Dogs
”Gizmodo Animal Day (Just Because)
I asked Wilson why we had two animal posts on the page, back to back. Seems like overload on critters. But then I kind of remembered I really LIKE animal + gadget stories. I mean, FuzzyWuzzyModo was my idea, and all. So, I think we'll do a few more posts like this, for the hell of it, on this slow news day. Look, a polar bear pretending to be on the phone! Leave a caption! [Photo via Dark Roasted]Soviet Dog Cooked in Space Only Got this Lousy Statue
It's the stuff of canine legends. Fifty years ago Laika the dog went from stray zero to hero when the Soviet Union strapped her to Sputnik 2 and launched it into the cold reaches of outer space. The trailblazing pooch, who had a statue to her unveiled in Russia last week, proved that living things could survive in space. Her trip also paved the way for more ambitious human-related endeavors, like John's Glenn's historic orbit, the Apollo 11 moon landing and Tom Hanks' career. Laika eventually died an excruciating death from overheating when life support failed a few hours after launch, for which Russia recognized her with a monument. All that sacrifice, and just a statue? More »Oxygen Dog House: An O2 Buzz for You and Your Pooch
We have heard about the potential health benefits of inhaling pure oxygen since the 90's—but in Japan this fad is still going strong. In fact, they are getting their dogs involved with products like this new O2 Doghouse. Marketed as a "dog hospital" of sorts, the O2 Doghouse will deliver 100% pure oxygen to your sick pooch while he rests inside. And the best part is that you can hit the generator as well—so both you and your dog can relax side by side. Now that is what I call bonding. [Trends in Japan via DVICE]Retromodo: Doggy Treadmill Idea is Actually From 1930
We were wrong when we thought that our crazy technologically-obsessed culture now was responsible for the doggy treadmill idea. It originated in the the 1930s. Modern Mechanix dug up one of their old articles from the last century and found this thing, first debuted at the LA Dog Show, which supposedly lets dogs run for "an hour without getting anywhere." How could you tell (besides the black and white) that this is an invention from the last century? Because the lack of safety concerns for the dog; the whole thing is raised up off the floor, meaning if Floofy gets tired, he's going flying. [Modern Mechanix via Boing Boing]Hot Dog Temperature Alert System for Car Owners too Stupid to Have Pets
If ever I want to give my late, unlamented sister-in-law—she's not dead, she's just not my sister-in-law any more—a present (other than a punch in the chops) then I need look no further than the Hot Dog Temperature Alert system for cars. Install it, turn it on, and if the temperature rises above a preset one, then the windows roll down automatically, the horn sounds and a man in uniform appears as if by magic with a red hot poker that he rams up your ass. Okay, so I made that last bit up, but here's a story about my late (I wish) unlamented sister-in-law that you might enjoy. More »
gross
Dead Dog Sweaters May Not Be the Best Way to Remember Your Pets
Beth and Brian Willis really loved their dogs Kara and Penny. They were very sad, understandably, when they died. What did they do to remember them? Frame a photo of their beloved pups? No, that's too normal for these two. They decided to make sweaters out of the fur of their dead pets. Yes, I said sweaters out of their dead dogs. More »Tennis Ball Cannon is a Dog's Best Robotic Friend
Now, a beer launching fridge I can understand, but a tennis ball cannon? I find it amusing when someone spends a tremendous amount of time and effort building something that can automate basic functions—like throwing a tennis ball to a wiener dog. But the results speak for themselves. It is an inspiration for lazy people everywhere. [BoingBoing Gadgets]
retromodo
People in the 1930s Sure Hated Their Dogs
We thought that the dog doodie diaper was the worst pet gadget of all time, but it's been usurped in the hallowed tradition of pet owner stupidity. This advertisement starts with the lead "Dog Rides Comfortably in Sack..." and just gets worse from there. More »
robots
Sorry Dogs, Beer Robots are a Man's New Best Friend
While dogs have been man's loyal companion for many a era, advanced technology has made them obsolete. Thanks to Chassis, the lovable, pony keg carrying R/C beer-dispensing robot, you'll no longer need to learn the defining characteristics of Weimaraners and terriers. Instead focus on the subtle differences between your favorite IPAs, or just stare (in a drunken stupor) for hours at Chassis' blinking lights—before a friend comes by, addresses the phallic nature of Chassis' spout, and your dog has a new crap catcher for long walks. [suicidebots via make]
Dog Barks Deciphered; Yes, Dogs Are as Simple and Dumb as You Thought
Cool&Hot Comfort Pad Keeps Your Bitch Warm
If your dog is crap at thermoregulation, you are going to need to give the little tyke a hand. The Cool&Hot comfort pad not only comes with a fantastic PR image, but it will also allow your pet to get all cuddled up and warm in the winter, or remain as cool as a corpse throughout the summer.More »
brush aside
Pull Your Dog's Hair Out with the Pet Furminator
Dog or cat hair problems? The Pet Furminator somehow gets to the undercoat where hair is matted, leaving the shiny topcoat untouched. Looks like a great way to solve that problem of furballs and hairs sticking to everything in your abode, including you. Or, you could solve the problem by just not living with a bunch of animals. Heck, you could just take a cue from the cuisine of some foreign countries, where uttering the sentence "I had a dog" isn't a wistful reminiscence, but refers to last night's dinner. After all, it's all protein. [Hardware Aisle]
howling success
'Silent Night' for Dogs a Big Hit in New Zealand
Who says dogs had to be left out of all the Christmas cheer? Enterprising musicians in Auckland, New Zealand, recorded a special synthesized version of "Silent Night" using frequencies that are so high that only dogs can hear them. The kicker? It was a huge hit. More »Automatic Dog Washer Looks Like Waterboarding for Pets
I don't understand a word of the video because I don't understand the language of surrender, but I don't need to in order to see that the dogs trapped inside of this $30,000 contraption for the four minutes of washing and drying aren't exactly experiencing jouissance. They're dogs, not designer jeans, people. And the guy that climbed inside to show it's safe is probably a plant who loves pain. [Key TV via Spluch]Gold and Diamond-Encrusted MP3 Player for Dogs Reaches New Depth of Absurdity
Dog Dresses Up as iPhone for Halloween Celebration
Even a Dog Can Scroll Through Pics on an iPod Touch
Here's your proof that the iPod touch is easy to use: It's such a no-brainer that even a hairy mammal with a brain smaller than most humans can scroll through the pictures on it. Hey, it also shows how scratchproof that glass screen is. [Core 77]






