Scratch 'n Sniff

Scratch ‘n sniff make these eco-friendly scratching posts that are so attractive to kitties because they have a live catnip plant growing right in the middle! Your cats have will have  access to the plant as it grows through the bars allowing the plant to grow without it being damaged and giving your cat just enough without over indulging on the treat. While the catnip is enclosed, the scratching post has a door panel that provides easy access for maintenance or plant replacement and you can also buy replacement scratching pads.

Scratch ‘n Sniff try to use as many natural, sustainable materials as possible in the manufacture of these posts including renewable, formaldehyde-free wood products, all-natural sisal with 80% natural latex backing, vegan wood glue, rice hull pots and low toxicity water-based sealant.

I know that Mills and Popps would absolutely love this and me too – I’ve touched it, sniffed it and examined it and it’s fantastic!

Scratch 'n Sniff

Fuzzy felt, Doppleganger and Splat!

The name Ben McFuzzy Lugs was what first attacted me to this Etsy shop and then it was my addiction to fuzzy felt dopplegangers. But then I found these bookmarks, or 'splats' - another way to have a replica of your furry little one! So, the lady behind these 'splats' obviously has a great sense of humour but she also uses upcycled fleece or nuno and creates them from a photograph of your pet. They're the perfect size for a paperback and so cute with only it's body sandwiched between the pages of the book.

Fuzzy felt, Doppleganger and Splat!

Aussie Naturals

Remember a time when you got by with an old slipper or ball of wool to play with your pets? Now, there's a huge array of toys out there made from ropes, fancy felts, plastics and colourful rubber etc. In this sea of playthings I recently spotted these and was instantly struck by how robust and substanial they are. With a close look I discovered they are made from a vegetable fibre that grows along the Ganges River in India.
Jute is one of the strongest natural fibres and totally hamless to your dog. So, when you want something that is 100% natural, renewable, chewable, biodegradable and recyclable these Aussie Naturals are for you.

This is made from water buffalo leather and spins in the air, but is easy to grab in the mouth. The boomerang (also made from the same leather) has a cotton filling, whilst the crunchy wool Koala Bear has a a natural coconut biodegradable fibre filling. Plenty more to see on their site.

When playtime is over pile everything into this leather bucket for another day.

 All products are designed in Australia and hand-crafted in India. Make sure to watch this space as they have more exciting products out soon made from a Jute and Cotton mix and great stuff for cats too!

Aussie Naturals

An early Worthy Wednesday

I saw this posted on Dog Milk last week and just had to include it in my Worthy Wednesday feature. It really is all for a good cause, Species Spectrum is (in their words) 'creating a buzz for rescue, shelter and sanctuary animals through modern design, photography and wit'.
They have a unique collection of greetings cards with a fun picture of the animal, whether it be a dog, cat, pig, fish or bunny, complete with a humerous bio of the pet. Everything has been done just right by printing on recycled paper and donating a portion of the sale to rescue animals. There are so many on the website to choose from, go take a peek!

An early Worthy Wednesday

Perfectly matched

Is it a must that you have earrings to match your necklace and shoes to match your purse? It's not high on my list of prorities, but I would definitely kit out my pooch in this perfectly coordinated and eco-friendly range from Thayer and Ridge - so perfect for the Sunday morning walk in the park!

There are collars too if you don't want to use the harness coat which are lined in a faux suede for comfort. All the products in their Eco-Friendly range are stain, water, bacteria and odor resistant. The fabrics contain NO toxic chemicals, heavy metals or carcinogens and are made using re-cycled energy!

Perfectly matched

Worthy Wednesday - Ruff necks

Feeling the chill a bit here on the west coast and loving the feeling of fresh rain makes me happy that Autumn is just around the corner. My most favourite time of the year to dress up in the best clothes and the best time to wrap up your little pet pal in these Ruff necks and plaid coats from Canadian company Mod Dog . Each garment is made from a recycled sweater or fabric with vintage buttons to finish the look. They come in all sizes and colours depending on what's available.

To make you feel extra warm on the inside, a donation is made to Lakefield Animal Welfare from the sale of each item.

Worthy Wednesday - Ruff necks

What could YOU make out of an old advertising billboard..

..that's right a dog collar! Totally pinching this post from one of my fave blogs Dogloading... I was really struggling this week to find something for my Worthy Wednesday recycle feature and ok, I know it's Friday, but so worthy of a post. Collars and leashes from recycled billboards...yep, whatever next! but I think I said that last week! So many make their way to landfills each year so why not make a dog collar :)

Apparently, the material wears like denim and gets a rich vintage look over time. They are very soft and durable even though they are made from rescued advertising billboards! Not sure on the process, but they are made in Colorado, and just love the label 'I used to be a billboard'

Check out Itza dog for their range named Ecollargy and even more interesting stuff!

Thanks Dogloading... great find!

What could YOU make out of an old advertising billboard..

Animal sports

Okay, I probably say this every week, but I am repeatedly amazed at the creativity demonstrated by some people's recycling efforts! This Wednesdays 'recycling and helping animals' feature is very sports related. It involves tennis balls and old inner tubes from cycle tires - Whatever next!

The Dog Bed from Hugh Hayden Design has been constructed entirely of recycled tennis balls from the New York Metropolitan area that are woven together in a tight hexagonal pattern. Plop a cushion on the top and you have a comfy bed totally made from recycled materials. At the moment they are just for smaller dogs up to 25lbs but bigger ones will be coming out soon. If you throw the bed, your dog will probably bring it back :-)

Cycle dog make collars and leashes from recycled bike inner tubes! Apparently, in the US there are over 60 million bike riders and that can mean a lot of flat tires and old inner tubes. So, why not make a dog collar and leash with them instead of adding them to landfills. All you need do is to take your old tube to a dealer or send them to Cycle Dog and they will be put to good use. How very innovative is that!

Animal sports

Our pet obsession

Our pets, and we love 'em, make their way into every aspect of our lives! They become a magnet for our unconditional love, and they love us back with total transparency. Suddenly, you notice that everything you own carries their image in some form. The stuff I've featured today could all be part of a pet lover's picnic, I just need to find the cheese!

Cutting boards from Sleek Identity have been created out of sturdy but beautiful acacia wood and come in six different designs

Wine labels are now far more interesting in a wine store than the wine themselves and the Australian Teusner  Vineyard in the Barossa valley decided to create a cat label for their 2008 Shiraz to pop out on the shelves.

Cute little cutlery set from The Straight stitch are made with unique, vintage and reclaimed fabrics.

Found these on Dieline and the design is by Alexis Killam for a speciality pet bakery (unfortunately, couldn't find out who for) who cook up recipes in the store and then sell in these great packages! Love the names, so much like home for me! 

Handmade in porcelain, this dog bowl is from Me Me Me

Remember, there's nothing wrong about being obsessed with pets, there's nothing wrong about being obsessed with pets, there's nothing wrong about being obsessed with pets.

Our pet obsession

Cardboard homes and Litterboxes

These Eco-friendly cats pods and litter boxes are from Feloo. They are so perfect for a Worthy Wednesday feature! Easy to self-assemble, they use environmentally friendly inks. They come flatpacked in biodegradable branded bags and unpackaged in bulk for vet’s practices, catteries and rescue centres.
Feloo's origami-inspired products have been designed first and foremost for your cat. Made out of your cat’s favorite thing, cardboard, they look good in your home too! This new material is lined and water resistant like a coffee cup. The trays and lid can be recycled and the sleeping pods can be composted. You can also get a cardboard scoop and, like the trays, they have a waterproof lining so they can be wiped clean and reused!
Good news too - they can last up to 4 weeks! My cats would definitely need a comfy blanket to go in the pods and they have even been made to accomodate that.
Check out the site, so many good reasons to use these! Happy worthy Wednesday.

                            

Cardboard homes and Litterboxes