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Today may possibly be the happiest (and cutest) national day in the world – it’s National Puppy Day! Being a new pet parent can be overwhelming, I’ve been there… So if you’re welcoming home a new puppy, or just looking to spoil your current one, here are 7 essential items to cover all your bases. After all, their happiness is your happiness! Plus, they’re all tested and approved by #dogintern, Koda, and trust me, she’s a picky one.
Did you know that puppies sleep for about 18 hours a day? All that rest is when their brain, body, and immune system are doing the most developing, so it’s no surprise that a comfy bed is the #1 thing they’ll be needing. Unlike most foam beds that trap heat, Koda especially loves Newton Baby’s Pet Bed, which features the same Wovenaire technology as their award-winning mattress. Koda’s an Aussie-mix with two fur coats, so she really appreciates a bed that keeps her comfy without getting her too warm! It’s designed to be 100% breathable, washable, and better sleep for your pup. (Extra emphasis on ‘washable’ because we all know accidents are prone to happen with new puppies.) For puppies that paw – not to worry because the bed cover is also scratch-resistant!
Timeless, simple, and made of food-grade stainless steel that’s dishwasher safe, Wild One’s bowls are perfect for mealtimes. The nonslip silicone base keeps the bowls from moving around, but if you want to go one step further, they also have matching silicone placemats to catch any spillage! With a messy drinker like Koda, the placemat is a lifesaver. It keeps my floors clean and dry, and it’s so easy to wipe down. Available in 2 sizes, with the option of neutrals (Black or Tan) or a pop of color (Lilac or their seasonal addition, Spruce)!
With all that puppy energy, long walks are a great way to tire them out. Maxbone’s GO! With Ease Hands Free Leash is perfect for us hoomans because 1) the leash distance is adjustable and 2) it can be worn around the waist or shoulder, making it one less thing to worry about while you’re training your puppy to heel. It can still be used as a regular leash if you don’t want to go hands-free, but I love the fact that it’s versatile to however YOU want to use it! Pair it with the matching Signature Collar + the GO! With Ease Pouch, and you two will be the most stylish duo on the block. Call me extra, but the Pouch is such an easy way to elevate your walking game since it can be attached to the leash. (Step aside, Lululemon Fanny Pack!) Load it up with your phone, credit cards, keys, and poop bags, and you’re good to go!
It’s hard to avoid your puppy tracking in dirt and germs from outside, but at least Dandylion makes it easy to clean! Their Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser has become my second best friend as it instantly washes Koda’s paws without the need to rinse. The foamy formulation and soft silicone bristles allow for a gentle deep cleanse with plant-based ingredients that soothe, nourish, and provide anti-microbial benefits! Just simply remove the cap, pump out some foam, and gently massage into those hard-to-reach areas. Wipe dry and your puppy’s ready to roam free again. I love that they have a refill bottle so that when you’re through with the bottle, you can reuse your pump to stay eco-friendly!
A daily routine extended to your puppy – personalized supplements for dogs have become a thing. Vet-formulated and pet-approved, Dandy has supplements that you can customize from scratch or simply choose pre-made packs to eliminate any guesswork. They also have a short quiz you can take, which gives you a vet recommendation based on your pup’s unique needs! For me, it’s been an uphill battle with Koda’s allergies, so I appreciate that their vet-formulated packs are a quick and easy no-brainer for me. They’re even available at some retailers so we never have to worry about going a day without them. Depending on your pup, choose from Allergy, Anxiety, or Wellness Care to target their concerns. (They also have Joint Care for anyone with older dogs!)
As mentioned before, this short puppy period is full of development. Physical fun and exercise help their little bodies develop, while mental challenges help grow their brains. Fable’s Enrichment Set includes The Game and 2 Falcon Toys, which allow for interactive or independent play. Their Twin Falcon Toy is also a great option if you’re looking for a two-in-one. Enrichment isn’t just limited to mealtime; the open cavities on the Falcons can be stuffed with spreads like peanut butter, but don’t worry about the mess – the toys are top rack dishwasher safe! (Just try to skip the heated dry cycle.) Koda’s a huge lover of peanut butter and non-fat Greek yogurt, so she always knows what time it is when I bring out her Twin Falcon!
Durable, non-toxic, and easy to clean, Fable’s Signature Balls are an upgrade from your typical tennis ball. They aren’t just for a good chase, they’re also great for mental stimulation! The two openings minimize choking risk, but you can also fill it up with spreads to keep your pup busy. Hand wash with soap and water, and they’re good as new.
It’s also nice to mention that Winnie Lou gives back to the dog community by donating some of their proceeds to local rescues each quarter. Koda herself was a rescue, so brownie points there!
Maivy Tran is a California native and if she’s not brainstorming narratives or curating content, she’s probably at the dog park with her pup Koda. See the BTS of her life over on Instagram.
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Artist Tee Ken Ng created awesome zoetrope automata. This sculpture becomes animated when rotated, making a little wooden person look like they're walking around. Atlas Obscura: "By using a Geneva wheel the zoetrope can be rotated in steps (frame by frame). — Read the rest
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There are few toys that could claim to appeal to ages 1-99, but LEGO are undeniably universally loved, especially among the creative set that see them as building blocks for unbridled exploratory activities. Case in point, architecture firm The Brooklyn Studio has partnered with independent LEGO artist Steve Mayes to produce a special-edition set featuring Brooklyn Landmarks that should appeal to urbanists, architects, and dedicated New York boroughs stans.
The Brooklyn Studio is known specifically for their work as a rowhouse architecture firm, so this project may be a departure in scale, but arguably aligned with their ability to capture the Brooklyn streetscape as a simplified brick-by-brick recreation.
What’s cooler than learning about nineteenth-century urbanism? Nothing. We hope this set inspires the next generation of architects and preservationists.
– Christopher Devine, Marketing Director at The Brooklyn Studio
Comprising 349 pieces, the custom LEGO set follows a loosely defined geography of Brooklyn, spanning from Carroll Gardens to Prospect Heights. Rendered in miniature, from left to right, are the Carroll Street Bridge and Bridge Tender’s House (completed 1889), the National Packing Box Factory (completed 1889), the Gowanus Canal (dredged 1860s), Park Slope brick and brownstone rowhouses (built c. 1870 – 1895), Park Slope limestone rowhouses (built c. 1890 – 1915), Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch (completed 1892), and Prospect Park (completed 1873).
The architecture studio identifies itself not only as LEGO lovers, but also “stewards of the built environment” who are “always mindful of the historical, cultural, and environmental context in which we work.”
Each set comes in custom packaging with step-by-step building instructions and information about the places depicted. To add a level of realism, the Carroll Street Bridge can be placed in its fully retracted position. The option to produce the accompanying sound effects while lifting or retracting the bridge is purely up to its builder/person playing with it.
The custom set was originally designed as a holiday gift for The Brooklyn Studio’s clients and collaborators. But not surprisingly the architecturel firm was inundated with curious demand, so now the firm plans to offer additional sets for sale, with proceeds being donated to the Historic Districts Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic neighborhoods, buildings, and public spaces in New York City. To register interest in getting your hands on your own set, email [email protected].
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