Friday, December 18, 2015

Pixel Blue Eyes' Top 10 Pet Christmas Shopping Guide (For Last Minute Shoppers)

 It's barely 10 days before Christmas and all over the world, little dogs are excitedly anticipating the giving and receiving of presents on Christmas Day. Many pet parents, family and friends are still bustling about shopping for "just the right gifts" for their furry family and friends. Whether you are a pet parent, a pet, uncle or grandparent, or are a pet yourself in need of finding the perfect gift for your fur sibling, I've got everything you need to know in my first ever "Pixel Blue Eyes Top 10 Pet Christmas Shopping Guide".
Since we are so close to Christmas, and lots of you are still trying to "wrap up" your shopping, I wanted to make things easier by giving you my expert Pixel opinion on the best of the best for presents and treats that your dogs will absolutely adore this Christmas. I know personally, because I did the research, I went out in the field, I tested each toy vigorously and tasted each treat myself! It was tough, but some doggie had to do it. It had to pass the Pixel seal of approval!
And all these gift ideas are available at stores right near you my friends. That's right! You don't have to order them online, risking them not coming before Christmas...everything I'm listing here can be found at your local pet store, specialty store or department store. I'm including links to learn more about the products, and of course information on the specific stores where they are available. I even have several "store locator" links to make things super easy for you. (You can thank me later.)
So, without further ado, here are my top 10 picks for holiday gifts and goodies for your dog:
1. KONG® Wubba Pull Toy  (approx. $7 - 15)
These are perhaps one of THE best toys on the planet. I mean that with all my heart. You know I've talked about the Kong Wubba many times before. You can simply Google "Pixel Blue Eyes Kong Wubba" and find videos, photos and blog posts I've written about this joyful toy. It's simply a perfect toy! It squeaks, it flaps, it rolls, it's durable, you can shake it, play fetch with it, and it literally lasts for years. Kong Wubbas come in many solid colors, patterns, cute animal faces, jungle themes and at least 3 different sizes. They have fuzzy Wubbas, string ball Wubbas....the possibilities are endless! They even have rattle ones for CATS...but don't tell my Pom sister Sassy, because she loves those too.
(Sold at Petsmart, Petco, Target and other fine stores)

2. Charming Pet® Longidudes Floppy Fun Toy (approx. $10 - $15)
I just recently discovered this amazing toy this past summer, when Mommy brought 3 home from Target. They are about 2 feet long, they are super fuzzily soft and cute, and they are FILLED WITH FUN!!!! Each Longidude Toy (my favorite is the bunny rabbit) has at least 3 very large squeakers in the body, then each end is filled with lots and lots of crinkly paper type stuff that makes it crackle and crinkle with every shake. It is sooooo floppy, I just want to shake it all day!! My sisters and I take turns dragging our Longidude toys around the house, and each one is so long that at least two of us can play with one at the same time. So even though they seem real big, little 11 pound dogs can take total control over them with no problem. BOL!
(Sold at Target and many other fine stores) Charming Pet Retailer Store Locator Tool
3. MultipetTM  Latex Ball Animal Toy (approx. $2.50 - $3.50 each)
These little guys are too cute and so much fun. Mommy had been trying to find me something to replace my beloved rubber duckies since Multipet ended their production, and these little squeaky ball animals certainly help fill the void. They are soft on the mouth, easy to hold onto for little and big dog mouths alike, and make the perfect sounding squeak. Meaning that it's incredibly annoying to some humans, but music to the ears of most canines. My personal favorite is the....wait for it....duck!
(Sold at your local Walmart store)
4. Kurgo® True-Fit Car Seat Belt Harness (approx. $29 - $45)
This might not be a super "fun" gift idea, but Mommy says that this one item is the greatest thing she has ever received to make her feel that I am safe in the car while we are travelling. She LOVES my Kurgo True-Fit Car Seat Belt Harness and I do too. It is so comfortable for me to wear, I hardly even know it is on. It fits perfectly over my shirts when I have to wear them, and it keeps me so secure in the car when we are travelling, running errands, just anytime I ride in the car with her. She never lets me ride without it on. And I am secured to an actual seat belt with the extra carabiner attachment belt loop that hooks me (in my harness) to the seat belt in the car. Every dog should have one of these for car travelling safety!! They come in sizes to fit pretty much every size dog, from X-Small to X-Large.
(Sold at Petco and many other fine stores near you) Kurgo Retailer Store Locator Tool Link
**Read my detailed personal review of the Kurgo True-Fit Car Harness from last Summer, that includes LOTS of photos and information.**
5.  Boots and Barkley Bear Pet Hat (approx. $7.99 - $10)
Are you prepared for cuteness overload for your pet? Well, this fuzzy pet trapper style hat definitely fits the bill! This adorably cute winter hat isn't just "cute", it keeps your dog's head and ears very warm. Whether they have floppy ears like me, or ears that stick up like my Pomeranian sisters Peanut and Sassy, this hat will keep a dog's ears toasty warm. The hat has ear holes to let the ears stick out, but you can also keep your dog's ears tucked inside on those wet winter days out in the elements. Target also sells a matching blue fuzzy fake fur lined coat that perfects the look.
(Sold at Target in stores and online) Target Store Locator Tool
6. KONG® Cozie Plush Dog Toys (approx. $5.00 - $12.00)
Kong created another winner in these super fun, durable, plush squeaky toys. The Kong Cozie is one of my ultimate favorite toys. In fact, my sisters and I have one of almost every single character! The Kong Cozie lasts forever it seems, and takes a real beating as far as hard core playing and chewing. They are super fun to flip around, shake, drag through the house, play pull toy with, wrestle with, play fetch with, and cuddle with. Your dog couldn't ask for a better toy friend!
(Available at Petsmart and other pet stores)

7. Charming Pet® Pulleez Plush Dog Toys (approx. $8 - $11)
The Charming Pet Pulleez toys are the cutest stuffed animal interactive dog toys that I am really hoping Santa Paws brings for me and my sisters this year!! They are totally adorable with lots of fun all rolled into one toy. The Pulleez Plush Dog Toys (I really want the light blue zebra one shown here) is super soft and cuddly, has rope toy arms for pulling and play tugging, has several squeakers for fun noisy mischief, and is perfect for shaking, and running around the house like a little hoodlum. Mommy says they are very well made and just too cute to pass up on.
(Sold at Target and many other fine stores) Charming Pet Retailer Store Locator Tool
8. Multipet Loofa Squeaker Mat Dog Toy (approx. $7 - $9)
The Multipet Loofa Squeaker Mat toys are a favorite in my house with me and my sisters. Dixie Mae especially loves her yellow one. One or two squeaks is great in a toy, but a dozen or more?? Absolute HEAVEN!! Every place you grab and bite on these toys squeaks in the bestest way, making it a joy for any and every dog in your life. The Loofa squeaker mat dog toy flops around and is easy for little dogs to hold onto (and big dogs too of course). And look at those fun colors! They put a smile on everyone's face.
(Available at your local Walmart, Target and other pet stores)


9. Hills® Ideal BalanceTM Oven Baked Naturals Dog Treats (approx. $4.50 - 6.50 per bag)
These treats are high quality and well worth the money for several reasons. They are gluten, soy, wheat, corn and grain free (for all us dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs). They have real ingredients that are sourced in the U.S.A. and a few safe places in Europe. They break into small pieces for little dogs so that you don't give too many calories but we still get lots of yummy taste. They are DELICIOUS!!!! Hills Ideal Balance Oven Baked Naturals Dog Treats make a great stocking stuffer.
(Available at Petsmart, Petco, and many other fine Pet stores, including many Veterinarian offices who sell Hills products)
Hills Ideal Balance Pet Food Product Store Locator Tool



10. Dog for Dog Treats and Peanut Butter Bars (approx. $1.99 - $14.99 sizes/quantities vary)
The Dog for Dog company has one of the coolest things going when you buy any of their delicious products. For every single jar of peanut butter (made especially for dog!), bag of treats, bag of food, and other items they sell, Dog for Dog gives the same equivalent item to a dog in need at a shelter or rescue!! Is that not AMAZING??!! Well worth every penny spent. Your dog gets delicious food and treats, and another dog in need gets the same thing. Talk about a winning strategy. I love it!
(Available at Petsmart and many other fine pet stores)
Now remember friends, all these products can also be purchased online, I just wanted to make sure to give you options that you could purchase in the store since we are down to one week before Christmas. I hope this is helpful as you search for 'just the right gift' for your beloved dog, or you dear fur sister or brother.
So, which of these products do you think sounds like the most fun? Which ones do you want to try for yourself? Let me know in a comment below!

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

The Joy of #GivingTuesday - Giving Back Because We Care with Pixel Blue Eyes


Today is a very special day friends. It's #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and individuals around the world are coming together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. What a brilliant concept...a global day of giving back to our communities and the charitable causes we care about. Much of the world just spent a lot of time and money on themselves, so today is dedicated to spending on others.
#GivingTuesday was founded in 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y, a world-class cultural and community center where people all over the world connect through culture, arts, entertainment and conversation, and in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. Together, with a team of influencers and founding partners, they launched a global movement that has since engaged over 30,000 organizations worldwide. The GivingTuesday.org website has all kinds of information on global efforts, social media events, and news on the amazing efforts that are being made to give to others in profound, generous and loving ways.

And #GivingTuesday isn't just for one day. It kicks off the entire season of giving. Love is in the air and this is the kind of movement I am proud of! So get out there and start giving. It doesn't matter how small, it all matters. Talk about it, tweet about it, give to family, friends, your local shelter. Give your time, your love, a little funds if you have them. Give 10 minutes. Give 10 hours. Give $1. Give $10. The point is just to get out of yourself and GIVE.
I'd love to hear how you are giving back friends! Leave me a comment and let me know!