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!

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:

 

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 

 

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

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/

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.

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!

5 Ways to Give Back to Local Animals on #GivingTuesday

Today is Giving Tuesday – a day to take a break from all of your holiday shopping to give back to the local community. Since animals are a cause near and dear to my heart, as I am sure they are for most of you, I think giving back to the local animal community is great way to celebrate Giving Tuesday.

Here are five ways to help pets this Giving Tuesday and the rest of the holiday season:

1. Donate to a rescue group’s wishlist

All rescue groups need donations in order to take care of the animals they take in. Most groups will list what they need on their website, but some make it even easier by setting up Amazon wish lists so you can order online exactly what they need and have it shipped right to them. Here are the APL, Cleveland Animal Control and Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter’s Amazon wish lists:

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

Cleveland Animal Control: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/KLVA6K0ZP3OG/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v

These are just a couple of the wishlists out there from rescue groups. Most rescue groups have their own list, so please check with your favorite and help them out!

2. Organize a dog food/supplies drive

One local group that always needs donations is My Best Friend’s Bowl in Lakewood. My Best Friend’s Bowl provides pet food to families in need so they can keep their pets during hard economic times. Organize a pet food donation at your work to keep the cupboards stocked for Cleveland-area pets in need. Find out more here: http://mybestfriendsbowllakewood.com/bowl/how-can-i-help/

Also, this Saturday the Lorain Pet Pantry of Lorain County will be accepting donations for their pantry at the Pet Supplies Plus in Elyria. They are in need of dog & cat food (dry & wet) and cat litter for their monthly distributions. IHeart Radio will also be there doing Santa Pictures. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/714600658690138/

Donation drives are a great idea for any rescue group. Print out a wish list from your local shelter and post it at your work or school to gather donations.

3. Attend a Fundraiser

There will be no shortage of fundraising events this holiday season. In addition the many Santa Paws events going on this holiday season where you can get your dog’s photo taken with Santa, there are also a few fundraisers you can attend to raise funds for local groups. This is one of the easiest and most fun ways to show your support for homeless animals. Here are a few upcoming ones to check out:

Holiday Hops for the Heart

Organized by City Dogs Cleveland this fundraiser at Platform Brewery on Nov. 29 raises funds for the Plankton Fund to help treat the heartworm positive dogs they take in. The $25 admission at the door includes three craft beers (Speed Merchant or New Cleveland)  plus food. There will be also 50/50 and basket raffles. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/307505489620057/ for more info.

 

Safe Harbor Animal Rescue MilkBone Mania

On Dec. 4, Safe Harbor Animal Rescue will hold their final fundraiser of the year. The $10 admission at the door gets you two paddles, each additional paddle is $1.00/ea for the auctin. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and auction baskets. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1158767180882550/ for more info.

Home for the Pawlidays

Join HealthSource of Avon on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as they help raise funds for the Cleveland Animal Protective League. Individuals looking to get their backs adjusted, get a massage, have X-Rays taken, learn new exercises or try out a new service can do so by cash donation. At the end of your visit, you can give as little or as much as you like for the services and all proceeds go to the APL. You can also bring in your dog for photos with Santa Paws. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1385497558130620/ for more info.

4. Volunteer Your Time

Rescue groups always need dog walkers, as well as drivers to transport dogs to vet appointments, cage cleaners, people to perform host duties at shelters and volunteers for fundraisers. Here’s a listing of Lake Humane Society’s volunteer needs: http://lakehumane.org/volunteerpositions.html. Contact your local shelter to see what their volunteer needs are.

5. Share a Homeless Pet

It’s not always easy to come up with the money or time needed to help rescue groups, especially around the holidays. One easy, free way to help rescue groups is by sharing adoptable pets. Cleveland Animal Control Volunteers need all the help they can get spreading the word to find homes for Cleveland animals. Follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandCityKennelVolunteers) to see their available pets. You never know who among your friends might be looking for a dog or cat!

And if you’re looking for a cause to donate to, the rescue group I work with, Central Ohio Pomeranian Rescue, just took in a very sick Pomeranian named Faith that was surrendered to them from a puppy mill. Faith’s lungs have been compromised from untreated pneumonia when she was younger and the vet isn’t sure how much improvement to expect. Right now she only has about 50-60% of her lungs functioning and is on antibiotics and steroids. It’s day by day for her, but we are all pulling for her! She is receiving the best vet care possible now and the rescue group is raising funds for her care. If you can donate, you can send money via PayPal to centralohiopomrescue@gmail.com. Check out their FB page for more info on Faith as well as info on several different fundraisers they have going to help raise funds for Faith: https://www.facebook.com/OhioPoms/

And of course this is your reminder to never buy a puppy from a pet store or online.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Happy Holidays!

You know you “might” be a crazy dog lady when you buy Christmas gifts for your dogs, hide them from them and then get mad when they go upstairs and “see” them…

Well, I guess me being a crazy dog lady wasn’t really a question to begin with, but it was still amusing to me. I just love my pups and want them to have a great Christmas – is that so wrong?

So far, we’ve had a really great start to our holiday season. This year, for the first time, we went to get our pictures taken with Santa Paws. Santa Paws was actually our friend Catherine, which was pretty much the main reason I went (other than knowing it would also result in a really great picture). I am so pleased with the photos!  Roscoe looks so much more comfortable than he did when we went to see the Easter Bunny (also Catherine).

Photos taken by Portraits by Martha

 

And, forever immortalized on an ornament. I don’t think Hunter loved his reindeer ears…

 

 

This year I also got Hunter and Roscoe their very own stockings from the Naughty Mutt shop on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNaughtyMutt?ref=l2-shopheader-name

 

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season with your family this year, whatever form that family may be! Hunter, Roscoe and I wish you peace, love and happiness!