Bo Obama celebrated his first birthday with a doghouse cake made of veal and a party in the White House rose garden. What’s in store for the presidential pooch this holiday season? Santa has lots of options.
Alan Siskind, publisher of the online magazine Dog News Daily, says that pet owners are trading the usual stocking stuffers—such as catnip and Milk-Bones—for hot-oil treatments and vegan biscuits.
Says Siskind: “People are beginning to humanize pets more by buying products they themselves would enjoy.”
The holiday basket at Dupont Circle’s Doggie Style Bakery (1825 18th St., NW; 202-667-0595)—which includes a Santa cap with chin strap, pot-pie sausage treats, chew toys, and rawhide candy canes—sells for $30 to $50. Also available: a “pet spa” basket with shampoos, conditioners, and breath mints, which starts at $50.
Arlington-based Max & Ruffy’s (maxandruffys.com) makes organic and vegan treats in flavors such as Mother Quinoa’s Pumpkin Patch—which is gluten- and wheat-free—and Wolf Peach and Herb; $8.50 to $9.50.
The Big Bad Woof in DC’s Takoma area (117 Carroll St., NW; 202-291-2404), which specializes in eco-friendly pet supplies, carries a KatKabin shelter for outdoor cats, starting at $129.99 ($149.99 with warmer). It has a removable door flap and rear ventilation.
Capitol Hill’s Chateau-Animaux (524 Eighth St., SE; 202-544-8710) has Hanukkah-themed plush chew toys, including gefilte fish and musical dreidels, for $13.99.
Bowser Buttercup beds, for cats and toy dog breeds, are covered in berber, fleece, and other fabrics. They’re $49.99 to $79.99 at the Big Bad Woof; also available at the Posh Pooch in Bethesda, Wylie Wagg in Falls Church, and Pawticulars on Capitol Hill.
