For four-legged travel companions

By JUDI DASH

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 15, 2000

Publicity photo] For dogs up to 18 pounds, there is the Samsonite Back Pack Pet Carrier.

Taking the dog along for the ride -- and perhaps even a flight -- has never been easier, thanks to a number of new products that make the process more convenient for the human companion and more enjoyable for the pooch. Products may be available in area stores. Prices do not include shipping.

CREAM OF CARRIERS: Sherpa Pet Trading Co. pioneered soft pet carriers approved by airlines for in-cabin storage. Now founder Gayle Martz, a former flight attendant, has created a lightweight, cream-colored model that keeps Fido not only comfy, but also cooler than the usual dark-colored versions. The bag has mesh panels for ventilation on three sides and two zippered entrances. A built-in accessory pouch can hold leash, food and water bottle, and the removable faux-lambskin liner is machine washable. There are carry handles, a shoulder strap that can double as a leash, and a photo ID tag.

Soft Cream Classic Sherpa Traveler is $70 for small (for dogs up to 16 pounds), and $90 for large (up to 22 pounds) at pet stores. For information, contact Sherpa Pet Trading Company, (800) 743-7723; Web site: http://www.sherpapet.com.

BACK-PACKING PET: For hands-free transport of small dogs (up to about 18 pounds), consider Samsonite's new pet backpack, which qualifies as a carry-on pet carrier on most airlines. The 17-inch by 101/2-inch by 10-inch-deep pack has mesh panels on three sides, roll-down flaps, a full-length pocket with an inside zippered pouch and a removable padded floor. The bag can be carried three ways: as a backpack, handbag or shoulder bag.

Samsonite Back Pack Pet Carrier is $89.99 at pet shops. For information, contact the manufacturer, Designer Products, (800) 469-9416; Web site: http://www.designerproducts.com.

WOOF WARMER: On colder nights, you may be bundled up under a warm comforter, but what about your pooch? This electric pet bed, a plush cushion with a red twill cover, has an insulated internal heating element that maintains a temperature of 102 degrees while drawing only as much power as a 10-watt light bulb. The 6-foot heavy duty cord plugs into a standard electrical socket. Available in small (19 inches by 24 inches), medium (26 inches by 29 inches), and large (36 inches by 38 inches). Not safe for teething pups.

Heated Pet Bed in small (item 44200-00) is $59.95; medium (44200-01), $69.95; and large (44200-02), $89.95 from the Alsto's catalog, (800) 447-0048; Web site: http://www.alsto.com.

TOYING WITH YOUR PET: Found: one of the most fun toys a dog could want. This huge, plush tarantula squeaky toy has a giant 8-inch-diameter body (housing the squeaker) and eight 10-inch-long legs that make for a great tangle of soft cloth for Fido to go fetch and shake the daylights out of. Big, yellow sewn-in eyes and a wide, smiley mouth make for a great creepy photo op when the pooch brings back the catch. Made of machine-washable polyester.

Squeaky Plush Tarantula (XC192Y) is $19.50 from Orvis, (800) 541-3541; Web site: http://www.orvis.com.

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