Sorry Elvis,...I'm a Bad Doggie!

This is long overdue. Here's some super shots of Elvis during Halloween. He's so Goth! Elvis, that look is SICK! (that means HOT! in hipster).

Wanted: Professional Groomer

Please contact Paul Ryu
Timmie Doggie Outfitters

867 Queen St. W
Toronto, Ontario M6J 1G4
416 203 6789
416 203 9995

timmie.ca timmiesdogblog.blogspot.com

New York Times - On the Street - When It’s Cold

On the Street - When It’s Cold By BILL CUNNINGHAM
Published: February 25, 2007


During recent cold weather, dogs and humans seemed to have exchanged slipcovers. A Great Dane wore a hooded down jacket. Another pampered pet entered Tiffany’s in a white-knit sweater trimmed in mink, with a gold-sequined purse attached, wearing rose-tinted glasses. Meanwhile, humans were hidden under giant fur hats. Interestingly, none of the dogs matched the humans they accompanied.

National Post Article - February 17, 2006

DOGGIE STYLE DILEMMA UNLEASHED

Zosia Bielski, National Post
Published: Saturday, February 17, 2007

You'd think the fur would fly when Timmie Doggie Outfitters opened next door to Helmutt's Pet Supply along the trendiest stretch of Queen West last spring. Helmutt's (865 Queen St. W.) had been on the block for a decade; Timmie (867 Queen St. W.) set up shop in May. Just how many gourmet pet shops did the people of Trinity Bellwoods need? And how could Timmie so shamelessly bark up Helmutt's tree? Zosia Bielski sniffed it out.

If Helmutt's had a celebrity patron, it would likely come in the form of Woody Harrelson, at least his hemp loving, rabid yogi incarnation. It's no-nonsense, down-to-earth, socially conscious and rough and tumble -- the kind of place you'd expect to be around for a decade, even in one of the city's most coveted neighbourhoods.

In front of Helmutt's lime green exterior, a setter cheerfully sniffs another setter's rump. Inside, the cozy shop sells everything from organic catnip to parakeet giblets to sweet potato and duck chow for pooches. Helmutt's has that slightly acrid scent particular to pet stores.

For cats, there is fresh cat grass, dehydrated salmon treats, beautifully packaged chicken fricassee. The manager recommends Wysong, a small brand out of Michigan that specializes in organic treats. Later that day, wolfing down Wysong's seafood meal, my cat gets her first taste of unprocessed cuisine, including ground flax seeds, dried kelp, sage, rosemary and artichoke. I can say with full certainty she ate better than I did that day.

After dinner, she enjoys the small furry ball that Helmutt's sells for 95?, just one of their very affordable toys. I douse the ball in catnip and watch my cat go ballistic; the clicking noise really gets to them, the manager tells me after asking me about my pets.

For dogs, Helmutt's carries dried snake skin treats and pig ears, on special.

These guys are passionate about animals. Pit bull co-op listings and lost cat posters flank the cash desk. Paper paws adorn the front door and window: For $2, customers sign their name on a paw and support autistic kids who need help dogs.

What Woody Harrelson is to Helmutt's, Paris Hilton and Fred Durst are to Timmie. A well-coiffed couple shops for a dog carrier. Owner Paul Ryu stacks gourmet dog treats on whitewashed shelves, apologizing for a non-existent mess. Every few minutes, he shushes a dog barking from the back room -- curious, considering it's a dog's Neverland. Mary J. Blige croons over the stereo. The store smells like Banana Republic.

For anyone who ever dared to dream of dressing their Pomeranian in a pink peacoat and seafoam green booties, Timmie is the spot. Denim vests and droll T-shirts line the shelves, and Swarovski crystal studded leashes shimmer pink from a jewellery case. They go for $200 to $300, depending on the size; Ryu imports them from Hollywood.

Strawberry milk baths, $10 cat treats sold from ornate Chinese takeout boxes, squeeze toys shaped like crowns, Grecian laurels and Hummer tires: These pets live the high life. From a miniature ice cream parlour set up by the front door, Ryu sells freeze-dried ice cream treats in peanut butter and vanilla. No animal smell and no irony here.

Ryu also asks me about my pets. I tell him about my dead cat and my live cat; he seems to care. He asks me about the lifespan of a typical feline. Well, I've known them to live to 26 with lonely actors, but the Humane Society says outdoor cats usually kick the bucket at age three. But what's the deal? Why amI helping this doggie-savant with his research? Ryu tells me the store is expanding its cat goodie line. Perhaps Timmie will make it to its first anniversary after all. Rumour has it Ryu is trying to snag some of Helmutt's suppliers. Bad dog.

I drop a whopping $3 on cat food and Ryu tosses a few treats in for free. The snacks are called "Barking Mad"; a pouch goes for $6. They look like fine dark chocolate. My cat gobbles them up, drooling all over the kitchen floor. What was that, I ask Ryu over the phone. "Buffalo liver," he tells me. My cat eats buffalo, I say proudly.

So which one? Between a 95-cent ball that engrosses my cat for days and the buffalo liver that makes her slobber, it's a tough call. The service at Helmutt's and Timmie is excellent, but more importantly, these people are nice, delightful even.

Maybe there is room for two pet stores in Trinity-Bellwoods after all. Following the Ontario Municipal Board's approval of at least four high-rise condos in the Queen West Triangle down the street, the area will soon see 2,000 new regulars, and a few fur kids in need of peacoats.

Séamus' New Dog Dish

Thanks so much for helping me last evening. As you can see from the attachment Séamus is loving his new dishes or is that me and he just thankfull for the fresh water?

Cheers,
B

New Store Hours

Monday to Friday: 10:00am to 8:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Who's Hot!

look at my friends all ready for winter. They're Hot!

Our Donations to Toronto German Shepherd Dog Rescue

in January, we saw the need to help our friends at the Toronto German Shepherd Dog Rescue. And we were overwhelmed with nice responses. See below:


From Christine:
I've just been reading about your donation of dog food to Toronto German Shepherd Rescue. That's wonderful.
Also, I loved your website, esp. the picture of the lab eyeing up the stock. If I'm ever down your way, I'll be sure to pay a visit on behalf of our GSD--one of Anna's rescues. Thank goodness for generous people like you.

Sincerely,
Christine Adams


From Sylvia:
On behalf of the dogs in care and the Toronto German Shepherd Dog Rescue, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of dog food. It is so very much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Silvia, Volunteer
T.G.S.D.R

Boxing Week Sale

Holy Hank Jones! Back to the Future!

Wow, look at my buddy Hank Jones! He found a way to go back in time and hooked up with the King and the Prez. That's way cool!

Holy Cow! Santa at Timmie's!!!

I told you he's real! I told you!
Santa was at our shop this past saturday! And he was kind enough to take pictures with all of my friends. He's so cool!
Anywho, I told him that I was a good doggie this year and I really wanted liver treats and chicken strips! yum!

And thanks to our mommy's and daddy's generous donations, we were able to raise $400 for the Toronto Humane Society!

On behalf of myself, Tessie and all the folks at Timmie Doggie Outfitters,

Happy Holidays - May all your stockings be filled with Treats and Toys!

Woof, Woof!
Timmie Doggie Outfitters

Lost Doggie, found New Parents...and sibling to play with

Nov. 26, 2006

Hello,
Just wanted to let you know we never did find the owners, but he got along so well with our beagle and seems to do wonders for his separation anxiety (and yes we got too attached) that we've decided to keep him.

Cheers,
Sara (New Mommie)

Who said Kitty Cats don't wear clothes!

Look at Piper,...chillin on Grandma with her nice Hello Kitty Shirt by Little Lily.

Friends of Timmie

Look at all the friends that come by to say hello. They're so cute!!!

Tessie

It's Tessie on her first night away from her siblings.

Timmie Doggie Outfitters

Take a look at all the cute doggies on Breakfast Television.

NOW Magazine - Best of Toronto

Best pet accessory store
TIMMIE DOGGIE OUTFITTERS

867 Queen West, 416-203-6789, www.timmie.ca

Timmie Doggie Outfitters is like Gap Kids for doting pet owners who skipped human reproduction to avoid SUV stroller ownership yet find themselves dressing Fido in matching doggie hoodies and booties. Embrace your raging pet parenthood and spend the week's beer money on Timmie's cutesy-wootsy stock.

Timmie's Mommy made these

Check out the Super Exclusive Hand Knit Scarf this cutiepie has on. Her name is Emily a.k.a. Emily Elizabeth. She's a shit-zu, pomeranian, chihuahua cross. That's Sweet!

What do you think of the Jacket?

it's getting a bit chilly here in the city. Check out the Army Jacket with a Furry Hoodie. It's Hardcore!

Trick or Treat!

Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!
We're getting ready for our TV debut this monday on Breakfast Television.
I'm Superman and Tessie's a Cowgirl. We'll be joined by our super pack of friends.

Irish the Boston Terrier - Part Deux

It was no fluke,...
Irish is a Super Model. Go on Boy!

I call this pose, "I don't care"

It's Hot

Little Oliver

Here's a new addition to our doggie family in the beatiful Queen St. W. W. His name is Oliver. He's almost twelve weeks old and adjusting to city life just fine. Oliver is originally from Ancaster, ON. He left Goodheart Kennels for a better future in the city with his new parents. Please welcome Oliver with open hearts!

Mac and his Sac :)

Mac is supporting his new Ruffwear Backpack/Harness. He looks like he's ready for an expedition or a trip to the grocery store. I think Mac looks very handsome.

"…the dog loves the bag." Marc

Irish the Boston Terrier

Irish is a natural Super Model. You don't learn this kind of stuff,...you're born with it. Go on Boy!
Irish is supporting a one of a kind Chi Wow Wow Reclaimed Surf T-shirt. He looks Cool!

Design Lines Toronto Fall 2006

TIMMIE DOGGIE OUTFITTERS

867 QUEEN ST W
416 203 6789
WWW.TIMMIE.CA

Offering contemporary furniture and accessories for posh dogs and glamourpusses, newly opened Timmie is more than just your average pet shop. Owners Paul Ryu and Georges Khayat, graphic designers by trade, bring their discriminating eyes to the world of pets. Look for award-winning minimalist dog dishes by Everyday Studio and Wet Noz, and water bowls by Karim Rashid. New this fall is the Eames-inspired bentwood dog bed from Holden Designs.

MON-SAT 10-8, SUN 12-5

Elvis swims with confidence

Can you believe Elvis didn't like water before? Look how graceful he looks as he's doggie paddling in his new life jacket from Timmie Doggie Outfitters. He looks HOT!

"The life jacket gives Elvis confidance,now he can swim without it. Thanks."
- Francis -

Pumpkin

Say hello to my little friend. It's Pumpkin. She's waiting very patiently to see the Holden Bed. It will be at Timmie Doggie Outfitters, any day now.

Gizmo Flushes

This little kittie is so creative and so cute!

Happy Birthday Chewy

Happy Birthday Chewy! Chewbacca just turned 1 on Aug. 4th.

Globe and Mail : Pets are the new 'design opportunities'

It took Toronto couple Matthew Ceasar and Stephen Pasholzuk eight months to settle on their new daughter, Tokyo. "We searched breeders through Canada, then had to go to the U.S.," Ceasar says. Their bouncing bundle was born with a darling harlequin mask of black and brown on her little creamy white body, and a little dot on her head they cheekily refer to as a third eye.

Tokyo the Chihuahua fits right into their high-design lives. "We're finicky about what we put in our house," says Ceasar, who works at Kiosk, Toronto's modern-furniture hot spot. "What we buy for our dog has to blend in." Tokyo's bed is a charcoal grey ultrasuede, to match their furniture.

"Matthew feng shui's our house to death," says Pasholzuk, who comes home to re-energized arrangements daily. "But the best thing to greet me is Tokyo, lying splayed out on 'her' Persian rug."

Doggie accessories have gone far beyond the Paris Hilton living brooch cliché: Gucci collars and Burberry coats are so yesterday, darling. As owners move past conspicuous logo consumption, so too shall our dogs get duded up in high design style.

"In your loft, you have very little space. Everything has to count," says Paul Ryu, a graphic designer who opened Timmie Doggie Outfitters on Queen Street West in Toronto last month. The boutique caters to people like himself -- young, hip design snobs with butt-sniffing dependents. "Dog accessories have moved from everyday necessities" -- a dog's got to sleep, and he's got to chew -- "to design opportunities. Industrial designers are getting in on the act."

Boutiques such as Zoomies in New York and George in San Francisco lead the way, providing precious objets de dog. Websites like postmodernpets.com are offering stuff such as the Bau Dog House, a moulded plastic orb by Italian superstar Denis Santichiara, and the Magis Dog House ($350), a brightly coloured plastic pod on stilts by furniture designer Michael Young.

Some of the more "intellectual" fashion designers are getting into the game: Todd Oldham is doing doggie beds and pillows, and Isaac Mizrahi is doing pet accessories for the new, design-happy pet aisles of the Target department store chain. There is a Danish collective giving cat houses a new sleek look (Fluffy gets a wood finish on her outside walls and chrome legs; see the http://www.the-pet-project.com).

Canadians are hot on the trend too. Designer Karim Rashid has done the Yum bowl and Dog Bone, a sleek chew toy. Toronto's Concrete Design is drafting prints for the Doggie Day Bed. And the Toronto-designed Haus line (http://www.bowhaus.ca) is a mega-hit. Architect Katrina Herrndorf designed the crate-style metal house that doubles as a coffee table in 2002; the company now makes them in two sizes (they retail at about $425 and $545) and ships them to more than 100 boutiques in North America.

Crate training [which teaches puppies to sleep through the night] is the way to train your pet these days," Herrndorf says.

"The crate needs to be not only functional, but to fit in with the decor in your home. This way, the pet can stay with you, rather than be shut away in the laundry room because his crate is ugly."

The high-design-for-pets movement has its own chroniclers. Vancouver-based Modern Dog magazine has shopping pages filled with paraphernalia such as a Japanese-style dog bowl nestled in a wrought-iron stand or nifty GPS devices that strap on like poochy fanny packs.

"As we saw people demand higher-quality food for their dogs, so too they are now looking for all the elements of good design," says Cameron Woo, publisher of Bark magazine, based in Berkeley, Calif. "It has to look good, yes, but it also has to have high functionality."

After all, he says, the international pet market is on track to ring in $38-billion in sales this year (that's bigger than the children's toy and candy industries combined).

"Industrial designers in the outdoor-gear sector and the baby sector are thinking out of the box and are translating their successes to the pet market," Woo says. "Think about it: They are already playing with innovative materials, looking for durability, flexibility."

Take the doggy jogging stroller. There is a Jeep-branded model -- complete with cellphone pocket and a "parent tray" -- for little dogs, whose legs get pooped on long outings. It's ergonomically designed and suitable for rugged terrain (it is a Jeep, after all).

There's another dog-child parallel, with the vogue for ultraexclusive micro labels. At Toronto's Dogs in the City boutique, Nick Cheng offers Japanese duds for dogs -- school uniforms (how fetishy is that?), hoodies, tennis dresses, Hawaiian shirts and even wedding dresses for owners who have, face it, certifiably lost the plot.

He also carries a line of pet toiletries from France (the cologne can hit $4,000 a bottle, though the Canadian market isn't ready for that, he reckons; his fragrance selections range from $46 to $100). "Dog owners want their precious pets to have something unique. Something the other dogs don't have."

So what style of dog goes with all this high design? A small one. Says Connie Wilson, editor-in-chief and publisher of Modern Dog: "Our living spaces are becoming smaller, and for city life, we see breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies [there is one on the magazine's current cover, with its owner, actress Gabrielle Muller] and Maltese growing popular, as well as mini-daschunds.

"And when you add travel to the lifestyle mix" -- the young and the lofty like to jet about -- "small is the way to go. You can take your dog onboard in a little carrier."

Today's new high-design mutts are too posh for walkies, thanks.

Elvis and Leylah

Leylah brought her new bother Elvis in to chill out and play with Timmie and Tess.

Ruby and Kiera

This is Ruby and Kiera, two bestfriends (that don't like each other), hanging out at Timmie, Doggie Outfitters. They left with matching Cinopelca harnesses ... Ruby was sporting the light green one and Kiera the hot pink.

Baby Sophie

Welcome Sophie to the neighborhood. She loves chewing on expensive designer shoes ... now she can chew on a small pink Planet Dog bone from Timmie, Doggie Outfitters.