We’re looking for pet owners in the Denver area to be in a social media video and give an honest review of the Mini Pet Hair Detailer.

Lilly Brush Background

As pet lovers we love being close to our furry friends, but constant shedding makes these good times messy. Worrying about pet hair shouldn’t make your hair fall out. We don’t blame anyone for losing hope since most “pet hair solutions” are dog ???? anyway. Our founder was near the point of giving up before she started experimenting with various brushes and materials to lift Lilly’s fur off her furniture. She created a brush with stiff nylon bristles that cut through static and trapped clingy hair. It worked so well she turned it into a business and named it after her beloved Australian Shepherd.

Lilly Brush, a small woman-owned business, helps pet owners Live Furlessly. We make pet hair removers that actually work— so you can bring your pet anywhere and never worry about hair. We’re a small team based in Denver and growing fast, landing on the 2021 Inc Magazine 5,000 fastest growing private companies. We still have plenty of work to do letting people know about our products so we’re looking for pet lovers in Denver to help us spread the word!

Give a Video Review

If you’d be willing to try out Lilly Brush, it would help our small business and fellow pet owners looking for a pet hair solution.

We’re looking for pet owners in the Denver area to be in a social media video and give an honest review of the Mini Pet Hair Detailer. The Mini Pet Hair Detailer has a soft blade made for lifting embedded pet hair from car interiors. If you it works to solve your pet hair problem, we’ll give you all the Lilly Brush products. If you are an influencer or have a pet related organization, we’ll collaborate to give you exposure as well.

We’re asking for one hour of your time to record a few clips of you using the product on your car and briefly telling what you think about it. Peter, our video guy will meet you wherever it is most convenient for you.

Let’s do this!

Select a time slot

or

Email peter@lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Hey Denver, let us know what you think! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Dinner with My Father

My father wasn’t an easy man. He had an intensity about him. You really just had to be up for the challenge of it. You could ask him almost any question, and he’d know the answer. He could fly anything with wings or rotors, dive to the depths of the ocean, fix an engine, put out an oil fire, decipher Latin, and fill our freezer with meat within a day or two of going hunting or fishing. I admired him, and loved him, but the first time I saw the Hollywood version of a warm, fuzzy doting dad, I cried.

My dad made it clear that he didn’t care about education or wealth or where you came from, but, if you happened to have engine grease under your fingernails, or mud on your boots, he’d like you better. He was accepted to Princeton, and then thrown out for taking the clapper out of the school’s bell and hiding a bottle of moonshine in the headmaster’s toilet tank.

From there, he moved west and worked as an oilfield roughneck, shivering between shifts in his Model T while the snow blew sideways across the Wyoming plains. Spring came and his younger brother Fred wrote him to come to Texas where the two boys rented a rig and started their own business, Hamilton Brothers Oil. They worked hard, and got lucky, and did well in Texas.

Some years later, while pondering the why of things in his morning shower, my father invented the first semi-submersible oil production platform. It would one day successfully produce oil amid the tumult and fury of the North Sea, and thus the two Hamilton Brothers would effectively usher in an era whereupon the United Kingdom became self-sufficient on oil.

Intensity has a way of wearing things out, and sadly, my dad died young, at 59, from the same heart ailment that nearly took me at 48. Before he left, he taught me some incredibly valuable things simply by sharing moments from his workday at the dinner table. I loved this story then, and I still love it now.

The Heart of the Deal

One day a man came to my father’s office to speak with him. He sat down, barely perched on the chair, with his hat still in his hand, as if he would lunge out the door at any moment. My father knew the man but hardly recognized him. He had at one time been a very successful distributor of oilfield pipe, but the year before, a bigger company had undercut him on two of his largest accounts. Losing those critical customers had knocked his business to its knees. The man had come to offer my father an unthinkable deal on pipe for his next few rigs. My dad was incredulous.

“How can you stay in business with a deal like that?” The man said that it would barely cover his costs but that he had to make the deal. My father considered for a moment and then refused the bid.

“Please,” the man said, “I can do a little better than that. I’ll do whatever it takes to get this deal with you. You see, things are worse than you know. I have an appointment this afternoon with our loan officer at the bank, and if I do not have a deal in my hands, I will have lost the company.”

“Look,” my father said, “If you want to do business with me, you’re going to have to rewrite that damned bid, and for God’s sakes, don’t write it any lower! Write it like you would have a year ago when your business was thriving.”

The man was aghast. “I can’t do that! You’ll always know that you could have had a better deal. You won’t be happy about that.”

“No,” my dad said, “If I take the first deal you offered, your business will suffer, and you and your people will suffer. I’ll always know that I was the guy who made a bad deal when I could have just as easily made a fair deal. Raise the price, I’ll sign it, and you can take that to the bank.”

I was about nine when my dad told us that story at the dinner table. Back then, I was more accustomed to the harsh trades made on playgrounds, or between warring siblings. To not take a screaming deal and skip a little as you ran away seemed like a vain bit of folly then, but time and experience have a way of etching things into a heart like nothing else can. Thanks, Dad.

I would love to hear from others who are thinking about their own dads this week leading up to Father’s Day.

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post A Father’s Day Letter from Our Founder appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Step 1: Pick a Trustworthy Walking Partner!

If you have a friend or two who also have a dog, become walking partners! If you and a friend are both confident in your health, bringing your dogs out on a walk together is a great way to socialize your pup! Practicing social distancing is still very important, but your dogs can still interact if you and your friend are 6 feet apart. That’s the beauty of having a long leash!

Step 2: Show Them The World!

Socializing your dog goes further than simply meeting other dogs and people. Getting accustomed to new sights, sounds, and smells is very important as well. Once your dog is comfortable in your neighborhood, take them somewhere new for a walk. Once our quarantine is over, I’m sure many of us will want to be out and about as often as possible. If your dog is not used to new experiences, it can be overwhelming to them to randomly be tossed into a new situation day after day. By showing them the outside world piece by piece, they will be much better prepared for all of their new experiences.

Step 3: Prepare Your Pet For The Vet!

Your pet’s first vet experience can be traumatizing for them. A person they don’t know takes them into a room they’ve never been, and brings out a bunch of scary tools! If your pet is well socialized with other humans and animals, this experience will go much more smoothly. It is also important to get them used to new procedures. By rewarding your dog for new experiences, they will become eager to explore the world even further! Find something metallic, like nail clippers, and touch them to your dog’s paws and nails. It may spook them a little bit at first, until you give them a treat! Once they realize that these metallic tools won’t hurt them, and often lead to snacks, they will stop fearing the process of trimming their nails. Repeat this process for baths, haircuts, and even shots! The more experiences your dog relates positively to, the better off they will be when it’s time to face the real world!

We hope everyone is staying safe and staying sane during these weird and unusual times. It may come as a surprise, but now is a great time to bring a new pet into your family. The amount of time we spend at home will likely never be this high again, allowing you to create an incredibly close bond with your pets. Obviously, socializing your dog is an incredibly important part of that as well. We hope this helps you all find the line between social distancing, and socializing your pets!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Socializing Your Pet During Social Distancing appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Not so fast

CACC has made it clear that their current status will quickly change, as dozens of homeless animals are brought to Chicago’s largest no-kill shelter every week. “We are amazed at the outpouring of people wanting to help” they claimed on their Facebook page, while maintaining the position that they will continue to rely on volunteer support throughout this entire quarantine process.

Luckily, shelters were deemed an essential business and are continuing to take care of the animals that are still without homes. Even still, they have had to drastically cut back their staff and their hours of operation. Having city wide support has made a large impact in the city of Chicago. We can only hope that more communities follow suit and continue to bring these homeless animals into their families.

Adopt now?

Even with the craziness in the world right now, this is a surprisingly good time to adopt a new pet. We know that not everyone is in a position to adopt a pet, and that is okay! Fostering is still an option, and even just donating a few dollars can go a very long way. Creating a close bond with your pet is a very important part of bringing them into your family. Shelter pets, even more so than others, can be wary of new people. They need time to adjust to their new family, as well as their new home.

Weirdly enough, right now is likely the most time any of us will be spending at home in a very long time. (We can only hope!) It’s quite frankly the perfect time to add a cat or dog to your family if you have the means to love and take care of one. If you were in the market for adopting a pet, consider looking into it soon to make the transition from shelter to home as easy for these animals as possible. You’ll never have this much time to train and bond with your animal again.

No Pressure

If you don’t feel like you are ready or capable of adopting a dog, then don’t! This isn’t meant to pressure anyone into thinking this is the right thing to do. Simply sharing an article or telling your friends about shelters can make a big difference. Spreading awareness is a major key in finding as many proper homes as possible for animals as shelters continue to do their very best with the limited resources they have right now. Hopefully stories like that of the CACC keep coming, it’s always great to see some good news scrolling across our timelines!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Good News from Chicago Animal Care and Control Adoptable Pets appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Double Coat

German Shepherds have a double coat that helps defend them from infection, and keeps them warm in the winter. Seasonal shedding is something that all double-coat owners can relate to, but thats not the only time these gorgeous animals are leaving a trail behind them. Follow along below for some every day strategies to minimize shedding in your house!

Brush Every Day

Their plush double coat they have makes it very important to regularly brush your dog. You can make use of a de-shedder comb, or any of a variety of dog friendly brushes. Brushing your dog can be fun and therapeutic if you’re the type of person that enjoys cleaning. Add a few minutes of brushing to your daily routine to keep a handle on how much your dog is shedding around the house.

Feed High Quality Food

Just to be clear, feeding your German Shepherd with high quality food will not halt their shedding, but keeping their coat healthy will make things easier. Your dog’s diet is the first step towards improving dry skin and strengthening the immune system of your pet. Most of the cheaper dog food that you can buy contains unhealthy ingredients, which translates to an unhealthy coat. Some even contain strictly corn and grains. It may sound crazy, but you WILL notice a difference in your pet’s skin and coat healthy based on what you feed them!

Fresh Drinking Water

Dehydration may lead to dry skin and shedding. Always keep your pet’s water bowl full and clean to ensure they’re staying hydrated and healthy! If you think your pet is not drinking enough water, you can also consider adding foods to their diet that contain water! Not all dogs are interested in vegetables, but throwing a few slices of cucumber or watermelon your dog’s way as a treat can help keep them hydrated as well!

Add Flax-seed Oil or Olive Oil in Food

Omega-3 fatty acids can be very helpful as it improves the coat texture and also lessens dandruff. Aside from that, it can also help in improving inflamed skin. There are dietary supplements for pets that are available in capsules and you can buy them from pet stores around the country!

Caring for your pet is one thing that is perfectly worth doing. The amount of time you spend looking after them is also the amount of time that you are freeing yourself from stress and other worries.

Sincerely,

Pet Friendly Senior Living!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post German Shepherd Shedding Management appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Positive association with the work day

When it’s time for you to sit down and get some work done, give your dog something to work on too! Bring out one of their favorite toys to start the day. By doing this they will feel excited as you begin to get your work done, rather than feeling ignored. If your dog has a handful of favorite toys, keep them stored away and rotate which one you give them. Keeping things fresh and different will continue to keep them occupied.

Eyes & Ears

Keeping your dog stimulated throughout the day can be easier than you think! By simply putting on some calming music or turning on the TV, you can keep your dog’s brain occupied. They may not know the lyrics to the song, but they sure can hear it! Non-threatening noises are a great way to stimulate your dog. Likewise, opening the curtains and providing a view for your dog is another great way to keep them occupied.

Puzzles, Treats, & Chews!

Whether you stuff a Kong with peanut butter, or have another interactive dog toy, creating a challenge for your dog that leads to treats is a perfect way to keep them occupied! So many dogs are food driven that you can keep them busy for hours by creating fun and difficult ways for them to get treats. Not all dogs are obsessed with food, but they sure still love to chew. Giving your dog healthy chews like a Nature Gnaw Bully Stick, or Greenies Dental Treats is a great way to keep them healthy and busy all in one!

As Always, Exercise

Not everyone is under the same quarantine laws right now, making it very important to read up on the restrictions across your city and state. Here in Colorado, outdoor exercise is allowed as long as extreme social distancing is being practiced. Taking your dog for a few long walks throughout the day is the perfect way to give everyone in the house a break. Sunshine, exercise, and fresh air are all crucial ingredients for staying sane during this weird and scary time. We hope these tricks and tips are helpful! Stay safe everyone!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Keeping Your Dog (And Yourself) Sane During Quarantine appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Fostering Animals

Emergency foster homes are the biggest thing shelters need right now. With so many shelters on the verge of being shut down, the number of animals without homes drastically outweighs the resources available to take care of them.  What we can do is sign up with a local shelter and register as an emergency foster home for shelter animals. Every animal that can find a temporary foster home is a life saved if these shelters are eventually forced to shut down entirely.

Donate money

Any amount helps! It doesn’t matter if you can spare $5 or $500, every dollar donated to these shelters goes towards food and supplies to care for these animals in need. Animal shelters are non-profits as it is, and are always relying on donations to help them operate as efficiently as they can. In these trying times, they need the help more than ever. Much of their money comes from fundraising efforts, which are all of course shut down for the time being.

Donate Supplies

If you have extra pet supplies laying around, consider donating them to local shelters! Anything from food, beds, leashes, bowls, or even toys! Whatever you can spare to help care for these animals will go a very long way. Oftentimes an old dog bed or toy can hold sentimental value and are hard to part with. In times like this just try to imagine the joy it could bring to a lonely animal. We encourage you to part with whatever you can to make life better for those in need.

Spread Awareness

Lastly, help spread awareness. Follow your local shelters on Instagram and Facebook, and share their posts with your community! Spreading awareness is a huge part of helping these shelters, the more people willing to help the better!

This is a trying time for everyone, and we know that not everyone has the means to donate to shelters. Simply doing your best to spread awareness can go a very long way, and we encourage everyone to help to the best of their abilities. Together we WILL get through this!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Helping Shelters in This Time of Need appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Cleaning their ears

Keeping your dog’s ears clean is vital for their health and comfort. The frequency that their ears need to be cleaned varies by breed. Some dogs have floppy ears which naturally help protect the insides from dirt and other bacterias, while others have erect ears that easily become infiltrated with dirt and grime. The hairier your dog’s ears are, the more common it is for bacteria to build up and cause infections. Some dogs love getting their ears cleaned, but many do not. Be sure to have treats nearby to encourage your dog to let you groom them properly. Here’s how it’s done.

What you need:

• Veterinarian recommended Ear Cleaner
• Cotton balls or pads
• Tweezers
• Towel
• Treats

What to do:

• Allow your dog to inspect the bottle of ear cleaner you are using
  • Dogs are often more comfortable with something once they’ve smelled it
• Gently pull their ear out and away from their head, allowing access to their ear canal
• Fill their ear canal with the ear cleaner, and gently massage the base of the ear for about 20 seconds
• At this point your dog will likely want to shake it’s head, pat the ear dry with a towel to reduce the mess
• If your dog has exceptionally hairy ears, use tweezers to pluck away the excess hair that can causes blockages within their ear canal
  • How to here
• Wrap a cotton pad around your index finger and gently wipe the inside of their ear clean
  • Do not reach further than you can see, this can harm the dog’s canal
  • Only use a cotton swab if necessary 
• Give them a treat and repeat on the other ear!

Pugs

Pugs are a very unique breed due to the fact that their facial folds need to be cleaned regularly. As Pugs were a creation of generations worth of dog breeding, they do not have a natural way to clean these wrinkles themselves. Here’s an easy guide to keeping those wrinkles clean and infection free. 

What you need:

• Soft cloth/Unscented baby wipes
• Coconut Oil or Unscented Lotion
• Small Training Treats
• Dry cloth

What to do:

• Gently peel apart your pug’s wrinkles and wipe them clean
• Be very cautious around the eyes and nose
  • This is the purpose of unscented wipes
• Be sure to dry the fold thoroughly to avoid bacteria growth
• Apply Coconut oil, an unscented lotion such as Aquaphor to any dry, cracked, or irritated parts of their skin
• Praise with treats and repeat every few weeks!

We hope this was helpful and informative to help you keep your dogs clean and infection free!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears (and Your Pug’s Face!) appeared first on Lilly Brush.

INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE CARPET CLEANING TOOL – Carpets, cars, couches, stairs, you name it! These 11.5” dueling rubber blades work in tandem to pull ALL embedded pet hair out of carpets and upholstery.

-SLEEK DESIGN – With its angled soft blades and slim profile, the Detailer is designed to reach under furniture and into baseboard and stair crevices for a wall-to-wall clean you haven’t seen in years!

-DURABLE & EASY TO CLEAN – The unique and durable design of the Mighty Pet Hair Detailer makes for a one time purchase! No more refills, and no more worn down products! Occasionally clean blades with light soap and water to maintain maximum cleaning power.

-STURDY HANDLE – The top-of-the-line sturdy steel broom handle won’t break or bend, while its above average 52’ length allows for a more comfortable upright posture while sweeping.

-UNIVERSAL SCREW-IN FITS ALL STANDARD BROOMSTICKS

-CLEANS ALL CARPET PROFILES – Use on shag, berber, loop & cut-pile carpets with excellent results on all. 

We are SO excited about our Mighty Pet Hair Detailer! Keeping your house clean has never been so easy! We hope you love it!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post The All-New Mighty Pet Hair Detailer appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Training

Registered emotional support dogs don’t require the same rigorous training that many service animals do, but because they are given special privileges such as being allowed in airplane cabins, they are still held to strict behavioral standards. In order to enjoy the benefits of their positions, emotional support animals must be calm and complacent and remain by their supportee’s side despite any temptation or excitement in the world around them. These rules come with good reason. Improperly trained dogs on an airplane or in an apartment can cause serious problems. This may come as a shocker to many of us, but some people are very anxious around dogs. Whether they’ve had a previously bad experience or are just afraid of animals, we need to respect their opinion on the matter. If your dog tries to wander on an airplane and make friends, they could get themselves into trouble. Some people are severely allergic to dogs, making even the friendliest dogs a threat to their well being. If your dog isn’t properly trained and well behaved, don’t register them as an emotional support dog. Adding this convenience in your life can cause a major issue in somebody else’s. 

Benefits

Registered emotional support dogs do have a few luxuries that not all dogs have. As we mentioned above, you can bring these animals on airplanes or live in a “pet free” apartment complex. These rights for emotional support animals are protected by the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, and The Air Carriers Access Act. Emotional support dogs may soon lose airplane privileges, although this is not official quite yet. Multiple airlines have reported hosting over 100,000 emotional support animals each year, with many incidents littered throughout these cases. Dozens of instances of untrained pets posing as emotional support animals has caused an uproar in both the service dog, and airline communities. Those who truly need the help of a well trained pet are losing credibility due to people using “emotional support” as a loophole in order to travel with their pets. Contrarily, airline employees are fed up with cleaning up after untrained pets that leave a mess on their flights. Emotional support dogs do not have all of the benefits and freedom that service animals do, as they don’t have the same extensive training. Service animals are allowed into restaurants, theaters, and even hospitals. 

How to Register your dog 

If you would like more information on how to register your pet as an emotional support dog for yourself or a loved one, read more here. Current regulations stipulate that you must have a Mental Health Professional confirm your condition before you can officially register your dog. Conditions that warrant Emotional Support Pets include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, PTSD, panic attacks, personality disorders, and phobias. Registering your pet as an emotional support animal is not a one day process; it takes time to ensure the legitimacy of the situation. We urge you not to register your pet as an emotional support animal if you don’t feel that you truly need one. Many people will register their pets with the intention of making their travel plans easier, or to get a “no-pets” apartment that they want. While this may seem harmless, if a registered dog acts out, it reflects poorly on the entire community of working dogs. People will then begin to delegitimize these working animals, and those who truly need their support will suffer the most. 

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Emotional Support Dogs appeared first on Lilly Brush.

NOBODY should be lied to about what type of dog they’re getting. Unfortunately, there are almost 10,000 of cases in just the last 3 years involving what have become known as “puppy scammers”. Here’s how to detect puppy scammers on the internet.

Wrong Breed!

When a puppy is newly born, it can be hard to tell exactly what type of dog it is. Since many dogs have similar coloring to one another, some people have begun selling dogs as purebreds for thousands of dollars, when in reality they’re just mutts with recognizable coloring. The sellers will find photos from the internet of “picture perfect” purebred dogs, and claim they are photos of the puppy’s parents. As these dogs begin to grow into themselves, owners quickly realize they are not quite what they bargained for. By the time they figure it out the seller is long gone, and so is the money.

Now what? 

In our opinion, the best thing to do if you fall for one of these scams is to raise the dog just as you planned. Mutts are awesome too! It might be disappointing to not get the dog you wanted, and you may be upset that you’ve been ripped off by a stranger. You should definitely report any scams you come across to the police to avoid letting these deviant people continue to make money off of unsuspecting buyers who just want a puppy for their family. 

How do I know?

There are a few things you can do to see just how credible your source is when buying a new dog. The first thing to do is to thoroughly research the dog breed that you are looking for. Search as many photos as you can so you know exactly what to expect from your new puppy. In many cases these fraudulent advertisements will have stock photos of the dog they are claiming to sell, and pose them as the mother and father of your new puppy. If you see the photo from the advertisement elsewhere online, RUN.

Another common theme with these scam artists is the price seems too good to be true. If the breed of dog you’re looking for typically costs around $1,000, and some nice man you met online wants to sell you one for $600, that is a major red flag. In these cases, they often ask for money over a wire transaction or through gift cards. These forms of payment are unable to be returned after the fact, which is why they are so commonly used in scams. NEVER send money for a dog before you have seen it yourself and are ready to take it home. Too often people send money for their new puppy and then simply never hear from the seller again, losing their money and their chance at a new puppy for the family. 

It’s unfortunate that people really do this, but that is the world we live in. Hopefully we were able to make things a little bit easier to determine whether or not you can trust the person you’re buying your next dog from. Here is a list of known scams in the last 3 years. Take a look at the emails and website names, and share with your friends! These sites must be avoided at all costs.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post How to Detect Puppy Scammers appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Why Dalmatians?

When firefighters first came about they were privately owned entities. The firehouses were competitive with each other, and oftentimes even fought for territory. Since they were not funded by the government, the firefighters were paid by insurance companies for putting out fires and saving buildings, houses, stables, etc. The first team to get to the fire and save the day got paid, plain and simple. Since their “trucks” were actually horse-drawn carriages, they chose Dalmatians as the firehouse dog because of their natural compatibility with horses.

The dogs would run alongside the horses keeping them calm in the presence of fire, and using their keen sense of smell to get to the scene as quickly as possible. Dalmatians are also known to be rather aggressive. In today’s society that is rarely seen as a positive, but in the days of competitive firefighting this was a major plus. The dogs were very protective of the firehouse, the horses, and the truck. They often fended off competing firefighters that planned to sabotage their competitors.

Strut your stuff

In the days of privatized fire fighting there was a certain pride that came with showing off your rig to the entire town as you rushed to put out the fire. Having a pack of Dalmatians running alongside your coach was a delight to see, adding a prestigious and stunning piece to the puzzle. People would point and stare with elation when these beautiful animals came racing down the street leading their horse companions right to the fire. It quickly became a status symbol, the more Dalmatians you had leading the way the better off your company seemed to be doing. 

Firetrucks

As fire trucks sprung onto the scene in the early 1900’s, the need for a pack of dogs on your fire team was reduced to almost nothing. Fortunately, the tradition lives on to this day. Seeing a pack of Dalmatians in a firehouse is a rare sight to see, but having just one or two is still very common. They act more so as a team mascot in today’s industry, paying homage to the heroism that was displayed in generations past by their ancestors.

Companions

Fighting fires can be a stressful, dangerous, and sometimes thankless job. Dog owners know just how nice it can be to come home to your pup after a long day at work. As a firefighter spending countless hours in the firehouse awaiting tragedy we can only imagine how nice it must be to have a loyal companion roaming around. Dalmatians aren’t the only dog you’ll see in a firehouse, but their legacy has certainly lived on past their days of service.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Why are Dalmatians “firedogs?” appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Tea Tree Oil

One of the most common essential oils is tea tree oil. Unfortunately, tea tree oil is also one of the leading offenders when it comes to dogs reacting poorly to essential oils. Pet owners have been storied to have used tea tree oil to help their dog or cat with fleas. The oil being absorbed through the skin often causes a handful of dangerous side effects. After applying tea tree oil to their dogs, owners reported seeing signs of depression, paralysis of rear legs, vomiting, hypothermia, and irritated skin. These are serious issues and you MUST contact your vet as soon as you see your dog showing any of these signs. 

European Pennyroyal

Another common oil, Pennyroyal, is extremely toxic for your dogs. It has been commonly used for decades as an insect repellant, and people have unsuspectingly used it on their dogs. Pennyroyal, when ingested by dogs, causes liver failure and is extremely fatal. If your dog comes in contact with Pennyroyal, get them in the car and to the vet immediately. 

Every Dog Is Different!

There are many more essential oils used daily around the world, and the tricky thing is not all dogs react to these oils the same way. For example, some dogs are calmed tremendously by lavender, while others become anxious and overwhelmed by the sensation. It can differ by your dog’s breed, size, or age.

Their Nose Knows

As we all know, our dogs have much stronger noses than we do. Usually this is beneficial to them, but in the case of essential oils, it may cause problems. If you’ve used essential oils before then you know how just a few drops can make a huge difference. When using oils through aroma, if just two or three drops can have an impact on you, imagine how it could affect your pet. Dogs are said to have noses 40 times stronger than ours, meaning if you put two drops of oil into a diffuser, your dog smells it as 80 drops of oil. Start small, and build from there. Make sure your pet reacts positively to a certain essential oil before wafting the aroma all throughout your home. 

We hope this was informative and helpful to start off the new year! As always, please use caution with your pets. We hate to see tragic stories like these, but felt the need to spread the word!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post How Essential Oils Could Be Harming Your Pets appeared first on Lilly Brush.

We hope you all are as excited for the holidays as we are! As Lilly Brush shuts down the office for a few days to celebrate with our loved ones, we wanted to share these photos with you in hopes to make everyone smile one last time before the end of the work week!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Best Dressed Pets This Holiday Season appeared first on Lilly Brush.

It’s me, Lilly, back with another gift guide for you all to make your holiday shopping a breeze! Never sure what to get your pet? No worries! Just follow my guide below for an easy gift on any budget!

Furbo Dog Camera

Might be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it! The Furbo Dog Camera allows you to keep an eye on your pup all day from your phone! The two-way audio detection alerts you when they’re barking, and lets them hear you when you need their attention. You can use your voice to calm them down when they’re going ballistic at the mailman, and even give them a treat when they behave!

Dog Gear Travel Bag

Finally! A travel bag designed for our pets. Many of us already have an old backpack or duffel bag that is a homemade “dog bag”. Now, you can get a bag designed around your dog. With specially designed pockets for food, water, and bowls this Dog Gear Travel Bag is the perfect gift for anyone that loves to bring their dog everywhere they go. The “necessities” each have their own little pocket, and the remaining storage is big enough for whatever else your pup may need throughout the day!

Custom Picture Pet Blanket

I want my face on a blanket! It’s a great way to remind our owners that we are the backbone of the family. The couch is already covered with my hair, why not show off where it came from? Throw your pup’s face on a blanket to show appreciation for all the guarding of the house we do while you’re gone. And, as a bonus, all of your guests will be reminded that you like me more than them!

PetFusion Ambush Electronic Cat Toy

This interactive toy is guaranteed to keep your cat busy all day long! This machine simulates moving prey by quickly shooting out colorful feathers that kick in your cat’s natural instincts. They’ll waste the day away chasing their prey, leaving no mess to clean up!

Snazzy Sequin Santa Hat

In preparation for Santa Paws, we have to get into the spirit by repping his hat! It only seems right to celebrate the man who stuffs our stockings. Get your pet a Santa hat to wear around the house this year to make sure everyone knows we’re in the holiday spirit too!

Lilly Brush Product Line

Last but certainly not least, check out these products named after me! Obviously, quite a few of us shed. For those of us that shed, look into the Lilly Brush (Yes, named after me) Mini Pet Hair Detailer and Be Forever Furless brushes. The Mini Pet Hair Detailer works wonders on removing the short and wiry fur that gets woven into fabrics and materials. The Be Forever Furless Brush removes the long and fluffy fur that statically clings to furniture, clothing and carpeting. Whichever type of pet hair you deal with, my mom has the right tool for you! 

Sincerely,

Lilly B Hamilton

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Lilly’s Top Holiday Gift Ideas For Your Pet appeared first on Lilly Brush.

If you own a dog whose breed doesn’t really enjoy the outdoor life, or if you live in an apartment and don’t have a backyard, you have no other choice but to keep your dog inside. After some time, dogs learn not to do their business inside, not to chew on the furniture, and even not to bark all that much. But no matter what you do, they won’t learn how not to shed because that’s a physiological need and it has to happen just like breathing or sleeping.

However, you can limit their shedding and keep it to a minimum. Your home and all of your stuff don’t have to be all covered in dog hair. Here’s how.

Shedding hair

Shedding is a completely normal process which happens to all animals, including us humans. Just take a look at your pillow when you wake up. Even if you have a short hairstyle, some strands of hair will remain there after the entire night. The main purpose of shedding is to discard damaged and loose hair. This way, new, healthier hair can grow in its place.

As mentioned before, all dogs shed their hair, it’s just that some breeds do it more than others. Believe it or not, short haired dogs shed the most. Not in quantity of the hair they discard but in duration of the process. They usually lose hair all year round, no matter the season or weather.

Some dog breeds like Huskies and Akitas shed when seasons change, and they shed a lot, but for a short period of time. This is perfectly normal, as well as healthy. But if you notice your dog sheds excessively more or they don’t shed as much as they have, they might have some health issues that are causing that. Patchy hair loss and skin wounds are a sign of infection so if you notice these symptoms, it’s time to go to the vet.

Hypoallergenic dogs?

As of lately, potential dog owners have started seeking dog breeds that are so called hypoallergenic, which means their hair, saliva and overall presence doesn’t trigger an allergic reaction from people who suffer from allergies.

As much as someone would love this to be true, sadly no dog breed can be described as hypoallergenic. All dogs lose hair, they all drool, and they all can accumulate various allergens inside of their coat. So, if you are allergic to dog hair, don’t test your luck and maybe choose a different pet after all, like lizards or turtles. Or try spending some time with your friend’s dog and see if their presence triggers a reaction.

How to control shedding?

Although you can’t completely avoid shedding, you can at least lower it down to a reasonable amount by following these few tips.

Protect your interior from dog hair

Properly adapting your home interior can help you deal with dog hair. Two small changes in your home decor can make cleaning up dog hair much easier. First, cover all of your furniture with something. You don’t have to use those annoying transparent plastic covers, any bedsheet or a throw will do the job equally well. When you notice that a lot of hair accumulated on top of those covers, just take them outside, shake them off well, and wash them in your washing machine. This is much easier than vacuuming out dog hair that got stuck to your couch or your resting chairs.

Second thing you should do is to place mats on the floor where your dog spends the most time. Hair that they lose will cling onto that carpet instead of being dragged all over your house as your dog or your family members walk from room to room. Just like the covers, when they become full of hair, shake them off outside and then simply wash them.

Clean up regularly

Don’t forget to vacuum your home regularly. If you find that vacuum cleaners pick up only some of your dog’s hair but not all of it, it may be because your dog’s hair tends to become woven into fabrics in your home. That’s where the Lilly Brush Mini Pet Hair Detailer comes in. A few quick sweeps with this handy tool removes even the most stubbornly embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery.

Groom your dog regularly

Protection is better than cure. To prevent excessive dog shedding on all over your house use a dog grooming glove. The shedding hair sticks to the glove, making it easy to peel and throw hair away. Your puppy would sit and let you scratch him all day if you had the time. If you are able to brush your furry friend daily or at least every other day there will be visibly less fur on your clothes and around the house.

Consider getting an air purifier

Another good method of dealing with dog hair in your house is to use an air purifier. They do cost a bit but if you have problems with asthma or bronchitis, it will mean the world to you. It also helps a lot with preventing allergic reactions, and taking care of dog hair. However, if you do get yourself one of these in order to battle dog hair, you will have to change its filters often. Even more than it is recommended by the manufacturer. But your air will stay fresh and clean so it’s worth the hassle.

Healthy diet

And last, adjust your dog’s diet. If your dog eats food that provides them with the right nutrients, their hair will become strong and healthy. This is closely related to shedding because the stronger and healthier your dog’s hairs are, the less they shed since there’s no need for new ones. Give your dog food that contains enough proteins and fat. Food with plenty essential fatty acids will contribute the most to reducing their shedding. If you decide to save money on dog food, don’t expect your dog not to leave a bunch of hairs behind them.

I hope you found this article useful. Now you should be able to enjoy having your dog inside the house without worrying about the hair they leave behind.

Sincerely,

Tara Edwards

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post How To Control Dog Hair In The House appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost here! To celebrate, four of our products will be  20% OFF from this Friday, the 29th through Monday, the 2nd. You can find the 20% OFF discount on both our website, and our Amazon Store. We wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a great start to the holiday season. We are grateful for our entire Lilly Brush Community, our customers, our families, and of course our pets!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals All Weekend! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

P.S. If you haven’t seen Marley and Me, grab some tissues and give it a shot. (Only if you’re willing to cry)

101 Dalmatians

A Disney classic! Sit down with the family and watch as the evil Cruella Deville battles the whits of a massive family of Dalmatians!

Balto

A hero’s story. Watch in amazement as this true story of a very brave sled dog unfolds. Check out our blog about the story of this heroic dog!

Beethoven

Released in 1992, Beethoven is considered one of the classics. Follow along as this hilarious dog gets into all sorts of trouble with his new beloved family.

Cats and Dogs

A hilarious adaptation of what just might be going on with our pets when we’re not looking!

Snow Dogs

Talk about a star studded cast, this one features 8 real dogs! Hilarity ensues as one man steps in way over his head trying to tough it out with a pack of sled dogs.

These are some of our personal favorites, feel free to let us know what we missed! We hope this is helpful the next time you’re looking for the right movie to watch with the family. No sad endings on this list!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Best Dog Movies With Happy Endings! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Your dog might not be checking their calendar, but you can still remind them when it’s their birthday, and no birthday is complete without a cake!  Here’s a healthy, dog-friendly cake that’s perfect for celebrating your pup’s big day! 

Halina’s Famous Sweet Potato Confetti Cake

You will need 2 round baking tins (5x5x1/2)

Ingredients:

1 Pound Ground Beef

½ Pound Ground Turkey

2 Eggs

½ Cup Shredded Cheese

½ Cup Fresh or Frozen Peas

1 Large Carrot (chopped thin)

2 Sweet Potatoes (frosting)

4 Ounce of Cream Cheese

1 Cup of Oats

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees

To make the sweet potato frosting:

• Peel and quarter the sweet potato, cover with cold water in a small pot
• Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Cook until fully tender (about 20 minutes)

For the cake:

• Combine beef, turkey, eggs, oats, cheese, peas, and carrots in a mixing bowl. 
  • Grease the two round baking tins and divide the mixture. Press down to flatten the meat mixture which should be split evenly between the 2 pans.
  • Bake in the oven for 40 minutes, or until meat is cooked through
• Finish the frosting by first draining the water from the sweet potatoes and then returning them to the pot. Slowly add water while mashing to get a smooth frosting-like consistency.
• Remove cooked meat cake from oven and allow to cool.
• Once both the meat and potatoes have cooled, spread some of the mashed sweet potatoes between the two beef patties to join them, and then frost the outside of the joined patties with the remainder of the sweet potato mixture.

To decorate: Use a pastry bag with a decorative tip to create white rosettes on top of the cake with half of the softened cream cheese. Add a few drops of beet juice from a boiled beet to the other half of the softened cream cheese to create pink rosettes. Place a decorative ring of peas and biscuits around the bottom of the cake and add asparagus candles to celebrate each wonderful year of your pup’s life!

As many of you know, most dogs are not very picky when it comes to their food. If it smells even remotely edible they’ll gobble it right up. With that in mind, feel free to edit this cake wherever you see fit! We know your dog will love Halina’s recipe, and we can ensure you that it’s all healthy for the birthday pup. If you give it a shot, please let us know how it goes! We would love to see your pictures and hear advice on how you think this recipe can be improved. 

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Healthy Dog-Friendly Birthday Cake! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

1. AUDWUD Silicone Treat Pouch

Bring this AUDWUD Silicone treat pouch full of treats to reward them for being great listeners or in case they want food. As we all know, the easiest way to keep your dogs attention is a little snack!

2. Safety-Sport Dog Horn

We know all dogs go to heaven, but that doesn’t mean some of them don’t have a mean streak hidden away somewhere. This one may seem over the top, and hopefully you’ll never have to use it. The reality is you will likely come across an aggressive dog or two in your lifetime. By keeping this dog horn with you on walks, you can stop an aggressive dog in its tracks with a quick blast of the horn. One of our team members unfortunately had to use one of these just last week to scare off a charging dog. DON’T WORRY: This horn won’t hurt any dogs, it’ll just scare them off. 

3. N-Gage Running Leash

Whether you are walking your dog or going on a run, this leash is great to keep them under control. This leash attaches to your waist, keeping your hands free and your dog secure. Having multiple dogs attached to your waist makes it so you won’t have two dogs pulling each arm in opposite directions. 

P.S. Be careful with larger dogs. If you dog is stronger than you, be sure that you are able to control them to avoid being dragged across your neighbor’s lawn.

4. N-Gage Harness

Having your dog’s leash attached to a harness is another great way to keep them under control. The harness surrounds your dog’s entire torso rather than keeping all of the pressure around their neck. This is especially helpful with larger, stronger dogs, but is a great tool for all dogs! When your dog decides they want to chase a squirrel, or run after the neighbor’s dog, their harness allows you to yank them back into place without hurting or choking them. 

5. Wild One Poop Bag Carrier

It Happens! – It’s bound to happen when you are on a walk with your dogs. Snag one of these poop bag dispensers that clip onto your leash. Easy to carry and you won’t forget to grab a bag ever again!

Walking your dogs can seem like a hassle at times, but its often the highlight of their day. When walking multiple dogs at once the hassle increases astronomically. Being able to control, care for, and clean up after two or more dogs at the same time is no easy task. Having the right tools to keep the chaos at bay can make all the difference in the world, making the experience much more enjoyable for all parties involved!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post 5 Items To Bring While Walking Your Dogs appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Keep Them Outside Just Long Enough To Take Care Of Bodily Functions

If you don’t want to be doing your business outside, chances are neither does your pet. Let your pet outside to use the bathroom, but make sure to let them back in when they’re finished. Don’t forget to wipe their paws! Rock salt can irritate their paws and their mouth, if they get a chance to lick their paws. 

Get some shoes for those paws! (Or check out Musher’s Secret!)

Dog booties come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll surely be able to find the right ones for your pet! Many dogs with longer fur are susceptible to accumulating balls of ice on their paws while walking in the snow. The snow packs on to their paws creating balls of ice that get stuck in the fur, making a simple walk extremely painful. You may notice your dog limping or whimpering during a walk in the snow, check the bottom of their paws! If you see snow and ice building up, go grab them a pair of booties! Some dogs hate their boots, for those dogs we think you should try Musher’s Secret. Musher’s Secret is a thick wax coating that protects your dog’s paws in all types of climates. Anything from from hot pavement to icy roads, Musher’s Secret has them covered.

Get your pet a coat!

Some dogs and cats look adorable in their winter gear. Others, however, seem to hate every minute of wearing a jacket. We always want our pets to be comfortable, so if they hate it then don’t force them to wear it. In the winter months many smaller cats and dogs benefit greatly from having an extra layer wrapped around them during a walk through the snow.

Dog Doors!

There are many pets out there that do outdoor chores for their owners. Whether it be on the farm or hunting, weather can still be life threatening even if your pet is actively running around while out in the cold. Ensure that your pet has a place to go if they get too cold outside. Some of these dogs spend the vast majority of their lives outdoors, others never even see the inside of their owner’s house. Even if you don’t believe your dog should come inside of your home, you can still provide them with access to shelter. Doggy doors can be attached to anything from houses, garages, or even your shed. Get one for your dog this winter to keep them warm and protected from the elements!

Every Pet is Different

All pets have a different tolerance for the cold. Often times the difference comes with the breed. Many Huskies see the snow and immediately fall in love with it. They would spend all day running around in the cold and rolling in the snow if you let them. It is important to keep an eye on your pet though, as they don’t all feel the same way. Just because your breed of dog or cat originated from a cold environment, doesn’t mean they want to be outside all winter. Pay attention to what your pet is trying to tell you!

The winter can be a tricky time when taking care of your pets. Some of them typically love the outdoors, but want nothing to do with these frigid winter months. Even our pets that love the snow need a break from the cold now and again. The key to navigating the cold months is to pay attention to what your pet is telling you, and knowing when to listen. Small dogs might hate their jacket, but need it to stay warm on their nighttime walk. Other dogs might never want to leave the great outdoors, but don’t know just how cold and windy the weather is expected to be. As long as your dog seems happy, they typically know what they can handle when it comes to the cold. Keep an eye on your pets, listen to what they’re telling you, and most importantly keep an eye on the weather. Extreme cold temperatures can be dangerous for your pets, and sometimes even life threatening. 

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post 5 Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe In The Cold appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Do You Pass The Test?

There are a few criteria required in order to adopt a retired military dog. Although the standards are relatively high, it’s in everyone’s best interest. These are working dogs who need a home that can accommodate the special energy level and skills that have been hard-wired into their new pet’s previous daily activities. For instance, the recipient of one of these dogs must have an outdoor fence that is at least 6 feet tall, and may not have any children under the age of 5. Altogether, the process of adopting a retired military dog can take up to 2 years to ensure both the dog and the family are getting a proper fit. Civilian law enforcement are the first choice for these retiring dogs, which allows them to maintain their duties to a slightly lesser degree. Second in line after law enforcement are previous military handlers, followed finally by the general public. 

Training

Those lucky enough to adopt a retired military dog are getting themselves a very well behaved companion. These heroic pups have been through a minimum of 4-7 months of discipline drills and education just to pass their “basic training” before they even begin to be coached in their specific craft. There are a handful of positions that K-9 service dogs are trained for, each with a specific and intense training process to earn a position in the field. Below are a few disciplines that your newly acquired retired military dog might have mastered.

• Sentry Dogs
  • Sentry Dogs are trained to warn their handlers of potential danger in the area. They originally began this type of work during WWII, when over 9,000 dogs were trained in the art of surveillance, sticking close by their handlers and using their heightened senses to remain vigilant deep into the night.
• Scout/Patrol Dogs
  • Dogs used for Scout or Patrol were crucial for determining whether or not an area was safe. Only the smartest and quietest of dogs are selected for this position. These dogs are required to remain silent as to not be detected themselves, while possessing the ability to detect the presence of an enemy up to 1,000 yards away.
• Messenger Dogs
  • These dogs are considered to be the most loyal of the military dogs, because of their ability to work with two different handlers. These dogs are trained to use natural cover and bring messages from one handler to the other without being detected by enemy forces.
• Mine Dogs
  • Mine Dogs work in arguably the most dangerous conditions of them all. These dogs are trained to sniff out explosives and find trip wires in order to keep soldiers safe during transit.
• Tunnel Dogs
  • Tunnel Dogs were used mainly in Vietnam to help the US soldiers detect underground tunnels and bases. These dogs helped prevent ambushes by alerting their handlers of nearby danger.
• Casualty Dogs
  • Casualty Dogs are often the difference between life and death for a wounded soldier. These dogs put their own safety aside and search a battlefield for casualties. In a situation where just a few minutes can be the difference between life and death, these amazing dogs are the catalyst that helps lower the rate of death on the battlefield.

These dogs up for adoption have worked most of their lives, and are ready to spend their twilight years with a loving family. The criteria to adopt one of these dogs may seem high, but the rules are in place simply because these dogs deserve it. After working a lifetime in the military, it only seems fitting that their future home and families are of the highest standard. If you or a friend are interested in adopting a military dog, email mwd.adoptions@us.af.mil to inquire further!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Adopting Military Dogs appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Man’s Best Friend Prevails Again

Similarly, in North Dakota a few years ago a 3-year old went missing one night in a rainstorm. A party of 200 volunteers mounted a search to find the boy as a fierce thunderstorm raged overhead for 7 long hours. Finally, around 2:00 AM the volunteers on foot were forced to call off their search due to impossible walking conditions caused by the heavy rainfall. A handful of volunteers on ATVs were able to continue to search for a few hours more. Suddenly, one of the ATV riders spotted a golden retriever-german shepherd mix curled up on the side of the road. Thinking that the unmoving dog had been injured, and could not stand, they stopped to help. As the dog stood to greet them, they found the 3-year old who had been hidden, huddled underneath his family dog. This dog, who no doubt had been terrified himself, had refused to leave the child’s side, choosing instead to lovingly shield him with his own body throughout a 7 hour thunderstorm.

Dogs Are Trained As Therapeutic Comforters

During the past few weeks, there have been a handful of videos posted on Instagram and Facebook that have shown dogs comforting their owners during panic attacks. Dogs are trained as therapeutic comforters, and with good reason. Dogs have an amazing ability to sense a change in human emotions. In a study performed by University of London researchers, it was discovered that dogs were more likely to approach humans who were crying than if they were talking or humming. The dogs almost always displayed submissive behaviors when they approached individuals who were crying. It cannot be definitively proven that empathy drives a dog to join us on the couch when we’re sad, and wag their tails like crazy when we receive some good news, but it is certainly clear that they have an uncanny ability to sense how we feel. Check out this amazing video of a pet comforting someone during a panic attack.

If it wasn’t quite clear, we think dogs make amazing companions!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Canine Comfort appeared first on Lilly Brush.

UPS Driver

Nothing screams dedication like the boys in brown showing up every day to deliver packages all across the world. Who else deserves such an honor other than the most dedicated member of your family, your dog. 

Beanie Baby (Easy DIY!)

Beanie Babies were a huge part of many of our lives growing up. Then we got older and decided to get a living version of the plush toys we grew up loving. Throw this Ty Beanie Baby tag on your dog for a simple, cute, and nostalgic costume!

DIY: All you need is felt, construction paper, or any material that can match these colors! Simply cut out a big red heart, and glue on the letters “ty” in white. Attach your masterpiece to your dog’s collar and voila, you’re a DIY dog costume expert!

Aladdin Abu

This one is a guaranteed laugh. Whether you’re at a Halloween party, or handing out candy, seeing this little monkey waddle up to you will put an instant smile on anyone’s face. If they’re an Aladdin fan, well then you just might have to be wary of a dognapping!

Werewolf

We’ve all seen the fierce fire that lies deep within our dogs when they’re protecting their bone, or defending the house from the perpetual army of mailmen. They all have a little werewolf in them, even the sweetest of pups. This Halloween let them be the beast within and scare your neighbors with a werewolf patrolling your front yard.

Bowtie & Cuff Set

If you’re hosting a halloween dinner party, this is the costume for your dog. Sure Halloween parties don’t tend to be black-tie, but there’s nothing wrong with a little class. Make sure your dog is the sharpest dressed in the bunch by throwing on a bow tie and some cuffs!

Lion

What better fit for your cat than the King of the Jungle? Our cats already patrol the house thinking they are the most dangerous hunter on the planet. This year for Halloween throw a mane around those killer jaws and let them dress the part!

Spider

This one is sure to make a few people jump. There is no reaction more natural than jumping out of your seat when you see a 20 pound spider run across the room. If you’re a fan of those spooky Halloween vibes, throw a few extra legs on your cat and grab some popcorn! 

Sailor

Aye Aye, Captain! Set sail on this costume if you want your pet to seem like the most responsible pet at the party. Hopefully they don’t have the mouth of a sailor to go along with it. 

Deadly Playtime Doll Pet Costume 

This costume has been all over social media for the past few weeks. It is, by far, one of the hottest trending costumes for your pet to wear this season. Hopefully they won’t scare any of the other pets at the party. 

 It’s Happy Hour! Costume

Is your pet a party animal?! If so, this is the perfect fit for them. With their companion carrying behind, they will make sure you don’t attend the party empty handed. Don’t let them drive home!

Your pet will feel left out if they aren’t as dressed up as you are on the one day that you can get decked out in crazy attire. We guarantee that your pet can pull off the best costume award at any party with these costume ideas! If you end up taking any photos, please feel free to send them to us and we will be happy to post them!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post 10 Best Halloween Costume Ideas For Your Pet appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Double vs Single Coat

Some dogs have what is called a double-coat. A soft interior layer for warmth accompanied with a long exterior layer for protection. These dogs are going to be very noticeably shedding as winter approaches, leaving evidence with every step they take. Our very own Lilly is a perfect example of a double-coated dog, and her shedding is the reason our Be Forever Furless Brush was invented in the first place. Single-coat dogs like labs, terriers, poodles etc, won’t be as noticeable as their double-coat counterparts, but you can still expect to do some extra cleaning this time of year.

Allergies

If you or your house guests have dog allergies, this time of year becomes exceptionally hard to handle. To help lessen allergies year round, but especially during this time of the year, be sure to keep your pet well groomed. Bathe your pet weekly, and brush them as often as you can, daily if possible. By adding multivitamins or fatty acid supplements to their diet you can improve the health of your pet’s skin. This reduces the frequency and potency  of dander, and in turn will combat allergic reactions. 

Shedding season is upon us and Lilly Brush is here to help! Hopefully we were able to give you the insights on why your dog has been shedding uncontrollably as the weather turns.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Shedding Season Is Back appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Dogs, just like the rest of us, require sleeping. Lack of enough sleep and quality of sleep may lead to restlessness and even subject your pet to other health complications. Interestingly, dogs produce sleep hormones called melatonin, just like human beings. They also dream. Their sleeping routine is, however, different from ours.

Tamed dogs sleep more, and their cycles are shorter and more frequent. The quantity of sleep depends on several factors, such as the health condition of the dog, age, and size, as well as the type of beddings.

Why Do Dogs Need Beddings?

According to the American Kennel Club, canines spend about 50% of their time sleeping and lying down 30% of the time they are awake. With all the time spent in bed, it’s essential to have quality beddings for maximum comfort.

Most pet owners sleep with their dogs or assign them a spot on the couch, but it would be better to allow them to have a free reign on their own space. Dogs are valued pets and among the most important member of your family. They deserve a good sleep, thus the need to invest in high-quality beddings for the furry companions.

Choosing an Appropriate Dog Bed

The choice of a dog bed is crucial to the quality of sleep for your dog. Dog beds have evolved from the typical one-size-fits-all mattress to new cool shapes, designs, sizes and colors. The ideal choice of beddings ought to be adaptable to your dog and provide them with a comfortable resting place.

The dog bed should be warm with cushions and mattresses (unless it’s a hot night) so that the pet feels pampered. Similarly, consider the age, size and personality of your dog when shopping for their bed. Puppies need a stronger structured bed while older dogs require a more maneuverable place to sleep.

Types of Dog Beds

Now that you are well familiar with your dog, it’s time to get them a suitable bed. There are different dog beds, but these are the most popular ones.

Orthopedic Dog Beds

This type of bed has a mattress with orthopedic support, which is suitable for injured dogs or older ones. Orthopedic dog beds are also ideal for thinner animals with prominent bones to provide comfortable cushioning and protect them from pain from pressure points. The beds are usually spacious, thus a good fit for the dogs that like to sprawl out.

Donut and Bolster Dog Beds

This bed is round or oval-shaped with raised edges and a cushioned bottom. If your dog likes to sleep on a pillow or feels secure leaning on something, this is a great fit. It’s a cozy bed for smaller dogs and will better retain heat. It is also a comfy bed that will allow your dog to curl up.

There are also pillow or cushion beds which is simply as the name suggests, a large pillow. Dogs that like sprawling out will find this an exciting place to sleep. Others are heated dog beds which bring added comfort of warmth for older dogs and those with painful joints. Then there are ordinary outdoor cots and beds to provide a resting place for your pet out of the house.

As aways, when your dog’s bed inevitably gets covered in their fur, Lilly Brush is here to make cleaning a breeze!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Why is a Dog’s Bedding So Important? appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Have you ever wondered where these constant and ridiculous national holidays come from? They all have to start somewhere, but where? September 19th is one of the weirdest ones around, so we’ve decided to break down just how “National Meow Like a Pirate Day” was able to become a “national holiday”.

It all started with a game of racquetball, matey…

You would think (or at least hope) that there would be some hilarious backstory to this unique holiday, but really it all started with two guys and a game of racquetball. Meow Like a Pirate Day is a weird adaptation of Talk Like a Pirate Day. A day where, you guessed it, everyone (that cares to participate) talks like a pirate. It all started with two men by the name of John Baur and Mark Summers. On June 6, 1995, the men were playing a rather competitive game of racquetball in an attempt to lose some weight and be healthier.

Racquetball, as you may know, can turn into an intense game very quickly (two of us in the office turn from friends to enemies instantly when playing). John and Mark were playing a hard fought game when one of them pulled a muscle going for a low shot, they yelled “Argh!” as they fell to the ground. The two guys thought it was hilarious and began bagging on each other in pirate slang. As they played on, they found their games to be more fun and entertaining when they played while only speaking in pirate lingo. Check out this quick timeline of how National Today describes this obscure holiday coming to life.

Alas…

Talk Like a Pirate Day was invented. As the National Day went on through the years, cat owners found it even funnier to dress their feline friends in pirate attire. And here we are, Meow Like a Pirate Day, and Talk Like a Pirate Day sharing the spotlight. This day lives on as an excuse to relieve the stressors in our lives, and allow for laughter within the workplace and in the home. As we all know, sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.

We encourage you all to try meowing like a pirate to the person next to you. We can promise you all will crack a smile. 

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

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Elsie Hamilton

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The post National Meow Like A Pirate Day, Ever Heard Of It? appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Keeping your dog away from gum can be harder than you think.

This seems like a no-brainer, right? Just don’t give your dogs gum; plain and simple. The scary part is that gum can be stuck anywhere, and all it takes is one piece. Your dogs can even sniff it out of the trash with ease. A pack of gum can fall out of your pocket or purse anywhere in your house, leaving a poisonous snack sitting around for your dog to find. The car is another potentially treacherous spot for gum to be trapped. We’ve all spit a piece of gum into a napkin and forgotten about it during one point or another in our lives. If that napkin falls between your seats, there’s a good chance your dog will be the first one to find it. Similarly, if you’re driving kids around in your car, there is no telling what they’ll leave behind. 

The key part of the equation is Xylitol, which is very toxic to dogs. Most sugar-free gums contain Xylitol, as do some toothpastes, another common household item. If you dog does ingest sugar free gum, contact your vet immediately. Time is of the essence, as symptoms can begin to show quickly and continue to get more severe by the minute. At-home purging of the stomach won’t cut it in this situation, so don’t try to save yourself a trip to the vet. Acting quickly is pertinent to your dog’s survival, even after just one piece of gum.

Pay attention to your dog’s curiosity.

The best thing you can do to avoid this tragedy is to be vigilant about your dog’s curiosity, and pay attention to what they find. Dogs love to sniff around and find something to chew on, whether it’s a piece of food or your favorite shoes. If you think they might have sniffed out a piece of gum, try to find out what type of gum it was, monitor their behavior, and keep your vet on speed dial. Whenever you drive friends, family, or whoever around in your car, double check to make sure nothing treacherous has been left behind. An easy mistake by a passenger in your car leaving a piece of gum wadded up in a napkin can quickly turn into a fatal snack due to your dog’s curiosity. 

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Chewing Gum Can Be More Deadly For Dogs Than We Think appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Every year natural disasters wreak havoc across the globe. As people scramble to evacuate their homes, some pets get lost along the way. Depending on the urgency of the evacuation, owners are often told to leave their pets behind to create more space for people to speed up the evacuation process. If you live in a disaster prone area, here’s a quick guide to keeping your pets safe and accounted for throughout the chaos!

The PETS Act

Ever since Hurricane Katrina, the government has put an emphasis on protecting animals, and families with animals during natural disasters. The PETS act was introduced in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina when a survey discovered that of the families that did not evacuate their homes, 44% of them did so because of their beloved pets. The statistics regarding the number of pets lost throughout the entire process of Hurricane Katrina are heartbreaking. (We’ll spare you the heartache, but you can find them HERE) The PETS act allows for state and local governments to be funded, as well as reimbursed for the money they spend on rescuing and caring for animals during natural disasters. 

A few things you can do to help keep your pet safe during these chaotic times

• Make a Plan and Stick to It
  • A major key to navigating chaos is to have a plan. Already knowing where to go and what to bring before disaster strikes makes things much easier when your entire city is in a frenzy. Stick to your plan, things can get confusing and stressful if you decide to change it up last minute. 
• Emergency Kit (Pet Included)
  • Have enough water for you and your pet to survive for (at least) 3 days! Keep a stock of non-perishable foods, a litter box (or puppy pads), and a photo of you and your pet in case the worst scenario occurs. 
  • FLASHLIGHTS ARE KEY. Power outages are very common during a disaster and battery powered flashlights can be a lifesaver.
• ID Your Pet!
  • Make sure your dog or cat has a collar with up-to-date information to reunite them with you if you ever get separated.
  • Making sure your pet’s microchip is up to date is another major step. The average citizen can’t scan the chip, but if they are returned to an animal shelter the chance of being reunited with your pet increases dramatically.
• Evacuate Early!
  • As the evacuation becomes more urgent, families are often told to leave their pets behind to create space for more people. The sooner you evacuate, the better chance you have of bringing your pet with you.
• Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time
  • Not all emergency shelters allow pets. Research ahead of time and find out the ideal place to bring your pets during an evacuation.
  • To find pet friendly places to stay, follow these links!
    • Bringfido.com
    • Dogfriendly.com
    • Doginmysuitcase.com
    • Pet-friendly-hotels.net
    • Pets-allowed-hotels.com
    • Petswelcome.com
    • Tripswithpets.com
  • To find out more about Pet Friendly Hotels, check out our blog!
• Make a deal with a friend/neighbor in case you’re not home
  • Should the worst happen while you’re away from home, make a deal with a friend or neighbor to take care of your pet until you can be reunited with them. Offer to do the same with their animals if they’re the ones away from home when disaster strikes. Having a network of people working together is always a positive.

We cannot prevent natural disasters, but we can take steps to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe when these events do occur. Being prepared and having a plan is the best defense we can have. We hope this was helpful and informative! Please share with your friends in disaster prone areas so that they can be prepared when disaster strikes.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post What To Do With Your Pet During A Natural Disaster appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Just because Uber and Lyft cannot implement an overarching pet policy for their drivers does not mean you can’t bring your pup or cat along for the ride. As drivers are contracted out by these companies, it is the driver’s decision whether they allow pets. For many of these drivers, their car is their livelihood. They may not want to risk the quality of their car’s interior, as their tips and driver ratings largely decide their monthly income. 

How do I respectfully ride in a ridesharing vehicle with my pet?

Drivers suggest to reach out to them when booking a ride to ensure that they are okay with you bringing your pet along for the ride. 

Bring a blanket!!! Nobody likes a car full of pet hair. (That’s why we invented the Mini Pet Hair Detailer!) If your pet sheds, you may get charged with a cleaning fee. If your pet decides to use the bathroom or gets sick, you will DEFINITELY be charged with a cleaning fee, and a hefty one at that.

Make sure you have ordered the correct vehicle. If you have a smaller pet, an UberX will be fine. However, if you have a larger pet, go the Uber XL route. 

Put yourself in the shoes of your driver. Some people may find it to be a nuisance having to drive around someone else’s pet. Be sure to tip your driver for their services. They are going above and beyond to accommodate you and your furry friend. 

Side note: Service Animals ARE allowed at all times

What other pet friendly rideshares are out there?

In 2017, Uber launched its’ newest branch of rides, UberPet. This ride option started its’ trial run in Singapore, but has since disbanded. Grab, which has taken over as the staple rideshare option in Singapore, has recently added GrabPet. GrabPet has drivers and cars that are specifically trained and equipped to care for your pet during your commute.

SpotOn is a ridesharing service that is specifically available for pets and pet owners. SpotOn is currently only operating in New York City, which is home to 25% of the rideshare market in the United States. They are hoping to grow in the next few years, and expand across the country into other rideshare-heavy cities. Don’t worry about bringing a blanket or a harness for your pet, each car has one! They will also pair you up with a car specific to your pet’s size. Keep an eye out, they might be coming to a city near you soon!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

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Elsie Hamilton

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The post Keys to Properly Using Rideshare Apps With Your Pets! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

This month marks seven years since I founded Lilly Brush. In that time, I’ve invented six new products with a seventh launching this fall. Every single day since has been plump with work, and seemingly endless amounts of interaction with my incredible team and of all kinds of wonderful people, but when I happen to run into my old friends, they almost invariably ask me about my previous career as if I were still alone at my easel each day turning out landscapes and still life paintings.  What I’ve come to understand is that outside of my own family and a handful of very close friends, none of the people I spent decades sitting next to on soccer bleachers, at school plays and on charitable boards has any idea of what I’ve been up to these last seven years. It’s as if, at 50, I took off swimming straight out into the blue ocean and disappeared over the horizon.

The Food That Built America…

There’s been a series on the History Channel lately called The Food That Built America. I recommend it highly, but whenever I do, people throw their hands up to block the thought and say, “No, no, nooo, I want to eat; I don’t want to knoooow!”  So, fear not, this will not put you off your hotdogs like Upton Sinclair’s 1906 expose of the meatpacking industry, The Jungle.  This instead follows the not-so-charmed lives of the men and women who created the food brands we know and love today, among them, Kelloggs, Post, Birdseye, and Heinz. It is by no means a three part version of the dry, but endlessly entertaining, How It’s Made. No, here among the often grimy founders of our current multi-billion dollar American food empires, we find enough human intrigue and drama to forever enhance our previously bland trips down the cereal or frozen food aisles. Ahh, C.W. Post, you were a sly devil!

Oddly enough, the most extraordinary part about the series is how unremarkable each of the founders was. None of them seemed to be particularly brilliant, wealthy or educated, but that is where the seductive appeal of each of their stories lies. To see reenactments of the awful trials and tribulations of these sweaty, beaten down, nearly, but not quite defeated inventors who somehow made it all happen, well, that’s the stuff small business owners like me eat up with a ladle, because that, in essence, is the American Dream. 

Heartbreak and Hardship

After watching the final episode of the series, and imagining with some horror the future squabbling of generations of entitled heirs, I lay in bed wondering what exactly the secret ingredient was that these guys had over everyone else? Yes, they had the recipe for Coca-Cola, or savory catsup, but multitudes of small companies with similarly great products have failed to thrive. Why did these food-centric American titans of industry, despite having teetered on the brink of failure at least a half dozen times, survive? More specifically, what made them keep going towards a goal that they could not see despite the obstacles of heartbreak and hardship and the implicit understanding that there was absolutely no guarantee of a good outcome at the end of their journey?

Angela Duckworth will tell you, it’s grit. Yep, grit makes perfect sense. Given the unremarkable status of many founders, their level of grit would very likely be the defining predictive element of success or failure, whether or not they possess inordinate talent, or extreme intellectual giftedness. Certainly, those are nice assets, but if intellectual facility has made the road through a person’s life a reliably rewarding jaunt from their first constellation of shiny gold stars achieved in kindergarten to the schwag stole of the Summa Cum Laude society at graduation, it may actually become something of a liability. In fact, if you’re used to that kind of tidy success, and then suddenly encounter the constant barrage of random destruction that is entirely outside of your control and perpetually happening to start-ups, believe me, you will be rattled out of your mind. 

Land Will Come

I won’t go on much more about a subject that I am only just beginning to come to understand, but if you’re as curious as I was after you finish The Food That Built America series, look up Angela Duckworth. You might even take the Grit Scale Quiz to see if you have an aptitude for the founder’s way. I scored high. Of course that doesn’t predict whether or not Lilly Brush will flourish in its next seven years, but if I had to place a bet, I’d tell you that I’m strong enough to swim until it does. Land will come.

Sincerely,

Elsie Hamilton, Founder and CEO

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post True Grit appeared first on Lilly Brush.

If you haven’t heard, there is a new craze shaking up the pet industry, and it is NOT GOOD. A “blue-green” algae, also called Cyanobacteria, has reportedly been popping up around the country, killing many dogs that come in contact with it. Reports began circulating in the last few weeks, and the numbers unfortunately keep growing. Dogs have been visiting their favorite swimming holes to cool off in the summer heat, and just an hour or so after coming in contact with this algae, their bodies begin to break down with an often fatal outcome. Many counties all across the country, from the Pacific Northwest to New Jersey, have begun to take action, imposing swimming bans in what have traditionally been public lakes and ponds.

This toxic algae can be hard to spot, but not impossible.

The algae will often float on the surface of the water, looking like foam, scum or mats. The algae is commonly a blue-ish color or a vibrant green, but some toxic algae can appear brown or red as well. This algae commonly produces an unpleasant odor as well, but that doesn’t stop dogs from checking it out. Many dogs are even attracted to the new smell and taste. 

Don’t Wait!

If your dog is acting strange after a swim, TAKE THEM TO THE VET! Not all of these encounters with the toxic algae have been fatal. Each survival story has one thing in common, the dogs were immediately rushed to their vet. Dogs will very commonly lick themselves after a swim in an attempt to groom their fur. Just a few seconds in the water will lead to the deadly toxins becoming stuck in the animal’s fur, which is quickly transferred into their bodies as they lick themselves clean. 

Locations where this toxic algae has been spotted:

North Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, Colorado, and the Florida and Mississippi Coasts

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

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Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Be Careful About Letting Your Pet Go For A Swim! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

One of the most easily overlooked aspects of a hot day is how extreme the temperature of the ground can be on your dog’s paws. When the temperature outside is just 77ºF, the asphalt on a sunny day can reach up to 125ºF!

You can fry an egg at 131ºF…

Just imagine how your dog feels walking on a frying pan! One quick way to determine if it’s too hot for your dog is to press your hand firmly on the ground. If you can’t comfortably hold your skin to the ground for more than 11 seconds, then don’t force your dog to do so. Another way to prevent your pet’s paws from burning up is to purchase Musher’s Secret. This 100% wax-based cream acts as paw protection from hot pavement, sand, ice and salt. Otherwise, try to avoid paved areas on hot days, and walk your dog in the grass as often as possible. Farmers markets, festivals, and block parties in the hot summer sun seem fun and harmless, but your dog may not feel the same way.

Don’t Just Crack The Windows

A very common mistake that people make is leaving their pets in the car while they run into the store. This seems harmless, to crack the windows and run a quick errand, but it’s actually very dangerous for your pets. On an 85ºF day, a car parked in the sun can reach 102ºF in just 10 minutes! 30 minutes, the inside of the car can reach 120ºF. A quick errand for you can feel like an eternity for a dog in the car. Sadly, since 2018, 103 dogs have been reportedly found dead in a hot car. Those are just the public numbers, with the true total estimated to be much higher. The best way to avoid this? DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR.

“We’re usually called two or three times per week for a dog in a car.”

Colorado Police Office, Dave Kornowski

8 states have good samaritan laws that allow any person to break into a car to save a pet. These states include: California, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Please, take extra caution with your dogs in the summer heat. Listen to their body language, be wary of the weather, and make sure they have plenty of water. A hydrated dog is a happy dog in the scorching summer heat.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Is It Too Hot To Be Outside With Your Pet? appeared first on Lilly Brush.

**DISCLAIMER** We love all of our furry friends, but today we are going to talk about the benefits of our mixed breed companions.

Actually, the whole crazy concept of purebred dogs became popular just a few hundred years ago when the intent of breeders was to manipulate the size, shape and character of their working dogs to create the best hunters, herders, and guardians. Over time, however, humans began to focus their genetic efforts on their home companion pets. They desired pets with extremes in size like the portable “teacup” breeds, and exotic looks, like the adorable flat-faced pug. Of course, there were drawbacks to all of these different mutations, but demand was high, and despite health issues, breeders persisted in trying to perfect their dogs to set breed standards.

The good news for our mutt buddies is that traditionally they are significantly healthier than most purebred dogs. As our friends at Your Dog Advisor have shown us, mixed breed dogs have a much lower incidence of genetic disease. It is very common when breeding animals that have similar familial backgrounds to pass on diseases. Since mutts are a mix of genetics, they have a lower rate of disorders such as hip dysplasia, certain knee diseases, spinal diseases, heart diseases, and even cancer. This also increases their lifespan (They’re quite the tough mutters). Adopt a mutt and save thousands of dollars on vet bills every year? Deal, Howie!

Not only are mixed breeds hardier, but they are also known for their excellent dog sense and general intelligence. Check out the video of our very own Buck doing agility training below at only 9 weeks old. Buck is a mix of Cattle Dog, Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier and Wild Dog.

Most mixed breed pups are wonderfully unique, and it can be incredibly difficult to identify which breed your pup has to thank for his adorable bat-ears, or his short little legs. If you really want to find out about your pup’s genetic background, get a DNA test!

Hopefully this gives some insight on why mixed breed dogs are just as desirable as their purebred counter parts.

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post I Like Big Mutts And I Cannot Lie appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Bartender, what’s this?

If you have ordered your usual refreshing drink at a bar or restaurant recently, you probably noticed that the push to get rid of plastic straws has at last reached your favorite watering hole. Maybe you wondered why no straw leaned idly against the glass collecting bubbles in your beverage, or you had to race to down your drink before your paper straw became wet and chewy, or perhaps you got one of the new compostable corn-based plastic straws that is currently experiencing a very hopeful popularity despite some not-insurmountable drawbacks.

 Welcome to Plastic Free July.

Born in Australia, Plastic Free July is a campaign that was brilliantly conceived of by the Plastic Free Foundation. As a not-for-profit organization, their selfless mission is to drive people towards refusing single-use plastic items. Thankfully, they are not alone. The sustained effort of many determined and conscientious people around the world has made movements like these much more widespread and urgent recently. Any soul who has walked a beach lately, deftly dodging (or cleaning up!) bottles, flip flops, tampon applicators and many, many, many straws is aware that the Earth’s natural resources are suffering tremendously. It’s undeniably high time to reverse the tides. 

Plastic Free July doesn’t mean no more plastic.

Plastic Free July’s critical mission isn’t aimed at getting rid of all plastic. Instead, they seek to see a world without the rampant plastic waste that has somehow become the daily norm for the general population on every continent. Most pressing for the organization is to drastically reduce the waste of single use plastic bottles and convenience items, think floss-picks, k-cups and plastic cutlery. 

So simple, yet….

Can you imagine how incredibly simple and satisfying it would be to replace all the disposable plastic you use daily with reusable alternatives? Doesn’t sound fun?  We get it. There are a lot of reasons for this. Habit and convenient use are big ones. For instance, if you are accustomed to the ease of a floss-pick, it’s a bit of a struggle to wrestle with slippery floss and strangled fingertips before you go to bed, but soldier on! Your grandpa did it every night! Of course, he didn’t have huge corporations shoveling convenient disposables into every part of his life either! That’s another thing you’re up against, by the way. Always see K-cups and huge flats of water bottles on your store end-caps? Yeah, there’s a reason for that. 

Lilly Brush brushes up against the ugly truth of enforced consumables.

Frustration with wasteful lint roller paper refills and their cheap plastic handles that broke way too often drove us at Lilly Brush to come up with our first pet products, the Fluffy Pets line of Forever Furless Home brushes for cleaning up long, soft clingy pet hair. We designed our brush so that it would be fast, effective, and built to last a decade. Our next product, the Mini Pet Hair Detailer, is designed to remove straight, short and wiry pet hair when it becomes stubbornly embedded in carpets and fabrics. No more duct-tape mittens, and hours of vacuuming for those pet owners! Solid move, right? Welp, turns out that’s not what most of the big box store buyers we met with wanted. In meeting after meeting, we were told that if there was some way we could make our products disposable, we’d have a good shot at getting on their shelves. We declined. Btw, little shout-out to some of the good guys who love our products and our mission…Thanks  Duluth Trading Company, Orvis, and Chewy!

Takeaway this.

To leave the month of July on a high note, just try to eliminate one item that is a single use product found in your everyday life. Find a new alternative to the things that are wasteful. Get a Hydroflask or a Contigo glass water bottle to hang with. Grab some refillable k-cups and your most favorite ground coffees. Wrestle with that floss. Say no to plastic straws. We know you’ll think of something, and it’ll make you feel great to know you’re one of the good guys too.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

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The post Plastic Free July – A Great Start! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Thus, our first word to the wise: as soon as you realize that your pet has been sprayed by a skunk, keep the smell out of your home by IMMEDIATELY CLOSING ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS…don’t forget the garage! It’s tempting to approach your pet to sniff twice or thrice to see how badly they got hit, but believe me, a quick shake on their part will make you regret that. It’s far better to direct your pet to a safe grassy place where they can do what they naturally need to do which is to rub as much of the scent off as they can. This will also give you a moment to regroup and plan your attack.

Hmmm, what to wear, what to wear!

As some skunks have been found to carry rabies, it’s always advisable to use rubber gloves, glasses and a mask or bandana to cover your mouth while you wash your pet. If you have a swim or shower cap to keep the smell out of your hair, wear it. Choose clothes you won’t mind throwing out…that T-shirt your ex gave you…yeah, wear that. For best protection, add a couple of kitchen trash bags taped on for boots and cut head and armholes in a contractor size trash bag for a tunic. To complete your look, add a duct tape belt.

Rumors Debunked

• Tomato Juice: Turns out this age old trick doesn’t quite work like they say! There are better options available, don’t go straight to the vine!
• Hose them down: Skunk spray is an oily substance, by hosing down your dog you are likely just spreading it throughout their fur!
• Let it settle: TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY. The smell will not go away with time, waiting a day to take action could keep that skunk smell in your house for an extra week!

To clean a medium to large sized dog, mix:

• 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide solution 

• ¼ cup baking soda

• 1 teaspoon Dawn dishwashing liquid*

• *DO NOT store this mixture in a closed container as it will explode.

Work the mixture into your pet’s coat. Although you should make every effort to avoid the eye area, mistakes can happen. Rinse quickly with water if your pet gets this in their eyes. Once you have given your pet a good soapy scrub (with lots of loving reassurance) thoroughly rinse the mixture off and follow with a soothing pet shampoo and rinse. Your pet should then smell considerably better.

Keep in mind that the skunk who sprayed your pet was protecting its home territory. If that happens to be under the garden shed in your backyard, chances are you will have a repeat performance of this unpleasantness sometime in the near future. To avoid this, consider leashing your pets for evening walks and speak to your local wildlife officer for advice on how to encourage the skunk to find a new home.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

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Elsie Hamilton

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The post How To Help Your Pet In This Stinky Situation appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Here’s how Amazon Prime Day stacks up against some of the biggest shopping holidays throughout the year.

We’re incredibly excited to take part in one of the largest consumer shopping holidays! Be sure to check us out on Monday and Tuesday for 20% off our best selling Mini Pet Hair Detailer!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Amazon Prime Day Is Just Around The Corner! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Fireworks lead to a fight-or-flight reaction where it increases anxiety and leads to either barking or hiding. It will make the dog feel trapped and they will try to run even though they can’t get away from the sound. We’ve put together a few frightening stats to encourage you to take caution with your pets this 4th of July.

• Less than 15% of lost pets are returned 
• Out of the lost pets, up to 60% may be euthanized 
• 53% of pet’s microchips currently have outdated owner information

To avoid becoming one the thousands of heartbroken families every 4th of July, we have a few tips on how to ensure your pet and others’ pets are safe during the celebration of our independence. Here is a list of things you can do to help your pet during this confusing time for them :

• Start playing firework noises a few days before, maybe even a week to get the pets used to the sounds

• Fill their water bowl with water as they will be more thirsty after anxiously panting

• Block dog or cat doors

• Close curtains to block out bright flashes of light

• Keep pets inside, play background noises like a TV or white noise to help mask the sounds.

• If home, stay close by. Pets run to their owners as you are a safe haven for them.

• Tire them out early in the day – go for a run or walk to make sure they are exhausted later in the night

• Keep them distracted – stuff a toy with treats and feed them a few treats throughout the duration of the festivities

• Purchase an anxiety vest– gentle pressure around their waist reduces anxiety

We hope this helps! Please take these steps into consideration for your pets sake this 4th of July so we can avoid the heartbreak of losing some of our best friends.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Keep Your Pets Safe This 4th of July appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Leather Seats

Leather seats are super easy, you can even use standard household cleaning supplies! Toothpaste is great for removing your stains and scuffs. First, you need to get any hair or dirt off of your seats. Use the Lilly Brush Mini Pet Hair Detailer to purge the car of all pet fur. Next, grab some non gel toothpaste and an unused toothbrush, and gently scrub wherever needed. Wipe off the excess with a damp cloth and dry with a towel. Voilá, just like that, your seats are clean! If you’re into DIY, but want to use the same tools as the pros, check out this link!

Cloth Seats

Cleaning cloth seats is hardly any more of a hassle. The only real difference is creating your own cleaning solution! Again, use a Lilly Brush to get rid of your lovely pet’s fur in your car. Next, mix ¼ cup of baking soda with a cup of warm water. Use a light layer of the solution and a toothbrush to scrub away the stain. If the stain is being stubborn, let it sit for a few minutes and then wash it off with a towel. 

We love our detailers, but you won’t always have the time to get your car cleaned professionally. We hope these quick tips help you get your car clean from the comfort of your own home.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Detailing Guide to Cleaning Your Car Seats! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

It’s no secret that some dogs are smarter than others. We’ve listed a few breeds that might have an easier time learning these fun little stunts! Among the most trainable pups, we have the following breeds: Poodles, Australian Shepherds (just like our Lilly!), Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Collies, German Shepherds, and Corgis. Of course, all dogs are capable of learning tricks and being trained, these breeds just seem to pick it up a little bit quicker! Below is a list of five common tricks to teach your dog. Check out the “How-To” videos for whichever skill you’d like to learn together.

We would love to see some of the tricks you and your pets have put together! Feel free to submit videos of them to our Instagram (@lillybrushco) or via email (sales@lillybrush.com) for a chance to be featured on our social media outlets!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Top 5 Tricks to Teach Your Dog appeared first on Lilly Brush.

After its introduction in the U.S. last year, the Mini Pet Hair Detailer was so widely talked about in the US auto detailing industry that word quickly spread across the pond to our friends in the U.K.! After many requests, we realized we had to find a way to share our most unique and productive tool with them as well!

Mini but mighty, this little handheld detailer is a game-changer for car detailers and pet owners alike! No matter the breed, if your pet sheds short, wiry fur, this product is an amazingly efficient tool for removing embedded pet hair from carpeting, upholstery, and clothing.

via GIPHY

ABOUT LILLY BRUSH COMPANY

Based in Denver, Colorado, Lilly Brush Company has an 8-year history of providing high quality pet hair removal tools for various applications. After our founder, Elsie Hamilton, adopted Lilly, a Mini-Australian Shepherd from a local rescue shelter, she realized the issue of shed pet hair on carpeting, clothing and upholstery was a problem that had never really been solved. Our 5 different lines of innovative products have helped consumers combat the nuisance of pet hair without having to buy wasteful and expensive refills. Lilly Brush strives to enhance the lives of others and sees a promising future as we continue to grow.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Great News! We’ve Expanded Into the UK! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Is your dad….

A golfer?

• Customize some of the best golf balls on the market just for him! Print a funny photo of him on the side of his ball, or his weird nickname that you learned from his college buddies.

In love with his facial hair?

Save him some money and force him to stop buying expensive razors. 3 Months of Dollar Shave Club! Or if he loves his beard, go with the Beard Club to keep his beard in tip top shape. Both are affordable monthly subscriptions that provide you with all of your facial care necessities.

King of the naps?

I think everyone probably needs this. If your dad has trouble waking up after naps or even to make it to work on time, this is the perfect gift. The Ruggie is a revolutionary alarm clock that forces him to stand on it for 30 seconds in order to turn off the alarm.

The master of lounging around?

A dad who’s comfy around the house is a happy dad! You might want him waking up comfortable in these nice pair of UGG Slippers.

A car guy?

• Lilly Brush Mini Pet Hair Detailer – Yes, this is our product, but I think it’s safe to say most dads cherish their cars and want to keep them clean. If you have a pet that sheds in the car, this tool is perfect for removing pet hair from all of the surfaces within the car.

Always enjoying a beer after work?

Easy to carry, easy to open!

BONUS GIFT: If he doesn’t feel like finishing it and wants to save it for later, just put a beer saver over the top!

The grill-master of the house?

Man Crates has a variety of kits and packages. Anything from food preparations to golf items, they have you covered with Father’s Day essentials! Check this link to see their homemade BBQ sauce kit!

We hope we were able to help in the hunt for a perfect gift! We wish all of you fathers out there a happy upcoming Father’s Day!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Stuck on Gift Ideas for Father’s Day? We Have The Perfect List of Ideas! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

A little over nine years ago, I decided to start a company. I had just invented a home cleaning hack that I found particularly useful and thought maybe a few million other people could benefit from it as well. It was certainly worth a try.

Though I was woefully and ridiculously unprepared for founding a startup, I had decided that what I lacked in business and manufacturing experience, could be made up for by unflinching determination and a voracious appetite for how-to books. I planned to simply work and read my way to market. Unlike many younger founders, I had enough of my own seed-money to get a running start. A lifetime of saving and investing had given me that.

Only one thing gave me pause; I had recently suffered an inexplicable health event. The “widow-maker” artery of my heart had spontaneously, spectacularly dissected one night during a family dinner leading to a massive, and nearly fatal, heart attack. Nobody could explain why this had happened. I was, by all medical standards young and fit. The vexing question of when or whether it might happen again could only be answered with many-a-doctor’s shrugs. So, despite all the other things I probably should have worried about going in, my biggest concern as a devoted single mother of two young boys, was that the stress of starting a business could actually kill me, so I turned, as always, to books and found a life changer.

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living

This book was written seventy years ago by a gentleman named Dale Carnegie who noticed that many of the business leaders who attended his YMCA class on public speaking were suffering from various crippling nervous ailments caused by their work or lives full of personal stress. Searching the New York Public Library for something to help these students, Dale found precious little about the subject, so he set about writing his own book of solutions. As research, he interviewed well-known military, political and business figures who had successfully conquered their fears while participating in World War II and the ensuing post-war economic boom. His timing could not have been better as the “Golden Age of Capitalism” had just sparked an increasingly competitive business world.

Founders know going in that they will suffer stressful moments, but very few have battle plans for when the worst possible scenarios actually happen. How will you handle it if an entire 50,000 unit shipment arrives just in time to fill a large order from your best customer…but it is riddled with hideously defective products? Do you open each carton, and every single package in it to check for the bad apples before shipping, or risk angering and losing your biggest account? Or maybe a key employee leaves , only to show up two booths down at the next trade show working for your competitor. There will be money woes galore, and impatient investors, audits by the IRS, and copycat products. Frankly, the whole experience can mimic a horrifying board game where you can only advance toward your goal by passing through one sticky situation after another. Will you make it? Yes, if your product is good, and your business practices are sound, and if you can keep your body and your mind healthy, then yes, you certainly might.

The Sky Will Grow Dark

I have been lucky. I do have an excellent manufacturer, but I have weathered a few of the storms described above, and many more, and yet have continued to flourish. My single invention for removing pet hair from clothing and upholstery has led to many more popular pet hair removal product inventions, and revenue at Lilly Brush now rises steadily every quarter. For now, our ship is on course. Should the sky grow dark, and I expect it will now and again, I have tools for that.

Whoever you are, and whatever stage of life you’re in, Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living can help you with useful, timeless solutions to some of the deepest darkest wormholes our stressed out minds tend to plummet into. It is, simply put, a seminal life-changing book worthy of a place in your business book library, or on your nightstand. Then should nights turn sleepless, help is near.

Sincerely,

Founder, Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post 9 Years Later…Surviving Startup Stress appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Everyone knows their pet is the cutest, you just need a chance to prove it! Good News! We now are accepting photo submissions to be a part of the Lilly Brush Blogs, Instagram, Facebook, etc.

Requirements:

1. Send us an adorable photo of your pet and take part in a product giveaway! (By doing so, you will be subscribed to the Lilly Brush Newsletter to inform you of all giveaways and our upcoming new product releases.)
2. That’s it!

(Protip: Higher quality images are more likely to make the cut!)

Not required:

1. Follow us on Instagram @lillybrushco so we can tag you in our post when your pet hits the ‘big screen’
2. Sometimes beauty is just skin deep, feel free to include notes on your pet’s hilarious personality.

Click Here for Submissions!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Good News! We Now Take Adorable Pet Photo Submissions! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

A family road trip just isn’t quite the same without our four-legged friends tagging along for the journey. Hotels weren’t always as pet-friendly as they are today. Thanks to Doris Day, finding a place to stay that welcomes your pet is not uncommon at all. Many of us know the legend of Doris Day, and those who don’t still benefit from her legacy. When the longtime singer and actress stepped away from the camera she turned her attention towards something she truly cared about, animals. She attacked the animal rights industry with the same passion that she brought to the stage for decades, and found the same overwhelming success that seemingly followed her everywhere she went.

Foundations

In 1978, she founded her own organization, the Doris Day Animal Foundation, and later initiated the Doris Day Animal League in 1987. The DDAL has since become part of the Humane Society, and the DDAF has grown to be one of the largest animal welfare foundations in the entire world. Thirdly, she founded the Duffy Day Lifesaving Program. The DDLP focuses its efforts towards older dogs who need medical attention in order to maintain a healthy life.

Doris’s Hotel

Upon becoming a co-owner of the Cypress Inn in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, her one request was that the hotel be pet friendly. The Cypress Inn quickly became known as “the pet friendliest” hotel in America, and still holds that title to this day. “We literally treat them like regular guests” said one hotel manager. The Cypress Inn boasts a handful of pet-friendly amenities, including an outdoor shower to rinse your pal off after playing at the beach. The Inn also provides customized blankets and bowls for in room use, and always keeps a stash of treats ready for all types of furry friends. Unusual pets are welcome too. Everything from a parrot to a potbelly pig have been, and always will be, welcome at the Cypress Inn! Thanks to Doris and the Cypress Inn, many well-known hotels have begun to follow the initiative. From La Quinta to some of the Holiday Inns, pets can wander the hotel receiving the same respect as a human being.

Check out this link to find some pet-friendly hotels for your next trip! https://hotels.petswelcome.com/

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Pet Friendly Hotels & How Doris Day Paved The Way appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Dear Fellow Pets,

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! We are obviously adorable and loving, but have all put our mothers through a lot. Thinking back to when I was a puppy, I was nothing short of a terror. I might have pooped in the dining room a couple of times, I’ve sat on the TV remote, I’ve destroyed cushions…lots of them…the list goes on and on! If you ask me, we owe our moms a little something for loving us through it all. My brothers, Ozzie, Buck, and I have been brainstorming all week to come up with some great gift ideas for all the dog and cat moms out there. We know we can’t be the only group of unruly pets around town. Show your mom the love she deserves this Mother’s Day and get her something to make her daily life a little bit easier!

Sincerely,

Lilly B. Hamilton

The Official Dog of Lilly Brush Company

1. Lilly Brush Mini Pet Hair Detailer

You won’t believe how much pet hair this gets out of your car carpets!

Price: $10 on Amazon!

2. Paw Plunger Paw Cleaner

No More Muddy Paw Prints in The House!

Price: $34.99 on Amazon!

3. Organic Grass Kit

Natural hairball control and hairball remedy for our cat brothers and sisters.

Prices: $14.97 on Amazon!

4. DOGTV.com

If I’d had this, I wouldn’t have chewed up the couch cushions!

Price: $9.99 per month!

5. Dog or Cat Mom Mug

A morning reminder that I’m here and love my mother.

Price: $23.99!

6. Dog Threads Matching Human and Pet Shirts

Why not wear matching clothes with our hooman friends? Who wore it best?

Price: $38.99

7. Pooch Selfie Dog Stick

We all hate sitting still for photos. But, if there is a ball on top of the phone I will sit still for as long as you would like. Your mom will be thrilled to finally get a photo with you that isn’t blurry.

Price: $9.99 on Amazon!

8. Be Forever Furless

The first Lilly Brush product designed for pets like me with luxuriously soft, fluffy fur. This brush cleans upholstery, carpeting, and clothing clean with just a few sweeps!

Price: $19.95 on Amazon!

9. Quiet Spot

Keeps jingly tags quiet so moms can sleep late!

Price: $12.99 on Amazon!

10. Highwave AutoDogMug

Mom loves to go on her walks, but it’s tough for me to keep going without water! Makes it easy for me to have a sip of water while hiking in the mountains.

Price: $14.99 on Amazon!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Lilly’s 10 Favorite Pet Gifts for Mother’s Day! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Our dedication to sustainability has not made us attractive to retailers whose desire it is to sell products that must be repurchased or refilled often, but frankly, we aren’t too concerned about that. Rather, you can find us in companies such as Duluth Trading Co. who seek to provide the products that will best benefit the consumer. They also have an outstanding reputation for being environmentally friendly. Lilly Brush products are designed and built to last for years of daily use. We are constantly turned away from the big box pet and houseware stores because our model will not provide them with recurring customers. We’re okay with that. At the end of the day, providing a high quality product that supports an important cause is our game.

For homes with fluffy, long haired pets who shed all year long, our washable and reusable Be Forever Furless brushes can clean a whole room in less time than it takes to peel and use one sheet of sticky roller paper! Yes, that fast, and there’s no paper waste to throw away! Just pluck the collected fur from the brush surface and throw it away, or our bird loving enthusiasts tell us that putting collected fur outside in bushes near nest sites makes for cozier baby birds in early spring!

To see just how wasteful a lint roller was, we decided to do our own little test against our reusable Be Forever Furless Brush. Both products were used on a 5 ft. couch full of fluffy pet hair.

Lint Roller:

• 4 Sticky Strips Used

• 3 Minutes to Clean

Be Forever Furless Brush:

• Zero Sticky Strips Needed

• 16 Seconds to Clean

Lilly Brush products last a lifetime, leaving our customers satisfied for years to come. If you have any questions about which Lilly Brush product is right for you, we are here to help! Just contact us here at help@lillybrush.com.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post No Mess. No Waste. No Refills. appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Moths and carpet beetles love to chew through sweaters that contain bacteria and sweat remains. Storing these items for long periods of time make them more prone to these nasty little creatures. Keeping your sweaters safe all summer long requires some time and care, but it’s really not that hard! We’ve broken down what it takes to keep your sweaters looking brand new year after year.

For sweaters with 100% Natural Fibers

• HAND WASH
• Put your sweater in a bowl of water, cool but not too cold, with liquid detergent (hair shampoo is preferred) and hand wash
  • Lay flat on a towel, roll in the towel and pat out excess water. DO NOT RING DRY!
  • Transfer to a second dry towel, let sit until dry

Alternative to Washing

• Place sweater in freezer or an extremely hot car for 24-48 hours
  • This will kill any larvae that have been deposited on the sweater and will then be ready to store for the summer

What Next?

• Brush the sweater to remove pills and any other items trapped in the material
• If your sweater is knitted from all natural fibers, our Save Our Sweaters Brush can come into play!
  • This brush does not work on man made fibers only 100% natural fibers
  • Cashmere, silk, cotton, merino
• This brush is too gentle to attack pills on materials like polyester and nylon
• Place in a cotton bag, or a sweater box with cedar balls

We get it, this is all time consuming. But do you really want to have one of your best golf sweaters or hand knitted Christmas gifts ruined because you didn’t take the time to put it away properly? Nobody loves celebrating the arrival of warm weather by cleaning their house, but a deep spring clean is always necessary. Once next winter comes around, we promise you’ll be ecstatic to find your clean sweaters don’t have any holes or pills and come out looking like new!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Save Your Sweaters! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Sometime around Christmas last year, I got a call from my mother. “Have you seen this new fur remover on TV. A friend of mine has it and says it’s wonderful. I think they’ve stolen your idea.” As a mom, I can tell you exactly where the panic button is on each one of my kids. My mom had just located mine and romped on it. A copycat product? On TV? Crap! Okay, I have lawyers and a legal fund set up for this. “Mom, what’s the name of this brush you’ve seen?” “Oh, well…I can ask my friend, but I think it’s something with Merlin in it…and fur?” Huh, seriously? Like what, Furlin Merlin?” “Yes, that’s it!”

As it turns out, my mom was talking about a lint brush called the Fur Wizard. You’ve seen a thousand like them before, and fifty thousand since. You swipe the brush one way, and it picks up a bit of lint or fur, then you wipe it off in its container. Inadvertently changing directions while you swipe results in the collected lint offloading back onto your clothes. As it’s really nothing like any of my products, I was not overly concerned.

Then, a few months later, on the Lilly Brush Amazon page, under the heading, “Customers who viewed this item also viewed:” my eye stopped dead on a spin-off Furlin Merlin Alibaba product  with the name “Lilly” stamped on it. There it was…a problem. My heart turned frosty and I called my lawyer. “This should be easy;” he said, “just get their name and address and we’ll start with a simple cease and desist.”

Ahhh, damn! In my eight years of dealing with Amazon, I’ve learned that contacting sellers who infringe on trademarks or patents is, in almost every case, a lot like trying to catch a cockroach in the kitchen. As soon as you snap the lights on, they scuttle to some unknown dark place where you’ll never find them. They wait there, watching beady-eyed while you bumble around looking in all the wrong places, and then get right back down to chewing on your business when you’ve gone.

In the case of sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon, ordering a product doesn’t even provide you with a warehouse return address to send Cease and Desist letters to, and, of course, messages sent through Amazon are steadfastly ignored, or worse, flagged as inappropriate, which rockets you into a whole new circle of Amazon hell.

Even googling seller names often points you towards companies with the same name who know nothing about their name being used on Amazon. (Note to self: Do not unleash the hell-dogs on innocent parties again.) Thus, hidden in every way behind Amazon’s Fulfillment By Amazon cloak, rogue MAP and IP infringers go about their nefarious ways uninterrupted while you implore someone, anyone, at Amazon to hear and act upon your case via the most cumbersome reporting system I have ever endured.

So, with no other option, I wrote Amazon about the “Lilly” fur remover. It was a clear infringement. Amazon wrote back to say: “Amazon respects a manufacturer’s right to enter into exclusive distribution agreements for its products. However, violations of such agreements do not constitute intellectual property rights infringement. As the enforcement of these agreements is a matter between the manufacturer and the retailers, it would not be appropriate for Amazon to assist in enforcement activities.”

Ugh! They thought I was having a disagreement with one of my own distributors? Wrong answer, Amazon-bot. I sent another message to clarify that this, in fact, was not a distributor disgruntlement, but a non-Lilly Brush fur remover infringing on the “Lilly” name. This apparently worked as the seller was then notified that their product was in violation of Amazon’s Seller Central policy, and the listing was taken down. I was happy. The system had worked. Then I got an email from the seller, and suddenly I began to suspect that instead of taking out a cockroach, I had in effect stomped on a kitten.

Essentially, the email politely explained that it had never been the seller’s intention to infringe on my trademark, and could I please write Amazon to retract my complaint so they could continue selling through their inventory?

Because the seller signed her full name, I was able to get bits and pieces of an online business profile showing a kind-looking woman in Texas. She was married, with grown children, and grand-children, and as I zoomed down out of the sky using the big eye of Google Earth, I found myself standing in the yard of a well-kept little house outside of town. I stood there looking at the garden that the seller had lovingly coaxed up from the hot Texas clay, and thought about what to do next.

I did not get into this business to hurt people. I started the Lilly Brush Company nine years ago, and there have been many times since that we have taken the long way around to do the “right” thing when a less honorable shortcut would have cost less time or money. There is only one thing I draw a hard line on and that is adherence to the rules of the road regarding our intellectual property and brand recognition. We can do the right thing and have the best reputation in the world, but if the lines around who we are blur or break down, all that can dissolve quickly.

I wrote back to say that I could not retract the complaint. The next day I received an email explaining that the seller wanted to apologize for any inconvenience caused by the matter, but that she and her husband were small business owners who had only ever sold a few books on Amazon. Having a product like this lint brush was for them a fairly new endeavor. They hadn’t meant to infringe, but had chosen to use their surname Lilly out of family pride. Now, upon reflection they could see how it might cause some confusion between our brands, thus they would remove the Lilly name from the listing.

At this point, I understood that even if I were to issue a retraction to Amazon, Seller Central would not accept their product with the name Lilly still stamped on each item, and actually, I couldn’t either. It also troubled me to see that their email was signed with “Lilly USA”.

I answered that evening.

Dear Mrs. XXXXXX

Thank you for your email.  

I understand your predicament, but I am still concerned that you have not fully considered US patent and trademark laws as you have signed your email with Lilly USA. I hope you understand that by continuing to use the name Lilly for a lint and fur removal product or company it is a very clear infringement on my company’s trademark. I do not take this lightly as I have worked very hard for many years to build a company and reputation upon that trademark. 

To fully understand this, please take a moment to read this explanation of these principles:  https://www.trademarknow.com/blog/7-factors-for-identifying-trademark-likelihood-of-confusion

All this said, your problem reminds me of many I have weathered as the owner of a small business, so I have searched my mind for viable solutions that I might be able to recommend to you. I know you must have inventory that needs to be sold.

One possible solution is for you to quickly, but carefully, choose another name for your business. Read this before proceeding: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/tradefaqs.shtml

Once you have settled on a name, go to godaddy.com and check for the appropriate dot.com name. Get it, if you can. Find out why you can’t if you can’t. 

Once you have a name, create a simple circular logo and have it made into the appropriate sized stickers (I recommend these guys for price and quality) https://www.stickergiant.com/  (Make sure to ask them to send a few samples first so you know if they will stay on) Slap those over the Lilly printed on your products each time you fulfill an order for Amazon, or ebay, or wherever, and you are back in business. It’s not easy, but it’s really the only legal way to get through your currently branded inventory. Note: You must change your Amazon, ebay, etc. listings to reflect your new name. 

Please understand that I cannot allow you to sell fur and lint removers under the Lilly name. Doing so could set a legal precedent that might severely impact my company and brand in future if larger, more predatory companies attempted the same. 

Regards,

Elsie

In response to my email, the seller wrote that they were grateful for the advice, and also believed that this would be their best course of action. When they stated that they would have to commission new photography for their listing and website, I was troubled. It would cost a great deal for them to do so. I wrote back.

Hello-

One thought…given how expensive photographers are, I might recommend that you consult a freelance layout artist who can use Photoshop to simply change the name on the logo in all of your product photos. This person would also be able to generate an image for your stickers. 

If you need the name of a someone who is very reasonably priced and quick, I would be happy to share one of my favorites with you. 

To show you what I mean, I have attached an image of a screenshot that I modified as described. It took 3 minutes…very inexpensive alternative to photography.

Best of luck in all your pursuits. Let me know if you need the name of my freelance layout person.

Kind regards,

Elsie

The seller wrote back that she would very much appreciate the name of a reliable layout person. From that point on, we began to work together to get her products back online.

It has been a year since the seller and I first exchanged emails, and I am happy to report that we remain friends to this day, writing back and forth with ideas and advice and commiserations over the difficulty of navigating the Amazon jungle. We share our best resources and favorite musicians, and songs, and stories about our families, and wish each other well on holidays. When I last checked, the seller’s rebranded product was back on Amazon. I suppose you could say we are once again in competition for the same customers, but this time our seller souls are in sync, and with new understanding in our hearts, we are sincerely rooting for each other’s  success.

Sincerely,

Founder, Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Postcards From The Amazon Jungle appeared first on Lilly Brush.

With over 3,500 exhibitors at the Global Pet Expo, we have seen innovations in nearly every realm of the pet industry including advancements in raw, nutritious pet foods, potty pads that absorb without leakage or scent, and almost anything in between. We have also had the opportunity to attend multiple seminars regarding industry trends and how companies are pushing the envelope to change the way we interact with our pets, in hopes of creating a more enjoyable experience.

Beke Lubeach, General Manager at DOGTV, explained the importance of Social Responsibility and giving back to our communities. As the millennials are beginning to take over as the largest spenders, they are also surging to the forefront as a generation that cares deeply about social responsibility. One great example of charitable giving is Tito’s Vodka. They may not be a pet company per se, but their “Vodka for Dog People” program is geared towards product sales that generate significant donations to enhance the lives of pets.

Another speaker that stood out to us is Phil Chang. In his “Like. Follow. Share” seminar, he did a fantastic job of explaining the new trends of everyday social media outlets as well as the up and coming applications such as WeChat and QQ. Due to convenience and online searches, E-Commerce and online retail have a 13% share of retail as a whole and it is only going to keep increasing.

A must-see speaker that we had the pleasure of listening to this morning is Connor Lokar from ITR Economics. He provided the audience with insights into pet industry trends along with big picture economic standings of other industries and the country as a whole. He also discussed ways to understand shifts in consumer needs with a forecasted analysis as to what might happen in the years to come. (Hint: Buckle up, buttercup!)

We have had an absolute blast here in Orlando and have had the opportunity to meet some great people as well as see some unique products coming into the ever-growing pet market. We look forward to being back in Orlando for next year’s event and the years to come!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

old.lillybrush.com

Pet Hair Problems in Your Car?

Try our newest product the Mini Pet Hair Detailer, the #1 recommended tool by professional detailers!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Global Pet Expo 2019 appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Who can you trust?

If you suspect that the sudden attention from huge multinational brands could have turned into a prosperous business for almost any pet-centric Instagram or Facebook account boasting a large following, you are right…but only sort of.  True, product placement with an adorable pet can sometimes cost a brand upwards of $2000 per product-loving post, depending on follower counts (Forbes.com). That said, in many instances, manufacturers are only asked to send free products. No money is exchanged. For this simple reason, the way into the consciousness of target consumers has become a much more level playing field as, with these influencers, large companies with the financial capacity to make huge TV time ad purchases are no more powerful than small companies when it comes to an honest product review.

How has this changed things?

The power of Pet Influencers has produced a very refreshing and honest result for consumers and small brands alike. If a product performs as it should, or better, outperforms the Influencer’s expectations, the resulting endorsement is pure gold. A prime example is our Mini Pet Hair Detailer which entered the marketplace with no ad budget. Positioned as a tiny David against products from Goliath-like multinational competitors, the Lilly Brush MPHD has managed to gain remarkable traction thanks to Pet and Car Detailer Influencers who were blown away when they were able to use the $10 tool to remove previously impossibly embedded pet hair from car carpets and home fabrics.

 How will this impact the future?

We have all seen how forums such as Twitter, Facebook, and Yelp and Amazon’s 5-star rating system have forced manufacturers and service providers into accountability through individual conversations with their consumers. The Influencer community is a powerful extension of this trend. Yes, dollars do sometimes change hands, but should you find yourself wondering whose peppering of product endorsements you can trust as unbiased, or who is formally representing a brand, you can almost always get a straight answer if you ask. Just remember, these very popular people and pets became well-loved because they took care of their followers so misrepresenting something for pay would be more damaging to them than it would be to you!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

old.lillybrush.com

Pet Hair Problems in Your Car?

Try our newest product the Mini Pet Hair Detailer, the #1 recommended tool by professional detailers!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post The Era of Pet Influencers appeared first on Lilly Brush.

First things first, if this is going to be the best-selling product you think it might be, you’ll want to begin protecting your idea right from the start. Imagine going through the excitement and excruciatingly hard work of creating a product only to have another entity steal your idea and take it to market first! Yes, of course, you can seek a patent for protection, but often you will first need time to explore a lot of important decisions before you write that first retainer check to a patent attorney. Settling on which materials you’ll use and which features you should focus on will likely involve consulting experts, surveying friends and perhaps chatting with consumer groups. Not to worry, there are a few things you can do to protect your initial idea during this early stage of development.

Let’s start with a good old NDA.

Back when I started work on my first Lilly Brush product, I asked a dear friend, one of the smartest business women I know, for her thoughts. “Hold on,” she said, looking away from the product I held before her. “Do you have a Non-Disclosure Agreement for me to sign?”  I was stunned as I consider her a 100% trustworthy pal, but she also happens to work as a lawyer for one of the “Sharks” on ABC’s top-rated series Shark Tank, and as she explained, an NDA is a simple way of protecting us both should someone else in her orbit come up with a similar product before my patent is filed.

Hopefully, this helps you to think of your NDA as a courtesy rather than a trust issue, so you won’t ever be shy about asking those you seek counsel from to sign it. Believe me, knowing you have it on file will help you and your patent attorney sleep at night! Click here for a very simple NDA from Rocket Lawyer.

Your very, very important new friend, the Inventor’s Notebook.

This is critical. I’ll explain why in a minute, but if you have not been keeping a carefully formatted inventor’s notebook from the moment you started to develop your product idea, stop everything (seriously) and get yourself one here.

I like these particular notebooks because they supply everything you need to keep a proper log of your inventing activities, and yes indeed, there is a right way, and a wrong way, to do it!

Why (and how) to keep an Inventor’s Notebook.

The United States recognizes new ideas on a first-to-invent basis rather than the first-to-file basis utilized by most other countries. All this means is that, in the event that two very similar inventions are filed at or near the same time, the USPTO will have to decide who has priority, or proof of novelty, based on who can convince them that they conceived of the idea first. A properly kept Inventor’s Notebook acts as a time stamp for a period up to, but not exceeding, one year before date of filing. For thorough instructions on how to keep your own Inventor’s Notebook, please take a moment to read this fantastic article written by the folks at Maday Patent Law, PLLC.

Maday Patent Law: Documenting Your Invention

Next Month: How to Make a Prototype, Bootstrap Style!

Founder, Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post How to Protect Your Idea Prior to Filing For a Patent appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Imagine this, you’re baking your famous oatmeal raisin cookies for friends and family to enjoy. A few raisins fall to the ground, but before you can grab them, your pet eats five of them. The next thought running through your mind is, “What do I do? Would five raisins really poison my pet?”

Most of us, I’m sure, have dealt with this at some point in our years of pet ownership. If not, we are here to help make sure your pet is safely taken care of in those situations!

First and foremost, below is an infographic that Nationwide has created to give us an idea of what food items are toxic/hazardous to our pets. Anything with an “!” is urgent and needs veterinary care immediately.

Don’t wait to get help! Waiting until your pet shows symptoms could be too late!

• Some symptoms may not appear for a few hours or days (loss of appetite being one of them). If they do not appear immediately, don’t hesitate to get them checked if something about your pet’s behavior doesn’t look or feel right.

Call Your Vet Immediately

As calling 911 is only good for human emergencies, calling your local vet is the best route to take. They will be able to provide guidance on how to go about dealing with the issue. Don’t induce vomiting before discussing with your vet as some items eaten can create larger issues by bringing them back up (GoodHouseKeeping.com).

If your pet has eaten other objects besides food, it is still best to call a vet clinic. Though they may not seem harmful, many items that are eaten can severely damage intestines or create blockages.

What do I do if it is late and the vet isn’t open?

If it is after hours, call the nearest 24-hour vet clinic or ASPCA’s 24-hour hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

What to have with you in case of an emergency

• In case the veterinary hospital recommends inducing vomiting, be sure to keep an unopened and unexpired bottle of hydrogen peroxide. A larger type injection syringe (without a needle) is helpful for administering hydrogen peroxide.
• Make sure you have all pet medical records / information on hand in the event that you may need to see a new vet clinic.

Ways to Prevent Ingestion Emergencies

• Do not leave garbage in reach of your pet. Ensure that there is a lid on the garbage at all times. (TheSprucePets.com)
• Try not to drop food while cooking. Do not leave cooking area with potentially hazardous items on the counter or in sight.
•  Ensure any lawn items or fertilizers are not hazardous. When outside with fertilizers, use a leash to bring them to areas that do not contain a potentially threatening fertilizer.

It’s not just food!

There are plenty of “human foods” that are dangerous to cats and dogs, but that isn’t where the worry stops. Dozens of items used by humans every single day can cause serious harm to your pets. Luckily for you and I, Top Dog Vitamins has broken down for us what seemingly routine items can cause your pet serious harm, and they even explain why!

In these situations, it is always better to be safe than sorry. DO consult a pet professional if there is any doubt in your mind about your pet’s safety.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

lillybrush.com

Pet Hair Problems in Your Car?

Try our newest product the Mini Pet Hair Detailer, the #1 recommended tool by professional detailers!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post My Pet Ate Something Toxic! Now What? appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Just nine years ago, that was the question foremost on my mind as I eyed the crazy looking cleaning hack I had built to deal with the huge volume of pet hair my Australian Shepherd, Lilly, shed each day. Right there on my kitchen counter sat what I believed to be the most effective pet hair remover I had ever used. It was just the thing to help me beat my sticky roller refill habit, and wouldn’t it be a great thing to share with others? But, how?

Follow the footsteps of others who have been there.

The answer, I soon learned, could be found in books. Every question that came up as I worked my way toward the goal of getting my first product to market could be answered by others who had done this before me.

If you are looking for some of the most outstanding books available to help you advance from a homegrown inventor to a successful consumer product manufacturer, I have compiled below a list of my favorites.

Prepare to become a book-reading workaholic!

As a complete beginner, I could not have made it through the first year of the prototyping and patenting process without the incredibly comprehensive and useful tips found in:

The Mom Inventor’s Handbook: How to Turn Your Great Idea Into the Next Big Thing by Tamara Monosoff

If you have a sensational product idea, but not the time, stamina, or financial resources to go the distance on your own, I recommend reading about product licensing in:

One Simple Idea: How to Turn Your dreams Into a Licensing Goldmine While Letting Others Do the Work by Stephen Key

Before you build a website, be sure to read:

Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability by Steve Krug

One book that asked the questions that I did not yet have the knowledge and experience to consider also gave me the info and insight to answer them. Do read:

The Art of the Start: Time-Tested Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything by Guy Kawasaki

Last but not least, because being an entrepreneur is sometimes lonely and terrifying, read this for inspiration to stay calm and carry on. Greatness awaits! Enjoy:

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

If you have found other books that you think might help others on the same path, be sure to share them in the comments below.

Founder Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post The Five Best Books to Help New Inventors Bring Products to Market appeared first on Lilly Brush.

The change I never saw coming.

During the months of rehab that followed, I couldn’t bring myself to go back to work. I had been a painter by profession, proficient enough to have always sold well. My beautiful studio waited just 20 feet from where I spent my afternoons, but I had noticed that a lifelong tremor in my hands had suddenly increased tenfold. Controlling a paintbrush for the perfect glint in a portrait’s eye or the delicious details of a still life had become nothing short of impossible. At times, my hands flew around like nervous parakeets. I had no idea what to do, but surviving the heart attack had made me optimistic. I’d figure it out.

Salvation came in the form of a shelter dog.

One morning, to finally oblige my son, who had for months begged for a dog, we went to the local shelter to look. To say that he chose the sickest, saddest looking dog the shelter had to offer is almost an understatement. Her name was Lilly. While the other pups gamboled and scampered around behind the glass, this heartbroken Miniature Australian Shepherd sat quietly with her head down and her back to us. She had been dumped in the afterhours kennels sometime during the night. I tapped the glass. Her head turned just enough for me to see an unexpectedly white-speckled eye. Was she blind? Poor thing. I so wanted to ignore the puddle slowly spreading beneath her, and her matted, dull coat, but I couldn’t. I’m ashamed to say I attempted to veto my son’s choice. He had recently lost a dog to cancer. I pointed out the other happy, healthy dogs. I argued that we had enough challenges at home. No dice.

So we waited, seated on the floor of the meeting room, while the attendant brought Lilly in. Unhooked from the leash, with everyone calling to her at once, Lilly looked only at my son. Of the 5 people waiting to meet her, she walked straight to the one who had just suffered through 2 miserable years of epilepsy from a football concussion. She stopped for a beat to sniff the air in front of him, and then lay down with her eyes on his. A moment later her sweet head dropped gently onto his ankle and she closed her eyes. It was an incredibly magical moment. This dog somehow knew exactly where she was needed.  

Nurse Lilly

As it turns out, it was that watchful, motherly aspect of Lilly that would launch my business. Each day, while my son was at school, she transferred her nurse duties over to me. I’d arrive home from cardiac rehab, and Lilly would climb onto the couch next to me. I’d nap. She’d watch. I’d wake to find her nose next to mine. It was a little unnerving…had I stopped breathing? She would not leave my side.

So much love…and fur!

Lilly had never been inside a house before, and her heavy coat immediately began to shed everywhere. I blew through sticky roller refills nearly every two days. Finally, in exasperation, I went to PetSmart for something better. They recommended sticky rollers. There was nothing to do about it. I’d had enough of the sticky roller racket. Everywhere I went, Lilly fur went with me. I started to notice other people wearing their pets as well. Polar fleece, the uniform of Colorado, is the best pet hair magnet you can wear. I could not stop seeing it. Why had no one solved this problem?

Then one afternoon, on my way to the sink to scrub around it with an old toothbrush, I noticed Lilly’s muddy pawprints on the couch and stopped to brush them off. When I looked back at the brush, I saw a little bit of fur trapped there. I brushed my polar fleece. More fur. I raced upstairs and stole everyone’s toothbrushes and cobbled together the first Lilly Brush in the garage that afternoon. By the time my sons came home from school I had nearly cleaned the whole house with it. It wasn’t perfect by any means. The brushes wore down quickly, and the hair tangled the bristles, but it was the start of an idea. It was something.

Next post: How to Protect Your Idea Prior to Filing For a Patent

Founder, Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post How a Tough Year and a Ridiculous Looking Cleaning Hack Started a Business. appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Ughhh, there’s nothing worse than a hairy car! In fact, vacuum-resistant embedded pet hair is the #1 headache auto detailers and pet owners alike face when cleaning their cars!

Until now, pumice stones and rubber brushes have been the two most popular tools for dealing with pet hair removal. So, what’s the issue?

Our detailers tell us that the rubber brushes miss much of the most deeply embedded hair and take too much time to use. And, as any professional detailer knows, time is money, and customers tend to balk at pet hair surcharges tacked on even though removing it means an extra hour (or more!) of the detailer’s time.

Detailers report that although a pumice stone does a fairly good job of removing embedded pet hair, it is by no means the perfect tool for the job as it can easily rip up carpeting and damage surrounding plastic, chrome and leather surfaces within the car.

Old habits die hard, but we hope you will take a moment to check out our newest tool in the war against pet hair, the Lilly Brush Mini Pet Hair Detailer. ($10 Amazon) We think you’re going to love it!

Click here for video reviews by two top-rated professional detailers:

Pan the Organizer

Detail Groove

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post New Detailing Tool For an Old Problem appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Hey, we think it’s our duty to combat pet hair for our customers so our newest brush, the Mini Pet Hair Detailer (MPHD) is designed to remove every hair your pet sheds in a car. It does this without damaging adjacent leather, plastic or chrome. With its detailing tips, you can clean every inch of fabric in your car including seats, headliners, and of course carpeting. For those of you that have pets with short, wiry fur, this is the perfect pet hair removal tool for you!

Whether you are the one cleaning the pet hair in your car or a detailer is doing the job, we want to ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Find the Mini Pet Hair Detailer for $12 on Amazon by clicking the link below.

I Want a Mini Pet Hair Detailer!

We want every customer to be happy! If the Mini Pet Hair Detailer doesn’t solve all of your pet hair problems, return it for a full refund.  

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post How to Remove Every Hair Your Pet Sheds in The Car appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Bombs away! Extreme knitters bring color to the streets of San Francisco appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Martha Stewart Living Requests Lilly Brushes for Dressing Rooms! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

In her review, Clara beautifully describes how Lilly Brush delicately remove pills from 100% natural fibers.  Much to our delight here at Lilly Brush, she also goes in depth about the composition of synthetic knits and why Lilly Brush will not work on those synthetic knits.

After a failed attempt to rescue a 20% nylon blend, Clara put Lilly Brush to test on one of her favorite 100% cashmere sweaters. Here is a glimpse of what she had to say:

“After about eight brushings, I started to see the pills disappear. The more I brushed, the more tidy the fabric became….How refreshing to discover a product that actually lives up to the marketing hype. If pills are a problem for you, and you tend to wear 100% natural fabrics, $12.95 is a small price to pay for a pill-free future.”

Don’t just take our word for it, read Clara’s full review here!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Knitting Legend: "Lilly Brush lives up to marketing hype" appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Be sure to visit www.CreativeKnittingMagazine.com to purchase your copy of the Autumn issue today!

Click here a chance to win: CREATIVE KNITTING – LILLY BRUSH GIVEAWAY

GOOD LUCK!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Creative Knitting – Lilly Brush Give Away! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Ann put Lilly Brush to the test on hot water bottle cover she knit out of a Debbie Bliss Andes yarn, a delicate alpaca & silk blend –  the pills and fuzz never stood a fighting chance!

“I’m happy to report it’s both a good size to hold and also carry in your project bag. It’s not very heavy, either. A few quick passes with the Lilly Brush and the cover was as good as new. I mean, I knew it was looking beat up, but I didn’t realize how bad it had become until I cleaned it up.”

AND LOOK AT ALL THOSE PILLS AND FUZZ!

Now that Ann had saved her knit from an early grave, she moved on to pet hair – which there was no shortage of with two golden retrievers! Like most of our dogs, they also believe they deserve a spot on the sofa. Ann put Lilly Brush to work on a fleece blanket- a true pet hair magnet!

Lilly Brush made a “dramatic difference” in conquering the pet hair on her blanket. See her original blog post for more content and before and afters!

Click here to visit Knitting Fevers Facebook page and ‘like’ them for a chance to win a free Lilly Brush!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Knitting Fever Loves Lilly Brush! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how well the brush worked on my black felt skirt that seems to be a magnet for all the lint in the world. What normally would take me 4 sheets on my adhesive lint roller was easy with the Lilly Brush and I could simply clean out the brush as necessary. It felt much less wasteful.”

 -Kristin Appenbrink -Senior Editor, Real Simple Magazine

We could not agree with Kristin more! Click here for Full Article

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Simply Stated: Real Simple Magazine impressed by Lilly Brush appeared first on Lilly Brush.

“Lilly Brush came as a solution to my problem. Lilly Brush is a lightweight, compact bristled brush that removes lint, pills and pet hair from all natural fibers.”

“This brush won’t damage delicate fabric and sweater weaves and does a great job of “clean up” with minimal effort.”

“I hate pills on my sweaters and other clothing items because they make them appear old and abused. I was shocked that with just a few swipes of the Lilly Brush that my woolens and sweaters were resuscitated. This saved me from prematurely donating the items and extended the life span of some pieces that now look practically brand new.”

“It also does a great job of sweeping up pet hair from clothes and furniture…Once “full”, the brush head is easily cleaned of fur, and is ready for more. (So much better than trying to remove fur with one of those tape lint rollers!)”

Click here to see the full review and great comments as well!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Rescuing Sweaters from Pills and Fur One Closet at a Time appeared first on Lilly Brush.

“In my opinion, the Lilly Brush is the best of the three. I just tried my first Lilly Brush and I was impressed with the fact that it is as safe and quick as a traditional sweater comb, but with the added benefit of leaving sweaters with a fluffy “brushed” appearance. I found it particularly nice for cashmere sweaters that had accumulated a layer of general fuzz from being worn, but had not quite formed pills that a shaver or comb would be able to efficiently remove. I’ll keep my sweater comb around, but the combination of a traditional comb and the Lilly Brush will completely replace my old fabric shaver.”

For the full review and pros/cons for each product click here

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post How does Lilly Brush stack up to the competition? appeared first on Lilly Brush.

“I decided to give this simple tool the ultimate test.  I have a black cardigan sweater that is over 20 years old.  It is riddled with pills, it’s awful really.  But I’ve held on to this sweater through the years for sentimental reasons.  Could the Lilly Brush help this much loved sweater?  If I didn’t love it, I would have gotten rid of it years and years ago.”

“As you can see the Lilly Brush brought back new life to my beloved sweater.  The right side is how the sweater has normally looked, while the left side has been worked over with the brush.  Most pills have been removed, and if I was truly diligent I could keep at it to remove even more.”

The Mama report is currently offering a Lilly Brush giveaway! Click here to see full review and enter to win!

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Mama Tested, Mama Approved! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

“Because any sweater is an ugly sweater if it’s all pilled up. Plus, those electric sweater ‘shavers’ that were so popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s are useless.”

“Instead, we’ve found a decidedly low-tech gadget that really gets the job done.  It’s called the Lilly Brush and to quote their packaging, it’s “like a magic wand with nylon bristles.”

“It’s as simple to use as it is effective. Simply apply moderate pressure and sweep across your garments. Pills, pet hair and lint are all quickly removed. Unlike sticky lint brushes, it’s reusable again and again.”

 Full Article 

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Gay List Daily Endorses Lilly Brush! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

“The Lilly Brush is one of those cool inventions that you buy and then you can’t imagine how you lived without it for so long. It’s a brush that you can use to de-pill sweaters that are looking shabby or to remove pet hair and fuzzies from your upholstery and fabrics. As you can see in the pic above, it works great for the decorative pillows on my bed that my cats LOVE to sleep on! It’s a lot easier than dragging out the vacuum cleaner and it makes such a difference!”

Continue Reading Jen’s Full Review at MyBeautyBunny.com

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Pet Hair and Fuzzies on Upholstery and Fabric? No Problem! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Here’s what they had to say about Lilly Brush:

“”Unlike a comb, the Lilly Brush utilizes very dense nylon bristles that easily pick up pills without harming fabric.  I tested it on a wool and synthetic blended cardigan that has some snags, and The Lilly Brush didn’t affect the snags at all when I brushed over them.”

“As far as pill removal though, I have to say, I’m impressed.  I’ve used it on several different fabrics, including cotton that had some tiny pilling going on, and cashmere gloves, and the brush has worked on all of them.  Plus the brush itself is compact and comes with a cover, making it easy to take along on travels.”

See Full Article 

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post EVERY MAN NEEDS A LILLY BRUSH TOO! appeared first on Lilly Brush.

The trade show name and dates are the following, and my booth is #3615 next to the Starbucks on the 12th floor.

FINDS Temporary Show – June

Dallas Market Center – World Trade Center

June 20 – 25, 2012

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Our big debut appeared first on Lilly Brush.

For wholesale orders contact: sales@lillybrush.com

Questions or orders by phone: 1-855-LILLY BRUSH

Download the Lilly Brush product sheet »

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Pre-order your Lilly Brush today! appeared first on Lilly Brush.