Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.
Like it or not, most pets (of the feline and canine varieties, anyway) need neckwear, to keep them safely identified or likewise on a leash. Collars might not be a pet’s favorite thing, but they don’t have to be unfashionable – or uncomfortable, for that matter.
Whiskerkisses offers white button-down collars to combine with regular and bowties for a most fashionable statement (and just in time for Independence Day.)
Dog in the window?? I find myself thinking that, even humming that tune a lot these days. In our city it seems like everyone has a dog – regardless of the fact that most of us live in apartments smaller than 800 square feet! So whenever you walk or drive around the city – you’re bound to see at least one dog and it’s happy owner. And where there are dogs – there are also dogs in clothes. At first I thought this trend was a concern and a grave comment on the state of our modern culture. But, now – somehow, my surroundings have influenced me and I reeeeally want a dog, and I know my dog will have at least one sweater or jacket.
Peacoats for dogs! Available from Rover Dog on Etsy.
And truth be told it’s not just my surroundings that have me wanting a dog – as long as I can remember, we’ve always had a family dog. Some have been so mischievous that I don’t want to remember the amount of time I spent chasing them around when they got a hold of things they shouldn’t. Others were picture perfect companions – always at our feet and only sometimes staring with longing eyes as we ate our supper. It’s only been since I’ve moved out of my parent’s home at 19 for school that I haven’t had a dog. And for years and years I didn’t think about it much. But now that I’m older and as every year I feel a bit more interested in nesting, it does seem like a very good idea!
Classic Dog Rock from Gemini.
While we know from all our city dwelling friends that dogs can be very happy even in small apartments I think we’ll wait until we have a place that is just a bit bigger and maybe until we have a yard.
Reclaimed Wood Dog Bed from Love Nostalgic Whimsy
In the meantime, I can’t help but do a bit of shopping on Etsy for some great finds for dogs – even if only to share them with you! Hope you like what I’ve found – and I’d love to hear any fun dog stories you have to share.
Dog bowl stand from from Andrews Reclaimed
Kelsey the Scottie Dog in upcycled shaggy chenille – handmade by Leah of Vintage Chenille.
Oooh…I’ve got it bad. The “it” is puppy-lust and this particular case was brought on by my mom’s brand-new miniature schnauzer, Axel. All it took was one introductory snuggle in the parking lot of a local stir-fry joint and I was hooked. I spent the next half-hour trying to figure out how I could fit him into my purse and get him home without anyone being the wiser. Sadly, though, all of the puppy-lust in the world doesn’t change the fact that my busy-busy life simply won’t allow for a pet. Not even a cute little bearded fella with the softest fur and the sweetest puppy breath and the nicest kisses…oh, here I go again. Let’s just take a peek at some awesome, canine-friendly, handmade goods while I dream of ways to make that tiny, four-legged dreamboat my own.
“If I had a puppy, I would walk him every day.” The collars pictured above by The Black Lantern Studios have been re-purposed from thrifted leather belts. These handsome upcycled collars will keep your prized-pooch secure and stylish in the dog park or on the street. Vintage belts are cut to size, and then d-rings and heavy duty copper rivets are added to fasten. Black Lantern Studios can even make your dog’s collar to order and offer custom hot-stamping, if you would like your piece personalized with Fido’s name.
“If I had a puppy, I would take him with me wherever I go.” These Snuggy Luggage pet beds by The Pop Stops Here have been cleverly upcycled from vintage suitcases and are ready for travel, both around the world or around the town. Each suitcase is transformed into a portable piece of furniture with the addition of a removable, machine washable pillow (made from a durable vintage fabric), painted bun feet and a safety hook. The original inner pockets are left intact to provide toy and leash storage. All of the details are thoughtfully provided; Erica even includes the original key as well as a matching toy for your pooch (or kitty). When you’re ready to hit the road, just close up the suitcase and go!
“If I had a puppy, I would dress him in style.” Ladybug’s fashionable jacket from the Bugduds shop (pictured above, left) was lovingly sewn from a vintage apron. It is fully lined, with an added layer of flannel for warmth. Dorothy, the jacket’s designer (and Ladybug’s owner), makes lovely coats and accessories for dogs of all sizes, like the diminutive but dapper Dilly (above, right); emphasizing the use of recycled/re-purposed fabrics and notions. As a member of Etsy for Animals (EFA), Dorothy donates 5% of her sales to animal welfare organizations.
“If I had a puppy, I would play fetch with him in the park.” I’ve always wondered, though…do dogs call it “throw”? Made from recycled jeans and polyester fill, these fun squeaky balls by The Smiling Frog (above) will keep you and your dog busy for hours while you ponder that question. You’ll also feel great about your purchase because The Smiling Frog donates 25% of the sales from their line of denim dog toys to The Knox County Humane Society in Maine. That’s definitely something to wag your tail about!
“If I had a puppy, I would give him the tastiest treats.” The aptly named Dog Cookie Shop bakes all of their healthy treats to order from the finest natural ingredients. Many of their offerings, like the Peanut Butter and Oatmeal cookies pictured above, are wheat-free, making them suitable for dogs with (and without) wheat allergies. Check out the Dog Cookie Shop, as well, for their new line of gourmet, hand-dipped cookies.
So, mom…can I keep him?
Poochy Couture: I am a lover of ALL dogs. We have a house full of dogs (2 danes Tiny & Daisy 1 pug Zoey). I’ve been designing jewelry forever and on Etsy for a couple of years (girlygirlstudios.etsy.com) Well my husband had a tada moment and said I should make dog tags…Well I did and they’ve been selling like crazy!! I really wanted to keep my jewelry and pooch accessories seperate…so PoochyCouture was born.
I really enjoy making the custom designs (like the request for the mushroom dog tags).
I use all natural dyes and earth friendly leather products.
I think every dog lover wants the best for their pooch, so I will offer really colorful fun designs at reasonable prices.
I love the idea of pet beds – specifically dog beds, in my case, since that’s the only kind of pet I’ve had. I bought my dog a few beds over the course of his life, from the tiny basket that I brought him home in to a cozy padded fleece version that I thought he would love. He didn’t. No matter how enthusiastically I patted the bed and mimed how lovely it would be for him to sleep on it, what he liked was a mattress, and sleeping with me, or with any other human being in the house who would indulge him his ability to expand his 22-pound self enough that he took up the entire bottom of a queen-sized bed. Meanwhile, his beautiful bed sat idle, used as a repository for his toys when I decided to pick them up and organize them for the five minutes they stayed that way.
But perhaps you’re a better alpha than I am, or at least have better boundaries. Maybe you have an intolerant partner who can’t stand sharing space with an animal, or you are that intolerant party. Whatever the reason you decide to set bedtime boundaries for your pet, there are tons of sleeping options for pets of all sizes and needs, including some very cool hand-crafted choices.
Cody’s Creations – custom apparel for pets – features items like this cool “take me along tote” and travel bed. I like the camo version in particular, for the pet who’s trying to keep a low profile.
Vintage Renaissance believes in “recycling, upcycling, repurposing and reviving older styles to work for design today,” including cat beds fashioned out of vintage suitcases. If I had a cat at the moment, I’d own one of these pronto – and whether they actually sleep in it or not, it’s an excellent conversation piece.
For smaller pets who like to snuggle, Toni’s Desirables makes the Pawket Blanket in different shades of faux fur. Very sweet, very warm.
AngelCats offers hand-crocheted cat beds made with a cat’s need for a cozy space to curl up and a supposedly keen aesthetic sense.
Have a small pet like a rat or a small rabbit? Tree of Life has just the indoor hammock for them, made from two layers of alpine fleece.
