And The LOUIE Goes To...

The Pet Set was selected from among 1600 greeting card entries as "Judges Choice" at the 18th Annual International Stationery Awards competition, The LOUIES.

Everyone was jumping up and down for me, a photographer snapped a photo as I hugged my colleagues, the setting was glamourous...and yet, I'm having trouble being as thrilled as everyone else seems to be about this. I don't know why.

"Judges Choice" is kind of like getting the "Cecil B. DeMille" award at the Oscars...it's recognition, but not the kind I wanted. I wanted the statue...I wanted to be like the others who had won...recognized in the industry as a true stationery company. But instead, I was recognized as having done something, we're not quite sure what it is and we don't know how to categorize her, but we have to recognize her.


I felt like I still have so much more work to do, eventhough I feel as if I've already worked so hard.

There's always next year.

How dogs save us

I always talk about my boy Trotter. I am convinced that somehow he saved me from myself.

He taught me to love and taught me open my eyes.

Tell me your stories about how your dog saved you.

Manners on the leash

While walking Trotter, my beloved -- if not unruley -- Labrador, I experienced what I consider to be unacceptable "Leash Petiquette".

Normally, Trotter is quite the gentlman during our walks, but yesterday my neighbor and his 4 month old Rottweiler puppy came walking towards us...and Trotter became insensed, started pulling and straining at the leash to try to get to Sasha. Of course, I had to yank Trotter back into a sit position, and I can tell you, there aren't many ways to look glamourous while you are pulling at an 80lb. dog.

I must tell you, I was mortified...this behavior is truly uncivilized and should not be tolerated.

If anyone has thoughts on how to prevent or correct such behavior, please do let me know.

In the mean time, there will be no privileges for quite some time...lol

Yu Hu Stewardess: Flight Attendants as Censors

Yu Hu Stewardess: Flight Attendants as Censors

What Is The Haute Dog for 2006?

I feel that dogs have become like fashion accessories: in one season; out the next. As I try to make a decision about what new breeds to add to The Pet Set Collection, I find the decision-making process to be difficult. There all so wonderful.

It's an interesting study in demographics, however. For example, in Florida, small "lap dogs" are the most popular. In Colorado, large dogs, are favored. And while Canada may seem like the land of the Labrador Retreiver, they also have many fans of the tiny French Bulldog.

I would love to have The Pet Set represent all 191 AKC breeds in its collection...but that is not plausible right now.

So I ask you to send in your picks to me for the Haute Dog of 2006.

Looking forward to your selections.

Kim

Traveling In High 'dog' Style.

It's not new news that across the country there are hundreds of hotels that have acquiesced to the notion that folks don't want to leave their 4-legged companions at home during their family vacation. A whole industry has responded and is flourishing as a result of this phenomenon: just take a look at of Dogfriendly.com

I surely know I can't enjoy myself unless our Lab, Trotter is with us.

There are, so-called, dog-friendly hotels--which are fine and necessary. But then there are luxury destinations that specialize in hospitality, service and pampering on an entirely different level -- giving new meaning to "pampered pooch."

The current Winter Issue of Animal Fair Magazine, features seven of the most luxurious, welcoming and lovely U.S. resorts from, Aspen to Lake Placid.

Aspen is a glorious winter wonderland for both humans and dogs. Such is the case at The St.Regis Resort. First of all, the property and its surroundings are absolutely stunning--making it a draw whether you have pets or not. According to Animal Fair Magazine, "Every dog is treated to plush, five-inch thick beds with a royal purple seal and individual ceramic dog dishes" Going on a hike?...their "borrow a pet program" is just the ticket: now you can take in the scenery with a furry pal who knows his way around the trails or you can just sit by the fire with him and read.

Interested in the glamour of Vail? The Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, is considered to be one of the most pet-friendly resorts in the country. Their exclusive Loan-a-Lab program featuring "Bachelor", the yellow Labrador, is a complimentary service that is extremely popular with families and children. In addition The Ritz at Bachelor Gulch offers their Very Important Pooch (V.I.P.) program, which includes: a welcome card, a custom-made gold name tag and homemade dog biscuits before the end of the evening.

Although I do not ski and possibly won't get a chance to visit these lush locales--I say, if you're going to go through the trouble of packing up your darling baby for a winter vacation, you may as well do it by Puttin' On The Ritz.

For something a little more rustic and cozy, look at how lovely
Dog House Resort is in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Also check out:

The Alpine Village Suites
Lake Placid Lodge
Paw House Inn
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
Sorensen's Resort.



And take your baby!

Welcome To The Pet Set

The Pet Set is the on-line destination for those who spoil their dogs. And I don't mean letting them sit on the sofa or dressing them in Halloween outfits or letting them sleep on your bed -- those things are nice but are for beginners.

I mean you are so completely obsessed with lavishing your dog with the best in life: gourmet food, luxury vacations, spa treatments, personal stationery, haute designer collections...that nothing is off limits!

Anything you would splurge on for yourself, you would splurge on for your dog. And I do mean splurge.

For example, last week, I spent over $170.00 on gourmet, holistic treats for my Chocolate Labrador, Trotter...that amount could have bought dinner for 2 in NYC at Babbo.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Kim Banks
The Pet Set
www.the-petset.com

The Pet Set Supports The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

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