My Review of Guyot Designs Squishy Pet Bowl - 48 oz.

Originally submitted at REI

The ingenious Guyot Designs Squishy pet bowl mashes down into a thin, flexible layer in your pack and pops back into shape when you pull it out to offer your 4-legged friend a drink or meal.

Guyot Designs Squishy Pet Bowl - 48 oz.

Almost Perfect

By emmysue from Phoenix, AZ on 3/10/2010

4out of 5

Gift: No

Pros: Easy To Drink From, Attractive Design, Good Height, Easy to Clean, Stay Put, Tough, Good Depth

Best Uses: Active Dogs, Indoors, Outdoors

Describe Yourself: Long-time Pet Owner

My dog seems to favor this bowl over any fabric/drawstring bowl we've tried in the past. I like that it keeps it's shape no matter smashing it into a bag for a hike. The only thing I wish it had is a place to hook a carabiner on to hang in between water breaks. PS – Love the color (orange)!

(legalese)

My Review of Ruff Wear Grip Trex Boots

Originally submitted at REI

All-terrain, all-season and all fun, these Vibram®-soled boots let your best friend keep up no matter the adventure underway!

Ruff Wear Grip Trex Boots

Better than expected

By emmysue from Phoenix, AZ on 3/10/2010

4out of 5

Gift: No

Sizing: Feels true to size

Pros: Good Quality, Easy to Put On

Cons: Adjust often

Best Uses: Harsh Weather, Outdoors, Travel

Describe Yourself: Single Dog Owner

I got these for my dog for the hot summers in Phoenix. The first time she wore them, she chased a duck into a pond and lost one of them (think it got stuck in the mud). Since we got her replacements, she hasn't lost a single one. They have saved her paws when going on long rocky hikes and on the hot pavement in town. People think she looks ridiculous, but we don't have to deal with ripped or burned pads ever! They do need to be adjusted often — every water break I need to tighten them. We use the liners and I can't really tell if they help the fit, but I think they do reduce rubbing on her ankles.

(legalese)

My Review of Ruff Wear Palisades Dog Pack

Originally submitted at REI

Dogs love to carry their own weight—let them do it with confidence and comfort in this full-featured dog pack from Ruff Wear.

Ruff Wear Palisades Dog Pack

Excellent Harness & Pack!

By emmysue from Phoenix, AZ on 3/8/2010

5out of 5

Gift: No

Pros: Easy To Load, Large Capacity, Highly Adjustable, Comfortable

Best Uses: Extended Hikes, Day Hikes, Special Needs, Heavy Loads, Light Loads, School, Travel

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

We were recommended the Web Master Harness when our dog Dixie had amputation surgery on her front left leg. When I found the Palisades Dog Pack had detachable saddle bags on a Web Master Harness, I knew that was the product for us. Slowly but surely, we're working up weight in the saddle bags by filling the water bladders. Eventually we hope Dixie can once again carry her own water and food on a hike.

About the harness:
Dixie wears just the harness when out and about in town, or camping and hiking. The harness gives her overall support while navigating out in the world. We love the handle — it helps us get her in and out of taller cars and up and down rocks when hiking. It has withstood plenty of wear and washes in the washing machine.

About the saddle bags:
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that they detach from the harness. It makes giving her a rest a lot easier than taking the whole thing off her. I like that the bags have water bladders, although I wish the valves were more like flexible Camelbak valves. I like all the adjustment options and everything seems to be withstanding normal wear and tear.

Thank you Ruff Wear for making such a wonderful product!

(legalese)

Proof that dogs are AMAZING

I read before Dixie's surgery that it's easier for tripawds to walk at a faster than slower pace. Dixie walks so fast that it's hard to keep up! Either we're going to become super great race-walkers or be really good skateboarders. Well, we are already skateboarders, so never mind.

Dixie showing off her mobility skills.

Adam's better at this video thing.

I think Dixie is feeling pretty good today. We took a walk down to the end of the block (4 houses down!) and back. She wanted to go further, but I didn't have a leash with me. Those bunnies – I just know she'll go after one if she sees one. Last thing I want to see is a major face plant!


Dixie's back!

Dixie's been laying on her left side where her leg used to be. I think that's a good sign. It is the most bruised today though. It's weird. The top part of the incision doesn't have bruising; all the bruising is on the bottom. I guess gravity is the cause. It's redish-purple. I think it will be gone by next week. I'm only giving her a Tramadol and Rimadyl in the AM and PM now. No point in giving her more drugs than she needs. She's also still taking her Cepha antibiotic and will finish that whole bottle in a couple weeks.

Dixie's incision.

I ordered some medicines from 1-800-PetMeds yesterday. No shipping, no tax and $5 coupon code! Sweet. I ordered a big bottle of Super Joint Enhancer Chewable Tablets and Super VitaChews (both on sale!). As soon as they show up, Dixie will start taking those too. They are chewable—no more shoving my finger down her throat! Except for her fish oil pills, but wrap it up with a little lunch meat or bread, and it goes down like… like lunch meat or bread. Ha.

We are hoping to get back into our house today. Although it's not off to a very good start—the A/C guy forgot to set his alarm and was 2 hours late this morning… *sigh*

Dixie is walking!

Holy cow. Just watch the video.