A Bachelorette and Her Dog

Photo by ABC/Rick Rowell

Throughout all the years of The Bachelor franchise, there have been many contestants that have claimed to be close to their pets and their clip packages often include footage of them romping with their furry friends. But this season, with Juan Pablo as The Bachelor, one woman got out of the limo that first night with her dog. And the appearance wasn't just a one-time gimmick, like a wedding dress or a cheesy limerick. The dog is living in the house this year.

The pooch, Molly, belongs to Kelly Travis, the outgoing red head who has survived three weeks in the mansion so far. Under her name where it typically states the woman's occupation, it reads "Dog Lover" although in a recent conference call interview she did set the record straight. She has a job, in fact, one she loves and is good at. She does business development for a construction company in Georgia. However she is passionate about animal rescue and thought it would be funny if she said she was a "Dog Lover" by trade.

So, then, why is it that Kelly was allowed to bring her dog on the show when so many before her have not? Simple. She just asked.

Cavalia's Odysseo

Photo courtesy of Cavalia

Last week we had the pleasure of attending a press event featuring portions of Cavalia's Odysseo, a horse spectacular by the creators of Cirque du Soleil, currently running in Burbank, California. Before the event started Artistic Director and creator of Odysseo, Normand Latourelle, explained that left Cirque behind because he "wanted to move to something different and horses give me the chance to express something different."

He stated, "It's all about sharing our space with nature. Horses, from my point of view, are representative of nature. They tell us what is true, what is not true, what is real and what is unreal." In what he calls "the biggest touring show in the world" 67 horses and 44 artists work together to create a stunningly breathtaking display of beauty and nature.

Cavalia has built a tent in Burbank that is 10 stories high with a 15,000 square foot stage — plenty of room for the horses to gallop from one end to the other. Acrobats perform jaw-dropping feats and musicians and artists create a masterfully beautiful experience that takes audiences around the world to African desserts, the Northen Lights, rolling hills and lush forests. The HD video backdrop, equal to the size of three IMAX screens, transports audience to the locales right alongside the cast of horses, riders and acrobats.

Jorja Fox Talks About Being Honored for Her Work with Animals

Written in conjunction with ScreenPicks.

Jorja Fox, best know for her roles on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation along with The West Wing and ER, is also an avid environmentalist and conservationist. She is being honored this weekend with the Animal Champion Award for her work with Animal Defenders International. ADI has worked tirelessly to rescue and protect the abused and neglected animals across the globe.

The event this weekend, called the Lion Ark Night will focus on the rescue mission performed last year where ADI uncovered and put an end to cruelty to circus animals in Bolivia. They went undercover to rescue 29 lions and airlifted them from South America to Denver. Price is Right former host Bob Barker funded the entire thing and he, too, will be honored this weekend with ADI's Lifetime Achievement Award. The entire rescue is being made into a documentary called Lion Ark and clips will be shown at this weekend's Hollywood Hills gala.

In a recent exclusive interview, we spoke with Jorja about her work with ADI. We asked her about the event and she replied, "It's going to be a heck of a party… Bob Barker's going to be there. You can't beat that. I try never to miss a good party."

Jorja talked about working with Bob, "He's a legend. He's the nicest man. He's funny. He's got great style. Every time I see him I'm wondering what he's going to be wearing. Maybe single handedly, more than anybody else that I know of, has been quietly contributing to causes that are very close to my heart and been contributing in extraordinary ways. Bob travels less than he used. He gets out in front of the public less than he used. And he's been making up for that behind the scenes. He has given incredibly generous gifts to several organizations over the last couple of years that have really allowed the organizations to stay afloat."

While she fully supports the award being bestowed on Barker this weekend, she is less than enthusiastic about her own honor. She stated, "It feels really undeserved. I feel I have a lot more to do, a lot more to accomplish."

But it seems to us that like Jorja has done plenty. She remarked, "Every time they call me, they call me for something extremely exciting." Aside form her involvement in the Lion Ark project, she has produced a documentary called How I Became an Elephant. It is the tale of a girl who travels to Thailand to rescue an elephant working in the entertainment industry. Jorja cautioned that this is not an isolated problem, but a global one. She pointed out that many animals in captivity are forced to live on concrete, which can kill them. She said countless elephants die in zoos due to of infection in their feet because they weren't designed to stand on concrete. She noted, "That's a crime. I think these animals deserve a lot better than that."

Jorja also went to Capital Hill with ADI last year to launch the "Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act." And she encourages all animal lovers to call or write their congressperson to support the bill which will protect animals in entertainment who travel and from state to state. She stated that they need a federal law to protect them because they fall through the cracks since each state's laws vary.

She also emphasized the importance that the work of the ADI has not just for the animals but for humans as well. "We can't exist without wildlife. We're just completely kidding ourselves if we think we can go it alone without all these animals. And so looking after these animals is important to me for the sake of these animals but also for the sake of  people and the future of this planet. I don't want to live on Mars."

One of her goals is to eradicate certain animal institutions. "If I had my way, circuses and zoos would be a thing of the past in the way that we know them now. I think there's a place for those institutions in the future. But I don't think they'd look anything like what they look like right now."

So we asked what they would look like in her version of the future. And while she acknowledged some habitats that already look like her dream there are many more that don't. "I'd like to see us moving under this umbrella term of 'sanctuary,' so a tremendous amount of more space, no breeding programs. The public being able to see them would still happen but it would be more removed. People would be in a more respectful, quieter space."

And to Jorja the perfect circus is one without animals like Cirque du Soleil. She stated, "We have so much to learn from these animals. We haven't even begun to figure out what we can learn from them. But I know it's not about watching an elephant put a basketball in a hoop. I think we can do better than that."

Tickets for Lion Ark Night 2012 on Saturday, October 13 are $150 and VIP tickets are $500 (which includes a VIP champagne reception). Get ticket here. Jorja's movie How I Became an Elephant is being screened in the Los Angeles area this weekend. Check the movie's website for details.  And if you're in the New York area this fall, Jorja is producing a one woman show about Dusty Springfield. Find more information here.


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This Week's Inspiring Pop Culture Moment: Cole Hein and Bingo

Photo courtesy of Mandi Hein

Each week we take a look around our pop culture world and try to find one moment that stood out as the most inspiring. It might be a celebrity who is doing charitable things, a TV shows that inspires us to be better or a philosophy that we should all strive to live by. Here is this week's most inspiring pop culture moment.

Although Cole Hein is not a famous movie or TV celebrity, he's a star in our eyes for the kind-hearted thing he is doing for his dog Bingo. Cole had an undiagnosed medical condition that made him sporadically stop breathing. And so in 2005, his family bought him Bingo, a service dog, whose soul job was to make sure Cole was breathing.

And Bingo has performed his task lovingly and unconditionally for seven years — saving Cole's life on several occasions. When his best friend stopped breathing, he barked until someone came and resuscitated the boy.

But now the tables have turned. Cole is healthier these days, but Bingo has been diagnosed with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and vets say he may only live another few weeks. And so Cole has created Bingo's "Lick It List" — a bucket list for dogs. All the things they need to do together one last time before Bingo crosses the Rainbow Bridge.

The list includes, "I want to take her on one last public outing to Ruckers [recreation center]. I want to walk her around the block twice. And I want to get her treats from around the world."

That last part is where we all come in. Cole's family has set up a Facebook page so that friends from all over the globe can send their favorite dog treats to Cole and Bingo. The family is refusing financial donations, just bones, chews and canine-friendly snacks of kind so Bingo can enjoy his last days with a full belly. Join the campaign on Facebook or send you treats directly to Cole Hein/Bingo Hein, PO Box 413, Shilo, MB, Canada, R0K 2A0.


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Carli Davidson Photographs Animals Like Never Before

Photo by Carli Davidson

There's a collection of photos making its way around the Internet lately. At first they seem slightly grotesque, until you realize what they are. Carli Davidson's images are are those of animals mid-shake. That she even caught these high-speed, typically invisible, moments is extraordinary, but the shots are beautiful works of art and highly entertaining.

The "Shake" Collection makes up just a small portion of Carli's portfolio. An experienced animal trainer, her website is full of images of all kinds of animals, and not just in motion. As a freelance photographer for the Oregon Zoo some of her subjects include porcupines, owls, elephants and snakes. She also has a series on pets with disabilities and another called Pride Northwest, featuring members of the LGBT community and their four-legged friends.

At the very least be sure to visit her site and check out the images online, but we're betting you'll have a hard time resisting the opportunity to own one of Carli's images for yourself. For just $35-50 you can buy an 10 x 14 print all your own and 10% of all proceeds goes to her selected charity of the month. Right now it's Best Friends Animal Society hoping to stop the epidemic of homeless animals.

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We've Been Eagerly Awaiting Chimpanzee

Photo by Mark Linfield/Disney

It's been quite some time since we were really excited for a movie release. But there's a film opening this month that we have been counting the days to. No it's not Titanic 3-D or The Five-Year Engagement. If you know us well enough, you'd be able to guess. Yes, that's right. Chimpanzee.

The new Disney doc follows a baby chimp named Oscar who loses his whole family to a rival band of primates. Left to fend for himself, Oscar encounters a sursprising caretaker.

The movie, which is narrated by Tim Allen, opens today in theaters nationwide. If you see it during the first week Disneynature will make a donation to the Jane Goodall Institute. And if you're luck enough to live in the Los Angeles area, take in the flick at the El Capitan and be treated to a live animal show courtesy of the Wildlife Learning Center before each screening.

Daily showtimes at the El Capitan are 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:35 p.m. Tickets are available at the El Capitan Theatre box office or online at elcapitantickets.com. Check local listings for showtimes in other cities.

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The Pooch Hotel Comes to Hollywood

If you're anything like us, the current state of the economy has made you tighten the belt a bit and cut down on extravagances. But for those of you with a little expendable income and a furry friend you love to pamper, we thought we'd let you in on the latest pet indulgence — The Pooch Hotel.

You spend your vacations in the lap of luxury, getting spa treatments and other excesses. Why not give your pet the same? On Saturday, May 5, the five-star hotel and doggie daycare is opening in Hollywood, California. Each custom suite has glass doors, TVs, webcams and luxury bedding. The hotel also features an exercise pool, size-based playgrounds and a SPAW (a just for dogs spa) that includes massages, aromatherapy, paw-dicures and facials.

There is also a healthcare component, the Pooch Hotel Club, that offers holistic diet plans, nutrition management and treadmills. With an eye towards a low carbon Paw-print, Pooch Hotel uses Energy Star-rated purification systems and incorporates lots of natural lighting. And, of course, all canine guests will be supplied with round-the-clock water, scheduled feedings, access to vets and attention to any special needs.

LA's Pooch Hotel is the fourth in the chain, with two others in Chicago and one in Sunnyvale, California. It is the brain-child of Robin Tomb, an ex-Silicon Valley techie and owner of a Jack Russell Terrier. She said, “Pooch Hotel has gone to great lengths to deliver a higher level of quality, personalized services in a safe, eco-friendly environment. As a frequent traveler and someone who is very particular about the care of my dogs, I understand the importance of knowing your pet is safe and comfortable while you’re away. I’m thrilled that dog owners in Hollywood will have a five-star boarding option the next time they head to work or leave town.”

The Pooch Hotel starts accepting guests on Saturday, May 5, with a weekend-long grand opening celebration that will included tours, prizes and photos with your four-legged friend. To find out more visit Poochhotel.com.

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This Week's Inspirational Pop Culture Moments

Dave Hogg from Royal Oak, MI, USA

 

A basketball star honors his hometown, an edgy animation master pays tribute to his mother and a young Asian American actor hopes to influence others. Here are this week's most inspiring moments in pop culture.

LeBron James Opens Clubhouse for Kids

Although some basketball fans from Ohio felt like LeBron James abandoned them last year when he left the Cleveland Cavaliers to play for the Miami Heat, King James's heart will always be in Akron. In fact this week he officially opened The LeBron James Clubhouse at an Akron Boys & Girls Club.

The basketball star used to be afraid to go into the intimidating and dark Boys & Girls Club when he was a young boy. So he has spent $240,000 from his family foundation to renovate the space, making it a safe haven for children in the area.

He told the Associated Press, "As a kid, this is one of the places we didn't want to go. But to see the transformation from what this place used to be to what it is now is amazing, and the only reason we're doing it is for these kids. They are our future."

In addition to the clubhouse, he also launched a program providing education tools to area schools. Even though he plays ball in another city, his heart remains in Akron. "I will always be here. I grew up in this city. I love this city, and I'm instilled in this city. No matter where my life may take me, I will always be in Akron, Ohio. I will always give back to Akron, Ohio. Because these kids deserve it."

For more inspiring pop culture moments visit Beliefnet.com.

Fiona Gubelmann’s Road To Success on Wilfred

  Photo by Ray Mickshaw/FX

Not every actress becomes an over night sensation, some start early and pay their dues in the dog eat dog world of school plays and local productions. Such was the case with Fiona Gubelmann. In a recent conference call interview the Wilfred star reflected on the very early days of her career.

Gubelmann recounted, “I got started in acting when I was actually in preschool. I was really into dance and performing and so my mom had me in dance classes, and then I got involved in a local theater company. My first play was The Cabbage Patch Kids, and it was a play/ballet and I didn’t quite do much there. But I grew up doing community theater and doing drama camp in the summers and being active in the drama department at my school.”

When it came time to go to college, she was focused on a less artistic discipline, but she still had the performing bug. “I went to UCLA, actually as pre-med, and when I was there my freshman year I auditioned for a play and got in. And I was so passionate and I just loved acting so much that I decided to switch majors and pursue acting. I was young, not married, didn’t have kids and I was like, why not just try for something now and just see what happens while nothing’s tying me down.”

Landing her first big gig didn’t take long for the young actress. As she remarked, “I’ve been fortunate since I graduated to work in the industry and keep on working.” Her early jobs include parts in Employee of the Month and Blades of Glory — and then along game Wilfred.

Gubelmann explained how she got the role on the show, “I got involved through my agents. They actually sent me the audition appointment. So it was just a regular audition and the night before my audition, when I first read the script, I just absolutely fell in love with it… It was just hilarious.”

Of course, as has been the case for many people, the main concept of Wilfred didn’t click for her instantly. She recalled, “I didn’t quite get the whole guy in the dog suit thing so I went online and watched some of the Australian version of the show. And then I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is amazing!’ So I went back and reread the script and then the next day went in and had my first audition. And over the period of about three and a half weeks I kept going back and auditioning and eventually did a chemistry test between me, Elijah and Jason and then tested for the part and was extremely lucky and I booked the show.”

Needless to say, getting word that she had landed the part on Wilfred was a dream come true. Fiona confessed, “Receiving the news that I had booked the part was just overwhelming and exciting and surreal. I had my final audition on Friday and I was told that I wouldn’t know until the following Friday. So over the weekend I was very anxious and stressed out, and Monday morning I was at the gym and I fell off a treadmill and just cut up my leg and I was bleeding and all embarrassed and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s the universe. It’s telling me I’m not going to get the part.’ And I was really, really upset. And I got home and it was 11:30 on Monday and, and keep in mind I wasn’t supposed to hear anything until Friday, and my agents and managers call and they were totally pretending to be upset and down and they were totally messing with me and they’re like, ‘You got the part.’ And I just fell on the floor. I fell on the floor and I was speechless and I was crying and laughing and… it was one of the most incredible moments in my life. Just utter surprise and excitement.”

Then came the task of actually going to work on her first day and filming with her blockbuster actor and series creator co-stars, Elijah Wood and Jason Gann. She had met them only once before. “The first time I actually interacted with Jason and Elijah was in a chemistry read where we worked for an hour, during the audition process, and rehearsed the scenes with the director and the show runner and kind of blocked it out for the final network test. And I was really nervous before I got there, but Jason and Elijah were so kind and so helpful that my nerves just went away and there was such a great sense of play and fun… It felt like little kids on the first day of school. We were just like asking each other questions and just having so much fun and politely teasing each other, and it was great.”

That didn’t ease her nerves any when production began. She admitted, “The first day of shooting I was terrified. I still couldn’t believe that I had booked the show and that it was all really happening, but at the same time it was so much fun. And the scene we shot was one of my audition scenes that I had worked on for a month, and then we rehearsed it in rehearsals before shooting the pilot, so we’d worked on it a bazillion times but it was so fun.”

She continued, “During the shoot we were so excited and Jason and I kept missing our marks. And it was so funny because we both had nerves and we were both excited and they kept having to reshoot this one take because we wouldn’t hit our lines and then we would just start cracking each other up. After we finished that scene I just had this overwhelming wave of excitement and I was like, ‘This is real. This is really happening’ and that was probably my favorite scene to shoot, and it was my favorite day of shooting because everything felt real and like this was really happening.”

But mixed with all of that good energy was a lingering concern about how an audience would respond to the unusual series. “I was very excited and anxious to see how people would react to Wilfred…. When I first read the script I thought it was amazing. I thought it was hilarious and brilliant, unique; unlike anything out there. And I was just drawn to it, and I just was very curious to see how people reacted to it because I love it. When I saw the pilot I couldn’t stop laughing and I knew we had created something incredible. But at the same time how that would be received was something that I definitely have had some anxiety about and just nerves. And when you love something so much you want to see it do well.”

But she wasn’t naïve enough to not understand the risks involved with being different. She acknowledged, “Sometimes the most incredible shows don’t do well because they’re ahead of their time or people just don’t get into it quickly enough. Arrested Development was one of my favorite shows and that only lasted three seasons, and so I was definitely a little nervous about that.”

For now it seems Wilfred will run for a while in dog years if nothing else. But Fiona has her eyes on other Hollywood prizes, too. When asked what other parts she’d like to pursue she responded, “I would love to work with Guillermo del Toro and J.J. Abrams. I think they are creative geniuses that are constantly producing great work and they’re two people that I would just love to work with. In terms of a character, I would love to play a fairy. I think that would be really fun. I got to play a woodland fairy for a brief second in Blades of Glory and I had so much fun getting in hair and makeup, getting the costume on… So I definitely would like to play a fairy again. And just roles where I get to wear cool costumes, things like that I’m definitely excited about. And I love Game of Thrones something like that.”

Until then you can catch Fiona when Wilfred airs on Thursday nights at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. Central on FX.

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Elijah Wood Talks to a Dude in a Dog Suit

 

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It’s Time to Meet Your Doggelganger

 Photo by Pop Culture Passionistas

One of our favorite scenes in a movie ever is the one in the animated 101 Dalmatians when the owner’s walk their dogs down the street. The canine parade features a long line of pups who look just like they’re owners. Now any human being with the World Wide Web can go online and find out which dog looks the most like them.

All you have to do is visit Doggelganger, an online pet adoption destination set-up by The Pedigree Adoption Drive in New Zealand. Either upload a photo of yourself or use the handy webcam to take a new shot. If you decide to take a new pic you’ll need to make sure your face lines up with a highly sophisticated hockey mask-like matrix that confirm that you’re positioned just right.

When the software gets what it needs you’ll get a message that says, “Photo acceptable for canine pairing process.” Next totally cool graphics show the database scanning your eyes, nose and lips and trying to find your perfect doggy fit.

We discovered our doggelganger is Doc, who lives as the Auckland SPCA. He’s a 1-year-old male Greyhound Mastiff mix. And yes, he does have big brown eyes and a dazzling smile. His profile reads, “My name is Doc and I am a great older pup looking for a new family home. I am a gentle soul who loves to hang out with either my doggy or human friends. I am good with other dogs, children and probably cats too."

Local Kiwis can make contact by submitting their name, email address, location and a brief message. And those of us who live elsewhere can use the breed info to go to a local shelter and see if there’s a doggleganger there that needs a home.

For more info on dog adoption visit the U.S. Pedigree website.

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Ferrets: The Pursuit of Excellence

 
We admit we always thought we were a little odd when we would take our pugs Lydia and Norton to the occasional pug picnic where the highlight of the day's events was a costume contest for the dogs (we never dressed them up, we swear). But then we caught wind of a documentary airing on PBS on Tuesday, March 22 — Ferrets: The Pursuit of Excellence.

In this film by Mark Lewis, which originally aired on PBS in 2007, owners of the elongated mammals bring their beloved pets to Ohio's Ferret Buckeye Bash. At stake, prize and prestige at the most popular ferret event in the U.S.

The doc follows breeders, experts and ferret lovers through the parade and intense competition. Believe it or not the animals are judged on bone structure, muscle mass and temperament — and a nice tutu or hula bikini doesn't hurt either.

Tune into Ferrets: The Pursuit of Excellence on March 22 at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. Central on PBS.

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This Gorilla Walks Like a Man

Maybe we watched too many Planet of the Apes movies growing up, but we’ve always been of the firm belief that non-human primates could take over the world at any given moment. Every time we visit a zoo, we’re moved by the fact that the monkeys seem to be studying us just as closely we we’re observing them. And we were not the least bit surprised when Anderson Cooper covered Kanzi, the bonobo who can communicate through pictograms. 

But even we were blown away by this new gorilla miracle. Ambam is a silverback that lives in Britain's Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. But unlike his knuckle-walking counterparts, this gorilla has learned to saunter like a proper English gentleman. Scientists believe that he picked up on the concept of ambling upright by watching his keepers. Next thing you know he’ll be asking for a spot of afternoon tea.

Check out this footage of Ambam, and if you’re like us, you’ll picture him carrying a briefcase with a Mr. French-like bowler jauntily resting atop his big hairy head.

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Robocall for Rover

We checked our phone messages the other day and as one obvious robocall started to play, we tried to remember what local election we had forgotten. Instead the voice was making a very sad plea — a neighbor had lost her pet greyhound and this call was meant to spread the word. We’d seen some fliers on telephone poles on our street but hadn’t had the time to stop and check it out. Now we can keep an eye out for the runaway pup. Pretty ingenious, no?

So if your pet flies the coop, you can hire findtoto.org to spread the word to your neighbors. For $95 they’ll reach out to 500 local homes. Or if you’re willing to search more far afield, $895 will get you a 10,000-house reach.

If you don’t get a call but you happen upon a wayward pup, you can enter your zip code to search the database to see if one matching the description is listed. Contact numbers are provided so that you can call the owner directly and arrange to return the pooch safely to his home.

FindToto.org isn’t the only canine search site. Others are springing up all over the Internet. DogAmberAlert.com is one. Their goal is “to create a ‘virtual’ Vflyer so if your dog becomes MISSING, members click on your dogs ‘MISSING Flyer,’ print it out themselves and help with the search instantly. Our goal is to build the largest online social network of dogs in the world by developing the most advanced creative communications network available.”

For more entertainment news visit www.popculturepassionistas.com

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Animal Fair and Kibbles ‘n Bits Calendar Giveaway

It’s not often that you can get one holiday present that would appeal to everyone from your grandfather to your teenage daughter. But Animal Fair magazine and Kibbles ‘n Bits have just the thing — and it helps local animal rescues across the country, too.

No, we’re not talking about a fluffy new puppy — you’re actually not supposed to give a pet as a present, just so you know. We’re talking about the 2011 Animal Fair Calendar. Grandpa will love the photo of Betty White snuggling up with a pooch and odds are there’s a teen girl in your house who’ll swoon over this shot of Justin Bieber with his papillion pup Sam. Jane Lynch, Kristin Chenoweth, Jessica Biel and Josh Groban are among the stars featured and each shares info on their favorite animal charities — so you can spread the good cheer in the New Year.

We’re happy to be giving away three calendars to kick of ’11 right. To enter, send an email to popculturepassionistas@gmail.com with ANIMAL FAIR CALENDAR GIVEAWAY in the subject line. Winners will be drawn randomly and announced here on January 3, 2011.  


Click here for official rules and regulations.


And if you're looking for more holiday pet gifts, read this great article by Wendy Diamond for ideas.

Holiday Pet Gifts To Bark About — Just Like Your Dogs Do All Year Long

by Wendy Diamond

The holiday season is here and if you’re chasing your tail wondering what’s the best pet present to buy – please stop now. You don’t have to feel like an underdog any longer when finding the perfect holiday gift for the deserving four-legged companions and dotting pet parents in your life. And if you want to stay out of the doghouse during the holidays, the following highly recommended pet gifts are design and economically savvy – plus festive and fun!

The Scentsy warmers will sooth pets and their parents during all the frantic holiday hubbub. If your pet is prone to sudden outbursts; flame, soot, smoke or lead won’t be a holiday hazard with this gift. All pets take pride in their well-developed snouts and the 80 Scentsy scents will have them sniffing in delight. And with so many varieties of breeds (and pet parents), everyone should find a special seasonal scent to roll over and kick back with! Scentsy makes sense with prices ranging from $30-$50. For more information visit: scentsy.net.

The perfect holiday gift for the entire family, especially if you’re thinking of adopting a new pet from a shelter over the holidays is the Ubisoft Petz Nursery 2 video game. With this game animal lovers can bond virtually with 22 different animals from infancy, while discovering each breed’s tastes and distastes. Ubisoft Petz Nursery 2 helps players discover which pet is the right fit for your family, and adds to what you already know about existing beloved pets. Nurturing and creating relationships with baby “petz” includes feeding, providing shelter and watching them grow to maturity! Ubisoft Petz Nursery 2 goes for the soft price of $29.99. For more information visit: ubi.com.

Even the most spiritually Zen pet makes a mess every now and then, and with all the holiday celebrations coming up pet parents are also primed for the occasional cheerful spill. Bissell’s SpotBot Deep Compact Cleaner removes some of the toughest cat and canine stains, and is one of the best practical gifts! The Bissell SpotBot is spot on ranging from $119.99 to $149.99. For more information visit: Bissell.com.

Dogs and cats are gifted at napping (especially near a warm fireplace), and Petco carries a wide variety of pet beds designed with dreaming animals in mind. The Cuddler Bed In Berry ($14.99) is a round plush comfy zone for dogs to easily climb into and relax – perfect for older canines. The Red Plaid Cat Bed ($18.74) will have your contented cat snuggling up to the stuffed sides, and the no skid bottom will keep even skittish kitties grounded. 

Felines will get feisty with the Sparkle Ball Feather Teaser ($4.46), a non-toxic toy proven to make cats purr and roar while exercising the holiday treats away. If your cat is more of a furturistic feline – the Petco Laser Ring Pet Toy ($2.99) will have your kitty pouncing endlessly after the moving red laser dot.

Crazy Critters pet toys will have your little crazy critters jumping for joy! The Fox & Raccoon Stuffing Free Toys ($9.99) with squeakers on both ends - are super soft and a dog’s perfect hunting toy. If your Christmas canine is a chewer by nature, then the All Natural Mega Munch Sticks ($4.99) made of bark covered willow branches will have your pet chomping and chasing this multipurpose toy.  

For more information visit: petco.com.

We all have Land’s End jackets – and now so will our dogs! Every dog needs an extra layer when running from one holiday hound party to the next. This year plan to keep your dog hot throughout the wintry cold with Land’s End Fleece Dog Jacket, perhaps in seasonal red or green, with a memorable monogram. This cozy, machine washable, polyester fleece jacket protects dogs during the ruff-est of climates. Land’s End Fleece Dog Jacket is the end all at $19.50. 

Land’s End displays a selection of dog collars and leashes, like the stylish Braided Pet Collar and leash. The durable braided nylon adds strength and helps guide your rambunctious pet from taking off at the dog park. All breeds are accommodated - sizes range from extra small to extra large. The collar runs for $17.50 and the leash for $22.50.

For more information visit: landsend.com.

If you’re planning some holiday travel with your snow bound pets or know a pet parent that is, artist William Wegman has created the gift for you! The William Wegman Crypton Super Fabric exclusive Throver works like a tarp but looks like a top line blanket. The “Throver” (for Rover) can be used to cover and protect outdoor car seats (from wet and muddy paws) and indoor sofas (when the fetch games begin). This must have pet present is available in two designs; Show (six colors) and Gameboard (five colors). The Throver is also easy to spot, machine clean, and is stain and odor resistant. The William Wegman for Crypton Fabric Throvers can be covered for $149.00. For more information visit: cryptonfabric.com.

NOTE: Do not give pets as gifts! This isn’t Scrooge speaking, but it is important that the receiver is ready to play, love and care for the pet 24 hours a day! Unlike an ugly pair of wool socks, pets aren’t gifts you can just toss aside or return. If you do know someone who’s ready to become a new “mommy or daddy,” make sure you remind them to adopt as there is every breed, size, color, shape and personality available!

Happy Holiday Pet Shopping and for more Holiday pet information visit www.animalfair.com!