Holiday Gift Guide: Best picks from local retailers

There is nothing wrong with being that crazy dog mom who buys gifts for her dog. I will always say that, especially because I love buying and receiving gifts! And, compiling gift guides. It’s my way of continuing my love of making Christmas lists way beyond the age when anyone wants me to.

And since we have so many great options to buy local for dog gifts, I wanted to share some of my favorite items from local stores. Whether you like to dress your dog up or spoil him, or if you’re looking for gifts for the dog lovers in your life, local pet retailers have you covered.

Check out my favorite picks from some local shops:

Moose and Lulu’s

Moose and Lulu’s, a new online retailer has a wide range of cute dog clothes and Cleveland-themed dog lover apparel. They also sell delicious treats to spoil your dog with this holiday season.  You can use my code HunterRoscoe15 for 15% off!

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Personalized Dog Bed:: https://mooseandlulus.com/collections/personalized-fleece-dog-bed/products/green-plaid-personalized-fleece-dog-bed

Paw Print Leggings: https://mooseandlulus.com/collections/cleveland-pride/products/cle-indians-paw-print-leggings

Dog Mom hat: https://mooseandlulus.com/collections/cleveland-pride/products/cotton-cap

Buffalo Plaid Bow Tie: https://mooseandlulus.com/collections/bandanas-and-bow-ties-by-pawkids/products/buffalo-plaid-dog-bow-tie-by-pawkids

Treats: https://mooseandlulus.com/collections/dog-treats/products/treat-samples

Best Picks from Milo and Me

My other favorite Cleveland store, Milo and Me, has great options not only for the dog in your life, but also for any fashionable friends. Here are some of my favorites:

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Dog Friendship collar/matching bracelet: https://shopmiloandme.com/collections/walk/products/friendship-collar

Doggie pouch: https://shopmiloandme.com/collections/gifts/products/happy-breeds-canvas-pouch

Stylish waste bag dispenser: https://shopmiloandme.com/collections/gifts/products/xo-shape-waste-bag-dispenser

Cute dog vest: https://shopmiloandme.com/collections/wear/products/aspen-puffer-navy-jacket

“Burberry” sweater: https://shopmiloandme.com/collections/wear/products/tan-plaid-dog-sweater

Personalized dog bandannas: https://shopmiloandme.com/collections/wear/products/pink-plaid-dog-bandana-by-milo-me

Browns bandanna: https://shopmiloandme.com/collections/wear/products/barker-mayfield-bandana

You can order online, but it’s worth a visit to the store since you can bring your dog to shop with you. Plus the owner, Jessica, often has fun events, so check her out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopmiloandme/

Three Dog Bakery

You also can’t pass up visiting Three Dog Bakery this holiday season to get some delicious treats for your dog to join in the decadency of the season. They will be hosting a Black Friday open house, so go check them out with your dog! https://www.facebook.com/events/409532053044116/

Canine Country Club and Modern Dog Massage

Gift cards for a doggie massage make a great gift as well. On Black Friday, Canine Country Club will be offering 50% off gift cards for massage services provide by Modern Dog Massage at their facility. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/425377228390411/

You can also buy your dog a present by scheduling some time for him or her to swim or use the activity room at the Club. Read more about Hunter’s experience checking out swimming at the Club: http://dogsinthecle.com/new-business-spotlight-the-canine-country-club/

And one bonus non-local item that Clevelanders will still love. Check out this cute Christmas Story bandanna from Hella Cool Dog:://www.etsy.com/listing/753115187/christmas-story-leg-lamp-premium-dog?ref=shop_home_active_15&frs=1 

 

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Happy shopping!

Ways to give back this #GivingTuesday

Now that we’ve gotten through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s time to focus on a day that really matters – Giving Tuesday. I love that this event falls right during the busy holiday season because it gives us a chance to step back from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and do something good for others.

This Giving Tuesday I thought I’d focus again on some ways that you can help out local rescues and shelters. Here are just a few ideas to make an impact this holiday season:

Giving Tuesday events

Meet Tuna Melts My Heart

Instagram star @TunaMeltsMyHeart will be visiting the Cleveland APL for Giving Tuesday on Nov. 27. Bring items to donate (food, toys, treats, beds) to the APL and get your picture taken with Tuna. He will be at the adoption center (1729 Willey Ave.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

@tunameltsmyheart
@tunameltsmyheart

Holiday Hops for Hearts

On Nov. 27, the 4th annual Holiday Hops for Hearts benefitting The Plankton Fund, will be held at Forest City Brewery. The Plankton Fund was started in honor of a dog named Plankton who arrived at the kennel in 2014 and tested positive for late-stage heartworm disease. Tickets are $25 and include one drink ticket and two raffle tickets. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/249289622444677/

Upcoming holiday fundraisers:

Holiday Puppy Yoga

Join the Friendship APL and “animal Yoga pioneer” Julie VanMeter-Moffitt on Sunday, December 9th from 4 to 5:00 p.m. for a special holiday-themed puppy yoga event. Ugly Christmas sweaters are encouraged, and light drinks and snacks will be provided. This is a humans-only event, although there will be puppies there to do yoga with you. Tickets are $25 and space is limited, so purchase your tickets today. All proceeds from this event will support the Friendship APL. Find out more here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/2252497415027669/

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Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

Hosted by Second Chance Animal Rescue, the 2nd Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Party will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2018 from 6 -9:00 pm at Scalpers Bar and Grille in Lyndhurst. Dress up in your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and enjoy dinner, drinks, raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle. All proceeds benefit Second Chance Animal Rescue. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/556801858113157/

Check out the dog-friendly events calendar for more events including all of the Santa Paws events that raise money for local rescues/shelters: http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-events/

Purchase from a Wishlist

While doing your holiday shopping this year, why not throw in a few gifts for the local homeless dogs and cats in our community? It is so easy to purchase items that a shelter or rescue group needs by searching Amazon for their wishlist and purchasing items on the list. The best part is that you can ship the items directly to them.

You can also use Amazon Smile while you shop on Amazon this holiday season to donate a percentage of your purchase to the rescue group of your choice. Search for one here: https://smile.amazon.com/

Here are just a few Amazon wishlists for local rescues. Many organizations have wishlists on Amazon or have a list of items they need posted on their website.

Cleveland APL: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/17JWHFI8ZR6ZV/ref=topnav_lists_1

Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter: http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/15JCVK42TMWEY/ref=sr_1_1_acs_wl_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388683921&sr=8-1-acs

Lake Humane Society: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/13A29C482PO0Y

Sign up to volunteer

Rescue groups always need volunteers to help with fostering, transportation, dog walking, events, and fundraising. If you are new to volunteering, the Cleveland APL is a great place to start. They always need more volunteers to keep up with the animals in their care. Check out more information about volunteering here: https://clevelandapl.org/volunteer/steps-to-become-a-cleveland-apl-volunteer/

The next volunteer orientation for the Cleveland APL will take place on Dec. 5 at 6 pm at St. Wendelin’s Parish.

Most rescue groups have information about becoming a volunteer on their website, so check out your local shelter to see what they need.

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Hold your own fundraiser

It is now easier than ever to raise funds for local rescue groups thanks to Facebook. You can start a fundraiser right on Facebook for the local animal charity of your choice and get donations from your friends and family. On Giving Tuesday, Facebook and PayPal will match a total of $7 million in donations, so it is the perfect day to set up a fundraiser and make it easy for others to donate to the group of your choice.

Happy #GivingTuesday everyone!

Santa Paws is Coming to Town (2017 dates)

It’s here! Your official list of Santa Paws events throughout the NE Ohio area! I tried to get this out sooner but Christmas comes faster each year it seems. There will be plenty of opportunities this December to get your dog’s photo taken with Santa, so don’t miss out!

If I’ve missed any, let me know in the comments and I will add. You can also visit the calendar for more December event info: http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-events/

Nov. 18 – Dec. 24

Santa Photos at Crocker Park

LOCATION: Crocker Park Boulevard, Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake (Lake Ridge Academy Santa House)
TIME: Varies, find out more info here: http://www.crockerpark.com/event/metrohealth-santa-house/

Nov. 28

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

LOCATION: Grooming by Jenny, 7085 Brecksville Rd., Independence
Website: http://www.widdowsonphoto.com/where-well-be/#photo=60ea93abf111e0f2f33d38d71b031b5f
T
IME: 5- 8pm

Nov. 30, 2017

Santa Photos at Style Mutt

LOCATION: Style Mutt Dog Boutique, Grooming & Daycare, 3525 Warren Rd.
To Make A Reservation: http://www.widdowsonphoto.com/santa17/
TIME: 6pm-9pm

Dec. 2, 2017

Pictures with Santa at the Bark Club

LOCATION: The Bark Club, 33549 Liberty Pkwy, North Ridgeville
Website: https://www.evensi.us/pictures-with-santa-the-bark-club/230123091
TIME: 11am-4:30pm

Photos with Santa Paws to benefit the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter

LOCATION: Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, 9500 Sweet Valley Dr, Valley View
Website: https://cuyahogadogs.com/en-US/Home.aspx
TIME: 11am-3pm

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Santa Paws at Ganley

LOCATION: Ganley Subaru 28840 Euclid Ave, Wickliffe
Website: http://cleveland.carpediem.cd/events/3392358-santa-paws-2017-at-ganley-subaru-east/
TIME: 12-4:30 pm

Pictures with Santa at Camp Bow Wow

LOCATION: Camp Bow Wow, 14411 Foltz Pkwy, Strongsville
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1665696113489751/
TIME: 12-3pm

Family and Pet Pictures with Santa

LOCATION: The Natural Pet Enrichment Center, 6720 Royalton Rd, North Royalton
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/327384131003775/ 
TIME: 11am-4:00pm

Dec. 3, 2017

Paws with Claus Pet Photos

LOCATION: Great Northern Mall,  4954 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted (Enter through the Great Northern Mall Entrance between Dicks Sporting Goods and H&M)
Website: https://www.shoppinggreatnorthernmall.com/media/ho-ho-holidays-santa-arrives-great-northern-mall-plus-pet-photos-jolly-parade-and-more
TIME: 6-8 p.m.

Pictures with Santa at the Bark Club

LOCATION: The Bark Club, 33549 Liberty Pkwy, North Ridgeville, OH 44039
Website: https://www.evensi.us/pictures-with-santa-the-bark-club/230123091
TIME: 11am-4:30pm

Free Photos with Santa at Graf’s Garden Center

LOCATION: Graf’s Garden Shop, Landscape & Farm Market, 1015 White Pond Dr.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/2006298959607435/
TIME: 11am-3pm

Photos with Santa Paws to benefit the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter

LOCATION: Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, 9500 Sweet Valley Dr, Valley View
Website: https://cuyahogadogs.com/en-US/Home.aspx
TIME: 11am-3 pm

Pet Photos with Santa & Christmas Extravaganza

LOCATION: Paws By the Lake Pet Resort, 33757 Lake Rd, Avon Lake
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1702872083092099/
TIME: 12-4:30pm

Santa Paws at Ganley

LOCATION: Ganley Subaru 28840 Euclid Ave, Wickliffe, OH 44092
Website: http://cleveland.carpediem.cd/events/3392358-santa-paws-2017-at-ganley-subaru-east/
TIME: 1
2 – 4:30 pm

Santa Paws at Pet’s General Store

LOCATION: Pet’s General Store, 16821 Madison Ave, Lakewood
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1465054626946708/permalink/1492068844245286/
TIME: 1pm-4pm

Picture Your Dog with Santa

LOCATION: Cold Nose Companions Dog Training 12531 GAR Highway (Route 6), Chardon 44024
Website: http://cleveland.carpediem.cd/events/4913386-picture-your-dog-with-santa-at-cold-nose-companions-dog-training/
TIME: 2 pm – 6pm

Dec. 9, 2017

Family and Pet Pictures with Santa

LOCATION: The Natural Pet Enrichment Center, 6720 Royalton Rd, North Royalton
Website: https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/pet-and-family-photos-with-santa/Event?oid=11580219
TIME: 11am-4:00pm

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Dec. 10, 2017

Pet Photo Night

LOCATION: Great Lakes Mall, Mentor (Dillard’s concourse. Please use the mall entrance next to Tony Sacco’s.)
Website: https://shopgreatlakesmall.com/events-news/event/pet-photo-nights
TIME: 6:30pm-8pm

Photos with Santa Paws to benefit the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter

LOCATION: Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, 9500 Sweet Valley Dr, Valley View
Website: https://cuyahogadogs.com/en-US/Home.aspx
TIME: 11am-3pm

Pet Photos with Santa

LOCATION: Lowe’s Greenhouses, Florist & Gift Shop 16540 Chillicothe Rd, Chagrin Falls
Website: http://cleveland.carpediem.cd/events/5094708-pet-photos-with-santa-at-lowes-greenhouses-florist-gift-shop/
TIME: 1pm-3pm

Dec. 12, 2017

Pet Photos with Santa

LOCATION: Windsor Park Estates, 1335 Vale Dr, Akron
TIME: 4pm-6:30pm

Dec. 15, 2017

Photos with Santa Paws to benefit the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter

LOCATION: Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, 9500 Sweet Valley Dr, Valley View
Website: https://cuyahogadogs.com/en-US/Home.aspx
TIME: 5:30pm-7:30pm

Dec. 16, 2017 

Pet Photos with Santa

LOCATION: Northern View Villa Apartments 4877 Columbia Rd., North Olmsted
TIME: 10am-1:30pm

Photos with Santa Paws to benefit the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter

LOCATION: Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, 9500 Sweet Valley Dr, Valley View
Website: https://cuyahogadogs.com/en-US/Home.aspx
TIME: 11am-3pm

Dec. 17, 2017

Photos with Santa Paws to benefit the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter

LOCATION: Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, 9500 Sweet Valley Dr, Valley View
Website: https://cuyahogadogs.com/en-US/Home.aspx
TIME: 11am-3pm

Thanks for gathering these dates Catherine Krzywicki!

My favorite Santa Paws Picture:

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