Tips for a Safe and Happy Holiday with Your Dog!

Every year pets are bought spontaneously as gifts, without taking into account important considerations such as the impact it will have on one’s lifestyle with the additional responsibility, costs, the time that goes into properly training an animal. As in choosing a mate, you shouldn’t choose an animal based on looks, you should consider temperament, maintenance, whether it is active or lethargic, and whether you can provide the required  lifestyle and home. Some breeds are hypo-allergenic, which is an important quality, as we are saw with the Obama’s choice in Presidential pet. If the pet isn’t chosen carefully, the poor animal like many spouses either suffers abuse and mistreatment, or is “divorced” and banished to an animal shelter.

During the holidays, many want to give table scraps to their pets, but keep in mind that turkey bones (like chicken bones) are not suitable for your pets. Also, be sure your holiday decorations are “pet proof”. The following should be kept away from your animals:
* Holly
* Poinsettias
* Mistletoe
* Glass Christmas Ornaments
* Christmas Tree Lights
* Electrical Cords
* Tinsel
* Candles
* Needles from the Tree
* Wrapped Packages, as they may get destroyed

If you are looking for some holiday gifts for your dog, Barkley Square Dog Bakery & Boutique has everything you could want. They have the cutest canine couture, jewelry, collars, and leashes.

1)  Dog Bone Stocking:  Retails for $12-14.  Every pet deserves a place on the fireplace mantle this year.  Help your dog be part of the  family with this bone-shaped stocking for dogs.  Stocking has a hanger and plenty of room for treats and toys! 

2)  Jingle Bell Collar:  Retails for $17 to $26.50.  Will adorn dogs from necks sizes 8″-26″.  This American-made, gorgeous jingle bell collar is made from red latigo leather, imprinted with silver snowflakes and features soft-ringing sleigh bells around the top.  Cute jingle bell charm hangs from the d-ring!  Made by Auburn Leathercrafters in Auburn, NY.

3)  Polka Dog “Seasons Eatings” Christmas Dinners:  Holiday treat cans…a seasonal feast for your best friend with a 12 oz dinner inspired treat medley and a 5 oz dessert.  Flavors:  Christmas Goose/Eggnog Smoothie or Season’s Eatings/Peppermint Melts.  Retails for $9.00.  Made in the USA and all-natural, wheat free and corn free.  Baked by Polka Dog Bakery, Boston, MA.

4)  Yellow Dog Holiday Collars:  Whether it is Haunnukah or Christmas you are celebrating, Yellow Dog has just the right collar!  Retail prices are from $7.50 to $11.00 depending on size.  Sublimated nylon and made-in-America!  Made by Yellow Dog Designs, Greensboro, NC.

5) Santa Suit:  This hooded red and white santa suit includes plush trimmed hooded jacket, santa belt and plush candy can dog toy.  Available in green/white or red/white.  Sizes XS, S or M.  Retail price 13.00.

6) Holiday Toys:  Wonderful faux lambs wool and embroidered holiday detail are sure to please all holiday dogs and their owners. Features Tuffut Technology lining to insure even the toughest chewers will stop and pause!  Comes in size L.  Retail price $20.00

These gift along with many others can be found locally at Barkley Square Bakery & Boutique, a charming Alexandria establishment which prides itself on providing dogs and their owners with the most up to the minute innovative canine accoutrements. From homemade birthday cakes and specialty treats to canine couture and bling, Barkley caters to the well-being and enhancement of a dog’s life. Barkley Square is owned by Kristina Robertson, who also owns Karing by Kristina, a dog walking and pet sitting business. Kristina is a unique, compassionate entrepreneur who has dedicated her professional and personal life to protecting and pampering dogs.

Barkley Square's Holiday Dinner for Dogs

Barkley also has home-made holiday dinners for your dog for only $15 (shown in photo above). To order call Barkley Square at (703) 548-3644 before December 18th. Dinners will be ready for pick up on December 23rd.an order, please call the store at 703-548-3644 or email them at info@karingbykristina.com. 

If you are going out of town for the holidays, I recommend using Karing by Kristina. They can either take your dog into the home of a caretaker, or the caretaker can stay in your home, or stop in to take your dog for walks. They will also be happy to bring your dog a holiday dinner on Christmas day, so that your pet will be pampered while you are away from home. They only hire the best people, so you can relax during the holidays knowing your pet is in the great hands.

These tips will help you and your pet have a safe and happy holiday!

- Miss A