The Muttropolis Blog

Kick-off the Dog Days of Summer with 20% off Storewide

For four days only, we’re offering 20% off storewide! A sale like this isn’t an often occurrence at Muttropolis, so don’t miss your chance to stock up and save on pet essentials and must-haves for your adored four-legged family member. Our Summer Kick-off Sale starts today, Friday May 24^th and ends on Monday May 27^th at midnight PST.

  
Our expansive, upscale assortment includes unique collars, harnesses and leashes, stylish apparel, cool and captivating toys, travel accessories, at home essentials such as luxury bedding and dining, and much much more. With an astute buying team behind our helms, we’re pleased to have become one of “the” places to shop to meet and exceed canine customers’ expectations. Food and treats are the only categories excluded from this special offer.

 
So take a look and act fast to enjoy the best selection and savings! As mentioned, the sale only lasts 4 days, ending on Monday May 27^th. You can visit any one of our Muttropolis store locations or visit Muttropolis.com to shop the sale. Online customers must use coupon code SIZZLE at checkout to receive their 20% discount.

Muttropolis Will Be At The 22nd Annual Pug Party This Saturday in Del Mar!

We’re happy to announce our participation in the 22^nd Annual Pug Party put on by Pug Rescue of San Diego County (PRSDC), an all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing unwanted, neglected, abandoned or relinquished pugs and placing them in new, loving and caring home environments. The party will take place from 10AM to 4PM at the Infield Pavilion area of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

The Del Mar Pug Party is the PRSDC’s largest fundraiser, with over 500 pugs in attendance each year. This year’s theme is “Pug Super Heroes,” with costume contests, talent competitions and chow down competitions for all pug attendees to enjoy. Contest entry fees are $5 per pug per contest. After enjoying those activities, pugs can relax and socialize at the exclusive Pug Café while owners shop at the Unique Pug Boutique and vendor booths, enter in the raffle for a chance to win one of the 20 basket prizes, or socialize over refreshments. There will also be an “Ask the Vet” booth with three registered veterinarian technicians available to answer questions and clip nails.

Our involvement in this year’s event includes the donation of a raffle prize and attendance at a vendor booth. We’ll be offering specially selected, pug perfect products including Buddy Belt Dog Harnesses and matching Buddy Belt Leashes, all handcrafted from 100% soft, double-layered leather. Buddy Belt Dog Harnesses are one of our most popular harnesses and come highly recommended by veterinarians as they provide both comfort and control while eliminating any stress on the pet’s neck. The leather is very durable, yet softens and molds to the pet’s body for a custom fit.

To help pugs beat the heat we’ll also have Gulpy Water Dispensers. These dispensers are a great way to take H2O on the go, functioning as both a water bottle and bowl in one. And for treats, we will have Mutt Munchers, our Muttropolis exclusive dog treats made locally in Southern California. Grain-free with only all natural, human-grade ingredients, Mutt Munchers are delicious and nutritious, available in a variety of flavors for pup’s differing dietary needs and preferences.

The Annual Pug Party will be a fun-filled, memorable event for all, and we are very happy to be a part. For more information about the PRSDC’s 22^nd Annual Pug Party, visit www.pugbutts.com.

Please note: Due to a new requirement by Del Mar, proof of each pug’s rabies vaccination will be needed for entry. Those without documentation may need to sign a release statement certifying that their dog(s) do not have such vaccinations. The waiver is available at www.pugbutts.com. Pug Rescue regrets any inconvenience this new rule by Del Mar may cause.

Join Us & the ASPCA in Preventing Cruelty to Animals

In honor of the ASPCA’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, we have been hosting extra adoptions in all three of our Muttropolis stores. For those who don’t know, the ASPCA is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the first humane society to be established in North America. Each year during the month of April, they reintroduce an awareness campaign, urging supporters to “Go Orange for Animals.” Orange was chosen for the campaign because it is a very vibrant, energetic color, used to motivate supporters to join the campaign to improve the lives of animals across the country. A wide variety of involvement options are posted on the ASPCA website.

We know that awareness is key to the success of this campaign, so please join us in educating current and potential supporters about the abundance of physical, behavioral and environmental signs of animal cruelty. Some common signs and symptoms of animal cruelty include tick or flea infestations, wounds on the body, patches of missing hair, extremely thin and starving animals, limping, physical abuse, pets who are repeatedly left alone without food or water, animals who are kept in extreme weather conditions, and animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached. 

In an effort to make it easier to get involved, the ASPCA has compiled the following top 10 ways that you can crack down on animal cruelty:

1)       Know who to call to report animal cruelty.

2)       Get to know and look for the animals in your neighborhood.

3)       Make the call.

4)       Provide as much information as possible when reporting animal cruelty.

5)       Contact your local law enforcement department and let them know that investigating animal cruelty should be a priority.

6)       Fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state and local levels by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade.

7)       Set a good example for others. If you have pets, be sure to always show them the love and good care they deserve.

8)       Talk to your kids about how to treat animals with kindness and respect.

9)       Support your local shelter or animal rescue organization.

10)   Start a Neighborhood Watch Program.

To show our dedication and support for this cause, we’ve hosted 1 to 2 pet adoption events every weekend in April and will continue to do so through the end of the month. Listed below are the next three adoptions events, one in each store.

Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals – Saturday, April 20^th from 10:30am-2pm in Solana Beach

Recycled Pets SoCal Adoption – Saturday, April 20^th from 12pm-3pm in Newport Beach

SNAP (Spay Neuter Action Project) Adoption – Saturday, April 27^th from 11am-2pm in La Jolla

For further details, please visit the Events page on Muttropolis.com, or find us on Facebook.

Showcasing at Rancho Santa Fe Community Center’s Annual Spring Luncheon

We’re happy to announce our attendance at this year’s Rancho Santa Fe Community Center’s Annual Spring Luncheon. A celebration of tabletop creations, this event is expected to draw in the attendance of over 150 Rancho Santa Fe ladies. This year the luncheon will be held from 10AM to 2PM on Thursday, March 28^th at The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe.

We’ll be showcasing a few select products from our wide variety of design-driven merchandise, and offering unique promotions for all attendees! With a group of loyal customers from the Rancho Santa Fe Community, we’re honored to be a part of the Community Center’s event and enthusiastic to provide its pet lovers with a sneak peek of our new collections.

The Rancho Santa Fe Community Center is a nonprofit organization that strives to enhance the spirit and benefits of community life in Rancho Santa Fe through programs, events and services of enrichment, recreation and outreach for all ages.

For more information about this Annual Luncheon, visit www.rsfcc.com.

Entertainment Time: DOGTV Viewing Party On March 9th

Muttropolis is moving into the entertainment business, for an afternoon at least! We’re happy to be teaming up with DOGTV to host a viewing party for our furry customers and adoring parents. DOGTV is cable’s first network for canines, with every frame and sound designed 100% for dogs. The viewing party will be held from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday, March 9^th at our Newport Beach Muttropolis store in the Fashion Island Shopping Center. “Puptails” will be available for canine guests and special treats for their parents.

We’re dedicated to keeping a pulse on the latest and most innovative products for pets, and that is why we have partnered with DOGTV. Many pups, and their owners, feel anxious about their time apart, but with DOGTV that anxiety can be alleviated for everyone. DOGTV promises all of the fidos in the world that they will never feel alone again. A babysitter in a sense, DOGTV is for your dog when you can’t be!

Committed to preventing mental fatigue, depression and boredom, the creators of DOGTV have conducted extensive research and found that dogs do in fact feel better in the company of television, especially when the content is relaxing, stimulating, or includes positive behavioral reinforcements. Soothing sounds with varying frequencies are combined with carefully chosen visuals to generate different content to calm, encourage playfulness, and expose dogs to habituating, comforting stimuli. 

DOGTV is available on COX On DEMAND at a subscription price of $4.99/month. For every attendee who brings in proof of a DOGTV subscription, DOGTV will donate $5 to Recycled Pets, an all breed K-9 rescue group in Orange County. Recycled Pets rescues adoptable dogs from county shelters who would otherwise be killed and place them into responsible, loving, forever homes.

The DOGTV Viewing Party is a great opportunity to entertain and socialize your pup, while also educating yourself on how DOGTV might fit into your life. And don’t forget, if you purchase a subscription, or already have one, bring proof and you’ll be giving back to pups in need! Our Newport Beach store is located at 865 Newport Center Drive. We hope to see you and your pup there, between 12pm and 3pm on March 9^th.

Fetchingly Fresh: Our Hip Hop Shop is Now Open!

Spring has sprung at Muttropolis, and we’re ready to help you put a little extra pep in your pup’s step! With an abundance of new design-driven spring styles, there is no better place than our Hip Hop Shop to get your pup ready for the Easter season. Darling dresses, dapper accessories, super cute tanks, tantalizing toys, and much much more.

If you have a princess pup you must see our Daffodils Dog Dress and Bunny Dog Dress, just two of our many fashion favorites, both handcrafted with delicate details and exceptional execution. And not to worry, we’re prepared to outfit dapper doggies too. Our Blue Plaid Dog Bowtie is a handsome choice, or the more subtle Happy Easter Dog Tank. If you’re looking for sometime to use all spring and summer long, the Aqua and Green Stripe Dog Collar and Leash set is bright, striking, and best of all gender neutral!

Don’t have a dog that likes to dress up? Treat them with toys! For the first time, we’re carrying the popular Plush Bottle Dog Toy, a great toy and new way to recycle in one. It’s simple, just stuff the plush duck with an empty water bottle and let your dog go crazy crunching and crinkling to their hearts desire! We’ve also expanded our talking toy collection to include a Talking Rabbit and Talking Chick, both sure to keep your pup amused as they come to life with each squeeze!

Clearly we are ready to hippity hop into spring, so let us help you and your pup get ready too! Join us to celebrate, hunt for Easter eggs, and pose for Easter pictures, at one of our three Egg-stravaganzas. All Egg-stravaganzas will be held on Saturday, March 30^th. Festivities will start at 10am in our Fashion Island store and at 11am in both our Solana Beach and La Jolla stores. Hope to see you and your fido there!

Top 4 Halloween Safety Tips

Ginger or MaryAnne? Maybe neither.

As you, your ghosts, goblins and gangs of Lady Gaga's all head out for Halloween festivities this weekend, we here at the Daily Treat command center feel it our civic duty to share with you these important safety tips to prevent you from ending up in some bad YouTube video or on TMZ. For other fun Halloween pet costume and party planning ideas, check out Animal Planet's Halloween Party Guide for all things Spook-tacular!

1) Costume Common Sense

If you do decide to dress your pet , make sure the costume doesn't restrain your pet in any way and that your pet's vision is not impaired. Don’t force the issue: If Rover doesn't want to dress up as Lara Croft Tombraider, then Rover shouldn't be Lara Croft...maybe he'd actually prefer Judge Judy.

2) Candy Patrol

As much as your dog or cat may beg for some of your Halloween candy, always remember that chocolate is DEADLY  to them in any amount. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs. Symptoms can include vomiting or diarrhea. That said, be sure not to keep that bowl of Halloween candy for trick or treaters anywhere within your pets reach, as it may be too tempting for pets to resist.

If your pet does eat chocolate, immediately call your vet or the Poison Control 1-800-222-1222. Post this number by your phone or on your refrigerator so it can be easily located in an emergency.

3) "Pretty decorations...me want eat decorations..."

Other possible hazards include decorations that could be ingested, such as fake spiderwebs, as well as electric lights and jack-o-lantern candles.

4) "Scary lady in spandex make me want to get the heck out of here..."

Pets may also be spooked by people wearing costumes, and may try to escape or become aggressive. So be sure they are wearing their collar and pet identification tags or consider tucking them into their bed early  in an enclosed room so they cannot run out the front door!

Did I forget anything? Share your ideas in the comments below and Happy Halloween!

Dogs Rule at Annual Surf Dog Contest

Zazou, Kiki, Schmoo and the Muttropolis team and I had a blast last weekend at the 5th annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon held at Del Mar Dog Beach in Southern California. Benefitting the Helen Woodward Animal Center, the event raises funds for orphaned animals at the Helen Woodward Animal Center and promotes responsible pet ownership.

This year, we enjoyed judging the hilarious Surfer Babe and Beach Bum Costume Contest alongside none other than Shorty from Animal Planet's Pit Boss and one of his darling Pit pups, Hercules! 

The contest featured countless creative costumes, but we all agreed that a slightly portly German Shorthair Pointer, nicknamed "Surfer Joe," deserved best in show for costume creativity and spirit! Our second favorite costume was terrier mix who had a darling Palm Tree sprouting from his haunches and a surfer riding his rump! Check out the gallery below for some of our other favorite moments from the event!

The Best in Surf Was....

None other than our favorite Extreme Sports Sporting dog, Abbie Girl, mastered this year's winning ride, clinching the title of "Best of Surf." Abbie really wowed the crowds with a particularly tricky move at the end of her ride - check out the video of her amazing move here> 

 

   

 

  

 

Fur Real: Marmaduke + Surf Dogs Hang 20 for Charity

Surfer Doggy Dudes + Dudettes Shred it at Annual Competition

Super stoked pups of all walks hit Imperial Beach here in San Diego over the weekend for the 5th annual Loews Coronado Bay Surf Dog competition. Each dog (or team) had 10 minutes to catch their top two waves, and were scored on confidence level, length of ride and overall ability to "grip it and rip it." 

Among the epic pro-pooch surfers was our friend Micheal Uy and his constant four-legged companion Abbie girl, who is front and center in the dog-surfing craze spreading across the nation. In fact, Abbie was cast as a surfer-girl in the soon to be released film Marmaduke, due in theaters June 4 from 20th Century Fox.

George the Great Dane , the 200-pound dog who plays the miscreant Marmaduke in the film was also on hand for the surf competition, along with actors Owen Wilson and George Lopez who are voice actors for the film.

Article reprint courtesy of Animal Planet's The Daily Treat with Janet McCulley

Warts and All: Rascal Reigns at the Annual Ugly Dog Contest

Who're you calling ugly?

Rascal proved he's still got it at the 15th Annual Del Mar Ugly Dog Contest held here in San Diego, CA last weekend, as he reigned supreme at the annual contest attended by hundreds - all to benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

A pure bred Chinese Crested pooch who is naturally hairless and born without a lot of his teeth, Rascal has scored a superfecta of Ugly Dog contests, as he is the only living Ugly dog to hold the coveted "Ring of Champions" title which makes him the current "World's Ugliest Dog." 

Fugly runs in the family

The butterface gene has apparently always run in Rascal's family, as he is a descendent of Chi Chi, who is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for winning the most ugly dog contests, according to his owner Dane Andrew of Sunnyvale.

“At first they think he’s ugly and then they think he’s cute,” Andrew said about Rascal's fans. “He grows on them in just seconds.” 

In fact, Rascal has amassed some famous fans along the way - as Andrew and Rascal have been interviewed by Jay Leno, Barbara Walters, Jane Pauley, Carson Daly and Kathy Griffin, according to his IMDB site.

Personally, I think he's darling in a "face-only-a-mother-could-love" kind of way! What do you think?

Article reprint courtesy of Animal Planet's The Daily Treat with Janet McCulley