Los Angeles, CA – Why worry about contaminants and hormones in pig ears and synthetic plush toys when there are veggie hides to chew on and dog toys made with non-toxic natural fibers and recycled materials? And while you’re at it, share the good, green life with less fortunate pooches. We at Alpha Dog PR researched some of the latest trends and here’s the scoop:

• Walk for the Underdog –The 4^th Annual Walk for the Underdog is the biggest dog pack party on the planet and benefits 30 rescue organizations. During the walk on Sunday, May 18, hundreds of “top dogs” and their human companions will parade through the streets of Los Angeles, to raise money for the “underdogs” who still await rescue. Hundreds of fantastic dogs will be available for adoption during this day of non-stop fun. Live music, dog agility, a silent auction, unusual vendors and fantastic food make Walk for the Underdog a day you’ll never forget! Bring granny, bring baby, bring the doggies. Guaranteed fun for all. Call 323-463-8650.
• And before you walk for the underdog, compete in the first-ever Leader of the Pack contest and win a Mommy & Me Massage worth $245.00 (gratuity not included) from the luxurious Luxe Hotel on Sunset Boulevard, an urban resort in Brentwood, CA. Visit walkfortheunderdog.org for information on the contest, then check out the hotel at luxehotelsunsetblvd.com. Call 310-476-6571.
• Read My Paws designs 100% organic cotton human and doggie tees to match the lifestyles people share with their dogs. We’re featuring their Green Paws collection with sayings, such as “Recycle. Adopt a Dog;” “Go Green. Get a Hybrid;” and “Save Paper. Use a Tree.” Call 866-934-5320.
• Pet Stroller – Pet Gear Inc. has been manufacturing products for babies since 1936 and is now providing products for the other “baby” in the family–your pet. The Pet Strollers are ideal for the family dog who can’t go the distance on those long hikes; for pets recovering from surgery; or simply for a Sunday afternoon stroll on the promenade. Folds down in seconds and includes a wind and rain cover. Call 877-752-9123.
• While you’re tooling around in your Prius, be sure to buckle up your best friend with a PetBuckle seat belt harness. This is the industry’s first automotive quality seat belt harness for pets, designed to provide crash-tested safety. Unrestrained pets can cause serious harm to your beloved four-legged family member or to other passengers if the pets are launched during a crash. PetBuckle harnesses are made with seat belt buckles, latches and adjusters and are tested using the same equipment used to test child restraint component systems. Call 888-937-4626.
• 
• The Honest Kitchen not only offers 100% human-grade dehydrated raw pet foods for dogs and cats, but recently unveiled a brand new packaging solution that is sensitive to the environment, safe and protective for its food-grade contents, re-sealable, economical and beautiful. Materials usage and waste is reduced with a recyclable minimalist, unprinted barrier bag that efficiently protects the food inside. The bag is fitted with a fold-down “coffee tie” that keeps food fresh after opening. The 100% recycled box is made from unbleached kraft paperboard, printed with soy-based inks and is 100% biodegradable or recyclable after use. “The earth is a precious resource and food safety is top on our list of priorities,” says Lucy Postins, the company’s director of marketing. Call 866-4-DRY-RAW.
• 
• DOGSWELL^® has introduced VEGGIE LIFE™, a new line of products featuring sweet potato chews, and banana, apple and sweet potato wrapped in 100% all-natural chicken breast. They are available in two of DOGSWELL^®’s most popular formulas: HAPPY HIPS^®, fortified with Glucosamine and Chondroitin for healthy hips and joints, and VITALITY^™, fortified with Flaxseed and Vitamins A and E for healthy eyes, skin, and coat.  These treats are highly digestible, high in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and low in fat, calories and sodium. In addition, sweet potato is significantly high in fiber and low in cholesterol, and it serves as a wonderful natural alternative to rawhide and chew bones. The DOGSWELL^® product line also includes all-natural fortified jerky treats made from cage-free chicken or duck, beef liver, and lamb & rice; all-natural grain-free canned food for dogs; and even CATSWELL^® treats for cats!  Find DOGSWELL^® products at independent pet stores, natural food stores, and select grocery stores, or go to dogswell.com, or call 888-559-8833.
• Simply Fido’s Organic Pet Toy collection provides healthy alternatives for your canine companions and promotes safe and fun play. The cotton is organically grown, the fibers are unbleached, untreated and unprocessed using only natural extracts from plants and minerals, such as gardenia seed, clove and chestnut bur, to dye our fibers. The fabric is naturally softer than regular cotton due to improved soil fertility and harvesting methods. With Simply Fido™ toys, your pet’s toxicity and allergy levels are greatly reduced. Call 718-383-0453.
• Skamper-Ramp® is the animal water escape device that safeguards against pets or wildlife drowning in your pool or walled pond by helping them to get out on their own. The product is recyclable and 100% made in America with pride! Skamper-Ramp comes in two sizes: Original and the new blow-molded Super Skamper-Ramp®. This patented, award-winning (and deceptively simple looking!) device is attractive, affordable, lightweight, versatile, robust and works even when no one is there to help! Call 877-POOL-PET.