Below is a list of people, products, and pet-related things that I adore and think you should know about, too! I’m always looking for more pet-friendly products, services, and places, so if you know of any that I should definitely check out, please let me know!
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Products
BarkBox – We love BarkBox! It’s a fun monthly box filled with goodies for your pup, usually some super treats and adorable, themed toys. You select what size your dog is, so you get appropriately sized items. Use referral code “SHUTTERHOUND” to receive a free month! It’s fun getting a box of goodies for your pup each month and I swear I get one right as my treat jar is getting a little low.
Bear’s Bites – All their meat comes from a local farm in Central Illinois, Little Blue Farm, and is hormone free and steroid free AND all of their fruit and veggies are organic! Healthy, tasty treats that your dog will LOVE – what more can you ask for?!
ByteTag – ByteTag is a scannable pet tag containing all of your pet’s important information conveniently in one profile. The profile can be viewed using a QR code located on the back of the pet tag or typing in the unique URL link associated with the QR code. The ByteTag pet profile displays all the information (phone numbers, addresses, health information (medication, allergies, sterilization), behavior information, etc.) necessary to get your pet home safely! Use discount code “KIRSTENK” for 15% off your order!
Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies – Tons of pet supplies, including breed-specific gifts! There are tons of unique items and lots of your standard pet items like food, treats, toys, and beds.
Companion Candles – Non-toxic, pet-safe candles that give back a portion of all proceeds to various animal welfare organizations.
Eddie’s Wheels – Custom pet wheelchairs for paralyzed and disabled pets. I have a cart from Eddie’s Wheels for my dachshund, Lola, and the craftsmanship is suburb. You can tell that they really care about animals and strive to add mobility back into pet’s lives. Not to mention that the cart is warrantied for the life of your pet.
Furbo Dog Camera – Furbo is a pet camera and treat dispenser! I use it to check in on my pups while I’m at work. There is a two-way microphone, as well, so I can say hello to my pets from afar! This was one of the reasons I went with Furbo as my petcam, because surprisingly most do not have a microphone that works both ways! Kai, my boy dachshund, LOVE the Furbo and gets excited when I check in and give treats. Lola, my girl, likes the treats but isn’t so sure about the talking thing in the corner. It’s completely opposite of what I thought would happen, but I can check in without them even knowing and see what they’re up to, which is usually sleeping. It’s even compatible with Alexa!
Maxbone – A one-stop shop for modern, easy, and fun pet essentials. They work with human apparel and accessory manufacturers to develop items that are designed for longevity, sustainability, and practicality.
Petsies – They’re best known for creating custom stuffed animals of pets! You can order personalized gifts from photos of your pets like plushies, bobbleheads, blankets, and more. All you have to do is send over a photo and they’ll do the rest.
Ruff Sketchings Custom Portraits – Hand drawn with pastel pencils and colored pencils, Ruff Sketchings does custom pet or wildlife portraits based off your photos! If you use a photo I took, let Shannon, the artist, know and receive a discount!
Spoiled Bratzwear K9 Originals – Love their soft, adorable collars and pet clothes for small dogs. Their collars are soft on the inside, which is perfect for hairless dogs or dogs with sensitive skin, like mine.
WiggleLess Dog Back Brace – Not only is this back brace amazing for dogs that have current or previous back issues, but it’s also great added support and a preventative measure for all dogs alike! See our review of our WiggleLess brace here. We highly recommend it for the added support and peace of mind, which is priceless!
Woof Charlie – Located in Austin, Woof Charlie features adorable, handmade pet tags, stickers, and more!
Rescues + Organizations
Addicus’ Legacy Dog Rescue – Texas + New England – Founded in 2013, Addicus’ Legacy Dog Rescue is a non-profit (501c3) organization that is dedicated to saving dogs from kill shelters and off the streets of Texas and Mexico. Our rescue is 100% run by a large, national network of compassionate, dedicated volunteers who work diligently around the clock to save lives. We are foster based and adopt dogs out in both Texas and New England.
Alliance of Therapy Dogs – Nationwide – This was the organization that Lola and I were a registered therapy dog team for 4 years with. We LOVE them and highly recommend them. Their teams visit hospitals, special needs centers, schools, nursing homes, and more. Our objective is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special animals in order to bring happiness and cheer to people, young and old alike.
Austin Animal Center – Austin, TX – Austin Animal Center provides shelter to more than 16,000 animals annually plus animal protection and pet resource services to Austin and unincorporated parts of Travis County. We accept stray and owned animals regardless of age, health, species or breed. Their goal is to place all adoptable animals in forever homes through adoption, foster care or rescue partner groups.
Austin Dog Rescue – Austin, TX – Austin Dog Rescue’s mission is to end the cycle of homeless animals by saving dogs from Central Texas Shelters that have no hope of a better life, encouraging our community to spay and neuter their pets, and providing education and resources to help pets live a long and healthy life.
Austin Humane Society – Austin, TX – As the longest-standing no-kill, non-profit pet and adoption center in Austin, the Austin Humane Society is dedicated to saving Austin’s homeless cats and dogs, educating our community about responsible pet ownership, and reducing pet overpopulation.
Austin Pets Alive! – Austin, TX – Austin Pets Alive! began when vulnerable, homeless pets truly needed us the most. When we were first imagined, Austin had a kill rate of 87% – today, we have a save rate of 97%. Through hardships, we have found inspiration; and through this inspiration, we have saved lives. They help ensure that Austin is the largest No Kill city in the country.
ATX Weenies – Austin, TX – A meetup group for dachshund owners! They meet every Saturday at 9AM West Austin Neighborhood Park 1317 W 10th St, Austin, TX 78703.
Canine Companions – Nationwide – The mission of Canine Companions® to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs free of charge. These service dogs make a profound impact through the jobs they do like opening doors, picking up dropped items, alerting to sounds, and much more. Our dogs love us endlessly, and the human-canine bond is powerful! (I volunteer here!)
Central Texas Dachshund Rescue – Humble, TX and beyond – Central Texas Dachshund Rescue rehabilitates and rehomes dachshunds in need of a second chance at life.
Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas – Central + South Central Texas – A rescue organization operated primarily by volunteers in the heart of Texas that is dedicated to the health, welfare, and happiness of our dachshund friends. We are based in Central and South Central Texas and have volunteers in many parts of Texas. We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Diamond Dachshund has rescued, rehabilitated, and placed from 100 to 200 dachshunds each year since our incorporation in 2003. We strive to find the right home for each dog’s individual personality and needs so that the placement is permanent and both the dogs and the families who adopt them are equally happy.
Forgotten Friends Mixed Breed Rescue – Austin, TX – Forgotten Friends started rescue efforts in 1999, taking in mixed-breed dogs who would never have found forever homes and remained forgotten. Their goal is to speak for the voiceless, restore them as close as possible to good health, and find forever homes that can commit to their lifetime care.
HeARTs Speak – Nationwide – A nonprofit organization that’s uniting art and advocacy to increase the visibility of shelter animals.
House Rabbit Resource Network – Austin, TX – Educating people about caring for companion rabbits as house pets, facilitating rabbit rescues and adoptions, and promoting rabbit advocacy and welfare. They are also a network of house-rabbit enthusiasts in Austin, Texas who help each other with information, support, outreach and camaraderie.
MidWest Dachshund Rescue – Illinois, Indiana, + Wisconsin – A rescue that focuses on Dachshunds! They have fosters throughout the three states that care for doxies and find them the perfect home. (P.S. I got Kai from here!)
Paws Giving Independence – Peoria, IL – Paws Giving Independence rescues dogs from local shelters and trains them to be service dogs to assist people in need while providing support to encourage independence.
Boarding + Veterinary Services
Bortell Animal Hospital – Bloomington, IL – I credit Dr. Bortell’s acupuncture with helping Lola with her IVDD at the very beginning. Their whole team was also so compassionate and kind. I fully endorse and recommend them!
Crossing Animal Clinic – Austin, TX – Serving Austin and surrounding areas since 1985 offering exemplary, compassionate and affordable state-of-the-art medical veterinary services. This is where I currently go and I cannot recommend them enough!
Hearts & Paws – Austin, TX – They have training, daycare & boarding, sports, a club pup camp, and more!
Limestone Companion Animal Hospital – Bartonville, IL – This is where I took my pups when I still lived in Illinois. They have been serving families since 1979 and both Dr. Knaak (father) and Dr. Knaak (son) took great care of us! My parents continue to take their dogs here today!
Second Home Boarding – Austin, TX – Their mission is to create a fun, comfortable, and stress-reduced environment for each pet. They focus on the appropriate amount of play and rest needed for your pet depending on personality, age, and individual needs.
Online Resources
22 Essential Items to Get Before Bringing Home Your New Puppy – This article gives you some pointers on the essential things your puppy will need and a few nice-to-haves too, helping you to stick with things that are actually going to benefit you and your puppy.
The Benefits of Sharing a Bed With Your Dog – Did you know that studies have shown that co-sleeping with dogs improves owners’ health and well-being, and dogs feel loved and appreciated?
Bringing Home a Rescue Pet – some great tips for bringing home a new furry family member and how to best introduce them to their new family and environment.
Can Dogs Get Seasonal Depression? Yes: Here’s How to Care for Them – A resource highlighting the signs of seasonal depression in dogs and some ways you can help them through it.
Can My Dog Eat This? – A great printable infographic that lists out what foods are and aren’t okay for your dog to eat! It’s perfect to put on your fridge!
Complete Guide to Pet-Proofing Your Home – This guide looks at each room of the home, as well as outside yards. It will review potential problem areas and how owners can better “pet-proof” each.
Daily Dog Tag – I love this website! It’s filled with beautiful photos and tons of adorable dog-related blog posts. It’s one of my favorites
Dangerous Human Foods That Your Dog Shouldn’t Eat – Toxic and safe foods for your pup, which is always good to know!
Designing a Pet Friendly Room – I can’t be the only one who keeps their pets in mind when I’m planning out my space! This has some great things to keep in mind that keep the space both functional and stylish!
Dodger’s List – If you have a long-backed dog PLEASE visit Dodger’s List and educate yourself on IVDD and the symptoms. Time is everything when dealing with IVDD and I wish I knew more about it when Lola slipped her disc. And if you ever do have an IVDD episode, please post a board on the forums and the angels that are on Dodger’s List and they will help and support you. I can’t recommend this website enough!
Driving With Dogs 101 – a thorough guide on various ways to ensure your pet is traveling safely in your car.
Essential Guide to Owning Your First Puppy – This has an amazing, in-depth infographic and tons of information for first-time puppy owners! Definitely check this out when you start thinking about bringing home a little one!
Hiking With Your Dog– This guide from Hound101.com has all the essential tips for hiking with your dog! It covers every aspect, including safety tips, preparing yourself, and your dog for a hike, what to take, and where to go.
Home Safety Guide for Pet Owners – This guide from Expertise.com rules! It has a common household hazards, food safety, pet proofing your house, and natural disaster preparation for pet owners! I highly recommend new pet owners and long-time pet owners alike to check it out. I bet there’s some info in there that you didn’t know or might’ve forgot.
How to Afford a Service Dog – As we know, service dogs require extensive training. That training, in addition to veterinary costs, staff and dog trainers, registration and more, runs the average cost of a service dog between $20,000 and $60,000. For many individuals who need a service dog, these costs can be way out of their budget. However, there are several options to make a service dog more affordable.
How to Care For Dogs Recovering From Surgery or an Injury – This guide offers some practical general guidelines for caring for your dog after surgery.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe While Driving – Keeping your pet safe while driving isn’t difficult; with proper supplies, your pet can stay safe while driving and enjoy the ride. Here’s how to set yourself and your pet up for a successful drive.
How to Qualify for a Service Animal – A medical expert-reviewed guide provides comprehensive information on service animals, covering eligible species and breeds, distinctions between service and emotional support animals, considerations for determining the need for a service animal, steps to acquire one, and training requirements with expert tips.
K9 Back Pack – Another website for IVDD-affected dogs! Tons of resources if your dog is having an episode. I especially love their Twitter because they post daily words of encouragement. It’s stressful when your dog has IVDD, but they are there for you to help and lift your spirits.
Keeping Pets Safe in the Home – A great page with lots of advice – including room by room advice on keeping your pet safe at home!
Lost Dogs Illinois – I hope you’re never faced with a situation where your dog is lost, BUT if you are, please go to Lost Dogs Illinois’ website and fill out the form. The power of social media is used wonderfully to help owners find their lost dogs.
Most Dog-Friendly Cities – Dogs are family, but when you have one, moving can be, well, ruff. Not only do you need to find the perfect home for you and your family, but you need to ensure there’s plenty of room and nearby green space for your furry family members too. It also might help if you’re moving to, or within, one of the following cities.
Pet Masters – I love Pet Masters! It’s an online database of pet services (photographers, grooming, vets, and more!) that you can search and browse. A great resource for pet parents!
Pet Pill Safety Guide – What you should know about toxic medications for pets and what to do if they accidentally ingest them – very important in case of an emergency!
Pet-Proofing Your Home & Yard – This informative article by HomeAdviser.com has tons of ways to ensure each room of your house and even your yard is safe and sound for your furry family members.
Pretty Fluffy – Pretty Fluffy is the ultimate lifestyle destination for dog lovers. Discover the best designer dog brands and emerging small pet businesses, trending dog accessories, healthy dog treat recipes, dog training tips, and more.
Preparing Your Pet for a Move – Moving with your pet and introducing him to a new home doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor. By taking the right precautions and preparing for your big day, you can ease your pet’s anxieties, experience a smooth transition, and settle into your home with little hassle.
Safety Guide for Pets in Your Car – Fantastic, visual article on how to make them safe during the journey and prepare the indirect details to keep them safe, healthy, and happy when you travel.
Seniors & Pets Guide – The National Council for Aging Care has some great points for why seniors should have a pet, including companionship and exercise, as well as things to consider before getting a dog – like cost and commitment.
Three Dogs One Bar – A group of three dogs and two humans sharing anything and everything dog-related in the city of Austin! From the best dog-friendly places, to dog tips and tricks, to traveling with dogs — they cover it all!
Tips To Help You Prepare Your Home for a New Dog – An in-depth guide with some of the best tips that will help you prepare your home for a new dog.
Train Travel with Your Pet – Traveling by train with your pet is another great option besides driving or flying. It’s often cheaper and safer than flying, especially! This article has some fantastic info if you’re considering traveling by train with your furry friend.
Traveling With Your Pet – This website features some tips and tricks for traveling safely with your pets. Whether you’re going on a trip or relocating altogether with your pets, this is great information to keep in mind.
The Ultimate Clean-House Guide for Dog Owners – If you’re a dog owner already, you may feel like it’s a constant struggle to keep your home clean and your dogs happy simultaneously, but it doesn’t have to be. What you do need to have is a plan and a strategy, and you want to follow some specific techniques. Check out some great tips and tricks here.
The Ultimate Guide to Pool Safety for Children and Pets – If you have a pool, it’s likely the beloved centerpiece of your yard and garden. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also a place where you and your family can gather for fun, spend time together, and make lasting memories. However, your pool is also one of the most dangerous parts of your home, especially for your pets.
