Happy Father's Day from barker & meowsky

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

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!

Help your furry friend reduce their carbon paw-print!

It's April 22^nd Earth 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

“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^th to 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

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

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

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.