Rare Bird Finds

Sasquatch!® II Pet Bed

It may not be cool to wear Crocs but they sure do make super cute pet beds! Comes in a variety of colors, and best of all, easy to clean. $99.95 at Sasquatch Pet Beds

Lion Cat Hat

Do you have a kitty that aspires to be something bigger?   Is your kitty run the house?  They you might want to indulge that kitty with his own personal Lion Cat Hat!    Customization is available as well as different colors.   Prices range from $38 to $55 at Nesta's Nest (please be sure to read the shop information at the top of the shop page).

Dog Treats Brownies

Looks like brownies meant for humans! But these carob brownies are made with love for your furry one. $6 at Diva Dog Bakery

Neon Mustache Cat Collar

Don't forget kitty this holiday! Love the bright neon colored mustaches on this safety collar. Variety of colors and sizes. On sale for $8.09 at From Pugs To Persians

DJ Cat Scratch Turntable

This DJ cat scratch turntable is sure to get some laughs every time your cat has the urge to scratch. $35 at Fred Flare

Desktop Jellyfish Tank (Yep, Real Jellyfish)

I've only admired jellyfish at aquariums and restuarants with big jellyfish tanks.  Now you, too, can be all fancy schmancy and have your very own jellyfish pet.  Kits include Jellyfish tank, food, care instructions and live jellyfish to decorate your desk or home.  You can even get LED tanks that will make your jellyfish glow a different color, or get friends to add in your tank like red leg hermit crabs, damselfish and cleaner snails.  Care instructions are on the site, which are worthwhile to read through to see if you're willing to take on the responsibility.  Kits start at $382 at Jellyfish Art

LED Dog Harness

Make your nightly walks with your dog safer with an LED dog harness (collars available, too).  The bright light can be set to blink fast, blink slow or stay steady.  Comes in a variety of colors - white, blue, green, yellow and red - and in sizes small (extendable to 15.75" girth), medium (extendable to 19.6" girth) and medium-large (extendable to 23.6" girth),  Water-resistant, too!  $13.99 at Amazon

Doggie Water Fountain

I guess this is technically not a "cool guy" find, but dog is man's best friend, so work with me here, people. How handy is this little doggie water fountain? Granted, you have to have the kind of dog who can learn how to use it, and possibly be heavy enough to make it work. I'm not sure a chihuahua is going to be able to get this working. And for your sake, I hope you don't have the kind of dog that figures out how to torment you with it. Or a cat. Cats won't be down for this at all. Still, it's a clever idea and would be one heck of a conversation piece when Fido gets the hang of it. $39.50 at Frontgate.

Relax - Herbal Stress Relief Supplement for Dogs

One of my best friends, Ozzy, is a Chihuahua with just a tiny dash of Doxie. Since he was a kidd-o, he has been nervous as all heck. The world is awfully big for Ozzy and he's a small guy. He has separation anxiety and gets all nervous around strangers. Sometimes the fear leads to him lunging at random people while on walks. Most people laugh and say, "Oh look at that killer," but as a pet owner, it started to make me nervous that my little boy was trying to feast on ankles. My nervousness just started to make him even more nervous. I tried a few different products to help with nervousness, such as the Thunder Shirt, which was a pricey undershirt that supposedly presses on acupressure points to relieve stress and anxiety. Nope, didn't work.

I had read good reviews online about Dr. Harvey's products, and I was interested in the Stress & Tension supplement, Relax. It comes in powdered form and is ground up herbs and what-not. The ingredients are Bee Pollen, Spirulina, Lecithin, Nutritional Yeast, Flax Seed Meal, Alfalfa Leaf, Kelp, Rose Hips, Red Clover Blossoms, Kava Kava Root, Hops Flowers, Chamomile Flowers, Catnip Leaf, Damiana Leaf, Lobelia Herb, Passion Flower, Valerian Root, Rosemary Leaf, & Skullcap Herb - so yeah, there is good stuff in this little tin.

For a dog like Ozzy, one scoop is all that's needed, but bigger dogs need more scoops. You add it to your dog's food. It'll turn the food green. Ozzy, also the world's pickiest eater, didn't want to touch the stuff. So I had to use very very little and then work my way up day-by-day. Now he gobbles his food, and doesn't mind it all. So I've been using this product for 2 weeks now, and there's remarkable change. Ozzy walks confidently and so far, he's completely ignored people who walked by. He's not completely nervous-free, but the difference I've seen so far has been awesome.

If you have a dog that's nervous and you're looking for a natural way to help your bff relax, give this a try. It might work for you like it did for Ozzy. From what I've seen from other reviews, it takes a few days for it to build up in the dog's system, so consistent use is key.  There's also a cat version, too! $18.95 at Dr. Harvey's

Custom Bronze Pet Nose

Aww - you can get an actual bronze made of your pet's nose. I've seen them of paws but not of noses. Nothing makes me happier than my dog's wet nose.  Super sweet! $125 at Brent & Jess

Dog Greetings

Greet the season and your guests with this petcentric welcome mat. $22.95 at Wireless

If You Can Read This Dog Tag

If you have one those dogs that will give you big slobber kisses when you get up close, then this humorous dog tag is for your pooch.

Fair Ivy Surprise Package Subscriptions

You love going to indie craft shows like Renegade or Unique LA, but can't make the trip?  Fair Ivy has the solution!  You subscribe to Fair Ivy and you receive a surprise package each month filled with cute and awesome goodies that can only be found at these kinds of craft shows.  They find the coolest, most unique and often handmade items to fill each box unti it is brimming.  They have packages for girls, women, men, cats and dogs.  What a great way to treat yourself or a friend.  You can look at the site to get an idea of some of the cool finds that they've featured in other boxes.  Personally, I'm not one who likes surprises, but I would totally do this - it's just such a fun super cute idea!  $20 and up at Fair Ivy

What I Got At Renegade

On Saturday I went to the Renegade, an outdoor craft show near downtown Los Angeles.  I was prepared for the heat - last year it was a scorcher!  But there was a nice breeze and it was a beautiful day.  Here's what I got:

 

I love these Flowering Mimosa Lace Earrings.  They are painstakingly handpainted lace that frame the face in the prettiest of ways!  I got mine in "seafoam" - a cool bluish color that does remind me of the sea - but you can pick from 18 different colors, from gold to black to eggplant.  I immediately put these on at the show and kept getting compliments throughout the day.  Made me feel like this is what Kate Middleton must feel like on a daily basis - lots of people smiling at you and telling you they love your style earrings.  $16 at Topiary Designs

 

 

 

When I sampled this black mission fig jam, I said, "Ohmygoodness, this phenomenal!" My tastebuds danced with joy and the heavens opened up.  Well, at least that's what I felt like.  It was made fresh for the show and isn't up in their Etsy shop yet, but you can just convo the creator of these fine jams and he'll help you out.  And, while you're at it, you must try the strawberry-rhubarb jam.  It won best in show at the California state fair last year and is scrumptious!  $10 (for the fig jam) at Coldwater Canyon Provisions 

UPDATE:  The shop just added the Black Mission fig jam to buy.  I was just saying to a friend, when I sampled the fig jam I got weak in the knees and knew I had to have it. Seriously.

 

 

 

I totally love this dish towel flour sack.  It's huge!  A whopping 34" x 38".  You can dry your dishes or your car! :)  It also features screenprinted artwork from the artist.  Be sure to check out the shop for their art prints.  The artist has funky, cute drawings that also evoke a wide variety of emotions.  Good stuff!  $15 at Pretty Little Thieves 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got these small cabbage rose earrings in the funkiest almost-neon pink color.  I don't see the exact pair I got currently in the shop, but she has other cute colors, like the pictured turquoise/green pair.  $8 at BobbySoxie

UPDATE: It looks like the turquoise/green earrings shown are no longer available, but there is this neat pale blue pair.

 

 

 

 

I got a really cool pet bow tie collar.  It's all fabric and it closes around your pet's neck with Velcro.  I got this cute blue tie for my dog, Ozzy.  He's ten pounds of Chihuahua tough, and he was like, "Mommy, I will not go out in public with a bow tie!"  So, my cat, Juno, stepped up and was totally cool about wearing the tie.  She wore it demurely and happily.  Now, that's my girl (and that's her pictured).  The shop that makes them makes all things bow-related.  I don't currently see the pet bow ties in the shop, but feel free to convo them.  They came in a variety of polka-dotted styles and colors, and in various sizes to fit your pet.  Juno is wearing a small.  $12 at Bows and Anchors

 

 

I am a sucker for well-made handcrafted soap.  I picked up a bar of anise-peppermint soap from this vendor.  It smells devine!  The combination of anise and peppermint is so refreshing and comforting.  I don't see it in the shop currently, but it's the blue-white soap you see pictured.  They carry a variety of soaps and body products made from organic and fair trade ingredients.  You can also get a sample pack of their soaps to see which ones you like before you buy.  $9 for a soap bar at Etta Billie

 

 

If you couldn't make it to Renegade, you can still visit the vendors!  Here's a complete list of all the vendors with links to their shop.  Since they all just came back from a 2-day show over the weekend, their shop may not be carrying all the products they normall do.  Wait a week or so for them to replenish.  You can have your own virtual Renegade party from the comfort of your home!

 

Cosmic Catnip Bubbles

If your cat loves catnip, this Cosmic Catnip Bubbles might win you brownie points.  This bubble solution has catnip oil in it to drive your cat wild with pleasure.  $4.99 at Think Geek

Wacky Walk'r

Do you have a pooch that loves to pull when you walk him?  Does your doggie or you have achey or sensitive joints?  If so, then you have to try the Wacky Walk'r.  I am a user of the Wacky Walk'r, a rubber leash, and it is awesome.  Although the rubber can stretch twice its size, it would be super tough for your dog to pull it that far.  If your dog does pull, the leash gives your dog a work-out (it's a bit like trying to pull a tough rubber bungee).  What's nice is that it makes the whole process "easy" on your body and your dog's, especially the joints.  The leashes come in a variety of colors and sizes that depend on the weight of your dog (here's the size chart).  If your dog is a strong puller or lunger, you can go one size larger (the rubber increases in thickness), making it tougher for the dog to pull.  Also available is the urban leash, which is short and keeps your dog close (perfect for city walks).  $22 and up at Wacky Walk'r

Felted Cat Cave

Completely felted by hand in one piece, this cat cave looks like a work of art.  $170 by Felt For Cat

Litter Box Cover

What a cute way to cover up that ugly litterbox!  There are three litter box cover designs to choose from: cottage (pictured), brownstone and cabin.  From reading the reviews, it looks like it doesn't work for big cats, but if you have a small or medium cat, this might be for you!  $34.95 at Solutions

Propeller Beanie Hat for Dogs

Oh gosh, how cute is this propeller beanie hat for small dogs?  Super cute!  $14 at Small Dog Mall

Doggie Bow Ties

Add some golden era class to your doggie with these bow ties.  They have a Velcro backing on a strap that closes on a dog collar.  No need to remove the collar to attach or remove.  Comes in a variety of colors and patterns.  Also, the site carries matching dog collars if you really want to get spiffy.  $9.50 at BigPaw Collars

Basket-Style Pet Carrier

I love how this pet carrier looks - very much like a picnic basket!  Looks stylish and a convenient way to carry your small dog, bunny or cat.  Added bonus for cat owners, you can easily place your cat from the top rather than the side, which often can prove a challenge with regular kennel-style cages.  I recently got this pet carrier and just love it.  The green version is cheaper than the brown and tan, and personally I think the green looks way cooler.  A bit vintage-y.  $20 for the green carrier at Amazon (By the way, as of the time of this posting, the $20 price is temporarily sold out but you can see it as a pricing option and still order it if you click Here - you'll just get it when it's back in stock).

Cone Cat T-Shirt

Pattern and Paw just debuted a new line of fun pet themed t-shirts. This Cone Cat T-shirt is one we can all relate too. Wear this shirt and people will laugh at you all day. It's all good! $16.95 at Pattern and Paw.

8 Signature Mini Bonz

Today is a doggy birthday because my Whippet twins are turning 12 and my silly white little dog is turning 3. So, I have doggy on my mind. Here are 8 Signature Mini Bonz in different flavors and frosted, that would make any birthday dog bark for joy. Box of 8, $5 at Signature Bonz.

Where the Wild Things Are Inspired Dogeater Coat

 

Warm up your pup with this dogeater coat. $65 and made to order at Fairly Enchanted Designs.

Snowman Bird Feeder

 

I just got a "Black Friday" email from Plow and Hearth.  I saw this Snowman Bird Feeder and loved it..probably gonna buy it!  It combines like two of my favorite things..Snowmen and lil birdies.   $19.99 at Plow and Hearth but it will be $12.99 on Black Friday!!!!!!  

CATastrophe 35 piece Kit

                                     

Everything seems to hit at once around here. Between Saturday morning cat ER visits and Monday evening child ER visits we had a storm that progressed into a tornado warning. While banished to our closet under the stairs, I began thinking about what we needed for our pets in a true emergency. We have a camp stove, first aid kit, and food put away and a few pet things. I came across this CATastrophe kit. While it may not be exactly what I had in mind, it includes several necessities.

• 2 bags of food
• 2 blankets
• 2 light sticks
• 2 food bowls
• 1 cat toy
• 1 three gallon bucket
• 1 first aid kit
• 12 water packs
• 1 fifty foot rope
• 6 poop bags
• 1 can opener
• 1 blood stopper
• 1 pet disaster guide

There are also dog kits and an option to add it to a customized household emergency kit. $59 at Shelf Reliance.

De'cat'pitated Mouse Head Cat Toy

I saw this shop being featured on Etsy as a "featured seller," and honestly, if I had a cat, I would totally buy my feline a de'cat'pitated mouse head toy made with catnip.  The shop carries other chopped off toy heads, so check it out.  $12 at Spellwell

Bacon Bubble Buddy

Mmm...bacon!  This bubble gun shoots non-toxic, bacon-flavored bubbles that will thrill your dog (and kids).  Yums!

Pet ID Bar

Forgo flat dog tags and try this aluminum pet ID tag shaped like a bar.  There are four-sides to get engraved with important information in case your pet gets lost.  You can also customize the font.  $20 at Make Your Dog Smile

Customized Pet Tags

This shop carries really cool pet tags.  My favorite ones are the sheriff star and mustache, but there are plenty of other designs to choose.  The artist will hand stamp your pet's name and phone number, and the designs are available in gold tone, copper, or silvertone. $9 at Metals Artist

5x7 Custom Mixed Media Photo Art Portrait of Your Pet

Our very own birdie writer, Shari, recently showed me her newest creations - customized mixed media photo art portraits, and I think they look fabulous!  What a great way to decorate your home with a one-of-a-kind work of art featuring your pet.  I know I totally want one!

This is a digitally enhanced photo of your pet’s portrait in a color scheme of your choice. It is put on a painted wrapped canvas matching this color scheme and painted embellishments are added, including your pet’s name. It is painted over with layers of sealer so it looks like a painting itself and is ultimately sealed with an acrylic sealer so that it will not change color and will last for years to come. Ready to hang with no need for framing. This is an original, signed piece of art made just for you.

To get started, email Shari at bonnindesigns@yahoo.com with a 200-300 dpi or 7mb photo of your pet. Preferably a close shot of its adorable face. Some touch up and cropping can be done by the artist. $40 plus shipping.  Shari will also work with you closely to ensure the colors and fonts used matches the personality of your pet.  Yay!

Fish Condo

For a modern take on the fish tank, here's a fish tank designed to look like a condo, especially so if you stack two or more.  $25 at Unica Home

Kitten Shark Cat Sweater

Instead of "Jaws"...how about "Claws"?   Turn your beloved kitteh into a mean little shark and scare the neighbors with this Kitten Shark cat sweater.  $32 at Youth Diaspora. 

Severed Leg Catnip Cat Toy

Let your cat entertain you as he attacks with ferocity and delight at this severed leg catnip cat toy.$5 at Life With Tigers

Stylish Retro Pet Beds

I love the look of these vintage-y yet modern kitty beds that are also perfect for small dogs.  Comes in a variety of different fabrics and woods.  $79 at Like Kittysville

Pet Hats

Aww - how cute!  The shop carries hand crocheted bear and bunny hats for your kitty or doggie.  If only my dog would keep one of these things on his head - at least long enough for a photo! $20 and up at xmoonbloom

PortaPoo Bag

 

While not always the most luxurious of topics to discuss, these little bags are definitely a handy and conspicuous must when you're the mommy of an adorable baby human or pooch. Toss it in the diaper bag, stroller or attach it to your belt buckle as you walk, once you fill it with little plastic baggies this is a cute & clever way to hide the evidence. $9.99 at Mod Mom Me

Humunga Stache Dog Toy

Festivus Dog Hat

Ollie the Owl Dog Toy

Ollie the Owl Dog Toy

Holiday Babble Ball

Rear Gear

 

Ok, maybe I've gone too far this time but I couldn't resist.  Does your dog embarrass you at the park with his dirty butt?  Are you tired of waking up with cat butt in your face?  Then you need the No More Mr. Brown Eye from Rear Gear.  You have many shapes to choose from including a disco ball and a pine tree air freshener.  Only $5 at Rear Gear. 

Giraffe Halloween Costume

Ok, so I know Halloween is just a few days away, and at this point it's probably too late to order a costume for your pet online.. but how cute is this? $20.00 at SewSweetFinery on Etsy.

Win This! Halloween Pet Collars

 

If dressing up your pet in a costume is a little much, you can go the subtle yet sophisticated route and adorn your doggie or kitty cat with a spooky-rific collar for Halloween. In a wide range of colors and designs (the skulls and the tiger print are our faves), you have a wide variety to pick from.  Lucky pets! $11 and up at Pattern and Paw

These Halloween pet collars were featured in our Halloween Gift Guide!  And you have a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to this shop to get a Halloween collar or any other item of your choice!

To enter, just leave a comment for this post on our blog Rare Bird Finds with your name, email address and mailing address (in case you win!) and your fave collar from the store!  All comments will be kept hidden (unpublished).  DEADLINE TO ENTER: October 20, 2009

Good luck!!!!  And, keep checking Rare Bird Finds between now and Halloween for more opportunities to win the items in our Halloween gift guide!

CONGRATS TO JOY R. from SEATTLE WA!

Dog Door Bell

If your dog jiggles this bell, you let him out. This is a perfect alternative to him scratching up your door. Luckily my dog just barks. My other dog comes and gets me and if I’m not paying attention she just goes to the door and pees to spite me. She actually could use one of these but she’d tear it up to shreds. Oh well. Can’t teach that old dog a new trick but it could be a great idea for other dogs. $14.95 at Wrapables.

Chow Hound - Wholesome Home Cooking For Your Doggie

Here’s a fantastic doggie recipe book with muffins, pies, quiche; all doggie prepared with wholesome ingredients and even you could eat them, though you’d look pretty funny knealing down at the doggie bowl. $12.95 at The Spoon Sisters.

Designer Dog Bunk Bed

Have two tiny dogs who love bunk beds? I wish I did! $299.00 at SandHOriginations on Etsy.

Dog Pool

I realize it's a little late in the season to be posting pet pools.. but if you have a water dog like I do, you're always on the look out for the perfect pool. I think I found it.  $129.95 at Jake's Dog House

Hay Saver

Have a cute little bunny who spreads loose hay all over the place? Made of untreated Pine, this Hay Saver box will keep your bunnies hay at bay while still giving them a place to feed. As a bonus, 100% of the proceeds go to animal rescue efforts at savebunny.org.  $65.00 at SaveBunny on Etsy.

"Vick" on a Stick

Believe me when I say I am not making light of the Michael Vick situation. It disgusts me to a point that I don't even think most people can comprehend. However, with that said, this was too great not to post. A beef flavored treat on a rawhide stick, with a carob football. $6.99 at The Bakers Dog.