Shopping local isn’t just good for your community, it provides a satisfying, hands-on experience and the opportunity to consult with experts, which can be of major help when it comes to picking a great gift for your best friend.
Most Northern California towns have at least one dog boutique or bakery where DogTrekkers and their best friends can be dazzled by colorful arrays of collars, leashes, harnesses, beds, toys, clothing, homemade treats and irresistible dog-themed accessories. (This season, look for holiday ruffs and headware, personalized paw-print ornament kits and canine gift stockings to make an appearance.)
DogTrekker.com’s listings include hundreds of pet stores and dog boutiques in Northern California, and it’s easy to search for one in your local community. Another option: support your local SPCA thrift store. They’re springing up all over the region, from Sacramento and Roseville to Carmel and Burlingame. Merchandise—all donated—ranges from clothing to jewelry, furniture, kitchenware and the occasional vintage treasure.
If you’re shopping for dog toys to pop in your pup’s Christmas stocking, we have one word of advice: know your dog. If she’s a chewer or a chomper, steer away from stuffed toys, no matter how awww-inspiring. Our vote for shredders large and small goes to tough toys like those in the indestructible Kong and Ruff Dawg families. Kong’s new line of Wild Knots toys, plush on the outside, knotted rope on the inside, are a novel new combo built to last—and squeak—for many play sessions to come. Best of all, they’re available almost anywhere Kong toys are sold.
