Paws Up for the DOOG Walkie Belt

There are certain perks when your best friend is the Fit City column writer for the Austin American Statesman. You may get roped into running a marathon, or maybe you'll be asked to join her on a relaxing 100 mile mountain bike ride through the West Texas desert. You might find yourself on a 55 mile cruise on your road bike in Van Horn, TX with winds of 35mph and temps in the 40s. It's for sure always an adventure, and I am ALWAYS glad I took part.

The other great perk about your friend, the Fit City writer, is that people are always sending her free stuff in the hopes she will use it and review it. Lots of it is sports related apparel, or supplements, or gadgets. But this is a dog column, so back to the dog stuff. So here goes. Occasionally Pam receives stuff that you can use for your dog, in the hopes that people are actually exercising with their pets. Pam, who doesn't currently have a dog, but is well acquainted with my brood always forwards the dog stuff on to me. Free stuff for my dogs - YIPPEE!!

I received a package in the mail from Pam just the other day with some great stuff in it. When I opened the envelope, I pulled out a dog "walkie belt", a collapsible bowl and some biodegradable, scented dog pooh bags. The company that makes this gear is called DOOG - Dog Owners Outdoor Gear. Started in 2007, by a husband and wife who had grown tired of all the accoutrements one must take when walking dogs (such as leashes, pooh bags, hand wipes, treats, keys, money, etc.), Jaime and Jessica Knight decided to design a product that would allow you to bring all the necessary items with you, but in a compact and organized way.

I had actually seen the "walkie belt" advertised somewhere before, but I thought I was managing fine without one, so didn't see the need to purchase one. But, now that I had one, I might as well try it. Well, let me tell you, I am sold. It is so much more convenient to be able to strap this belt around your waist and take off on your walk with all the things you need right at your fingertips. The belt design has a strap to clip your cell phone to, a velcro pouch with slit in it to easily access your pooh bags, and a zippered pocket for your keys and some cash, your license, etc. On the opposite end of the belt, an additional pouch with slit, makes handy wipes for messy jobs easily accessible. Finally, there is a carbineer attached to the belt for attaching leashes, or hanging your belt on a hook by your door when not in use.

While in general, I like the overall concept and the ease of all the necessary items close at hand, I did find a few flaws in the product. The pouches for holding the plastic pooh bags and handy wipes are small. This means that you must use the DOOG brand bags and wipes in order to reload your belt once you run out of the original supply. The slits in the pockets are small, and it can be a tight fit to get your fingers in there and pull out the bag or wipe that you need. Additionally, while the carbineer is a good idea, I think, I 'd hook a waterbowl or water bottle to it, rather than a leash. It would also be good to hook a bag of treats for those dogs that need to be distracted during a walk. Also, the foldable water bowl itself is a bit cheap and expensive at $12. I believe there are better collapsible water bowls out there for the money, such as those made by Ruff Wear or Planet Dog. However, even with these minor flaws, I do find myself reaching for the belt now each time I take my four pups for a stroll.

The "walkie belt" retails for around $35, but I found it for $17 on Amazon. Amazon also sells the handy wipe and doggy pooh bag refills. I personally think the "walkie belt" is a great deal at half the price and am considering purchasing a few for Christmas gifts. It comes in a variety of colors and styles and is sure to please anyone on your dog lover list.

Is this belt a necessity for a successful walk with your pooch? Surely not, but it does make life a bit easier and more organized. Try one and see if you like it. If you don't, just give it to your best friend!!

During this time of year, we are ever mindful and thankful of our wonderful volunteers and donors who give constantly of their personal time, money and dog supply donations. We have a lot of great dogs in our program right now, so be sure to check out our "Labs Needing Homes" list. If a special dog touches your heart, give a little gift and sponsor them this holiday season. Again, thanks for all you do for HOTLR!!!