Furocious
If you’re anything like FUROCIOUS, you avoid Black Friday. While I consider myself a blue-ribbon, black-belt-wearing inveterate shopper, venturing out on this particular day, which seems to attract all manner of novice-like behavior from parking space spats to ankle-banging cart encounters, it just makes good sense to leave those less skilled to their own devices. Me? I’m turning Black Friday into Fido Friday. Here are some of my favorite things to keep you close to hound and home while shopping for one – or someone who just has a penchant for pooch-inspired presents.
No dog necessary to order this winter warm-up. In my latest Plow & Hearth catalog, I came upon this great outdoor fire pit complete with dog silhouette and paw print cut-outs. The Steel Pups and Paws Fire Pit retails for $169.00 and I can see this 30”W by 23”H ‘drum’ as the centerpiece of your Eastern Shore bonfire or backyard S’mores center. Since you’ll already online at Plow & Hearth (http://www.plowhearth.com/Steel-Pups-And-Paws-Fire-Pit-With-Domed-Lid_p330956.html), type “dog” into the search function – 173 different items for dogs and dog-crazed fans in the form of artwork and ornaments to home décor and pet supplies will be unveiled.
Even though email has eclipsed the general practice of the handwritten note, the epic sterility of the former has caused a small resurgence of putting pen to paper. Nothing seems more intimate than the darling topiary art of Michelle Masters, whose inspirations, while many, often come in form of dog breeds. FUROCIOUS is planning a closer look behind this secret garden of topiary delights in a future blog, but for now, while the weather turns colder, the leaves never seemed greener and the dogs never happier than those gracing her stationery. Various dog breeds available online at http://www.michellemasters.com This one, entitled Guard-en Patrol won’t bite the mailman and is perfect for the German Shepherd owner in your life! Who knows? Maybe you’ll get a thank you note. Blank note cards are $8.50.
If the one who has everything has a dog – this idea not only keeps you firmly planted on the sofa and away from crowds, you will get extra genius points. In perfect Dick & Jane simplicity: find cute photo of dog, email photo http://www.artpaw.com and – voila – receive stunning contemporary personal dog portrait. You’ve just become Mom’s favorite and upped the cool quotient of her art collection. Rebecca & Dan Collins, fellow artist Lola and their band of Scotties (who are, clearly, running the show, please), have been around since 1998 and were the first on the Internet to offer this kind of pet portraiture. The best part is that each piece can be personalized in a particular portrait style (Warhol, Painterly or Master Paw), size, rolled or stretched, colors in bold or tame. Prices begin at $135. Additional pets in the portrait are only $30-45. NOTE: In order to get your pet portrait by Christmas you MUST order by November 30! Too late? Plenty of urban chic pet stuff to order as well – oh, and they do cats portraits, too. Pawsome, pass the remote.
One of the best gifts my husband and I ever received was a Pajama Gram complete with PJ’s for the Mister and I and a set each for Dugan and Barclay. Who can’t use a pair of PJ’s? Grandma, brother Bud in college, your parents who turned your room into the dog’s den – all good candidates. Presentation, particularly if you are sending a gift, is everything. Rest assured, their packaging is terrific! The collapsible round fabric ‘hat box’ my “j’s” came in has been repurposed a couple of times and now holds the scarves in my closet. Doggie PJ’s come in a cardboard dog house, complete personalized note and doggie treat! Human pajamas begin at $59.99; pet pajamas are $19.99. Cat pajamas also available.
Right around this time if you’re not thinking about holiday cards, FUROCIOUS is also guessing you’re not one of those people who pens those typed letters regaling people of your climb up Kilamanjaro, volunteer work in Belize or how you wintered in St. Kit’s. Because, let me tell you, if you expect people to read it, don’t insult them by sending it in email—spring for the stamp. Better yet,personalize your holiday cards this year with a professional Fido & Family portrait. If you live in the greater MD-DC-VA area (including Baltimore) Fidojournalism (http://www.fidojournalism.com) photographer, Stephen Bobb will come to you (you may have to get off the sofa for this one, but FUROCIOUS isn’t judging you if you skip the comb, just definitely primp the pooch). Thirty minutes in your home and $150 gives you 25 custom holiday cards (additional cards available at discount). Stephen tells FUROCIOUS he’d like to have your order and photo session done by December 10th but give him a call and say “cheese.” 202.329.1670.
Thinking you might want to shop local, but don’t want to fight the crowds? One of Dugan and Barclay’s favorite pet stores is PAWS Pet Boutique on State Circle in Annapolis. It’s facade, famous not just for entertaining Fido’s and Fluffy’s, was seen in the movie Failure to Launch with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey, this darling shop chock full of signed art, trendy and classic dog collars and leads, dog dishes, pet cards, gourmet treats and more can be accessed online. If you’re looking for a great deal, they choose a “Dog collar of the Month” and feature it on their website http://www.pawspetboutique.com offering it at nearly $4.00 off the regular price—and many things are Annapolis or Maryland themed with crabs and nautical flags. Moreover, PAWS likes to give back to the community, including an annual dog and human cruise that raises money for the Animal Legal Defense Fund - so, high-paw to them! The cute Jack Russell on the home page is Jonah - just one of Larry and Michelle Kownacki’s (the owners of PAWS) rescues.
Even if animals aren’t your passion, you can satisfy someone else’s penchant for pooches AND give a gift that brings a smile to someone and makes a difference in the life of a shelter animal. In the Baltimore region, you can do so by ordering a FUROCIOUS approved Petals4Pets bouquet from Flowers & Fancies (http://www.flowersandfancies.com) in the shape of your favorite dog, bunny, cat or bear (see the website for ideas). Starting at around $68, twenty-percent of the sale of the bouquet (excluding sales tax and shipping) is donated to one of three animal shelters of your choice. Your recipient receives a gift card indicating your generosity. The three participating shelters are BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter), MD- SPCA and the Baltimore Humane Society who have received, collectively, nearly $2,000 since the program began last winter.
Nationwide, you can order from The Animal Rescue site http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3 where all manner of adorable pet-themed human and pet products abound. From sweatshirts and aprons to paw-print measuring spoons to jewelry, every paw-rific purchase helps to feed shelter animals. In fact, if you even just click on the purple link when you land on the site, you’re already helping to feed homeless pets and you’ve not even had to buy a thing—but do! You’ll feel better and who doesn’t need a few extra paw-print themed items around the house?
FUROCIOUS is glad she could share some of her best pet and people buying secrets. Now you can sip some eggnog, avoid the crowds and keep your best furry friend company - while still getting your holiday shopping done! Woof and high-paw!
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