rudy and if you ever meet him... you will too. We are always stopping by Barker and Meowsky... it's Rudy's favorite shop!

Tera and Rudy Williams
LOVE AT FUR-ST SIGHT!!

Share The Love Stories

2008-01-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

barker & meowsky's 4th Annual
Your Furry Valentine Contest

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, we can’t help but think of true love and love stories – especially those little sources of unconditional love, our own furry valentines. Throughout the year we’re privileged to hear from our customers stories of rescue, destiny and love at first sight and we want to hear more!

We want you to think back and remember the moment you realized that you and your furry friend were meant to be together. Was it love at first sight? Were you surfing petfinder.com and saw a face you just couldn’t forget? Were you in a shelter and saw a cat that you had to share your life with? Did your dog save you from a burning building? Did you find yourself living with a pet that slowly endeared herself to you over time? What is it that they do every day that makes you love them a little more?

Every year the entries make us laugh and cry - we are always touched. Last year’s poignant winning story described how one little beagle changed a couple’s life forever. Please stop by our store, or email your special story and pictures to us at blog@barkerandmeowsky.com. This year, along with barker and meowsky, we’re thrilled to welcome our celebrity Judge, animal expert Steve Dale, to join us in choosing a favorite story.

As always, we want to reward true love. The best story wins a $200 barker & meowsky prize package, 1st runner up wins a $75 barker & meowsky prize package and the winning stories will be published on our blog.

Good luck, and remember, you have a furry valentine so you’re already a winner! Every entry receives a coupon with a special valentine offer.
Thank you for sharing your stories with us!

Entry deadline is February 29^th, 2008. (Winners will be announced March 4th.) To read the stories of past furry valentine contest winners, click "furry valentine contest" in the archives.

About our Celebrity Judge : Steve Dale, a champion of the human-animal bond, pet expert and certified dog and cat behavior consultant, reaches more pet owners than any other pet journalist in America.

Steve writes a twice weekly syndicated newspaper column (Tribune Media Services), he’s a contributing editor at USA Weekend, special correspondent Cat Fancy, and host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, Steve Dale’s Pet World and The Pet Minute as well as Pet Central on WGN Radio, Chicago. Steve Dale’s website is a wonderful resource for all of us who love our pets: http://www.stevedalepetworld.com/

Interview with Jill Wenzel of Eagle Pack Holistic Select

2008-01-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

The health of your pet is very important to us, which is why we carry only the highest quality food and treats on the market. Frequently, we invite representatives from our food and treat companies to visit the store and meet with our customers to answer their questions. With our new blog, we can now share the same information with everyone.

I recently sat down with Jill Wenzel, of Eagle Pack Holistic Select, to discuss what makes their food so unique.

What makes Eagle Pack Holistic Select different from other foods on the market?

Eagle Pack diets contain natural, human grade ingredients and the highest table quality meat meals, grains, and fats and oils available. You simply won’t see the same results with any other pet food at any price.

What is Meat meal?

Meat meal, as in Chicken Meal for example, is derived from chicken meat, not by-products. The 70% water is removed from the meat to form a concentrated protein meal. It is 91% digestible and 11-times more protein concentrated than meat.

When was Eagle Pack invented?

Invented in the early 1970's by 2 brothers who knew better animal nutrition leads to healthier animals who live longer.

Where is the product manufactured?

Mishawaka, Indiana - Made in the Midwest by ingredients raised and harvested in the Midwest.

What is the most common question you get asked?

Definitely, “should I keep my dog/cat on the same food/flavor forever?”

Answers vary by person. Some say you should never change foods because the animal will get sick. This is true if you are changing qualities of food, for example from a lower grade food to Eagle Pack, the animal won't get sick since we add Digestive Enzymes to help the stomach adjust. But if you are changing from a quality food such as Eagle Pack Holistic Select to a food found in big box pet/grocery stores, the animal can get extremely sick. Imagine yourself going from home cooked perfectly-portioned meals to eating fast food burgers every day. Most people wouldn't feel so good.

Eagle Pack Holistic Select is on the high end of the quality spectrum, we also offer Lamb, Chicken, Duck, Fish, Large Breed & Senior formulas for dogs and Chicken, Duck & Fish all with similar levels of fat and protein which can safely be alternated so the animal can have variety while getting the nutrition he/she needs.

What is the most important consideration when thinking about changing your pet's diet?

By feeding Eagle Pack Holistic, the most obvious changes will be in the coat, with Omega 3:6 fatty acids, the coat will shine and there will be a reduction in flaky skin. The Pre & Pro Biotics added for the immune system help keep the animal healthy and even heal from scrapes and scratches quicker.

Since the food is derived from quality meat meals, the animal will eat less since it is satisfying its need for meat protein and creating less waste.

Jill will be visiting barker & meowsky, and handing out samples & coupons of the many Eagle Pack products, on Saturday January 26th from 11am to 2pm. We look forward to seeing her then!

If you have questions, please post below in the comments section and we will do our best to get you an answer.

barker & meowsky a "Don't Miss"

2008-01-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

barker & meowsky was recently named a "don't miss" location by American Way magazine in their "Know-It-Alls" column which invites local travel experts to list their favorite local destinations.

According to local Chief Concierge Sylvia Rollins of the Hotel Monaco (225 North Wabash Avenue), "One of her favorite streets is Armitage Avenue, which features...an upscale pet accessories emporium, barker & meowsky."

To see the full article, which also includes "don't miss" locations in Hawaii, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Toronto and Miami please visit http://www.americanwaymag.com/tabid/2855/tabidext/3610/default.aspx.

Cats and Canines in Christmas Clothing...

2007-12-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-11-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-10-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-09-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

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

2007-02-01T12:22:00.000-08:00

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

Your Furry Valentine Contest Winner - 2006

2006-02-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

I never had a dog growing up. I’m Southeast Asian and culturally, it’s not commonplace for us to grow up with a cat or dog in the household. Animals are generally considered unclean or for outside living only. It’s only recently that you see in traditional Indian households, dogs living indoors as domesticated pets. My parents just always felt that a dog was too much work and responsibility and that my priorities were school and homework.

When I was in college, I had no time for a dog or a cat; I was too busy having a good time with friends to bother about responsibilities. Later, in graduate school, my time was not my own—between studying for exams and getting ready for the real world and a real job, it was all I could do to make macaroni and cheese for dinner. But I always had this desire to have a dog. I imagined it would be so wonderful to take long walks, play on the beach, and fall asleep with a good book and my dog to keep me warm and safe.

When I bought my first home in the city, within a month, I got a dog. I’ll never forget scoping out breeders, animal shelters, and the want ads, daily, weekly, monthly. My mom and I drove all over Illinois in search of a dog for me.

When I saw Paru, with her little toy bone in her mouth leaping and jumping and wagging that tiny tail a mile a minute, I knew she was the one. She was so cute and furry and so wiggly-she could barely sit still. And forget about being a lap dog! Despite her terrier size, she was all Labrador Retriever in her personality. She was eager to fetch, play hide and seek and run outside in the grass. That summer, I walked Paru (and she walked me) all over the South Loop, through Grant Park and Printers Row. We were the talk of the neighborhood. Here and everywhere, I would march, with a long red nylon leash, no thicker than a silk ribbon, with this small 3 lb puppy charging ahead. It was my out of shape legs that were struggling to keep up.

But that’s not when I realized I’d fallen in love with Paru. My mom thought Paru was cute. She was this little silky terrier, a ball of fur with dark beautiful eyes and a penchant for peeing on her hardwood floors. My dad-he just never had time for Paru and when I brought her home, he thought it was a mistake, believing I didn’t have time or energy to take care of a dog and not wanting it to take away from what he prayed was my next focus in life after graduate school—getting married!

But my dad was wrong. Not just about me. He was wrong not to think that Paru was a boon. Because that first year, I devoted more time to life, my personal goals, and my mental and physical health and well being…all because I had a dog. Paru and I took long walks by the lake; I read outdoors with Paru playing near me in the park; I sat on my balcony and enjoyed the city life. And Paru was always with me, sharing her zest and simplicity for life.

And my father—he saw the sheer joy and delight Paru displayed the minute any of her family members returned home. It came to be that my dad would look forward to our visits to the suburbs and to their home, because Paru would always rush to the door to welcome him with a wet nose, warm lick, and speedy tail. And soon, he began to take Saturday afternoon naps with Paru and read the Sunday paper (she likes to sleep on the Perspectives section).

But that’s not all. Since Paru came into my life, I’ve been happier and healthier. I’ve begun to exercise more often, getting out for long walks in the mornings before work and in the evenings before bed. I’ve grown more at peace with myself and my goals and my life. And I’ve been happier and more alive since I got a dog. I even managed to take time from my busy hectic work life to focus on my own heart, fall in love and get married. And I honestly think that Paru was a big part of that. She reminded me to take care of myself and her and to make time for what was really important in life. No more late nights at work, eating stale pizza and working till dawn—Paru needs a walk and fresh water, and a set schedule. I needed that too. Paru taught me that.

When I think about how much my life has prospered since Paru, I’d be foolish to say my own determination wasn’t a big part of my individual success. But I’d be a liar to overlook the peace and calm and happiness that has blanketed my life since Paru came into it. Into all of our lives-my dad, who works hard every day and comes home to a happy heart in Paru; my mom who kisses Paru constantly, till Paru gets sick of it J; and now, to my husband, Ravi, who is Paru’s newest conquest. She snuggles up to him in our bed every morning for a tummy rub. I think she believes she got herself a husband too.

Any way you look at it, Paru is not a dog in our household. She is family. Her photo, in black and white, sits in my parents’ entrance hallway, right next to photos of my brother and I, my husband, and my grandparents. And in our home, Paru is our treasure, having traveled with us on vacations, celebrated our wedding, and sharing each evening with us on the couch. For a family who never knew what it meant to have a dog, we certainly have expanded our hearts to take in one of our most treasured family members.

So when did I truly realize just how much I loved Paru? When on a spring day last year, my husband proposed to me and amidst my joy and happiness at the future, a wedding, and that beautiful ring, I still managed to say what only could be the truest words in my heart and the first thought in my head—you, me, and Paru too, right?

I love Paru. She is my best girl. No doubt about it.

Sona
Chicago, IL