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

Your Furry Valentine Contest Winner - 2006

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