I visited New York City for the first time last week.  It was a business trip - a media event showing the latest unique pet products.  (I will post pictures when they become available).    While it is quite a distance from SE Florida, I decided to drive so I could bring a variety of products to show at the event.  Cookie came along for the ride and also to be our model.   The event was held at the New York Barclay Hotel in midtown Manhattan.  They recently became pet friendly, and I must say, Cookie felt very welcome by everyone that worked there as well as other guests.    What we didn't realize, unfortunately, is that while New Yorkers love their dogs, unless your dog is a "city dog", you might have problems.  Being a professional "Furry Traveler", I thought I was prepared for everything.  There were a few items I had wished I brought, however.   Of course we took our To Go Bowl on the trip so Cookie could drink whenever she wanted while in the car.  This bowl was then brought into the hotel and used on the floor for her water bowl.  I had brought a folding travel bowl for her food, but this didn't work well for us.  Since she is a small dog and I didn't need to put a lot of food in the bowl, it would start to fold down when she put her face into it.  She didn't like that and I ended up hand feeding her.  The Kurgo Collaps-a-bowl would have been better.  It stays rigid until you manually collapse it.  The Little Buddy Lunchbox would have been convenient, too.  I could have stored her dog food in it, as well.   Then there was the "potty" issue.  I knew NYC was not known for its lush landscaping, but I thought there would be grass somewhere.  There was - Central Park - about a 20 minute walk from the hotel.  Of course I have seen it on television, but it truly is a beautiful, gigantic park, with street vendors and performers, ball parks, outdoor (pet friendly) restaurants... We had a great time exploring the park and Cookie had blocks and blocks and blocks to find the perfect spot to go.   The next morning we tried a closer dog park, just a couple blocks away.  While it didn't have a lot of grass, it was fenced and right on the Hudson River.  A great place for dogs to run and have fun.  We walked back on a different block that did have some grassy patches.  I guess a city dog doesn't need grass and I'm sure Cookie would eventually adjust if necessary.  Next time I will bring our Pup Head, though.  This would have made things so much easier!   I took many of the products we sell to make the trip safer and more convenient.  One necessity is the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness.  It kept Cookie safe while driving and then when we stopped, I clipped her leash to it for a quick walk.  It is padded, so nice and comfortable for Cookie, and easy for me, as it simply slips over her head and clips around her chest.  Of course Leash Luggage, the Bow Wow Bag, waste bags, reflective collar are other items that made traveling more convenient.   We also took Cookie's stroller.  This made it easy to maneuver in the crowds, get on the hotel elevator, eat at the cafe.  It was hot in NYC last week so I think all the walking in the hot weather would have been too much for the little one.   And no trip is ever made without her EBD Carry-All bag.  I love this bag!  It has a pocket for everything so it is easy to stay organized.  Cookie is our Furry Travelers model, so she her share of supplies we bring on each trip and needs her own bag in which to carry them.   I wish we had been able to stay in New York City longer and look forward to going back in the future!   For see all Furry Travelers products, visit www.FurryTravelers.com.       

Dog Bike Carriers and Baskets Take your pup for a bike ride with these convenient and fun bike baskets from PetZip, Kurgo and Snoozer.  

This is the first of many products that I will be reviewing for Furry Travelers.  The reviews will be posted weekly, so please check back with us.  If there is a specific product you would like us to review, please let us know!   I chose the Wander Carrier because it is one of the travel products I use most, and absolutely love.  I travel quite a bit with my little Bichon Frise, Cookie (below), and we have found this carrier to be very sturdy, versatile, convenient and comfortable.      Sturdy:  The Wander Carrier is made of luggage grade fabric with a solid top, waterproof bottom, and the sides are reinforced with a steel rods.  You definitely feel your pooch is protected in this carrier.    Versatile:  Of course I have used the Wander Carrier to carry Cookie from place to place, but I have also used it as a crate for short periods when I had to leave her alone in a new location such as a hotel room.  Having this familiar carrier helps Cookie feel at home wherever we may be.  Finally, and maybe the best safety feature, is that you can strap the Wander Carrier into your car by putting the seat belt through the handle and around the carrier.  What a great design!   Convenient:  While there are many carriers around, this is the only one that I know of that is both sturdy and also folds down to approximately 2 1/2 - 3 inches for easy storage.  There is an interior tether to attach to your dog's harness and even a side pocket to keep a dog leash, car keys, cell phone...   Comfortable:  What good is a carrier if your Furry Traveler isn't going to be comfortable?  The Wander Carrier comes with a washable soft fabric pad and the adjustable carrying strap is padded, too.   I have used my carrier for over a year and it still looks good enough for me to use as a display item when I have a booth at a Pet Expo or Dog Show.    The Wander Carrier holds dogs up to 18 pounds and is 17" long by 11" high.  See more details or order yours by clicking here.

We are all in the habit of using our seatbelt whenever we drive.  Most pet owners, however, do not think about using a safety harness for their pet.  It is time we do! According to the American Automobile Association, unrestrained pets cause more than 30,000 accidents annually.  That's thousands of fatalities and injuries that could have been avoided with the use of a simple pet restraint, harness or crate.   Bark Buckle-UP founder, Christina Selter, warns that an unrestrained dog can be dangerous to everyone in the vehicle.  "In a 30 MPH accident, a 60-pound dog can cause an impact of more than 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, windshield or other passenger."   And let's face it, any one of us would be heart-broken if our dog was injured, or worse, killed in an accident because we were too rushed or lazy to buckle them into a safety harness.  (Hint - leave the seat belt attachment in the car at all times so it is easy to snap onto your dog's harness.  It will be one less thing to remember as you leave home, too!)   So...let's make a New Year's Resolution to buckle up our pet every time we go for a drive - no matter how short the distance.  To make things easy, I am going to review a few of the travel harnesses we carry on our website:      1) Kurgo Tru-Fit Safety Harness:  This is probably the easiest harness to put on your dog that I am aware of.  Once adjusted for size, you simply slip it over your dog's head and then buckle the strap around its chest.  That's it!  It comes with a loop that you put your seat belt through and attach to the harness to keep your Furry Traveler in place while you drive.  It is made of high-quality automotive seat belt materials and has a broad padded chest plate for extra protection and comfort.  Good for dogs over 10 pounds.  Price:  $22.99 - $28.99.   2)  The PetBuckle Seat Belt Harness provides protection in a standard vehicle by using the vehicle's seat belt, LATCH bar system or cargo area to securely restrain a harnessed dog. Just slip the seat belt through the web loop on the harness and buckle up. For dogs over 15 pounds.  Crash tested for safety.  Price:  $49.99.     3)  For the more fashion conscious, we offer a variety of comfortably padded safety harnesses in a variety of colors and patterns.  Many of these styles snap right into your own car's seat belt buckle - very easy to use.    Whatever your choice may be, just remember that having your dog restrained is one less distraction for you and so much safer for your Furry Traveler!    To view all our safety harnesses, visit www.FurryTravelers.com.   Happy New Year from your friends at Furry Travelers!

    Do you enjoy long relaxing bike rides? I'm sure your pup would enjoy them too! Check out our Snoozer Pet Bicycle Basket! This patented bike basket provides a safe and comfortable place for your pet to enjoy the company of their owner while biking. Plus, a mesh water bottle pocket gives pet owners a perfect place to store some water for long rides! Now you can enjoy your favorite hobby together! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/10011--snoozer-sporty-bike-basket.html    

Does your dog LOVE playing fetch? Most dogs do! Don't let an achy arm and slobbery ball stand between you and your dog's favorite pastime!  The Flik-It™ arm pivots to increase throwing power and accuracy, extending range while reducing joint and muscle strain. In short, it helps you send the ball soaring without getting sore. The Gravity-lock™ slider naturally falls into place to secure the arm for easy, slobber-free ball pickup. During this game of fetch, your dog will tire out long before you do! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/8499--dog-games-flik-it-launch-a-ball.html

The 4th of July can be a nightmare for some pets. Launching fireworks and loud parties often terrify our pets. Since there's no escaping celebration of the 4th of July, we suggest that you prepare early, and find a remedy that works best towards your pet's anxiety. The Rescue Remedy can be used for an immediate calming effect in any stressful situation, or when your pet needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioral problems. We want to help ensure that your pets 4th of July goes smoothly, and we believe that Rescue Remedy can truly help. Click here for a closer look at how Rescue Remedy works: http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3145--rescue-remedy-for-pets.html  

Who's going on a road trip this summer? It's just about time to start making some summer travel plans. Whether you're driving cross country or just to the next town, having a pet carrier is crucial! Our Pet Gear Auto Carrier is the perfect way to take your pet securely in your car. The Auto Carrier is perfect for small dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, birds and other small domesticated animals. When you're traveling, having your pet with you is important! We want to assure that your travel trips are safe and comfortable for the pets you love! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/5799--pet-gear-auto-carrier-car-seat-kennel.html

Running with your dog is great exercise, both for you and your pooch. But it can be extremely difficult to hold that leash while you run. The Patento Pet Hands Free Leash will solve your pet running problems forever! This leash wraps around your wrist to securely control your pet while providing you with the use of both hands. This makes it easier to jog with a more natural posture! Now you can take your pup on a run or brisk walk, without having your hands tied up!   http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/38290--patento-pet-hands-free-leash.html          

Taking our dogs on a walk is a necessity, and so is cleaning up after them! If you don't have a waste bag carrier, then maybe it's time you got one. Leash Luggage makes it easy to dispense and use waste bags during your daily walk. Leash Luggage attaches to any leash with Velcro loops for easy clean up. Conveniently holds roll of waste bag or individual bags, plus your own items (keys, money, I.D., dog treats, etc.) Now your doggie cleanup will be much quicker! With a convenient belt loop clip, for hands-free transport, Leash Luggage is the perfect accessory!     http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3114--leash-luggage.html