mySimon Pets Shopping Picks

Our graphic designer has a black lab named Xena (less warrior than princess). The other night Xena cut her leg open on something in the park. So the good people at Pets Unlimited stitched Xena up and put one of those hard plastic "Elizabethan collar" lamp shade things on her. But that lamp shade is making the (already anxious) dog miserable, because it's so uncomfortable and makes it hard to navigate doorways. So we're getting Xena a Comfy Cone. It's made out of nylon and foam, not plastic, so it's much more comfortable for dogs (not to mention the backs of people's knees), but still prevents dogs from interfering with healing wounds.

You can't take your dog to see Sex and the City, but you can give your dog this Sarah Jessica Barker toy. Made by Haute Diggity Dog, the company behind the iPaw and Jimmy Chew toys, it's a great gift for dog owners and/or SATC fans. See all Haute Diggity Dog toys and supplies, including Angelina Growlie, Rosie O'Doggel, and Clint Eastwoof. More Sex and the City shopping.

As the weather starts to heat up, chances are your dog feels the heat too. The Canine Cooler pet bed, from the people who brought you the Chillow, will help keep your pooch as cool as a cucumber all summer long. The thermoregulating design eases dogs' discomfort from the heat, joint and hip problems, and skin disorders, and even repels fleas. It's non-toxic, non-electric, easy to clean, and thick enough to park a truck on without popping it. Available in small, medium, and large sizes. We're keeping our fingers crossed for an adult human size. (Not that we have fleas; we just hate hot weather.)

Big dogs get cold too. Luckily Orvis makes a great fleece dog sweater that helps dogs maintain their body temperatures (and their dignity). Available in several solid colors, the fleece sweater is warm, soft, and machine washable. And dogs love it! One reviewer says her dog saw the sweater when it came out of the wash, and "wanted it right back on again." More dog sweaters.

From the Best Gifts Under $100 for Cat Lovers department, we present the Tigrito cat bowl. Designed by Miriam Mirri for Alessi, the Tigrito has a plastic cartoon cat frame with 18/10 stainless steel bowls that remove for easy cleanup. And this is one cat you can pick up by the tail to move around. Choose yellow, blue, or grey. Note to dog owners: Mirri also designed the Lupita dog bowl. More pet supplies.

There's a lot of stuff you need to take with you when you walk the dog at night: Coat, keys, ball, leash, plastic bag, flashlight. (And the dog). But that list just got a little shorter, thanks to this 12-foot retractable dog leash. It's got a built-in flashlight, so you can see where you're going (and what you need that plastic bag for), as well as a built-in radio. The radio might seem a little silly, but if you enjoy the music, your evening walk might last longer, which is good for both you and Fido. More retractable dog leashes.

If your dog has hip dysplasia, arthritis, or stiffness after walks, you should try Zukes Hip Action treats, a natural way to keep dogs active, mobile, and pain-free. The affordable treats are made from an all-natural base (real beef, durum wheat flour, fructose, apple, carrot, canola oil) with a healthy dose of glucosamine and chondroitin, nutrients that condition and rebuild worn, aching joints. Dogs love the taste, and their owners can't believe how well the treats work. More dog treats.

Landlord won't allow pets? Get the biOrb mega aquarium instead. Just add water and fish; it comes with everything else you need (tank, halogen light, gravel, filter, air pump, chemicals, food, and - thankfully - instructions). The 16-gallon tank is made out of crystal-clear acrylic, which is 10 times stronger than glass, and the whole thing is only 20" in diameter, making it a fun but unobtrusive conversation piece. Check out the adorable 4-gallon Baby biOrb too.

As the weather gets warmer, dogs and cats start shedding their winter coats. All over your floor, your clothes, and your car. Enter the Furminator deshedding tool. Its unique stainless steel edge grabs your pet's loose undercoat hair, removing it without damaging the topcoat, and reduces shedding up to 90%. Available in several sizes. Look how much hair it got out of this golden retriever.

You generally scoff at people who carry their dogs around in rhinestone-encrusted dog purses, or dress them up in frilly t-shirts. But the Sniffany dog bed from Haute Diggity Dog is just too cute and too funny to resist. Made of hypo-allergenic fill with a zip-off micro-velvet cover, it's a comfortable place for your dog (or cat) to sleep, hang out, and receive visitors. Available in several sizes. More funny dog beds, including the Furcedes, the Furrari, and the Barkswaggin.

If laughter is the best medicine, then the Humunga Tongue is the prescription. This hilarious dog toy is simply a long rubber tongue attached to a rubber ball. Your dog can catch it, fetch it, or play tongue o' war - but you will lose because you will be laughing so hard. Made of nontoxic natural rubber, the Humunga Tongue will make all the other dogs (and dog owners) drool with envy. There's a "junior" version for small dogs, too. Equally funny: Orvis' dog lips chew toy.

Stop laughing. Dogs need eye protection too, especially hunting and working dogs, dogs who are sensitive to light, dogs who have had eye surgery, and dogs who like to hang their heads out the window on road trips. Doggles are what rescue, police, and military dogs use to protect their eyes from foreign objects, wind, and 100% of UV light. Available in all sizes and colors, Doggles are padded and flexible for your dog's comfort, and the shatterproof lenses never fog up.

Designed to look like an iPod, the iPaw plush dog toy has a squeaker inside, so Fido can rock around the clock. Looks like it's playing "It's Only Bark & Roll" and "Under My Paw." If that's not cute enough for you, check out the Chewy Vuiton toy, the blue Sniffany & Co. box, and the Kate Spayed bag. More fun dog toys.

Yesterday a friend emailed us some photos of her cat, Evie. A very cute cat, but we couldn't help noticing that Evie was perched atop a pile of her dad's jeans and socks. So we started looking for a more suitable bed for Evie and found the Kitty Kup. It's 6" high and 15" deep, reversible, and made of machine-washable acrylic plush pile fabric. And it's only $20. We almost wish it came in human sizes. More cat beds.

Introducing the Global Pet Finder, a GPS tracking device that fits easily onto your dog's collar. After you create a virtual fence (online), you receive notices on your cell phone, email, or PDA if your dog wanders outside that boundary (which you can turn off for walks and trips). You can even type "found" into your phone and find out exactly where Fido is at any given moment. More dog supplies.