Karma Charms Blog

Tooled Leather Collars, A KC exclusive!

2008-07-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

I have been patiently (OK as patient as a dog can possibly be) waiting to announce the release of our new line by Moxie and Oliver! I am so psyched because this has become my every day collar and leash. These are one of a kind art pieces, all tooled, painted and stained by hand, no two are alike. Mine is a perfect blend of indie/grunge/rockabilly/junkyard dog. I was a bit nervous at first because it was a tad stiff, but it softened up really nicely once I started wearing it. The leather is nice and thick and strong, and mom said the leash was comfy too, and it the color doesn't bleed when we go for walks. (Some of the other leather collars and leashes we've tried, the dyes tend to run and turn your skin all sorts of funky colors). The design does wear a bit, but it gives it a nice weathered look, kind of like those $200 jeans that come pre-ripped. Someone told mom that if she polished it with saddle soap it'd stay perfect forever, but she isn't really one of those types of people. She's all about keeping it real, and she knows most people aren't going to dedicate 15 minutes of their life every couple of weeks to conditioning a dog collar. So since mine has held up to general abuse, wear and tear, and, well me, for well over a month now, Karma Charms is proud to put our stamp of approval on these awesome pieces of neck art. We hope to be able to offer these in a martingale style soon.

I also wanted to add that I realize these collars are right up there price wise, and that's because they're so time consuming to make sure that you have an original all about you collar. Don't lose hope though, remember the Client Referral program, and if you're good at pimping us out, you can earn gift certificate points towards getting this, or anything else in our shop, for free!

I know the collar is featured on the site, but I just wanted to show you me in all of my glory. And yes this picture was taken before mom realized she put it on upside down. Give her a break, she hadn't had her Cheerios yet, she made up for it by Photoshopping a background.

Changes over at Karma Charms

2008-06-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

We've been busy over at Karma Charms. We did a facelift on the website, and made it more guy friendly (I finally won the pink battle...), and got a more modern logo (With a DANE... Muwahahaha). Check it out and let us know what you think!

Also we've been adding new products too. A lot of you let us know that you really want unique, funky, ID tags that show your pup for the individual they are. So we've been testing a LOT of different suppliers and recently got to add three new options to the line. Our Cut Out Sterling Silver, Big Dogg Brass, and Dichroic Glass are the first ones to make it to the site, and we have alot more on the back burner. It is SO important to test the ID tags for the full month, because we want to make sure that they don't wear down so they're unusable. We're also looking at metal alternatives and hopefully will have even more choices up for you soon.

But the biggest news is the addition of our Toy department, and the toy that Christened it, the Goughnut. The Goughnut is a hardcore chew toy, extremely durable, and with a safety monitor. Why does a chew toy need a safety monitor? When a toy gets to a certain point, their structural integrity of their core is compromised, and it is more likely that the toy will break into pieces that the dog can choke on. With the Goughnut this core is colored a bright red, while safe to chew outer layer is green. IF your dog gets to the red layer, its time to take the toy away, and send it in for a replacement. A FREE replacement! That's right, if your dog ever gets to the core of the Goughnut, just send it in and get a brand new one back. And I say "IF" because I had some friends of mine test this out (I'm a stuffie guy myself). These friends of mine are three great Danes, and assorted other pups, who eat Kongs for breakfast. Here's what their mom had to say about the Goughnut:

" We've had the Gough-Nut for more than a month now, and my dogs LOVE it! They all play keep-away from each other with it, and I am amazed that it has stood up to 3 Great Danes constantly carrying, playing with, or arguing over it... without so much as a scratch! Even the Chinese Crested loves to play with it!

If it will stand up to these dogs and still be fun to play with, it'll stand up to ANY dog playing with it!"

How's that for a review? We'll be adding toys as we find ones that are up to our standards. If you know of any let us know.

Update on our Second Chance Dog, Phoenix

2008-05-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

Phoenix's collar and leash are BEAUTIFUL!!!

The good news for Phoenix is that a family came along who instantly recognized what a positively joyful companion he could be, and they have adopted him as their own. As they were walking him to their car he looked back at me as if to say "Thanks for getting me healthy and for taking care of me and loving me and teaching me to trust again, but now it's time for me to get on with my life with a family of my very own."

The collar and leash arrived shortly after Phoenix was adopted so I have sent them along to his new family. I'm sure he'll wear them proudly.

On behalf of the VERY handsome Phoenix, thank you so much for all you do for society's "thrown away" dogs. (Phoenix sends big slobbery kisses.)

Judy Bredin-Graham
New England Saint Bernard Rescue

Wow, thanks!

2008-04-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

Daisy the Bloodhound in her new Deluxe Enamel Tag

I got the collar charm today and I wanted to thank you for such a nice quality tag. Nice and heavy and I don't think she'll eat it!

- Bill in Maryland

April 2008 Second Chance Dog

2008-04-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

Our second Second Chance dog is Phoenix, a Saint Bernard who is currently at Saint Bernard Rescue of New England. We've attached his story and picture here. Please contact the people at SBRNE for more information on Phoenix.

You have to wonder how a human (term used loosely here) can be so cruel to an innocent, WONDERFUL dog. Phoenix has had it VERY rough in his two short years. He's been starved. He's been hit. He's been spoken to harshly. He has spent his whole life since he was a little puppy tethered to a tree in the backyard by a plastic-coated wire cable. The dog grew. The cable stayed the same size. You know the rest. The cable was embedded TWO INCHES into his neck. The wound was disgusting and has required three surgeries to remove all the dead tissue. (We have included the pictures here, here and here, but be warned the are VERY graphic and disturbing.)It's finally healing nicely and he'll have no ill effects.

Phoenix is a tall boy but is 25 pounds underweight; we're working on packing some weight on him. He has completed four weeks of antibiotics to treat Lyme disease. Phoenix has gotten his spark back. He runs. He frolics. He loves to give kisses. The joy is returning to his eyes. Though he's made remarkable progress he still has a way to go. Phoenix will need to be neutered before placement; we're just waiting for him to get a little stronger and heavier. The successful candidate will have a fenced yard and will be committed to completing formal obedience with Phoenix. Interested in meeting him? He's a joy. Someone's going to be VERY lucky to share their lives with this special boy.

Phoenix is going to receive a Diamond collar and Leash, as well as a collar charm and a gift certificate for an ID tag for when he arrives at his forever home, which makes the Diamond the featured collar for April. For all purchases of the Diamond this month, 15% goes to SBRNE, to help fund rescue.

Chicago Pet Expo

2008-04-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

We didn’t know what to expect when we decided to go to the Chicagoland Expo this year. Well our big debut to the dog world at large was awesome! We got to meet all kinds of new people, from rescues and trainers, and of course some of our wonderful clients. We sold almost our entire collar inventory, including some things that we weren’t intending on selling!

Even with the success of the shop itself, nothing compares with meeting and talking with dog people. By talking to the other vendors and visitors to the Expo we’re even more aware of the need that Karma Charms fills for the big dogs, as well as the misjudged dogs. We had people from rottie and pitbull rescue crying over their relief of finding collars and supplies that aren’t about hyping up on the scary factor. We got lots of input on what dog owners are looking for, and met a couple of prospective new vendors. And of course our ambassador dogs Karma and Odie stole the show and backed up traffic in the aisles all three of the days we were there. We also raised $500 for the New England Saint Bernard Rescue, through our raffle basket and donations from the generous people of Chicago, many of whom just wanted to give to help dogs in need.

Since our first Expo went so well, we can’t wait to go to our next one, the Whisker Walk in Massachusetts in June. If you're in the area please join us, we can't wait to meet you!

Thank you!

2008-03-06T06:33:00.000-08:00

I received Dudley's charm today!! I must say that I am SO happy with your product even down to the pretty packaging! I just love your company... The quality is the best I've ever seen. I'll definitely be purchasing more from you in the near future! Thank you so much!

- Michelle in North Carolina

Karma Charms Introduces.... LillyGoat Beds!

2008-03-04T00:47:00.000-08:00

Karma Charms, LLC (www.karma-charms.com) is pleased to announce the release of their new fashion forward line of Giant Breed appropriate Dog Beds. Keeping in with their theme of quality products by independent artists, KC went out looking for quality beds that would fit and stand up to a giant breed without being an eyesore.

Enter their new LillyGoat collection, the first two designs (The bright and playful "Mandalas", and the trendy and sophisticated "Modern Branches") which premiered this past Friday, with four more to debut within a month. These beds come in three Giant Breed friendly sizes, "Crate Comfort" - a 40"x28" bed that perfectly fits into the Midwest 99N "Colossal" crates, "The Biggie", a roomy 42"x36", and "The Colossal" an enormous 50"x46" pillow bed. All of these are not only 5" thick but they're obscenely overstuffed, giving your pup more than enough cushion to protect them from even the hardest floors.

Not only are they big enough, they're tough enough, with the removable cotton canvas cover, and heavy duty zipper thats reinforced at all stress points. While these beds aren't indestructible (Nothing really is to a very determined dog), they do stand up to being "nested" by thick dog nails, and being dragged across the house, normal every day Big Dog wear and tear.

With a price point equal to similar beds about half their size, they are an excellent choice for the Giant Breed owner who wants their dog to be comfortable without sacrificing the aesthetic of a beautiful home.

For more information, see http://www.karma-charms.com/big-dog-beds-c-53.html

Huge Kool Thank You!

2008-02-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

To Karma Charms and Kristi Meissner of The Doggy Details thank you so much for making me neck scarfs and head scarfs from your Cool Coat material for myself during my chemo treatment. Now I am color coordinated with my Boxer Annejo Little Dancer - Brooke and we are both as cool as cucumbers. I am taking your products to the chemo wards to let them see and feel how great they are and hopefully you will have another market product. My most heart felt thank you to you both.

- Kerry in Australia

Great Service and Wonderful Collars

2008-02-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

Jhett the Doberman in his POW! martingale collar

We couldn't be more pleased with the collars we have ordered from Karma Charms. Doesn't Jhett look fabulous? Thank you again!

- Denise in Australia

WOW! Beautiful collar!

2008-02-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

Joolie the Boxer in her Cosmic - Mango martingale collar

Our Boxer Joolie looks smashing in her new Cosmic collar! We are repeat customers and will for sure be coming back again, we just can't get enough! Thank you!

- Denise in Australia

THANK YOU!

2008-02-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

Oliver the Great Dane in his Arrrgh! martingale collar

Oliver is happy as a clam with his new pirate collar! This is his second collar from your shop and we couldn't be happier with the quality and service. We'll definitely be back for more! Thanks again!

- Denise in Australia

You've done it again!

2008-02-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Bella the Great Dane in her Paisley - Purple martingale collar

Bella received her collar the other day and she's just as pleased as she can be! Doesn't she look divine in purple? Thanks again for wonderful collars and we will be back for more!

- Denise in Australia

Great Tag!

2008-02-08T06:26:00.000-08:00

Raya in her Deluxe Enamel Tag

Raya loves her new tag! Her and Dempsey both have matching paw prints in different colors. She can't wait till her paw prints collar arrives to wear with her new tag!

- Lindsey in Indiana

Absolutely wonderful!

2008-02-06T13:58:00.000-08:00

Dempsey the Boxer in his Deluxe Enamel tag

I ordered a pawprint ID tag for Dempsey, he loves it and it matches his collar. I absolutely love the durability of the tag and will buy more for friends!

- Lindsey in Indiana

Come See Us At Chicagoland Pet Expo!

2008-01-29T08:18:00.000-08:00

Karma Charms will be attending the Chicagoland Family Pet Expo, March 14-16, 2008 in Arlington Heights, IL. Stop by and see us in Booth 356, and meet Karma and Odin in the flesh, and take advantage of special Expo-Only discounts! We'll have extremely limited edition collars available, as well as velvet leashes, handmade collar charms, and we'll be offering gift certificates for sale for below face value for an additional savings!

We'll also be displaying some new products that won't be available in the online boutique until AFTER the Expo, so stop by and see what surprises we have in store!

January 2008 Second Chance Dog

2007-12-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

Our first Second Chance dog is Sandy, a Mastiff who is currently at Great Lakes Mastiff Rescue. We've attached her story and picture here. Please contact the people at GLMR for more information on Sandy.

Sandy is currently being fostered in Michigan. Sandy is a creamy fawn with slight reddish hue, spayed 2yr old female that came to rescue at 17mos. She is 30" tall at the shoulders and 128lbs and will always stay a leaner great daney type of body. The first pic of Sandy is in her favorite place in the world, all snuggled up with a blankie on the couch. :-)

Sandy and her litter brother grew up together and spent all their time crated or with each other. Unfortunately, that meant Sandy never bonded to people and was pathologically shy. Everything was new to Sandy and her reaction was to run to the farthest point she could reach, screaming, pooping and peeing the whole way. With intensive conditioning and training from a professional, Sandy is now house broken, completely crate trained, and has learned good house manners (except she still takes possession of one end of the couch for her own). She occasionally will still chew up things left lying around, but if she has her chew nylabone or dynabone or kong, she is very good. Sandy knows come and sits promptly in front, sits, and downs on command. She is learning wait and stay and has learned to enjoy taking walks with another dog. Now that she likes walks, she's learning all over again not to pull but to stay with you. Sandy is good with quiet children and other dogs and cats, although she does chase the wild bunny in my yard.

She must have a fenced in yard because very strange, scary things can still cause her to run away in terror and in those instances, she will not come on command and would never let a stranger approach her.

Sandy is very affectionate and gentle. She has the sweetest face and not an aggressive bone in her body. She is very good at the vet and goes into pet stores with just some slight reluctance. She will always be reticent and shy, but if not pushed, she takes her time to evaluate the situations and then will insert herself into the people group for quiet pets. She readily comes to you if you are seated or on the floor but is still reluctant to approach strangers, especially when they are standing. She has become a great watch dog for the yard and will bark and hackles up at strange noises in the house and yard, but is sweet and calm as soon as she sees what the noise and/or person is.

Sandy will always be afraid of new situations and people, but her reactions are now to just pull to the end of the leash and wait. There is still a possibility of Sandy peeing and/or pooping if she is terrified again, but this has not happened in foster for months. She has a permanent fear of doorways of all types. So caution should always be made when going in and out as she is reluctant and tends to rush through them to the end of her leash. She only needs a martingale collar as she is HIGHLY intelligent and trainable. Sandy had never had her nails cut when she came into rescue so it took time to get them short enough to walk normally. She has to have them cut every 2 weeks and is still nervous of the process.

Sandy is going to receive a Mint Metro Floral Collar and Leash, as well as a collar charm and a gift certificate for an ID tag for when she arrives at her forever home, which makes the Mint Metro the featured collar for January. For all purchases of the Mint Metro this month, 15% goes to GLMR, to help fund rescue.

New things are coming!!!!

2007-12-20T05:50:00.001-08:00

At Karma Charms, we know how hard it is to find anything decent for big dogs. We know it's even harder to find stuff that's cool/fun/sophisticated, and will stand up to big dog abuse. As of right this very minute, we only have collars up because we're only vouching for things we've tested, BUT Christmas is coming, which means lots of presents for us, and stuff to try out for YOU!

That means that in probably late January to early February, (We have to have enough time to thoroughly test this stuff ya know), we will have a whole SLEW of new items in the shop. We're talking beds, and treats, and even some big dog CLOTHES! I don't know about you, but we have had over 20" of snow in the past week, and I'm feeling pretty naked. A decent hoodie would really be nice right about now. But I digress. We're also working on getting stuff especially for humans, like designer biodegradable poop bags, and special T shirts that look just as good on 5th Avenue as they do at the dog park.

Rudy's New Collar, Leash & Tag Set

2007-12-15T13:16:00.000-08:00

One of our wonderful shoppers, Rudy, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, received his new collar, leash and tag set today, and this is what he had to say about them:

I had no idea that there was a chance I might not get that particular collar. I was so glad that I was able to get it. That brown does look great on me. I like the leash too. I want to eat it.... lol! And the tag is so heavy duty. and shiny, glossy. Very, very nice. These pics do not really do them justice.

Rudy got the VERY LAST of our "Fall Dots" collars and what a lucky dog he is! That particular design sold out rather quickly. We're delighted that you were pleased with your new duds, Rudy!

Karma Charms "Second Chances" Program

2007-12-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

You may be asking yourself, what exactly does that mean? Well, we're going to explain it to you. At Karma Charms, all three of us are heavily involved in rescue, and we help out however we can. We want your gently used, no longer needed collars, leashes, bedding, blankets and bowls! That's right, your USED stuff, in good condition. But WHY? See, that's the awesome part. We donate all those items every month to a large/giant breed dog rescue organization, previously selected the month before.

You're giving used dog items a second chance, for dogs who are getting second chances, get it? Hence the name.

And better still, YOU receive a coupon in your email inbox, for up to 25% off any Karma Charms purchase! Need a new collar? Send us your old one and receive a trade-in credit, plus the warm fuzzy feeling knowing you are helping homeless dogs worldwide. For more information, please contact us.

Excellent!

2007-10-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hi There,
I received our collars today and I am so impressed with them. I was very hesitant at first thinking they might not have been strong enough for our dogs, but you have proved me wrong and I give you credit for a job very well done. I'm attaching some photos of the kids in their new collars. The first is our Great Dane Bella, her "Stripe Dot - Orange" collar matches her orange eyes perfectly, next is our 9mth Great Dane Oliver and again he has the nicest green eyes which is why I picked the "Framed - Lime" collar for him, next is 1yr old Boxer Jools, she is just a real girl now with her pretty butterfly collar and lastly is our 7mth old Doberman Jhett and he loves his "Bronzed" stripe collar it matches his attitude he is bit rough and tumble and likes to think he lords it over the others. I've also attached 2 at play photos, and as you can see the collars do need to stand up to some rough play, but I have no doubt they will! Again I thank you for our lovely new collars and I can't wait to put their Christmas collars on.

- Denise in Gosforth, NSW, Australia

Love them!

2007-10-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

I got a collar for each of my dogs. I was looking for something durable and strong as my guys are big! Also, when we take the dogs on walks, we usually use a choke chain. These collars provide that, so it's one less step for us come walk time. I will definitely re-order in the future :)

- Kandi in Washington State

Lovely collar!

2007-10-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

Willow the Neapolitan Mastiff in her Hibiscus - Eggplant martingale collar

I just received Willow's collar today (10/17/2007) and it is fabulous! I absolutely love it and it looks awesome on Willow. I am going to recommend this collar to all my friends with dogs and I'm definitely ordering another 2 or 3 :) from you guys.

- Debbie in Washington State

AWESOME Collar!

2007-10-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

Araby the Llewellin Setter in her martingale collar

It was very difficult for me to find a collar for my setter that was still feminine without being pink and festooned with glitter and rhinestones. I also needed a durable collar, as she's a very rough and tumble dog, but not too heavy, because she's very light boned. The Karma Charms collar we got is GREAT, and filled all of those needs above and beyond my expectations.

- Matt J from New Hampshire

Great Collar!

2007-10-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

Harley, a Mastiff, in her Burning Love martingale collar

It just came in the mail today! We ordered a martingale collar from Karma Charms. Here is Harley striking a pose. She was so happy when I tried it on her she was jumping around from room to room to show all the boys! Thank you Karma Charms, Harley loves it!

- Bernadette in New York