PEOPLE Pets | Sit. Stay. Play!

I consider the two dogs in my home to be pretty smart but, even they were fooled by the Potty Patch -- eventually.

The Potty Patch, disguised to look like a large patch of grass, is really a bathroom system that allows your dog to relieve him or her self without being taken out for a walk. The function is essentially the same as your everyday puppy pads, but the grass-like surface may look and feel more inviting to your dog. The Potty Patch is also a conversation starter and a lot better looking that drab puppy pads. The "grass" is actually an anti-microbial synthetic material atop two other tiers – a grate and a tray.

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Can’t leave home without your dog this Thanksgiving? Traveling with your pet may not be as difficult as you think. We spoke to pet expert Steve Dale, a certified dog and cat behavior specialist with the syndicated radio show My Pet World, about what you need to know for a smooth ride on the road.

Dale, who has several pets of his own — from a mini Australian Shepherd to a playful lizard — shares some do's and don'ts:

1. Do cover the seat. Don’t expect everyone to care as much as you do about your pets.

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Ginger Edmunds found inspiration for her line of dog blankets in the most loveable place: her pup! With a desire to help charities — and an eye for style — the Hawaii resident launched her Barking Dog Blankets, designing comfy resting places for pets in a variety of colors and patterns.

Though multi-purpose, the blankets are meant to cover carseats, keeping them clean from sand and dander throughout your travels. A sewn-in pocket covers the headrest, letting the rest of the material drape over the seat — and under the dog! The blankets are double-sided, 100 percent cotton and cotton blend and trimmed with an adorable signature bone print.

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In your world (and ours) Dog is God. So why not take your canine passion one step further with a colossal canine sculpture as high as the heavens? Massachusetts-based artist Dale Rogers uses heat and steel to make metal sculptures of man’s best friend measuring up to 16 feet high!

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Everyone has a pet story to share. From runaway dogs to pups who teach manners at N.Y.C. restaurants, there's a tale in every tail. The folks behind the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series recognized it, and recently released two pet themed editions: What I Learned from the Cat and What I Learned from the Dog. Featuring moving forwards by pet expert Wendy Diamond, the tomes gathered 101 short stories from every day people who happen to love their animals — just like us!

Each book is broken up into sections about life lessons in love, confidence and friendship. There are funny bits about dogs being mistaken for people, cats absolutely petrified of closed doors, and naturally, the sadder stories about pet loss, too. But what will make readers smile is that no matter how specific the story, as pet lovers, we can all say, "I've been there, too." Though simple, they're stories you'll keep coming back to — and maybe even share with your pet!

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Halloween was just two weeks ago, but before you know it, the end of the year will be here. Of course, the end of 2009 will bring some great things, too! December means holidays, gifts, a change in season, and maybe even a new calendar! In this age of BlackBerry planners and online organizers, you should make your calendar count — make it feature someone or something you love. We've rounded up the ten most covetable animal dayminders, including the Cute Overload Picture-A-Day Calendar and Etsy seller joojoo's giclée cards (pictured). Check out all of 2010's best animal calendars in our gallery.

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It's big, and it's fuzzy! Natura's Natural Pet Bed — a new addition from the human-focused sleep line — is a jumbo-sized cushion that sends dogs straight to dreamland, thanks to its combination of support and softness. A granulated latex core supports pets' spines as they toss and turn throughout the night. For older pups, it's a great way to soothe the discomfort that comes with sore joints and dysplasia.

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