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Besides the requisite cook outs, coolers, concerts, and the crackle of fireworks, Fourth of July is a celebration of the end of one journey and the start of another, marking as it does independence from the rule of King George III and the beginning of an ongoing experiment in democratic self government. It marks the first steps on the road that brought us where we are today, a road with no end, but with handy directions provided by the Constitution. Thus, it is fitting that in anticipation of a great Fourth of July weekend, we bring you part two of our King* Duke’s Guide to Summer Road Trips. Let’s go!
We, the Dogs, know that there are few things more important for optimal performance and enjoyment than refreshment and hydration, and so it is here we will pick up the trail. Our friends at Dexas really kill it in this department, and we think you will get significant mileage (!!) from their super cool insulated travel bottle and collapsible bowl. This perfect pair will take you literally everywhere thanks to its neoprene construction, designed to insulate whatever bottle you carry, a cinchable toggle to ensure a good fit, a side pocket ideal for doggy bags, cell phone, or keys, and of course the carabiner with which to attach the bowl. Or perhaps you’re thirsting for something sleek and sexy, in which case, take a look at these Messy Mutts stainless steel water bottles. Ingeniously designed with road trips, hikes, and walks in mind, this stylish vessel has a fold up silicone bowl, powered by a quick release button to quench your messy mutt’s thirst! Un-drunk water drains back into the stainless steel bottle after use, and the bowl folds back over the bottle for easy portability. Honestly, we’re sold.
Okay so much for hydration, what about hunger? We, the Dogs, have that covered too!! One of our absolutely favorite products actually covers both, how about that? We are talking, of course, about the Dexas Snack Duo which has two chambers, one for food, one for water. Genius! It also comes with one of their signature collapsible silicone bowls for ease of meal delivery. Hello, fresh kibble!
Did someone say kibble? Yes we did! Longer road trips and camping adventures necessitate a healthy supply of healthy food, and Kurgo has a brilliant solution. Introducing the Kurgo Kibble Carrier, a feat of design and engineering if ever there were one. Made from durable 400d hex-weave material and modeled after river dry bags, the carrier top rolls down and clips securely to keep food fresh and contained, whether packing for a week or a weekend. The bottom of the bag features a convenient opening to hold a collapsible bowl (sold separately) and a zippered side pocket, perfect for treats or any small extras - such as more treats - that your pup loves!
At this point in the journey, we’d be remiss if we omitted to mention a few incidentals that are in fact essentials when traveling:
First aid kits? Check. Sunscreen for noses? Check. Wet wipes for paws? Check. Protective paw wax? Check.
Okay, so miles have been driven, trails have been walked, bellies are full, and hydration levels optimal. I’d say it’s time for a good night’s sleep. Who’s with me? Above all else, good sleep depends on being warm and comfy and there is no finer choice than the Kurgo Loft Wander Bed. Mmmmmmmmm, it’s so good we want one ourselves! Here’s the skinny: it has a rugged top made of a quilted, water-resistant Microtomic ripstop fabric that is as durable as it is soft, and a waterproof Rufftex bottom that keeps it from slipping around in the car, and makes it perfect for laying on dewy grass while camping. Whether in an RV, tent, or on the deck at your beach or lake house (we can dream), it’s cozy perfection.
And now, friends, this particular trip is nearing its end - but what an end! It’s 4th of July weekend and so naturally that means it’s gonna go out with a BANG. We have thematic merch by the ton - of course we do! - which you can find here, from toys, to bandanas, to bow ties and pinwheels.
But while the fourth is undoubtedly fun for humans, it can be less so for our four legged friends. Fear not, furry ones, we have stuff! The ThunderEase Calming Pheromone Diffuser is one of the smartest and coolest solutions we’ve found and is in fact the #1 Vet Recommended Solution for Reducing Anxiety. It uses Adaptil formula which mimics the calming pheromone a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies, helping your dog to feel happier and more comfortable in all situations including major national celebrations! Cool.
Sometimes distraction is the best form of treatment, and for that look no further than the Toppl. Not just a treat toy, Toppl is a treat experience. With two different sizes (for dogs big and small!) and an interlocking feature (for dogs clever and cunning), Toppl has a multitude of ways to make playtime easy or challenging, from eager puppies on up to wise ol’ dogs. It traps treats with its inner ridges and tips over to keep dogs entertained and challenged for hours. OMG-enius! Also playing in the distraction zone are our range of LickiMats which are to dogs what a 10 course tasting menu is to humans - a slow but fun way to eat your dinner! Trust us, they will think of nothing else as they work their way through delicious nooks and crannies, and for double duty, why not mix some Fera Calming Probiotic in with their food to help promote relaxation and good vibes? Science nerds, this part is for you: Fera’s exclusive blend of herbs, amino acids, neurotransmitters and probiotics, all chosen for their demonstrated effectiveness for calmness, are peace-powerhouses. In particular, GABA is a calming neurotransmitter that works synergistically with L-Theanine to help promote an improved mood and overall relaxation. Sounds amazing and is great for dogs and cats. YAY!
Whatever you are up to this summer, and however you plan to celebrate Independence Day, we wish you a safe, happy, and joyful time. Independent businesses like ours depend on all of you, and we are so, so grateful that you choose King Duke’s.
From our pack to yours: HAPPY FOURTH and HAPPY SUMMER!!
🫶🏿🐾🐕🦺🎉🇺🇸🐶🍻🐩🗽😽🐾🫶🏼
*The sole King we recognize is the OG King Duke.
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There are various means by which eras are defined: the invention of the wheel, the start of the Renaissance, and above all, Taylor Swift albums, tours - so much so the current one is literally named Eras - and romantic partners. Basically, enough things change enough and that means we're in a new phase. Having said that, we have been thinking recently of a contrast: animals and pets are consistently dominant in pop culture - no changes please and thank you - and every single era celebrates and records them. In our current human-centric age, this seems at first, ahem, glance odd, but as we have previously noted, there are 6.5 BILLION cat pictures on the internet which is only slight fewer than the number of selfies on Kylie Jenner's phone (7 billion, allegedly). In our view, this is as it should be, but it set us thinking: why? Why are animals more enduring across cultures, eras, continents, and content than anything else? Step this way...
