Gift Guide: Canine Companions
Whether your hunting partner or snuggle buddy, we love to get cozy with our puppies!
You'll know you've entered the home of a dog nut (aka my mom) when you come to my house, she has a growing collection of dog paintings by the kitchen. It's almost four full gallery walls at this point. A nice selection of canine portraiture is linked above, all from Chairish.
Brontë Higgins here, taking over for my mom, Annie, for this very special gift guide. I am the expert on doggie glam, after all. Generally, I lead a pretty ruff life, which is why I love to relax in nothing but the finest. As a classically trained pooch, I firmly believe in the necessity of refinement within the home. If you please, read on for some of my top choices for the good boys and girls in your life.
good dog
Perhaps you're thinking of a human who would like some canine companionship at all times (even in those dreaded places that are "no pets allowed")? My mom currently has a few pieces to qualm your blues, so no need for those puppy eyes! Since she's a dog enthusiast, there are frequently antique conversion pendants in our Canine Love collection. If vintage isn't your thing, then there's always the Hunter Ring, based off an antique hunting dog signet. Personally, the Brontë chain is my favorite, but perhaps I'm biased. (I'm not, it's fabulous. Like me.)
You should also make sure there are plenty of dog portraits around your living space. I'll try not to judge if your walls are currently lacking in this department, but I can't make any promises. It's critical for a dog's confidence to see themselves reflected everywhere. That's why my mom has an entire room devoted to canine paintings and sketches - my likeness and the likeness of other pooches before me is very, very important. One could say it's the most important room in the house. As you can see, you should be investing in this art.
Gigi, seen here, and her fraternal twin Fifi are antique Essex crystal portrait miniatures reset in a signature Anabel Higgins 18K yellow gold and diamond pavé bale. Mais oui, un très bon chien! (Yes, I speak French. I'm not one of those monolingual dogs.)
Treat your good boy or girl to a luxurious bowl for their drinks and meals. It doesn't hurt that this dish by Indigo Home Shop is far more attractive than the normal pet store fare, plus it comes in multiple colors, like this fun turquoise. You may think we're colorblind, but that doesn't mean we can't appreciate good taste. Speaking of taste, is that a cookie in your pocket?
Who says your puppers can't indulge in a little fashion of their own? These classically chic leather collars from Mark & Graham can be embossed with your furry friend's name.
sit, stay
Typical dog bowls are so boring and metallic. Yuck. Why not elevate your puppy pal's mealtime situation with some far more attractive options? I'm a fan of the bowls by Indigo Home Shop - you can even get your pupper's name or initials on the bottom! They come in several colors, so you can't complain that they don't match your decor. Spoiler alert: chinoiserie, like dogs, goes with everything.
I also can't stand the typical dog bed. So flat, so rectangular - why settle when I can snoozle on the couch or my parents' bed? I implore you to rethink your pup's nap time situation. This one here from Pottery Barn is acceptable but there are many good options out there. Otherwise, I can guarantee your furry one will continue to protest such abominable treatment and choose the luxury you hide for yourselves.
There's nothing wrong with a Staffordshire dog (or twenty!). In fact, so many of my mom's friends collect these well-trained pups that this is an easy go-to present when she may be unsure of what to get them.
Why not try baking some treats for your puppy pals when you're whipping up some sweets for yourself? Do it with this cute Williams Sonoma dog bone cookie cutter, just to make sure you don't get confused as to whose treat is whose...
who let the dogs out?
Getting dressed isn't just for humans, you know. While some of my brethren may prefer to be wild nudists, I am more partial to the collared look myself. These collars from Mark & Graham can be dressed up or down - casual enough for your daily walk, but chic enough to hang around hoping for someone to drop something at a dinner party. For an interchangeable daytime ensemble, my mom likes to order vintage bandanas from Midland. They come in many colors (or so I'm told) and they can be switched out based on the seasons or even your mood.
Finally, it's not fair that you humans bake all season long and only leave us dogs scraps. Simply not fair! This holiday, I'm demanding my family bake me some treats, too. I've already set aside this pumpkin treat recipe for them to whip up and place in a cookie jar. Of course, based on the scraps I have gotten over the years, maybe it's just best if I order something for delivery instead...
For this gift guide, please follow my lead by making a gift to the Pasadena Humane Society. They help less fortunate dogs (and the occasional dreaded feline) find homes and get necessary medical treatments. Many happy furry babies have made there way through the Humane Society's doors. Please consider making a donation this holiday season!
Keep an eye out for our ongoing Gift Guides, happening now through Christmas Eve.
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