Gifts to Delight Dogs and Dog Lovers

By Meredeth Barzen

This holiday season you don’t have to leave any dog or dog lover off the list because there’s no shortage of inspired gifts from local artists, manufacturers and shops. Here are a few of our favorites for you to check out as you check off your list.

Clothing

For doggie clothing that has it all — style, attitude and an eco-friendly twist — visit the Climutt online boutique. All pieces, conceived and created by local designer Sydney Holcomb, are made from pieces of fabric that were formerly parts of human fashion statements. (**Mention Sidewalk Dog in the notes portion of your online order and save $5 through Dec. 31, 2008.)

Gear

Now every dog — big dogs included — can look fashionable with collars and leashes from bark+biscuit. Everything is created by local designer, Alisha Zavadil, and is heavy duty enough for everyday wear.

Designer collars for big and small dogs from bark+biscuit.

And, no parent of a Sidewalk Dog should be without the Stunt Runner leash from Stunt Puppy created by local Ken Goldman. The versatile leash is perfect for running, walking or shopping with your dog, tethering them outside at a pit stop or when you need a short lead to get to and from the car to the dog park.

The versatile Stunt Runner leash for running, walking and shopping, from Stunt Puppy.

Art

Give the dog lover in your life a lasting memory of their dog by gifting a painted portrait from artist Jessie Marianello, founder of Stray Dog Arts, or Sarah Anderson of Lintu Art. All you need to commission a portrait is a photo for the artist to work from.

Print and photography from Lintu Art that capture’s your dog’s personality.

Commissioned art from Stray Dog Arts that capture’s your dog’s spirit.

For any pet lover who has lost a pet or whose pet is experiencing a serious health issue, Pet Reliquaries, by local designer Lisa Havelin, creates custom lockets and pendants to  help dog parents keep their loved one close to their heart at all times.

Pendants from Pet Reliquaries.

Also creating beautiful stone sculptures to celebrate and commemorate past and present pets in our lives is local artist Mark Clements of Follow The Muse. His sculptures can be personalized and are great for outdoor or indoor display.

Follow the Muse hand-sculpted stone to commemorate your pet.

Photo Sessions

And though no dog lover I know is void of photos of their dog, you may consider a professional photo session that can function as family art. Consider gifting a photo session with Patrick Nau or for family-oriented flair, Sara Beth Photography if it’s all about the dog, or Olive Juice Studios for their unique “dog-umentary” approach.

What dog lover wouldn’t love a professional photo featuring their dog, like this one from Olive Juice Studios?

Give Back and Save a Pet

More than 100 shelters and rescue groups around the Greater Twin Cities area are in need of food, toys, treats and monetary donations. Why not consider gifting a donation, in the name of a dog lover on your list, to his or her favorite animal welfare group? For a list of groups throughout the Minnesota visit Petfinder.com. You can also check out their Sponsor-A-Pet Program where you can also see a list of local shelters who have individual pets who need sponsors to provide food and care.

More Ideas

Leave no dog off your list! For more gifts and ideas be sure to visit local stores Bone Adventure, Lulu and Luigi and Corazon.

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