So, there you are: chatting up a friend you ran into while out walking Rex, a cup of coffee in one hand, leash looped around your wrist, and a full bag in another. You’d prefer it wasn’t so, but you only have two hands.

This is where PoopPac (Retail, $29.95) comes in. It’s promoted as a companion for dog-walkers, but for the busy dog-parent, it’s like a third hand. A lightweight case that’s both durable and machine-washable, it’s designed to carry used and unused bags in two separate compartments. The main compartment has a wipeable lining and has a built-in charcoal filter to absorb odors. The second compartment is reserved for unused bags, but also has slots to carry personal belongings like keys, cell phones and wallet.

Choose from an array of attractive patterns, and is customizable to suit the preferences of its owner. You can clip it to your belt, attach it to a lanyard or wear it with a shoulder strap.

Learn more about PoopPac, contact Sherri Loomer from Your Animals Best Friend at sherri@youranimalsbestfriend.com or call her at 714-230-6541 or 949-375-1832.

We have popsicle, ice cream and soda fountains. Now, there’s something cool just for dogs to survive the heat from those dog days of summer: Premier’s Kool Dog Ice Treat Maker.

This refreshing product (Retail: $27) comes with all the accoutrements needed to make Fido’s icy treat. In addition to a reusable freezable bucket, a sturdy steel base and extension rod, the kit also comes with a recipe book for icy snacks dogs will enjoy.

Whether it’s a trim your pet needs or full-on styling, Puppy Shop Boys has a complete menu of grooming services that’ll to please the stylish pet parents and pamper a cherished pet.

Prices are based on your dog’s size, as well as their coat condition when they come in for their appointment.

Starting at less than $25, Bath and Brush service includes use of premium tearless shampoo and conditioner. Pooches also get treated to a soothing full-body and face massage, blow-drying and brushing, and even a nails/ears/anal glands check. For an extra $5, you can also add a light trim to the service to give your pet that added polished look.

Feel like going all out? Puppy Shop’s style mavens can make your dog look and feel fabulous in a styling session ($45 and up) customized to their specific breed or mix. The styling package includes bath and brush services, plus skilled hand-scissoring, trim, clipping and finishing. Styles range from the traditional (and adorable) Teddy Bear, to adventurous mohawk and colorful pet-safe dye jobs (additional $25 charge), and Puppy Shop Boys’ own creation, the Lion Cut. (To see some of their work, browse the Poochie Gallery.)

Puppy Shop’s entire line of dog grooming services are available daily, by appointment. To learn about additional services, visit www.puppyshopboys.com or call (714) 641-1717. Puppy Shop Boys is at 688 Baker St. #5, Costa Mesa.

Talk about a new spin on the phrase “true blue” friend. Canine Colors (Retail, $15) author Letitia Fox and canine expert Penny Scott-Fox pooled their backgrounds in canine behavior and personality temperament to create a color-based personality system.

They determined that human and canine traits fall under four distinct categories – Blue, Gold, Green and Orange. Easy on the eyes and easy to digest, the book and its eight personality cards (four for humans, four for canines) work as a visual aids to help pet-owners understand how certain traits can affect the compatibility between pet and pet-owner.

The system works on two levels: by outlining the most common dominant traits of man and canine, the system can be used to explain potential problems and how to best address them; or, it could be used to guide the prospective pet owner in finding the canine personality type that compliments theirs.

For example, Fox found that Green dog breeds like Australian shepherds and corgis tend to be thinkers with typical behavioral problems like escaping, aggression and displaced herding behavior. By her analysis, mental stimulation and problem-solving activities like nose-work, frisbee or competitive obedience can be viable solutions. Fox also posit that Green types can be trained to be Gold-type dogs that thrive on being useful. (According to the author’s findings, Golds are characterized by their aptitude in advanced training. Think search-and-rescue breeds like German shepherds and bloodhounds.)

Learn more about the book and its philosophy at www.CanineColors.com.

We’ve gone mad….with safety! Share your pet safety tips and/or favorite pet products and you automatically enter Petsguide’s March Contest. Up for grabs is your very own BatziBelt, the veterinarian-recommended seat belt for pets. Send in your tips to editor@petsguidemagazine.com and you automatically enter this month’s giveaway contest.

The BatziBelt prize is for small dogs under 30 lbs. (This nifty belt comes in two sizes, details about which you can read here.)

Contest deadline is Tuesday, March 31. Make sure to put “MARCH” in your subject line. Good luck!

The prize: Workman Publishing’s 2010 Page-A-Day DOG Calendar ($15.99). A photographic tribute to man’s best friend, this daily calendar is a self-contained gallery of professional canine photographs printed on high-quality coated paper.

Contest deadline is Sunday, January 31. Make sure to put “JANUARY” in your subject line. Good luck!

We love showering our pets with colorful rubber balls, stuffed animals, and all manner of squeaky, jingling and aromatic toys. Below are some of our 2009 favorites:

For the power chewer: The Huck Ball, Hurley, Bumi, Zisc and Tux are a line of indestructible chew toys created by West Paw Design. They’re made from Zogoflex, a non-toxic, durable and eco-friendly material. The company will even replace or refund your toy if your dog actually damages it. ($8.50-$14.50)

For the puppy: Fetch Dog’s Puppermint Chew’s peppermint-infused rubber toy is fun and freshens doggie breath. ($13.75)

For the snacker: Toss your dog a bone, a biscuit, or specialty jerky! DogToys.com sells treats for $5 and under. See their catalog here.

For the happy hunter: We can’t have a list without the award-winning Fling-ama-String, the battery-operated toy that gets cats stalking, pouncing and leaping. The toy attaches to a standard doorknob and has two speed settings. ($25-$30)

For the sleepyhead: West Paw Design makes use of another eco-friendly technology – InteliLoft fibers – for its popular and super-comfy cat nap mats. The Eco Nap for Cat mat has been tested for more than 100 harmful chemicals and is guaranteed 100% safe. ($27.90)

Consumer Affairs (www.consumeraffairs.com) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov) have bulletins on a bevy of products that have been recalled, or are in the process of being investigated. To narrow down your pet-related research, search for “dog toys,” “cat toys” or “pets.”

Did you know that cats are more prone to developing kidney disorders as they age? Or that Mega Omega-3’s fatty acids can alleviate horses’ dry skin and poor coats? Or that there are “natural calmers” for dogs?

Natural pet care products are My Hanks Depot’s specialty, while their expertise is the best application of holistic care to best promote a pet’s healthy life. This one-stop online shop features a variety of all-natural food, vitamin and dental products for dogs, cats and horses. The store site also helpfully categorizes its products based on specific ailments, such as arthritis, anxiety, flea and parasite treatment, fungal care and oral health.

Not really shopping for a product, as much as an answer to a very specific question? My Hanks Depot also offers free advice to customers – all they need is to drop a line.

Does your pet need a helping paw? Pet Ramps USA has just the thing for the small, elderly or post-surgery pet that has trouble accessing high places like your bed, the car or the sofa.

Pet Ramps USA’s ramps are also ideal for pets with genetic disorders like hip dysplasia. The ramps are durable, lightweight, easy to use, and are made of sturdy streamlined wood construction. They’re also a cinch to store, and can handle the weight of dogs up to 125 lbs. Ramps are available in standard to large sizes.