This year is extra special. And no, it's not because it's my first year away from family, or because there will be no huge party or roast- although those certainly make it different- it's because it's Stella's first Christmas with us!
She was adopted in January 2019 from the Sacramento SPCA. She had been surrendered after she was struck by a car, breaking her back legs (Hence the name, Broken Bone Bakery!). She spent her first Christmas in a shelter, and we are so thankful to the staff there who made it as pleasant as could be given the circumstances. She even had her own little stocking!
As a small business owner, I wanted to do my part and support my small biz community this year. It's been a hard year on everyone, except the billionaires (*cough cough Jeff Bezos*) so in the spirit of Christmas, we're sticking it to the man and pledge to shop small, local, and sustainably whenever we can.
This year, we've decided to go all out- because, well, she deserves it. And I have no self control when it comes to opening up my wallet for her.
Here's what's on her Christmas list this year!
Festive Bandanas from FRINGED Co.
These bandanas were an early Christmas gift, to get her in the spirit of the season! We ordered them from Fringed Co, a small, women-owned business on Etsy. We loved their designs and couldn't help but get a few for Christmas and Thanksgiving! Their designs are always changing, so there's something new to see every time I check out the shop. Oh, and did I mention they are double sided?? They've held up great in the wash and the scooped-neck design fits her so perfectly. I love the simple, sophisticated design and Stella looks absolutely adorable in them.
Shop the FRINGEDco Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FRINGEDco
2. This stunning martingale collar from goodwolfdesignco
Stella loves to romp and play in the water whenever she has the chance. She's ruined more genuine leather collars than I'd like to admit. So, in the search for some waterproof gear for our adventures, I found goodwolfdesignco on Etsy. Their durable Biothane leashes and collars are high quality, waterproof, and vibrant. I can't wait for our martingale collar in Hunter Green to arrive! They also have awesome add-ons like traffic leash loops and package deals to really customize your purchase.
Link to goodwolfdesignco on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/goodwolfdesignco
3. CBD treats from Baked Bones
Even though we make our own treats in house, we still love to experiment with new companies! Stella struggles with anxiety from time to time, and theses CBD treats help her remain calm and relaxed, even on our 8-hour road trip up to Crater Lake. They're potent, shelf stable, and get the job done! I like that Baked Bone treats don't stink like reefer, and don't leach the CBD tincture onto the packaging. They're crunchy, smell great, and Stella appreciated the chill vibes! We were turned onto them by @hojithedog on Instagram! Check out Hoji's page to get a super special coupon code!
We went with the seasonal Sweet Potato Stuffing flavor with 4mg CBD per treat.
Make sure you talk to your vet before giving your dog CBD products!
Shop the Baked Bones Store: https://www.bakedbones.com/
4. Oregon Antler Works
Stella loooooves to chew. On anything. She loves a good Benebone, but I felt bad having to throw them out every three weeks because she destroys them so fast. I know they say that the nylon from a Benebone is harmless for dogs, but I just couldn't get the image of a guy chewing on a plastic bag out of my head whenever I saw her chowing down on one. So, decided to switch her over to an all-natural antler chew, and she just loves them!
The antlers from Oregon Antler Works are collected by hand by the owner of the shop after elk and white-tail deer naturally shed them every spring. They're super affordable too, compared to the ones you may find at big-box stores! There are multiple size options, and even keychains and dog toys!
I like to get the entire antler as opposed to a split one, because she enjoys chewing on all the different points. Plus, seeing a big German Shepherd chewing on a full antler just looks bad-ass.
Check out Craig's shop on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OregonAntlerWorks
5. Collar Tags from Happy Dash Design Co
We found these uh-dorable collar tags at our local gift shop, Strapping Co. in Midtown, Sacramento. They're great quality, super cute, and distinctly different from other pet tag companies I've found. They also have a website, and can do custom orders! We havent stopped thinking about these tags since we first found them in the store, and are placing our order tonight! I think it will go perfectly with her new collar.
Shop Happy Dash Design Co here! : https://shophappydash.com/
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