Bark & Sparkle, the Blog

The Talking Dogs Videos on YouTube

2007-02-18T21:23:00.000-05:00

Ever need a little pick-me-up? Something to give you a chuckle in the middle of a tough day?

You have to see this (I think it's my favorite thing on the entire internet): the Talking Dogs videos on YouTube.

Your office mates are gonna want to know what you're laughing at.

Need a Valentine for your Puppy Love?

2007-02-11T19:14:00.000-05:00

It's almost that time--Valentine's Day--another perfect excuse for showering our doggy family members with expressions of love.

Still digging for ideas for what to get your Valentine puppy love? One of our favorite shops, Puppies With Attitude, can help.

For starters, there's the heart-shaped box shown above, filled with gourmet dog cookies, called "Pawdivaz". (Word on the street is that these are doggone good!)

They have a bright, pretty "spa bed" decorated with a large heart, that comes with a matching toy, and an assortment of sparkling Swarovski crystal necklaces.

They also have these unbelievably cute and comfy-looking "Snugglebug Beds" ... imagine your little one cuddled up in this! It'll warm both your heart and hers.

But my hands-down FAVORITE Puppies With Attitude product is this:
hand-knitted cashmere and angora puppy sweaters. That's right--cashmere AND angora! The pictures simply cannot do them justice--they're quite honestly the s-o-f-t-e-s-t things I've ever felt. I wish there was a way to put a "Feel Me" sample right here on this blog page. They're the ultimate in luxury--like wrapping your puppy in a warm hug.

And they come in lots of colors, not just pink. My boyz wear black.

Puppies With Attitude has worked hard to pull together a nice assortment of quality products that you don't find everywhere else. Do yourself a favor and check them out.

Oh, and say hi to spokesmodels Sophie, Phoebe, Lexie, Gracie, Paolo, Junebug and Toffee while you're there. They all wish you a very Happy Valentine's Day!

We Met A Westminster Winner!

2006-07-19T19:49:00.000-04:00

We made friends with a beautiful dog named "Ch. Sterling Ugly From the Front" this past weekend. His nickname is Lyle; he was named after Lyle Lovett, who has a song by that name.

Lyle was at the Green Mountain Scenic Cluster Dog Show in Essex Junction, Vermont. He and his siblings (whose names I unfortunately can't remember due to all the excitement of meeting them) stopped by the Bark & Sparkle booth at the show. Our crystal collars had them drooling! Their mommy generously bought each of them their favorite. When the shopping was done, they graciously posed for us.

Lyle "Ugly From the Front" was Best of Breed winner at Westminster in February 2006, and Best of Show in April 2003. Here he is, in our "Hearts United" style (in honor of his win on Valentine's Day weekend):

Here's Lyle's brother, showing his love for his country in a Patriotic collar:

Finally, here's Lyle's sister, jumping for joy in her new triple strand of pearls:

The dog show was lots of fun. It got us in out of the blistering heat for the day, into a nice, cool air-conditioned building. And the DOGS! They were all incredible. We wanted to take every one home. Thankfully they all have loving owners already.

The great thing about Lyle choosing the Hearts United collar is that we'll send a sizeable portion of the profits from it to HUA, the no-kill shelter we talked about in our last blog entry. Do check them out; there are lots of "gems" there, too.

A Happy Dog Adoption Story

2006-07-08T20:24:00.000-04:00

You may have seen the "Looking for Love" link on Bark & Sparkle's home page. It takes you to the site of a national no-kill shelter and sanctuary called Hearts United for Animals.

One of our customers clicked on that link--and what she found there changed her life.

Lois, the owner of an elegant shop called Puppies With Attitude, already has two beautiful Maltese puppies named Sophie and Phoebe. But there was room in her heart and her home for one more. So she adopted this little sweetheart, named Polo.

Since he's such a regal little fellow, Polo's name was changed slightly to the more worldly "Paolo".

Paolo has made himself right at home with his new family. With Lois's permission, I'd like to share what she told me about him recently:

Paolo (as we now call him) came home on May 24th. He is a very
sweet little guy. When he wakes in the morning (we all sleep in
our Cal-King bed) he kisses my face all over, then he rolls
around on the blankets, then repeats this ritual about 5 more
times. I think he feels safe and loved.

Paolo loves to help me decorate; he has such a talent. Because of Paolo's expertise, all our trash bins are now on top of chairs. It's very charming; he is so clever. Here he is rearranging the hallway runner:

And here he is sleeping with his sisters in a chair with their duvet comforter and his blankie:

Paolo sure looks happy with his new family, doesn't he?

All I can say is thank goodness for places like HUA, and for people like Lois, who see the need for love and compassion for these precious creatures and are more than willing to offer it.

Why don't you go take a look on Hearts United for Animals right now? Tell them we sent you. I'm sure there's a perfect best friend waiting there just for you, too.

How Could You?

2006-05-24T01:24:00.000-04:00

This is an excellent article that will make anyone who has ever loved a dog cry their eyes out.

Credit for the writer follows the article.

HOW COULD YOU?

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh.
You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad", you'd shake your finger at me and ask, "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a belly rub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me.

These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.

You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked, "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream ...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.

When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek.

I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured, "How could you?" Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said, "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

Copyright Jim Willis 2001 www.crean.com

Lots Going On at Bark & Sparkle

2006-02-28T02:34:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been a busy month! We have lots of exciting things going on.

We've been asked to create some special collars to be worn in the finale of the annual MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center fundraiser's Doggy Fashion Show, to be held at Louis Boston in May.

Lucky Dog Magazine is putting our collars on their "Bark List" (kinda like an 'Oprah's Favorite Things' list for dogs) in April.

We're working on a signature design for canine travelers who stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Oconee, Georgia.

Pet Product News featured Bark & Sparkle products in their Boutique section this month.

We updated our website and added lots of new designs, plus a page of people jewelry. If you haven't seen it yet, take a look at our new Testimonials page. There are some adorable photos of our customers modeling their favorite collars (Bark & Sparkle collars, of course!)

The Pampered Puppy did a wonderful review of our collars for this month's newsletter, which has brought us a lot of attention.

And the Sydney, Australia, Sunday Telegraph interviewed me for a piece they're doing in March on pet birthday parties.

It's been a very busy, very exciting month.

Have you visited us lately?

Cataract Surgery for Noelle

2006-02-06T13:29:00.000-05:00

One of Bark & Sparkle's collars--a Sapphire Blue Solitaire--will be among the terrific prizes for an online raffle taking place this month.

The raffle is the brainchild of a young woman named Brittany who started an organization called PetMatch. She's raising funds for a beautiful dog named Noelle, who needs cataract surgery. This pretty girl is Noelle.

Won't you please go buy a $1 ticket or two and help Noelle get the surgery she needs? It's very easy--you can buy thru Paypal here.

Or find out more about Noelle, her brave friend China, and more beautiful dogs at here at Miss Alli's Rescue.

Shades of Purple - Perfect for Spring

2006-01-26T02:19:00.000-05:00

It's not even Valentine's Day yet, but we're thinking ahead to Spring. Your dog should be, too.

Help her get ready for those balmy spring walks in the park by getting her this incredible Galaxy collar in shades of purple. (While you're at it, why not order a matching bracelet for yourself? You deserve some pampering, too.)

Imagine how your little darling will look in the Easter parade in this beauty!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow ...

2006-01-11T22:32:00.000-05:00

... there's a place where all the dogs wear this smashing, statement-making collar (or necklace, if you prefer). Rainbow is the latest design from Bark & Sparkle.

Like all our dog jewelry designs, it's handwoven of all Swarovski crystal in our Vermont studio.

If you go to our website and it's not posted there yet, email us and say "Hey--*I* want a Rainbow!"

We'll have one on the way to you before you can say pot o' gold.

This is Just Cute.

2006-01-10T01:58:00.000-05:00

I found this photo and just had to post it for the sheer cuteness.

It's a blind puppy named Guido frolicking in his first snow in Vail, Colorado in November.

It can't always be about business.

Hearts United for Animals

2006-01-02T22:49:00.000-05:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day shopping, here's our latest collectible design:

It's called "Hearts United", in honor of one of our favorite rescue organizations, Hearts United for Animals.

This design is 6 strands (1-1/4") wide, so it's especially well-suited for larger breeds like greyhounds, bulldogs, or standard poodles.

A portion of the profits from sales of this design will be donated to HUA.

Do your heart good by helping this great cause--make your dog the first one on your block to sport this beautiful designer dog collar!

Pearls of Dogdom

2005-12-13T23:56:00.000-05:00

Introducing ... our elegant new line of Swarovski pearls!

This style (10mm pearls) comes in nearly 20 different colors, with several charm choices: Guardian Angel, Hugs and Kisses, Hearts, or a single gorgeous pearl.

These new pieces will be added to our site very soon, for only $44. Put one on your shopping list for your favorite furry friend.

Barbra Streisand & Sammie Have One ...

2005-12-06T21:44:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Barbra Streisand--well, actually her dog Sammie--is the proud owner of a Bark & Sparkle collar?

This beautiful sapphire blue Solitaire collar was presented to Ms. Streisand in October. It was a gift for her participation in a fundraiser called Grand Slam for Children, held annually by the Andre Agassi Foundation to raise money for underprivileged children in Las Vegas.

Bark & Sparkle is proud to support worthwhile causes like the Grand Slam, which has raised over $42M since 1995.

Manchitas - A Wonderful Cause

2005-12-01T20:25:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to support a young woman with a big heart and high ideals, check out this adorable little item called a Manchita. Manchita is a handmade, handpainted soap dog that smells like chocolate and comes beautifully gift-wrapped.

Every Manchita is handmade by a 13-year old named Melina. She makes and paints all the soaps herself and sells them from her website.

Melina is donating 100% of the proceeds--every penny!--to a children's hospital so that needy children there will get Christmas gifts this year. After Christmas, she will continue making & selling Manchitas and giving the money to other worthy causes.

Thank you, Melina. The world needs more young people like you.

Come See Us at Beverly Feldman's!

2005-11-17T16:54:00.000-05:00

Bark & Sparkle is honored to have been invited to take part in Beverly Feldman's First Annual Doggie Love Day. It takes place at Ms. Feldman's boutique at 7 West 56th Street, New York, NY, on Saturday, November 19, from Noon-6 PM. A portion of all proceeds from the day will be donated to support Animal Haven Shelter, which is sponsored by New York Dog magazine.

Beverly Feldman is a shoe & accessories designer who makes her home with twelve(!) dogs. She's our kind of people!

We'll be there selling our collars on Saturday. Please stop by & say hello.

Christmas Trees Collar

2005-11-10T02:30:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to post a photo of our dazzling new Christmas Trees collar for a week now, but Blogger just isn't cooperating.

Guess you'll just have to go see it at our website, under Limited Editions.

Can't you just picture that collar on your beautiful little black poodle this year?

WAG Mag Put Us on Their Fall Hot List

2005-11-02T22:25:00.000-05:00

That's right ... Wag Magazine put Bark & Sparkle's collars on its Fall 2005 "Hot List" of must-have products for dogs everywhere.

How about putting them on your must-have list?

Two Great Reasons to Come Back & Visit Us

2005-10-30T01:44:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been nearly 2 months since we last posted. We've been BUSY!!

Thanks to faster production times and the discovery of some great new suppliers, Bark & Sparkle has just reduced prices. Plus we've added a new product--a 2-strand collar--to give more people an affordable way to add some sparkle to their pets' wardrobes.

Same high quality & rich, elegant style--just a little narrower. (Hey, come to think of it, these will fit perfectly in your Christmas stocking ...)

The new 2-strand size also makes a beautiful bracelet. Picture it--a Solitaire bracelet for you, in solid Tanzanite, and a Jazz collar with purple flowers all around for your puppy ... ah, what a dazzling combination!

Speaking of combinations, we've also renamed our Mommy & Me sets. Now they're called "Best Friends". We think it fits the idea behind our products better.

Tell us what YOU think.

Do You Have the Country's Most Pampered Pup?

2005-09-07T20:35:00.000-04:00

Want to be on TV? Want to win $20,000 because you're so nutty about spoiling your beloved pooch? Here's your chance!

This notice came out today from ABC:

ABC Television is looking for families full of dog fanatics for our upcoming season! We're talking dog shows, the designer clothes, top of the line carriers, etc etc. We're looking for moms, dads, kids, and pets that love
pampering and indulge in all the fun, frilly accessories. Does your dog have his/her own room or closet? Do you own an array of dog furniture? Have you ever painted your pup's nails? Do your family vacations and weekends center
around different dog shows? Is this a passion shared by your entire family? We want to hear from you!

We're currently casting for the family reality show, 'Wife Swap!' Please don't be confused by the title - "Wife Swap" is a family show on ABC prime time. The premise is simple: two moms from two very different families get the opportunity to swap lives (but NOT bedrooms!) for a week to experience what it's like to live a different lifestyle - and to see what they can teach another family about their own! In this case we want to explore the lives of families who find great joy in treating their pups like the little prices and princesses that they are.

All featured families will receive a $20,000 financial honorarium for their time commitment! And, $1000 goes to anyone who refers a family that makes it on the show! We are looking for two parent families with children (ages 5 and older) who are outgoing, lively, and ready for adventure! Contact us today!

If you think your family is exactly what they're looking for, send us an email and we'll put you in directly in touch with the network contact.

Good luck!

Be a 'DIVA' - and Help Us Help Others

2005-09-06T22:15:00.000-04:00

Bark & Sparkle has donated two of its most popular-style collars for sale by a group called Crafters United. Crafters United is a group of creative independent business (aka "indie biz") owners who have pooled their talents & efforts to raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief.

A full 100% of proceeds from sales of goods by Crafters United goes to the Red Cross.

Our original goal was to raise $1,000. But so far, due to the awesome generosity of all those supporting this effort, over $12,000 has already been raised and sent to the Red Cross--and the "shop" is still going strong!

If you'd like to support this great cause, please visit the Crafters United online shop on Etsy.

While you're there, you might see the collars Bark & Sparkle donated. Our stunning, unique 'DIVA' style (photo above) is available as either a bracelet or a pet collar--and it's priced over $80 below retail.

Our beautiful Solitaire collar is there, too, in either pink or blue--at below wholesale.

Don't miss this chance to do good for others and get a bargain for yourself or your pet at the same time.

Forgive the Trashy Comments

2005-09-06T22:10:00.000-04:00

Our blog has now been "spammed". People are leaving comments that have absolutely nothing to do with Bark & Sparkle.

Some of the stuff left is downright garbage.

So if you normally enjoy our blog but find something objectionable in the comments, please forgive us--it's nothing Bark & Sparkle is or wants to be associated with.

We're going to leave comments enabled for now, in case anyone else wants to say something relevant. If the spam continues, though, we'll sadly be forced to disable them.

Christmas Collars Coming

2005-09-05T15:44:00.000-04:00

We're working on a couple of fun new designs especially for Christmas.

One is a clear crystal collar with brightly decorated Christmas trees woven in.

We'll post a picture soon. Come back so you don't miss out, because these designs will be limited!

Please Help Katrina's Animal Victims, Too

2005-08-31T19:00:00.000-04:00

Today so many of the things we usually talk about seem unimportant, given what's happened in New Orleans, Biloxi, and the rest of the area hurt by Hurricane Katrina.

If you can, please donate to the Humane Society of the US, the North Shore Animal League, or one of the other great organizations mobilizing to help pets and other animals affected by the storm.

And pray, pray, pray for everyone affected.

Thank you.

Quick--Get the Leash!

2005-08-25T23:02:00.000-04:00

You know how some "collars" on the market are really necklaces, cuz you can't hook a leash to them and take Precious out for a walk? (Don't tell anyone, but ours used to be that way, too.)

Well, the most exciting thing about all our collars being adjustable now is that the clasps we're using do make it possible to attach a leash!

So if you were hesitant about getting your pretty pooch a Bark & Sparkle collar because you thought they were "just jewelry" ... it's time to go get Precious, boost her up in front of your computer, and let her start shopping. Cuz now you know our sparklers aren't just beautiful--they're functional, too!

Have You Seen the Aurora Borealis?

2005-08-22T21:03:00.000-04:00

In nature, the Aurora Borealis (aka "Northern Lights") is spectacular.

In Bark & Sparkle's world, Aurora Borealis (aka "AB") is the name Swarovski gave to the spectacular finish that's on nearly all of the crystals we use in our collars. It's a fine coating applied to several sides of a crystal to make it even more reflective. Light bounces off AB crystals in every color of the rainbow.

All the better to make you and Fifi sparkle!!!

Wanna See What All the Fuss is About?

2005-08-19T20:39:00.000-04:00

Haven't been here before? Never (GASP!) heard of Bark & Sparkle? Well, you don't know what you're missing!

Here's a photo of some of our wares--definitely collars fit for a canine queen (or maybe even a king). The pink one and the green one are examples of our Lightning pattern; the blue one is called Jazz. They're all awesome if we may say so ourselves.

Please forgive the plastic rings you can see inside the collars in the photo. We have to use those so the collars will stand up nicely for pictures.

We're a "Chick Pick"!

2005-08-18T15:50:00.000-04:00

Bark & Sparkle's unique collars were chosen as the posh pets "Chick Pick" for August by Thrifty Chick, a popular shopping website/newsletter.

We'd give you a link to the article, but the site's been sold to new owners, so we don't know exactly where it'll end up. Trust us, though--it's an honor to have been chosen.

We're Making Our Collars Adjustable

2005-08-17T01:49:00.000-04:00

We've decided to start making all our collars & necklaces adjustable by up to 2". This will make it easier for our customers to both choose & order the right size.

Before, you had to measure your pet's neck exactly, at the spot you thought the collar would fall, and order that specific length. Then we'd make the woven crystal part of the piece that length. Putting on the finishing beads & the clasp added just the right amount of length to make the collar fit perfectly.

Now, you'll be able to measure the pet's neck and then choose XS, S, M, L, XL or XXL. XS will adjust from 6"-8"; S will go from 8"-10"; M from 10"-12"; and so on, up to 18".

We hope this will make it easier for you to choose your next special occasion collar from Bark & Sparkle.

If you have ideas for any other ways we might make our products or service better, please feel free to email us or leave a comment here.

"Mommy & Me" Matching Jewels

2005-08-14T00:44:00.000-04:00

Is this not an adorable photo? The models are a little chihuaua named KC (who doesn't know he's little) and his mommy, Tracy.

They're showing off one of our Mommy & Me sets--KC, the Galaxy collar in Emerald & Chrysolite, and Tracy, the matching bracelet.

Don't you wish you had a cute set like this? We know where you can get one ... or a pink one ... or a blue one ... or ...

Bark & Sparkle - "Collars with Cachet"

2005-08-09T01:45:00.000-04:00

Bark & Sparkle opened its doors in cyberspace on August 1, 2005. We hope to make the world a more beautiful place by putting our handiwork around the necks of discriminating dogs everywhere.

We started this blog as a place for updates on what's happening with the company, notes about new things we're working on, cool photos, or whatever else strikes our fancy.

Like today we found this fun site, where you can get your "daily doggy fix": Modern Pooch.

And check out this little guy; his name is Bug--how'd you like to try to get any work done with that kind of distraction? :-)