This article is sponsored by The Hounds & Tap, a tavern, indoor ad outdoor dog park, day care, boarding and grooming facility, and retail shop in Menomonee Falls.No one tops both our Naughty and our Nice lists like our pets. Sure, your pup could melt a lump of coal with his loving, soulful eyes, but he also pooped on the new rug without shame. And your cat, well, she understands you in ways no one else can, but she also broke grandma’s handmade ornament after lurching at the tree like it was her job.
And yet, despite their conflicting behaviors, pets are still better people than most people, and deserve to be recognized as such during the yuletide season. Plus, buying gifts for our pets gives us humans tremendous joy, so why would we deprive ourselves of that?
In the interest of all two- and four-legged creatures involved, we’ve compiled a list of our picks for gifts that your pets will dig – hopefully not literally – and will help return the joy of their relentless love and affection. #wedontdeservethem
The Hounds & Tap
Take care of the pets and humans on your list at the same time. Hounds & Tap in Menomonee Falls is a tavern, indoor and outdoor dog park, day care, boarding and grooming facility and retail shop. Gift certificates are available for any of the services, or stop in for holiday-themed accessories for pets or hoodies for humans, too. Get all the info right here.
Mac’s Pet Depot Barkery
Bay View has a pet bakery and retail shop entirely for dogs and cats. It’s a one-stop shop for stocking stuffers, toys and COOKIES! Here’s the full scoop.
For The Love Of Drax
Three years ago, Staci adopted Drax, a pup with myriad medical conditions that costs her one million dollars a month. She admits that’s a bit of an overstatement, but to offset the cost of Drax’s monthly medications, Staci started this small biz crafting cute accessories for dogs and their humans, including waist-worn snack packs. She donates a portion of all sales to local rescues. Get the goodies here.
Wet-nose Candle Company
This woman-owned candle company in southeastern Wisconsin makes 100 percent soy candles including a special holiday line. The company donates a portion of all proceeds to local animal welfare organizations. It also donates raffle baskets to fundraisers for chosen animal charities all year long. Brighten an animal's life here.
Stephanie Bartz Photography
Milwaukee’s legendary pet photographer is ready to capture the joy and play of sweet pets and their humans. Bartz has different packages and gift certificates available. Find out more here.
Chase My Creations
This Milwaukee-based mother/daughter local business makes a variety of social justice oriented holiday items, including ant-racist bandanas for dogs and cats. Chase My Creations also has a full line of holiday gifts for human types. Fetch more info here.
Central Bark enrichment toys
There are numerous Central Bark locations in greater Milwaukee, and each offers day care as well as enrichment experiences and toys like snuffle mats. Not only fun to say, snuffle mats are soft, washable and stimulating for dogs. Hide kibble in the folds and not only is it a fun game for your pooch, it slows down their eating. Go here for more info.
Stella and Chewy’s Wild Weenies
Forgive this PG-13 joke, but 'tis the season to stuff stockings with Wild Weenies. These natural, raw treats from Milwaukee-based Stella & Chewy's are available at most local pets shops or right here. The local company also has plenty of healthy stocking stuffers for felines, too.
Ruby’s Pet Portraits
Ruby is a Milwaukee artist and pet lover ready to pen a portrait of your four-pawed pal. Portraits are 8 inches by 10 inches and suitable for framing. Gift certificates available. Find out more here.
Fresh Is Best freeze dried chicken hearts
Both dogs and cats love Freeze Dried Chicken Heart Bites! These pawsome treats are grain-free meat snacks made from high-quality meats without added hormones or antibiotics. Plus they're made by a woman-owned company in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood. Find them in most local pet stores or right here.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
