Summer is here, and Ace and I couldn’t be happier. Although San Francisco is known for its mild (and at times downright chilly) summers, we have long days and abundant sunshine, which give Ace and I extra hours to get out and explore. Ace frolics at Fort Funston every day with a pack of human and canine friends, and brings home bits of the beach in her fur –- sand, leaves, and the scent of salt and sun. I like to pull her gritty body towards me and breathe in her summer adventures. Soon, we’ll take a vacation somewhere warm together and I’ll get to dip my own paws (er, toes) in the surf.
In the meantime, our friends at PetSmart helped us get the summer party started early with their Tommy Bahama Pets Collection, a line of dog apparel, accessories, and toys. A few weeks ago, Ace and I rocked out with PetSmart’s Bret Michaels Pets Rock Collection, so we were eager to check out these beach-inspired products.
We started out by examining the summery apparel. Ace wore a medium in one outfit and a large in another, so you might find some variability in the fit of these garments depending upon your pup’s build.
I was immediately drawn to what is perhaps the cutest article of dog clothing ever created -– the Smocked Dress ($7.97), a little doggy sundress that ties around the neck. If Ace tolerated dog clothes, I would dress her in this sundress every summer day. It is soft, well-made, and completely adorable.
Ace also modeled the Red Hib Shirt (on sale for $13.99), one of several different-colored Hawaiian-style collared shirts, which closes easily with fabric hook-and-loop fasteners across the chest. Because of Ace’s bully build (wide chest, short height and length), this shirt did not fit her as well as the dress did, but I imagine this would not be a problem for most dogs. Like the sundress, this shirt is well-made for the price, and had me dreaming of taking a nap in a beach-side hammock with Ace tucked at my side.
We tested one of the two collar-and-leash sets from the Tommy Bahama line, the Leather Braided Canvas Collar ($8.47) and Leash ($12.47). This set comes in Navy blue as well as red, with brown leather and brass-colored metal accents. This set is nicely made and looked beautiful against Ace’s brown and white fur. Unfortunately, the size-small collar was a bit to large for her neck, so you might consider sizing down when ordering for your dog.
You may be wondering about that lovely blue-and-red bed upon which our model is gracefully lounging. That’s the Abstract Floral Dog Bed (on sale for $34.99). The deep blue and sand tones, accented by a red rope piping, make this bed unique. Unfortunately, it comes in one size only, and it’s a bit large for my 15-pound pup.
Tommy Bahama also offers a variety of beach-themed toys. Ace couldn’t get enough of the Lobster Bottle Cruncher ($4.97). A strong hook-and-loop closure allows you to insert a plastic bottle inside the toy so your dog hears and feels a satisfying crunch while chewing. Ace retrieved, shook, and chewed on the lobster until I took it away from her. Over the course of a few supervised play sessions, she destroyed it (the little legs were especially vulnerable to her attacks). As with all stuffed toys, I wished the lobster were more durable; stuffed toys don’t last too long in our household.
Besides being attractive and unique, the Tommy Bahama Pets Collection gives back: five percent of the purchase price of the products in this collection goes to PetSmart Charities, to support good causes like rescue and spay/neuter programs. Did you know that PetSmart Charities is the biggest animal welfare charity in North America? They refuse to sell dogs and cats in their stores, instead donating space so rescues can connect homeless animals with their forever homes. If you needed an excuse to see what your dog looks like in a Hawaiian shirt, I can think of no better way to do that than by helping dogs in need.
Dogster Scorecard for the Tommy Bahama Pets Collection
- Quality: The clothing and collar/leash set were particularly well-made for the price.
- Style: Muted tones and warm textures remind me of relaxing in a sunny, sandy spot.
- Function: The sizing for clothing and certain accessories is somewhat unpredictable compared to other PetSmart products.
- Creativity: I love how the sophisticated beach theme informs these unique products.
- Value: This line features stylish, affordable products, and a portion of the cost goes to help homeless animals. Win-win!
Bottom line
Purchases from the Tommy Bahama Pet Collection help homeless pets and make your lucky dog look and feel as good as a day at the beach.
What are some of your favorite pet products to make summer even more fun for you and your dog? Share your secrets for a perfect day at the beach in the comments!
Read more reviews by Ace’s Mama:
- Do You Need to Leave Notes for Your Spouse or Housemates? Use ChalkboardDogs
- We Review Bret Michaels’ Pets Rock Collection
- Dog vs. Robot: Ace Takes a Bite Out of the Sphero Ball Toy
- Does the ThunderLeash Live Up to the Hype?
