In October we went to the pet industry trade show, as we do every year, looking for the latest new items to bring in to our stores. It is a fun time walking the aisles, talking with manufacturers and learning product knowledge. Technology has really taken off, faster than some of us can keep up with. My friend calls it "necessary evil". So while I wrestle with learning about Facebook applications, QR codes, iPads and smart phones it is refreshing to attend a show that seems so basic and frankly downright silly at times. Here are a few new pet things for 2011 to keep watch for:

Dog Socks: These are different than boots, which have a real use in keeping sidewalk salt (which is painful) off of dogs foot pads. Socks have grippers that give senior dogs traction on slick floors when they try to get up. They are also protective to hardwood flooring. Useful.

Leather dog waste bag dispenser: This is a leather accessory that attaches to your leash or belt that holds a roll of plastic waste bags. It is much more chic than the typical plastic dispenser. They are available in assorted colors and look very designer-like. In fact, they are. A customer called them "posh poopie". Clever and attractive.

Double dog retractable leash: Up until now if you wanted a retractable leash for walking two dogs at a time, it was difficult. This is the first on the market to put a spin on the idea of walking two at a time with one leash. . . literally. It almost looks like a large bullet with a handle. Inside is the mechanism that spins around so that the two leashes never tangle. It is hard to explain, and truly a picture is worth a thousand words. Suffice it to say, it works. It's not out yet but I did order it for my dog walking friend to try. She uses two retractables at a time and I marvel that she has not gotten tied up and fallen. She reminds me of a puppeteer (pun intended). Unique.

Elevated cat plate: You've seen elevated dog and cat diners but this is a plate on legs, not a bowl. Cat's whiskers are sensitive and if they touch the sides of their bowls it can stress them. So a round bowl can be uncomfortable. An oval or elongated bowl is more suited for dry food. A plate has no sides and makes for very easy eating of wet food. Practical.

K9 Shower: This offers the solution of putting a dirty dog back in your car after you have had a romp in a muddy place. This is a water-tight dispenser that you fill with 2.2 gallons of warm water before you leave home. It rides along with you and when you are ready you hang it from hooks on your lowered car window, much like a tray at a drive in restaurant. It has a 6' hose and the water flows under gravity pressure. It has an on-off switch so you don't waste water. When you are done you have a clean, warm dog, clean towel and clean car. Neat and happy.

Pet high chair: Hammacher Schlemmer is making this available and states "Satisfying a mutual desire for companionship, this high chair permits your dog or cat to accompany you at the dinner table. The high chair clips securely to tables up to 2" thick and its height adjusts without tools to elevate your pet to near eye level. By providing an alternative to sitting on your lap, running disruptively underfoot, or outright banishment, the chair assuages a pet (and its owner's) frustration, and promotes more refined behavior. Folds for convenient storage and travel. For pets up to 10 lbs." Silly, silly, silly. This is not refined behavior.

Happy Valentine's Day! While you're buying chocolates, if you haven't already discovered them, try "The Best Chocolate in Town" in the 800 block on Mass Ave. Delicious! And don't forget that the best way to your sweetie's heart is through the pet - "love me, love my dog" (or cat). Pets make you smile.