I’ve been listening to a lot of barking this holiday season. When I am on the trails, the disc golf course, and around the water dish, my friends are all looking for great holiday gift ideas. What’s the best puffy jacket for a chihuahua? What do I get for the doodle who has everything? Where can I find candy canes made of meat? I have the answers and I’m drooling with excitement.
Our first stop is employee-owned Mountain Hardware and Sports with locations in Truckee, Blairsden, and Incline Village. The employees at Mountain Hardware have their finger on the pulse of the mountain communities they serve, and their dog gear is no exception. This year puffy jackets from Red Dingo have been all the rage. They are warm, reversible, and comfortable. If you have a short-haired dog that needs to get out on those chilly Tahoe winter mornings, pick them up a puffy. It’s ok to get matching colors. If you don’t have at least one puffy jacket you can’t be considered a local. Get your dog the status it craves. Not only are they stylish, but they also have neoprene to resist water and snow, reflective strips for visibility, and a comfortable two-way stretch.
Another score at Mountain Hardware is Brewery Treats. These delicious treats are made in Truckee from the brewing byproducts of local beer. We have these tasty biscuits at my house all the time. If you like beer and dogs this is a great way to give your pooch a little extra love this season.
The elves at Pet Station have also been getting ready for the holidays. Its selection of holiday items is deep. Let’s start off by talking about the best holiday idea I’ve heard of in years: The Power Bully Candy Cane. Made from 100% natural Brazilian beef, these chews are packed with protein and collagen. I like that they claim to provide “extended chewing satisfaction.” The Pet Station I visited carried the 9-inch candy cane. My recommendation, and keep in mind I am a dog — not a veterinary professional, is that you cover your Christmas tree in beef candy canes this year. Your dog will thank you. The only possible downside is that excessive meat candy cane eating could make your dog thirsty. Just keep a little extra water under the tree and I think you’ll be fine.
I’m a girl who loves her toys. You’ll often find me in bed surrounded by squeaky toys in various states. Some are easily recognizable while others have been reduced to a mere scrap of fabric. Most don’t squeak anymore. I have a system. It starts with passive aggressive squeaking. I’ll squeak that
toy over and over. You can try and ignore me, but I know you can hear it. Eventually I give in and surgically remove the squeaker before finally tearing the stuffing out of my “kill.” It’s so exhilarating. That’s why I was excited to see the wide selection of holiday-themed plush toys. I love my Kong toys, and Pet Station carries Kong reindeer shakers that squeak. There is also a wide variety of holiday characters from Hugglehounds that I can’t wait to tear into. Reindeer, snowmen, and even Santa just waiting to be torn to bits.
If you can’t handle the intensity of squeaky toys and don’t want your home covered in beef candy canes I recommend the Spunky Pup advent calendar. I can count down the days till Christmas with all-natural treats. Each day has its own adorable dog helping you savor every bit of the holiday season.
One more item from Pet Station I didn’t know I needed were dog wipes. Great for paws, face, body, and bum. I dismissed these wipes until I talked to so many friends who use them. Another wonderful stocking stuffer idea. Throw a package in the car and have one at home. If the person in your life needs to borrow one from time to time it’ll just be your little secret.
The best holiday gifts are local. How do I know this? I tried to explore gifts outside of my Tahoe bubble. I scanned the internet. I checked Oprah’s top holiday pet gift ideas. Oprah’s first choice was a matching “dog and owner” hat set. According to Oprah Daily, “If you’ve ever seen a dog wear a hat, you know how absolutely endearing it is. But a matching owner and dog hat set? Priceless.” You can wear yours, I guess, but don’t even try putting that thing on me. Another Oprah choice — the universal cellphone dog selfie stick. I’m just not falling for it, and you shouldn’t either. Oprah, if we ever run into each other on the trails we gotta talk, girl. You better be wearing that matching hat set.
One final can’t-miss holiday gift idea: Make a donation of unopened pet food to the Humane Society Pet Pantry. Donations are accepted at the shelter at 10961 Stevens Ln. in Truckee from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week. All food donated goes to local pets in need, helping them stay with their people and out of the shelter. That’s the best gift of all. Have a great holiday season, everyone — even you, Oprah.
