Animal Outfitters Blog

Get to know Carolyn Clingman of Papergirl Designs!

2011-12-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Papergirl Designs is a new business of fun dog-themed wrapping paper, greeting cards and gift tags that will warm any dog lover’s heart. While toying with the idea of designing a creative and attractive wrapping paper, Carolyn (designer of Papergirl Designs) discovered several creative concepts. Because of her love for dogs and interest in the niche market, she settled on a dog- themed visual. Her designs were so well-received by friends and colleagues that she decided to have them printed; she eventually created coordinating greeting cards and gift tags to offer a complete gifting package. The line is available through papergirldesigns.net, several on-line shops and many stores in the Philadelphia area

Carolyn's experience spans over 25 years in the graphic design field. She has worked in design studios, ad agencies, in-house firms and freelanced. During that time she received numerous awards and developed an extensive design portfolio. In addition, she dabbled in jewelry and mosaic design. When she's not chasing her 7 year old daughter around, watching baseball with her husband or playing fetch with their dog, she can be found in her studio designing more exciting ideas for Papergirl Designs!

Get to know ERIN REA of Modern Pet Portraits

2011-12-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

We recently began featuring several new pet businesses on our website, and wanted to share information about each business and the designers behind them. People ask me all the time about pet products we sell or promote, and I thought it was important to tell the stories behind these wonderful businesses and their creations. Who are the designers, what is their inspiration, and why are their designs so incredible?! Well, we are going to tell you.

Get to know ERIN REA of Modern Pet Portraits
Erin is a Los Angeles based Graphic Artist, who has always had a great love for animals. As an owner of 2 cats (Harlow and Bogie, inspired by a couple of her favorite classic hollywood icons, Jean Harlow and Humphrey Bogart), a dog foster, and animal rescue volunteer/advocate, it brings her joy to have the opportunity to combine her passion for animals with her career. She enjoys creating modern, fun portraits that capture the attitude of each pet and make their owners smile for years to come.

She runs an Etsy shop dedicated to creating modern, custom portraits of your lovable pets. Just send in a photo of your pet, choose from a large selection of colors and background prints, and she will design a portrait of your best friend. You can also have the portraits printed on a variety of different gifts, from notebooks to dog bowls to pillows. These make great gifts for animal lovers; and with the holidays approaching, she even offers holiday cards featuring your pet!
www.ModernPetPortraits.etsy.com

Each portrait she creates also helps animals: 10% of all sales will be donated to Much Love (an animal rescue that Erin volunteers for). They're an organization dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected and homeless animals from the streets and shelters of Los Angeles and placing them in loving homes. ALL donations go directly to the animals’ care and help provide food, shelter and medical treatment. (www.muchlove.org)

Her "Custom Pet Portrait Smart Phone Case" has been featured on Dog Milk and showed up on Design*Sponge's 2011 Gift Guide: http://www.designsponge.com/2011/11/2011-gift-guide-pets.html

Here are some before/after shots of what she does with your portraits

and turns it into this

Visit her Etsy shop to see more of her creative designs for sale and get your pets portrait turned into something amazing today! What a great gift idea for a pet lover too...

See us on the TomKat Studios Holiday Gift Guide!

2011-12-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

Check us out on 2011 TomKat Studio Holiday Gift Guide! Our personalized Graphic ID Tags have been featured in this incredible gift guide, you HAVE to check out the rest of this guide for some amazing finds. I found things I have never seen before and I am IN LOVE with this. What's even better, as you flip through the pages of the guide you can click on the images you like and it takes you direct to the online shop where you can buy it. Shopping doesn't get any better!! Great stuff for pets, babies, house decor, family, and YOU.

Blind Dog Helper Jacket

2011-10-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

I came across this online and I had to share. What a great idea for our senior pets!

This is a dog jacket is designed with the blind dog in mind. There are adjustable straps across the chest and stomach, a reinforced plastic tube 'halo', and a supported panel across the back for optimal performance. This jacket is not meant for larger dogs and would probably be best for dogs under 40lbs. Each jacket is custom made to fit your dog so the 'halo' will bump into things before your pups head does. After a short time your dog will adjust to the apparatus and move with much more confidence and safety.

Click on the posting title for more information...it's hand crafted and such a great idea.

Puppies vs Babies: Who is Cuter?

2011-10-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

I saw this blog post and I couldn't resist?!

It's a contest to win $5,000 to the cutest baby or puppy...who will win?!!! Animal Planet is holding a casting call to pick the cutest baby and puppy in America and the two winners will go head to head in this contest. This is too funny. I don't know which one I think is cuter! I love them both. What do you think?

*Click the headline of this blog to link to the website and get more details on the contest. Maybe you will want to enter!

Mimi Green, Jonathan Papelbon, MSPCA and Gucci?? Say what?!

2011-09-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

This month we (Mimi Green) had the honor of dressing a dog for the fashion show at the MSPCA-Angell Animal Tales Gala . The Gala raised a whopping $481,000 for Boston's MSPCA! Not only did we (Mimi Green) get to dress sweet Lucille in the fashion show, but Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon and his wife Ashley waked her down the runway!

Just goes to show why we carry Mimi Green Collars! How awesome are the designs, bright colors, and custom options...along with being hand-crafted, high-quality, and super durable!

The dog Lucille at the event was sporting the Caroline Harness (coming soon to Animal Outfitters)

While we are on the topic of Mimi Green...don't forget to check out the new collars in our shop. **We now carry the new line of Laminated Cotton Collars**

Free Shipping on Collars!

2011-09-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Today through Friday, offering free shipping on the following collar collections:

Stars Collection $20

Tatoo'z Collection $20

Signature Polka Dots Collection $20

Original Plaids Collection $22

Classic Plaid Collar $22

and our Neighborhood Collar Collection $20

E-mail us at info@animaloutfittersonline.com to claim this deal. Just mention that you read it on our blog!

Dog Bites Shark

2011-09-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

This video of a dog attacking a shark underwater in Australia has 'gone viral' and become a big hit. Now we see why!

This is crazy..

It's September Already?!

2011-09-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the summer is coming to an end and Fall is arriving! I always love this time of year, especially because I get to add some great NEW things to Animal Outfitters. All of the new designs are coming out for Fall/Winter seasons, and I have already started adding some..

Our NEW Graphic ID Tags ONLY $20
*click above to see more designs
I love these because they are totally unique, super affordable, and a total conversation starter! You will definitely make new friends at the dog park.

Our Halloween Costumes are back!
*click above to see more

Raincoats, Sweaters & Coats
*click to see more

Check back soon, because we are adding more!
We also have new dog bed designs, collars, accessories, and soon we will be featuring our very own line of custom/personalized pet frames!
Here's a sneak peak of two that we just listed on our site! *More coming soon*
ONLY $20

Oh the Love

2011-04-05T16:01:00.001-07:00

It's official, Napa and Benjamin are best buds. I was so worried how she would do around a baby, and she is as gentle as can be. The biggest challenge is getting her to stop licking him (especially his little toes...which she like to nibble on). He can't keep his eyes off her! Every time she walks by he reaches for her and wants to hold her face. I have a feeling they will keep eachother very entertained once he is a little older..and I love that.

DIY Aviary. Shabby Chic Meets Ultra Unique

2011-04-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

I saw this DIY project on the Empress of Creativity Blog and had to share it! The writer of this blog discusses how she turns an old wardrobe into an aviary for more flying space for her birds. How awesome is this? Not only one of the most creative ideas I've seen, but it looks incredible. I love the antique shabby chic look of it, not to mention the amount of space the birds now have instead of being stuck in a small cage. Well Done.

Loss of one and gain of another..

2011-04-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I have updated Animal Outfitters blog...and I have so much to share! Where do I begin?! Good news or bad news??

Let's start with the good news. Baby stuff. Benjamin was due October 6th, 2010...and as the date got closer my belly was so big I thought I was going to explode. The Dr. tried to induce me at the visits leading up to my due date, and with a few false alarms....still no baby. So, on my due date I went to get a prenatal massage and the massage therapist mentioned some techniques that might get labor started. "Sure do whatever you think will help" I said sarcastically (assuming it wouldn't work of course). An hour later the massage was over, and she told me it doesn't always put women into labor but she had tried her best. She left the room, and I stood up to get dressed....and then I felt a trickle. I looked down. "Oh my gosh, I just peed myself..how am I supposed to walk out of here with wet pants" I thought to myself. Then I realized...my water had broke. I went flying out of the massage clinic..."gotta go the baby is coming soon!"

or so I thought.

I got home, took a shower, blow dried my hair, finished packing my bags, called the dog-sitter...and waited. I felt great, no pain at all. Man, this labor business is a breeze. I finally called my Dr, and they said to head to the hospital to get things started. We got there, and still I hadn't had one single contraction. So they started the pitocin to get things moving. I was in labor for 22 hours and still no sign of the baby coming...so I ended up with a c-section. I'll spare those details, but basically it wasn't fun. Then there he was. 9 lbs 4 oz and a beautiful healthy baby. I was in love. Then the sleepless nights came...and well, the next 4 months is kind of a blur. If you have kids, you probably know what I'm talking about. Benjamin is now 6 months old, and the love of my life. I could talk about him for days. He is perfect and I can't imagine life without him.

Now comes the bad news. We lost one of our dogs. Miles (president of Animal Outfitters) had kidney disease since I adopted him 8 years ago. In January, we got the news that his kidneys were getting worse along with some other issues. After a few months of medication, and many visits to the vet...I got the call. We had a few days to say goodbye because it was time to put him to sleep. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Saying goodbye is never easy. Miles was part of my family, my best furry friend, and I miss him dearly. I still look for him sometimes and remember he isn't here. I am so thankful to have had him for so many wonderful years...but I can't help but wish he were still here.

That is the official update at our house. Loss of one life and the gain of another. Reminds me to live each day to the fullest and appreciate those you love, because life truly is too short.

Holiday's are Coming! Great Gifts for Your Furry Friends

2010-09-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

The holidays are right around the corner! Don't forget your furry friends this year. We have some great finds for your pets this season....including a great selection of custom & personalized items. Here are some of my favorites...

Gift Box of Personalized Biscuits $30
Natural and made from fresh ingredients

Soap on a Rope Stocking $10
All natural hand-made oatmeal soap in stocking

Personalized Holiday Collars $39.95
Embroidered with pets name. You can buy collar accessories to attach (flower or bow-tie)
Sizes for Cats and Dogs

Spa Gift Set $21.00 or Travel Gift Set $25.00

Visit our Holiday 2010 shop for even more great gifts!

Shop for Dog

Shop for Cat

Picture Perfect Pups! By Rialee Photography

2010-09-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Ria of Rialee Photography was a recent customer of Animal Outfitters. She purchased a few Mimi Green Collars with knitted flowers just for an adorable photo session with her precious pups! She was kind enough to share some of her incredible images with us. This makes me wish I lived near her, so I could get a photo session equally spectacular of my dogs together!

You can see more of her work on her Blog !

Visit our Mimi Green Collection at Animal Outfitters

Another Day....Another Incredible Find for Fall

2010-09-24T09:47:00.001-07:00

I feel so lucky in love...to have found this new line of dog sweaters and coats! What I love about the Rover line, is their impeccable taste in designing warm coats for pet owners that are looking for something different.

Rover is "Taking a refreshing departure from pink ruffles and glittered decals." By introducing the "new approach to dressing your dog. Classically tailored garments paired with fresh detailing epitomize the Rover style."

Each piece is hand made using high quality fabrics and finishes. "The Rover collection is both timeless and refined, defining the style and attitude of a new generation of dog owners."

To read more about the Rover story, check out their blog.

View the Rover Collection at Animal Outfitters
Classic Coats
Collar Accessories

Halloween Costumes Have Arrived!

2010-09-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Get your pets into the spirit of Halloween this year, pick from our great selection of fun costumes...monkey, lady bug, sherlock, and even a taco costume!

Prices starting at $25.00

We did it again...

2010-09-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

*double click to see larger image

We made it in the Fall 2010 issue of Modern Dog Magazine on the

'Stuff We Love' page!!!

Animal Outfitters Featured on the DAILY KIBBLE!

2010-07-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Animal Outfitters was picked to be featured on the Daily Kibble's "Daily Scoop"!

*click above to view more*

Get Wet Duck made a big splash! *Featured in Modern Dog Magazine

2010-06-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

The summer issue of Modern Dog Magazine was published with an ad from Animal Outfitters...

We also had one of our toys and website featured in the magazine as a 'Super Summer Toy'!

The Get Wet Duck - an awesome water toy that is great to play fetch with in pools, lakes, the beach, etc. turned out to be a big hit with Modern Dog readers! We are currently on back order with this item, but looking forward to filling all the orders that are continuing to come in.

Thank you to our fabulous customers for all of your wonderful compliments and feedback on our products. We are very proud to say that 6 months into starting Animal Outfitters..things are going very well. Right now we are working on finding new products to offer for the upcoming fall season...if you have any suggestions we would love to hear from you! info@animaloutfittersonline.com

Click to view larger image

and it's a boy!

2010-04-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

So, last week I got a coupon for a 4D ultrasound at a place right next to our house. Apparently, a 4D ultrasound can determine the sex of the baby at 15 weeks. As soon as I read this, I was was so excited I could hardly contain myself. I told Nick about it, and it took some convincing..but he agreed to go at lunch time the same day. We got to the office and the wait felt like forever (in reality it was more like 10 minutes). Finally, it was our turn. As the technician poured a gallon of goo all over my belly, I looked over at Nick who was video taping the whole thing. I was a little surprised he had brought his video camera, and I couldn't help but laugh at it. The 'proud dad' was already coming out of him and the baby isn't even here yet. That's just like Nick though, he was meant to be super dad. So that ultrasound began, and since I was only 16 weeks the baby resembled an alien. OR as the tech put it nicely, it looked a bit skeletal. The baby was sitting with it's legs crossed (tightly) and one arm back behind it's head. It looked as though it was enjoying a day at the beach. The only thing missing was a tropical drink with an umbrella. The tech couldn't tell the sex since the legs were crossed so tightly, so she started shaking my tummy around. I think it scared Nick, and he blurted out "Hey, don't shake the baby!!" in a nervous voice. The lady looked at me, and I told her to do what she had to do.. Finally, 15 minutes into it....the technician said "look, look, there it is!!! GIRL...(I held my breath thinking that meant it was a girl) THAT IS A BOY!!!!! Oh yeah, THAT'S A BOY!" And there it was, the answer to my 4 month question. I looked at Nick who had the biggest smile on his face, he got his boy and I got mine. We called our families to let them know the exciting news! On the drive home I looked over at Nick and said " I can't believe we are having a baby". He looked back at me and said "and it's a boy!". It was a great day.

Beat the Summer Heat, awesome summer products for your pets!!

2010-04-29T09:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.animaloutfittersonline.com/ has a great new look for summer! Showcasing some of our fav. pet products to help your pets beat the heat.

Featuring 'Dirty & Hairy Repel Grooming' products (starting at just $8) help keep those pesky fleas and ticks from invading your pets fur. The perfect water toy 'Get Wet Duck' for dogs that love to retrieve- great for the beach, lake, and swimming pools! Don't miss our 'Eco-Friendly' pet bed duvet covers that are easy to wash and re-use. Last, our new 'Personalized Ceramic Pet Bowls' that come in bone(for dogs) and fish(for cats) designs!!

See is in the summer issue of Modern Dog-- They are featuring our 'Get Wet Duck' in their pick of cool summer finds!

We are also featured in Bark Magazine!***

Nuts for Mutts Fundraiser

2010-04-19T10:20:00.001-07:00

Animal Outfitters was at the annual Nuts for Mutts event in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday April 18th!

For the 6th year, the event was a huge success and proceeds went to the The New Leash on Life Animal Rescue group. The event included a 5k walk-a-thon, a canine fashion show, pet portraits, dog training, live music, food....and vendors (that would be us)!

It was a lot of fun, I always love going to pet events and getting the word out about Animal Outfitters. I was really happy when several people came by with their pets to tell us we had the best pet products they had seen :)

..and baby makes 5 (if you count the dogs)

2010-04-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

So we are very excited to be expecting our first (non-fur) baby and to be starting a family! I am almost 4 months along and due the beginning of October. I am a little nervous about how the dogs will be when we bring a baby home, mostly because we are still practicing 'manners' with Napa. She doesn't really know she weighs 70lbs...that could be a problem. We started going back to training with her, and I am proud to announce she is doing great (as long as you have a peanut butter treat in your hand, pocket, or anywhere it can be sniffed out).

We just finished training level 1. Wish us luck on level 2! I'm not sure what level it is when you can get your dog to listen without treats...but that is the level we would like to be at. As I write this, I glance over at her (see pic) and she looks so peaceful and harmless. Then I realize it is all part of her master plan, what a tricky Golden! In a few minutes she will hear a dog bark outside, she will leap over the back of the couch, and knock over at least 2-3 things on her way to the back door. That my friend, is the reality of a spoiled Golden.

By the way I take 25% responsibility for this, the other 75% belongs to my husband for hugging her every time I try to tell her 'no'. (see evidence below).

I should have called this blog ' The Sweet Life of a Golden Retriever'.

Oh yeah, and back to the baby (the real reason this post was intended to be written). Nick and I are battling with names. The only name we seem to agree on is for a Girl, so let's hope that is what we get. Otherwise, it will be a battle to end between Nicholas Jr. and Noah. Guess which one I like?! Do I get an extra point for carrying the baby for 9 months, morning (all day) sickness, exhaustion, and body aches? Nick says I don't because he has to listen to me complain, which then makes us even. Let's take a vote...who's on my side?

If your on Nick's side, you can keep your opinion to yourself ;)

Summer is Coming..and so are we in the NEW Modern Dog Magazine Summer Issue

2010-04-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

See us featured in Modern Dog Magazine under the 'Things we love under $10 article'! I can't wait to find out if our water dog toys are featured in the upcoming summer issue...fingers crossed.

The spring issue was the first time I looked through their Magazine, and I have to say that I loved it! There are some really adorable articles, and I loved the pages featuring pictures of readers dogs. If you have never seen this magazine, you should totally check it out. They sell them at your local bookstores, or online at their website.

Here is the ad that we are placing in the summer issue...very exciting!

NEW Personalized Pet Bowls!

2010-03-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

I have been searching far and wide for some awesome new items...and I found some!!

Animal Outfitters now has personalized bowls for your dogs & cats! There are some really great styles, you have various color options, and we offer some really cute bowls (not personalized) that come in different colors as well.

Throw out your old generic bowls and check out these sassy new ones!!

Don't forget to check back often, because we will be adding many more...

Dog Bone Bowl $30 (Click Here)

Set of two (personalized) bowls $30 (Click Here)

For more options:

DOG BOWLS (not personalized)
DOG BOWLS (personalized)

CAT BOWLS (not personalized)
CAT BOWLS (personalized)

Napa's 1st Birthday Party. 7 Goldens= 7 Times the Trouble

2010-01-04T12:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Napa's 1st birthday! The celebration started with her brothers, sisters, mom, a doggie birthday cake....and ended with muddy paws, knotted fur, and a one tired (but happy) dog. We got Napa as a wedding gift from a friend, when one of their family members dog had puppies. After a few months of convincing my husband that we NEEDED a puppy, we got Napa when she was 8 weeks old. Although, the first year wasn't all fun and games....along the way we lost many pairs of flip flops, baseboards, plants, and who could forget the drywall in our living room. Through all of our losses, we always kept a sense of humor knowing that she was worth it. You can never put a price tag on how much joy pets can bring into our lives, and how they love us unconditionally. So of course, it is absolutely necessary to celebrate their birth just like we do! A special day called for a special collar. I put on her MimiGreen Collar that has a knitted red flower, and she looked fabulous. When we got to the party everyone was asking where we got the collar from, and it was a big hit! Click Here! Then the madness began, the dogs ripped through the yard chasing each other resulting in what I'd like to call 'baby bowling.' The dogs were running right into the kids causing their legs to go out from under them. They were having so much fun they didn't notice all the people that were getting knocked over along the way. Then it was time for the cake, a mix of carrots, flour, eggs, and yogurt. It was doggie heaven. (RECIPE COMING SOON) Napa managed to swallow hers whole in 2.5 seconds leaving yogurt icing all over her whiskers. After the cake, it was finally time for us to head home. We said our goodbyes to all 7 Golden Retrievers, and on the way home I looked over at my husband with the most pitifull face I could make and said "Honey, I really think..." Before I could finish my sentence he looked back at me and said "Sherri, NO. We are not getting anymore dogs." That was the end of that conversation. That's ok though, my birthday is in a few months.. I am really looking forward to Napas second year in 2010, and hoping for less damage, more snuggling, and lots of puppy love!

DIY Holiday Project

2009-12-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

Great gift-in-a-jar idea for the holidays!

What you need:

1) Mason Jar
2) Ingredients (see below)
3) Fabric (6") & one rubber band
4) Ribbon & Paper

ingredients: 1.5 cups of whole wheat flour, 2/3 cup of all purpose flour, 1 tsp of sugar, 1 cup of powdered milk, 2/3 cup quick oats, 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal, 2 T. beef bouillon granules.

Use a funnel to layer the ingredients in the order listed into a 32 ounce mason jar. Press each layer firmly before adding the next. Cover the top of the sealed jar with a 6" piece of fabric or burlap and fasten with a rubber band, then tie a ribbon around the rubber band

print/write a label with these cooking instructions:

Directions: empty and mix the ingredients into a bowl, add 1/2 cup crisco, mix in one lightly beaten egg, 3/4 cup hot water. Knead the dough for five minutes. Put in fridge for 30 minutes. Remove from fridge, roll dough out on a floured surface, use a cookie cutter or roll into a small circle 1/2" thick, cook in the oven at 250 degrees for 60-90 minutes. Make sure to rotate the pan in the oven so they cook evenly.

What you get:

1) a great gift for the holidays
2) affordability
3) one happy dog

About Us

2009-12-01T00:07:00.000-08:00

Animal Outfitters is an online retailer of unique, personalized & hand crafted pet supplies and gifts. Our goal is to provide pet owners the opportunity to find pet products that are as unique and special as their own pets. We sell items that are high quality and environmentally friendly. The inspiration to start Animal Outfitters came from our dogs, Miles and Napa. We found it difficult to find products that truly reflected their personalities, so we set out to start a pet shop that offered all of the unique pet products that we always searched for, and were not able to find at our local pet shops. Miles and Napa remain very important members of our staff. We only sell products that they approve of! About Me My name is Sherri and I am the owner of Animal Outfitters! I am married to my fav. person in the world, who loves and supports me unconditionally. My husband Nick is the love of my life!

We have two dogs. Miles, a Miniature Pinscher who is a little man with a big attitude, he is also my shadow. Napa, a Golden Retriever who is MISS personality. Her hobbies consist of- bugging the little dog, digging holes in the backyard, stealing socks, 'boxing' with my husband, and getting her hair 'did' at the doggie spaw. They are my inspiration. I grew up in the suburbs of Dallas, TX. When I graduated from college I got my first job offer in Southern California, working for the government in Animal Services. After a few years, I decided I was ready for a change. I wanted to do something that I loved, and have the flexibility to work from home when we had kids. Animal Outfitters really evolved from a random idea...I was looking online for a few things for my own dogs. Everything looked the same?! I decided to dig a little deeper...and that's when I started finding some treasures. With a few random ideas, and lots of support and help from Nick....Animal Outfitters was up and running, ready to offer pet owners great finds all in one place. http://www.animaloutfittersonline.com/