We all know that dogs are our true soul mates. They’re always up for adventure, never complain, and are always glad to see you regardless if you’ve been gone for 10 seconds or 10 hours.
Enjoy these creative gift ideas for the dog or dog lover in your life or treat yourself this Valentine’s Day.
(1) Grounds & Hounds Coffee
There is only one thing better than coffee and that is DOGS and COFFEE! Grounds and Hounds Coffee Co. sells tasty, fair-trade, organic, specialty coffees while saving one pup at a time. Grounds and Hounds donates 20% of all proceeds to dog rescue organizations and their coffee has super cute names like “Morning Walk Breakfast Blend” and “Sit and Stay Blend.” Their monthly subscription would make an excellent gift for any dog loving coffee lover! Oh and they have adorable mugs too.
(2) Ruffwear Flat-Out Mountain Leash
I love this leash! The Ruffwear Flat Out Leash is durable and adjustable so it can either be hand-held or worn around the waist and it comes in this gorgeous Teton Mountain pattern (also in wildflower, aspen tree, or pacific wave patterns too). Ruffwear’s Talon Clip makes it easy to secure to the collar one-handed and a nifty traffic loop is great if you need to hold your dog close around cars or other dogs.
3) Mary Oliver’s Dog Songs Book
“And it is exceedingly short, his galloping life. Dogs die so soon. I have my stories of that grief, no doubt many of you do also. It is almost a failure of will, a failure of love, to let them grow old—or so it feels. We would do anything to keep them with us, and to keep them young. The one gift we cannot give.” ~Mary Oliver, Dog Songs
This book will make you bawl your eyes out, in a good way! The poems are beautiful and sweet and filled with such keen observations that you will never look at your dog the same again. And while you’re at A Dog’s Life by Peter Mayle is another fantastic dog read.
4) Homemade Dog Treats
I made these Spinach, Carrot, and Zucchini Dog Treats for all my dog pals this Christmas and I couldn’t believe how nuts-o my own dog went over them They are super easy to make and apparently pretty tasty and now I have something to do with all my leftover zucchini next summer – yay! Name That Cookie on Etsy makes adorable personalized cookie cutters, which would make a great gift too!
5) Giant Dog Face Canvas
What better gift than your dog’s face on a giant canvas. Find the best deals on canvas prints at Groupon in all sorts of styles and colors. Keep an eye out for deals with free shipping!
6) Dog Sleeping Bag
Ruffwear’s Highlands Sleeping Bag is about the most adorable thing I have ever seen and my dog wants his own bag so terribly bad! It is a for reals lightweight and packable sleeping bag for your dog that compresses down into its own stuff sack. The bag zips open wide for lounding and then can be zip closed to hold in your dog’s body heat. There is also a integrated sleeve that accommodates a sleeping pad (sold separately) for additional warmth and comfort. The photo opportunities with this bag would be endless.
7) Dirty Feet Shammy
It’s already mud season in Salt Lake City and the Alcott Mariner Shammy is super handy kept at the front door. This super absorbent, quick-drying towel was designed just for dogs and offers a quick solution for soggy paws. These shammies dry faster than regular towels and continue absorbing water even when wet. Great for the car too!
8) Oatmeal Dog Print
If you’ve never heard of The Oatmeal you are missing out. This brilliant cartoonist has a way of illustrating the relationship between dogs and humans so beautifully. Check out his prints and you absolutely must read My Dog: The Paradox.
9) Bark Box Subscription
BarkBox is a monthly delivery of toys and treats to your dog. Each box follows a cleaver, seasonal theme and includes at least two toys and two treats and usually contains an extra something special too. Pretty sure I get as excited as my pup for Bark Box delivery day checking the UPS tracking several times a day when it is in route. Just wish my dog could associate the happiness contained in the Bark Box with the actual UPS truck, but that’s another story… And the Bark Box Instagram is hilarious!
10) Ruffwear Trail Running Harness
A good running harness is a necessity for any trail running dog. My dog prefers the Ruffwear Front Range Harness, it is comfortable, easy to put on and adjust, and the reflective trim is nice for our early morning runs. We’ve put the harness through the ringer for two years now and it doesn’t show the least bit of wear. The Front Range is available in several cute colors so you’ll be able to find one that matches your dog’s personality (wish I would have gotten pink!).
For more ideas see my puppy pix, gear, and happiness Pinterest board.
VALENTINE GIVEAWAY
Enter for your chance to win a Ruffwear Flat-Out Mountain Leash and a pound of Grounds & Hounds Coffee. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter widget on his post, and post a comment about why your dog is your Valentine for your chance to win! One winner will be randomly selected on February 14th and the winner will be announced on this post so make sure to follow along. Happy trails! The winner was JOHN and the coffee leash combo is on his way!
My dog is my valentine because he means the world to me. He is family, and is like a son to me.He makes me look forward to waking up each and every day and coming home from work. He’s very energetic, and is a bundle of joy watching him grown up and learn. It’s been a joy to watch his personality from a pup now to an adult.
He is my Valentine because there is never a bad time to go to the park, he only pees on neighbors’ lawns, and he licks faces uncontrollably.
My dog is my valentine because he goes everywhere with me, on every adventure with absolutely no hesitation!
She is so amazing..I have been in love with her for years..She is my daughter and always has kisses for her mommy and daddy!!!
Because she is always there for me.