By Jolia Sidona Allen
Pop Quiz!
Taking Fido to dog yoga (excuse us, “doga”) or sending Fluffy to eco-summer camp is...
A. Nuts
B. Normal
C. A no-brainer! Only the best for the friend who brightens my world.
For the uninitiated, “pet people” can seem a little kooky. The baby
talk, the googly eyes, the mountain of treats, toys and vet visits —
all so some little sucker can rip up the furniture and shed all over
the house.
But, as anyone who’s had the pleasure of sharing
life with an animal companion well knows, no family would be complete
without its furry four-legged members. And for those of us who eat
organic, follow a holistic health and wellness routine, sport
earth-friendly fashions and rejuvenate at eco-spas, seeking the same
quality of life for our purring, meowing and barking friends seems only
natural.
Enter the world of conscious pet products. Whether
you’re animal allergic and just here to gawk, a cat or dog owner
tentatively open to going a little greener, or a card-carrying pet
parent ready to dress, press and pamper your cuddly companion to the
nines, we’ve gathered a list that’s either absurd, the cat’s meow, or
sure to bow-wow you — depending on your pet proclivity, of course.
Yoghurt Voor Hunds
The
Fro-Yo craze hits the Fido-set with Yoghund, certified organic doggie
frozen yoghurt. And if, in the heat of the moment, little PeeWee gets
crazy and eats the carton itself, rest assured — it’s 100% recycled,
chlorine-free paper. $5.99 a carton, yoghund.com
Whiner and Diner
Elevated dog and cat wine crate feeders handmade out of reclaimed
wooden wine boxes from European, Chilean or Californian vineyards.
whineranddiner.net
The Softest Toys on Earth
Treat Buster to a nontoxic, ultra-soft plush monkey or knitted chicken
that’s as gentle on the planet as it is on his gums. Tan Oscar Monkey,
$19.
simplyfido.com
Smart Necktie Dog Collars and Leashes
These Nattie Necktie dog collars and leashes made from recycled 100
percent silk ties can be recycled again for a $5 rebate on each.
Collar: $28, Leash: $33.
anniessweatshop.com
The Hound Hoodie
Fashioned from recycled plastic fleece, these two in one reversible
fleeces will keep your pet warm and plastic out of our landfills and
oceans! $35.
anniessweatshop.com
I Am Kitty, Hear Me Raw
The Honest Kitchen takes the raw food revolution pet-side, with
dehydrated, raw, meat and meat-free pet food made with 100 percent
organic grains, hormone- and antibiotic-free meat and non-GMO produce.
Prices vary; approx. $1.70 per pound of rehydrated grub.
thehonestkitchen.com
Home Sweet Hemp
Pet beds made from 100
percent organic hemp, naturally dyed covers and hypoallergenic inserts
made of recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. Available in three
sizes and five colors, $120-160.
harrybarker.com
Bumper Stickers for Bobo
Maybe your little guy can’t hold a picket sign, but he can still spread
the good green gospel by sporting a 100 percent organic cotton tee with
a catchy eco-slogan like “Recycle. Adopt a Dog.” $24.99.
readmypaws.com
Organic to the Bone
Protect your pet with Purrfect Play, adorable, eco-smart pet products
handmade in Indiana from dye-free, organic fabrics. Creator Pam
Wheelock, a walking encyclopedia of earthwise pet care (just check out
her website!) says, “Why dip an organic toy in toxic dye then give it
to your pet to chew on? Pets can’t even see color.” Organic catnip
mouse $7.95-$8.95.
purrfectplay.com