I just returned from the annual Global Pet Expo held this year in San Diego. It is the world's largest pet industry trade show. New this year was the second floor focusing on pet boutiques, which translates to fashion. I have a hard time with pet fashion and, honestly, I think most Hoosiers do as well. Some of you love to dress your little dogs, and it is cute, while others just think it's over the top. It has evolved into full blown pet furniture including armoires to hang all these outfits. With that comes the entire bedroom suite with matching bed sporting headboard and memory foam mattress accompanied by the matching wood toy chest. All of which are available in various wood finishes to match your decor. No longer is a metal crate in style. Now they have to be wood or wicker so they can function in your home as furniture. Didn't anyone tell them that dogs chew and that is the reason they are in crates, so they don't destroy your home while they are puppies? Equally attractive are the newest pet gates. They are also available in different wood finishes.

The other new trend was "green". Everyone was on the band wagon. Companies are emphasizing that their brochures are from recycled paper. Most interesting were the beds that were filled with shredded plastic water bottles. A process has been developed where they are melted and shredded and used as filler. The bed cushions were as soft as if they were filled with polyester or down. If dogs beds are made from them then certainly sofas and car seats must be on the cusp as well. One manufacturer has used tons of bottles already. That is certainly good news. Also "green" are the cleaners for pet messes, and coming up are biodegradable waste bags. Of course there are more organic treats and food springing up, but be prepared for the prices. Lots of cat litter is becoming flushable. My favorite is "The Worlds' Best Cat Litter" because it is made of corn and it truly is flushable. It's pretty amazing. But truly amazing is the self-cleaning cat toilet called CatGenie. Look it up online and see this self-cleaning, self-washing cat box with permanent washable granules. It requires a do-it-yourself, easy, one-time plumbing job. From there it self flushes the waste, leaves the granules which are then cycled through a washing solution and ready for the next time. It is attractive enough, as far as those things go, and does resemble a type of toilet.

I was on a special mission. My goal was to find toys not made in China. What a challenge. If they could be found they would be there. I can honestly say if you want a plush toy not made in China, you won't have much to choose from. I did find it interesting that since this was a global show that the Chinese companies were there, but I don't think they had much business.

Dogs love to chew and bully sticks are a favorite, made from beef tendon. The most interesting new treat I found for dogs was something called fish sticks. Dogs love fish and it is good for them. You'd never guess what this is made from. Stingray tail! It is whitish in color, very durable and cut in different lengths. We were given two samples that we took home and they were a big hit.

On the flight home we sat next to a black Lab who was a service dog. His owner experiences seizures and he is trained to assist.

It doesn't hurt to indulge our best friends. Pets make you smile.