I’ve heard some grumbling lately around the dog park. It’s summer, it’s hot, and a lot of dogs are being forced to wear uncomfortable, sticky and downright ugly clothes. The Fourth of July is long past and we’re approaching the dog days of summer. As painful as that is for those of us with fur, it does mean the Republican and Democratic party conventions are just around the corner! I, for one, am excited to learn who our Vice Presidential candidates will be (paws crossed that my man McCain does not chose that dog-disrespecting Mitt Romney). Anyhow, it’s one thing to have your leash color dictated for you, but when it comes to voicing your political preference, we dogs should have wardrobe autonomy.

If you’re into bandanas, The Dog Vote obviously has the right gear for you. If pet triangles aren’t your style, Hot Dog Collars has some great alternative options: from Republican and Democratic pet t-shirts and collars to Pets for Peace paraphernalia, they have enough choices to keep even the most finicky dog outfitted. They even have some political flare for all of you Irish dogs out there!

What if you’re not that into clothes, like my friend Bowser? He’d rather DIE than put on a pet t-shirt or bandana. Well, if you’re still an American dog wanting to display your credentials, you should try Big Paw Designs. They offer the All-American dog collar charm, which is light, breezy and gives you a little bling. They also have Paws for Peace collar charm. And no matter where your politics lie, when you support Big Paw Designs, you help support Used Dogs, a New Orleans-based rescue shelter.

Let’s be honest, we could all use a little more pet gear - whether it’s to rotate your wardrobe for a higher social status or to spark intellectual conversation at the groomers. And what about for your humans? Let your owners pick out their own gear at The Dog Vote store.

Happy shopping.