We all know someone who's absolutely infatuated with their furry friends, and if you don't, well... you might be one of them. There's no shame there. In fact, I think many more people could stand to enjoy the love that dogs, cats and really any other animal brings into the home. So, if you're looking to treat the animal lovers in your life or plan to give something to your own pets this holiday season, we've got you covered.
TWO-TIER CAT TREE
One way that cat parents make their love known is by creating some pawsonal space for their feline friends. The easiest (and, in my opinion, best) way to do that is by using a cat tree, purrferably stationed near a window. Even if your recipient's cat prefers to snuggle in a lap, it's still smart to have a place kitty can call their own. For cats hesitant to use new things, grab an ounce of catnip ($10) and periodically sprinkle it on each perch. This tree specifically has a perforated cardboard scratching board at its base, so it'll double as a nail care device. $147 • Northwest Seed & Pet • 2422 E. Sprague Ave. and 7302 N. Division St. • nwseed.com
NUTRITIONAL GIFT CARD
Mountain Paw Pet Supply is known in North Idaho for providing healthy food options for pet parents across the region. From wholesome kibbles and freeze-dried treats to supplements and even pet-safe CBD oils, they've got you covered. However, every single pet has different nutritional needs to be filled, so it's impossible to recommend just one item. Instead, we think it would be smartest to snag a gift card from the store, so folks can grab whichever grub is best for their best buds. $25+ • Mountain Paw Pet Supply • 724 ID-41, Post Falls • mountainpawpetsupply.com
SELF-SERVE DOG WASH
When a dog owner takes the time to bathe and groom their dog, it showcases a loving relationship between pup and person. I mean, no one is going to spend all that time on an animal they don't adore. So help strengthen that friendship by providing a chance for that bonding without all the fuss (and mess!) of bathing a dog at home. The Yuppy Puppy provides all the supplies, including cleansers, towels and a high-velocity dryer. Full-service professional grooming is another option if you'd rather give a gift that doesn't require manual labor. $20 self wash; $60+ professional grooming • The Yuppy Puppy • 9511 N. Newport Hwy. • yuppypuppyspokane.com
CUSTOM PET PORTRAIT
If you're looking for something that can be ultra-personalized, while also supporting a local artist, these pet portraits by artist Krystal Gallegos are the perfect gift. Gallegos has been creating digital art for almost a decade now and specializes in capturing the likeness of any pet. She offers two types of portraits, one for $200 that includes a detailed close-up shot of the animal and a simple background. For $350 she'll create a full-body rendition with a detailed background. Like most artists, Gallegos works on commission, so make sure to check Instagram (@krystalspetportraits) to ensure she's open for work. $200-$350 • Krystal's Pet Portraits • krystalspetportraits.com ENRICHMENT BOWL
Canines and felines in the wild must hunt for their food to survive, but at home we generally present it to them on a silver platter. That's where enrichment bowls come in. These food bowls often are separated into a bunch of small compartments that require pets to think about where their food is, rather than chomping down on the entire serving. Some pets are just so food-motivated that it can also be hard for them to physically slow down while eating. That's why these bowls are sometimes known as slow feeders, too. $22 • The Urban Canine • 2915 E. 29th Ave. and 6320 N. Ash St. • theurbancanine.com ♦
