When you're on the go, you often want your special companion with you. If you've got a little dog, it can sometimes be hard for them to keep up. Now, there's no need to leave your dog behind with the Pet Zip Pet Jogger Stroller! With this product, you are able to take your pup along for the run! Plus, your pooch will be riding in style. This stroller comes with a roomy interior, safety belt, washable padding, a big mesh window for ventilation, a removable snack tray with dual cup holders and the wheels even have suspension for an easy glide and reflective bands for evening travel. Talk about luxurious wheels! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/6004--pet-zip-pet-jogger-stroller.html 

Last week Furry Travelers exhibited at the largest pet trade show in the US - Global Pet Expo.  We decided we would take Cookie and Katie with us.  This would be Katie's first event and we were a little concerned how she would do.  She's a bit more timid than our other dogs have been.  Cookie was there though, the professional Furry Traveler and we hoped she would be a good influence on the younger pup.   Travel sickness:  For years I have heard from customers with dogs that have motion sickness and as a result get sick when they travel.  I have done my best to direct them to a solution, but until I experienced it first hand, didn't know how difficult that could be.     Our newest dog, Katie, has terrible motion sickness.  It is so bad that she will vomit just going a few blocks!  And when we do find a way to settle her stomach so she doesn't get sick, she drools so excessively from anxiety that we fear she will get dehydrated on a long trip.  We were traveling about 3 hours so we figured this would be a good test.  We finally found the right combination for her:  Dramamine the night before and first thing in the morning, combined with Rescue Remedy to calm her anxiety.    Our Pet Zip Dog Stroller was another needed product for the trip.  While we were setting up our booth, this kept them out of harms way and during the show, they spent most of their time in it, enjoying watching all the activity around them.  During slower times, we took them out to stretch, get tummy rubs from our booth neighbors and treats from some of the other exhibitors.  They even helped us get more traffic into the booth.  Who can resist these cute faces?     On this trip I also tested a new product that we have carried for a few months now - Doggy Baggage.  What a great bag!  I was able to keep all the girls stuff in one convenient place and stay organized, too.  6 outside pockets to keep important items handy (medication, brushes, water bottle, leash) and the bag itself is large enough to hold food, dishes, To Go Bowl, toys - everything else you need for a great trip.   And of course we had our To Go Bowl!  This allowed the dogs to drink whenever they wanted while in the car and we just put it in our Doggy Baggage when we went into the hotel or trade show to then be used on the floor.  Of course we stored the girls favorite treats in the removable cup, too!   The trip was a great success!

This Pet Zip Pet Stroller holds up to 30 pounds.  Features rear safety brakes, 360 degree front turning wheels with suspension, sturdy mesh ventilation panels, reflective bands for nighttime travel, safety belt, removable machine washable padding.  Roomy interior for pet(s), ample storage for treats and toys.  Easy to use and collapsable for storage.

I never thought of myself as one that would use a dog stroller, but I have become a big fan.  I use a dog stroller for two different reasons.    One, I have a 15 year old Bichon Frise (Sammy) with major back problems resulting in her inability to walk for any distance.  Putting her in the stroller while I walk our other dog, Cookie, gives her the opportunity to be a part of the family, get some fresh air and sunshine.  Once I started doing this on a regular basis, she seemed to become a happier little dog.    I also use a dog stroller for Cookie when I work at dog events.  Cookie is my "assistant" at these shows and I have found the stroller to come in handy both when setting up and breaking down our booth because I can roll her around in it and not worry about her leash getting tangled as we set up, as well as throughout the day to give her a break from the activity.   And I'm sure everyone has seen dog strollers while shopping.  While I haven't done this (yet), it is a great way to take your little one with you when you go to the mall.   We have two models that have been popular at Furry Travelers:  The PetZip 3 in 1 Stroller, and the Pet Stroller XL.  The images below are of the 3 in 1 Stroller (including Cookie at a trade show in Atlanta).   This 3-Way Stoller covers all your needs.  Along with it being a dog stroller, it conveniently converts into a car seat as well as a carrier.  Holds up to 30 pounds.  Available in Red or Navy Blue.   The Pet Stroller XL is another great stroller and one I have used for almost 2 years now.  This stroller has really worked hard for me and has held up just great!  It also holds up to 30 pounds and it is long enough and tall enough to hold more than one dog, or taller dogs.  It easily collapses to fit into your trunk.  The colors are great, too.  Tangerine and Lime.   So which stroller is for you?  If you don't need the car seat, my vote is for the Pet Stroller XL.  If you like the 3 in 1 concept, you can't go wrong there, either.   For more information on all our strollers, click here.

Dog Strollers Dog strollers are a great way to take your dog to public events or for older dogs that have trouble walking long distances.

After a long winter, it is finally time for warmer weather and getting outdoors with your Furry Traveler!  Here is our list of this year's top 10 pet supply items for spring:   1) Dog Safety Harnesses  Whether used to keep hyper dogs from interfering with the driver, risking the safety of the vehicle's passengers, or to secure a dog for its own protection, dog harnesses are perfect for transporting pets on the road. We offer several harnesses with differing sizes, fit, and durability, so you can select the right harness for your furry friend.     2) Snoozer Sporty Bike Basket  The Snoozer Sporty is a doggy bike carrier with durable microfiber, removable inner padding, and a comfortable chin rest for a pooch to enjoy a relaxing bike ride as much as its owner. With two side pockets for water bottles and a removable rain cover, this item is perfect for a spring cruise in the park, be it rain or shine.     3) Kurgo Winga™  The Kurgo Winga is an ingenious outdoor toy that allows owners to engage with their pet during playtime. With a durable rubber disc that can be launched up to 200 feet in the air, this is the perfect item for energetic pups to play with alongside their owners at the park on a sunny afternoon.     4) Car Seat Covers  With more time for muddy adventures and trips to the closest lake, river, or beach, a seat cover or cargo cover is a must!  These items are invaluable for springtime activities by providing car seats with protection from muddy paws, dog hair, and unfavorable odors.     5) Raincoat for spring showers  Doggy raincoats are a must-have item to prepare one's pooch for heavy spring showers. Some dogs may love splashing in puddles, but this rain gear will keep pets from getting completely soaked on walks throughout the spring. Plus, this accessory is just too adorable not to own and provides any owner with a great prop for a priceless doggy photo shoot.     6) Dog Water Bottle  The Handi-Drink is a compact, portable water bottle for pets on-the-go that has a patented rubber flow-control valve in the cap to prevent leaks, spills, and backwash contamination. It is available in three different sizes and includes a dispenser tray, belt clip and carrying strap for convenient transportation.   7) Doggy Backpack  The Day Tripper Backpack is a travel pack for pets to wear that features two zippered pouches that can be used to store dog supplies and toys in. Structured to adjust for balance load and padded for extra comfort, this rugged travel pack is perfect for hikes, camping, and other fun outdoor activities.     8) Dog strollers Furry Travelers knows that pet owners on-the-go are often left missing out for their pets or troubled by having to leave their dogs home alone for public events, festivals, and gatherings. We have dog strollers to fit every type of dog and activity so owners can now bring their furry friends along without the worry.  This picture is from a trade show we brought Cookie and Katie to.  It came in very handy!     9) Dog Carrier-Backpack  The SHERPA Back Pack is the perfect hybrid of a backpack and a dog carrier, used to transport pets from place-to-place, be it around town or the globe. It can be used as a handbag or shoulder bag, and fits comfortably under airline cabin seats.   10) Hands-Free Leash  Finally, a solution for active pet owners who enjoy taking their dog along for a run or brisk walk but hate having their hands in a bind. The Patento Pet Hands Free Leash wraps securely around the wrist, allowing owners to free up both hands so that they can jog with a more natural posture.   TO GO BOWL  Of course, we must also mention our own To Go Bowl!  Remember to take it along while out and about with your pooch and you won't need to share your drink or make a special stop at the drive through for water.   Have a Happy Spring!    

We lost our dog Sammy earlier this year.  We had to make the difficult decision to put her to sleep.  She had been suffering for years from serious back problems related to major surgery she had 10 years earlier.  She also had recurring eye problems caused by a paralyzed facial nerve.     We did all we could to make her life happy over the years.  This included building homemade ramps for 4 rooms of the house so she could sit and sleep with us, taking her for walks in a stroller so she could get fresh air, putting carpet runners throughout our tiled house so her little paws wouldn't slip out from under her while she walked.  We gave her supplements, a radiant heat lamp, acupuncture treatments.  She was truly a loved member of our family and we spared no expense or effort to make her happy and comfortable.     At 15 years of age, she was no longer our happy-go-lucky Sammy.  She seemed uncomfortable and the only excitement she showed was at mealtime.  Other than that, she didn't wag her tail or even want to be in the same room with us.  Given her health history, we discussed that we would not put her through another surgery, should that need arise.   When she developed another serious eye problem requiring surgery, we discussed the situation with her doctor.  Our wonderful vet assured us that these were all signs she was ready to move on.  She was no longer enjoying her life.  I heard another vet once say that it is better to end a dogs life too soon than to risk ending it an hour too late.     While this made our decision easier, it did not make the loss easier.  For all but the last few months of her life, she was the happiest, friendliest dog we had ever known.   (This blog entry started out to be about a pet product and I'm not sure what got me on the subject of Sammy, but I am going to leave it in case someone out there is needing to make a similar decision about their beloved dog.  Talk to your vet.  They can help you decide what is best.)   The loss of a pet is tremendous and the sadness sometimes overwhelming, but it does get easier with time.  Let yourself be sad, cry, go through the grieving process.  They are members of your family and most likely loved as much as your two legged family members.     Finally, don't be afraid to eventually get another pet!  I have spoken to so many people whose dog passed away years earlier.  When I ask why they haven't gotten a new one, they say because they don't want to ever go through that type of loss again.      I can't imagine being a dog lover and choosing to be alone rather than have a dog bring you love, companionship and joy for so many years.  Don't be afraid!  It can help you overcome the grief and bring you years of happiness.     Just be careful not to expect your new pet to "replace" the old.  Dogs, as people, are all different.  One thing that stays the same, is the unconditional love and wet kisses you only get from a dog.   Our little Sammy  

For those cats and dogs who like to take a quick snooze on their way to the vet, the multiple award winning Sleepypod is the safest and the most comfortable environment to be in. This Pod is created so that you are able to transport it wherever you like, and builds a positive association for your pet due to your ability to bring it anywhere. When traveling, your pets will feel at home no matter where they go! The Sleepypod is easy to adjust in your car, just wrap your car's seatbelt around the outer shell and through the top handle to secure your Sleepypod like a car seat! With the Sleep Pod, there's no more need for pets to be anxious and restless during drives! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3066--sleepypod-mini-and-standard.html

Many of you might have vacation plans this holiday season! If your planning on taking a trip this winter, make sure you are properly prepared to bring your pooch along! Having a Pet Gear Auto Carrier would make your vacation trip much easier, and much safer for your pup! If you're going on a family vacation, the Auto Carrier is an ideal way to take your pet securely in your car! Plus it includes a treat/water feeding tray and a padded waterproof mat! Keep your pet safe and check out our Auto Carrier! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/5799--pet-gear-auto-carrier-car-seat-kennel.html

This holiday, treat your pet to a fun holiday themed gift! This season, we happen to have unique holiday themed grunting dog toys!  Our special occasion holiday toy comes in Jumbo sizes which are ideal for medium and large-sized breeds. These thick plush toys are fun to toss, carry and shake, plus they make grunting sound when squeezed! Happy Holidays!   Follow this link to learn more: http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/9502--grunting-christmas-toys.html