Time of Giving

Whenever I bought presents for my godchildren, I was guided by these four categories – Something to Wear, Something to Read, Something they Want, Something they Need. Of course, in this blog we are talking about gifting to dogs or owners with dogs. Here are some of my favourite things I have found this year.

Something to Wear. Maybe a sweater or just a bowtie that speaks volumes.

KnitsbyTee – from bow ties to stripey jumpers, these bespoke knits for dogs are cute, cosy and colourful.

We first got the bow ties for Valentine’s Day and as soon as we saw the stripey jumpers with letters – how could I resist?

Something to Read. Nothing like a book that makes you think and feel and cry.

Meet Ella The Dog Who Saved My Life by James Middleton. ‘An unflinching account of how anyone can find themselves in the darkest times, and the healing power of love and friendship.’ – Bryony Gordon. Available on Amazon.

I am not a fast reader but I read this in one day. There were tears in recognising the familiar sense of loss and admiration of James so publicly sharing his internal struggles and the invisible desperation of depression.

The Book of Gifts by Lucy Claire Dunbar. Sometimes we all need a gift to help us through our life, or even just through the day. A chance to stop. Take a breath. Listen to your heart. Available on Amazon.

I have been following Lucy on her Instagram account and just love her simple messages on each of her posts. Incredibly touching, insightful and relevant.

Something You Want. Not that I need them but I wanted them.

Personalised Christmas Baubles by Pet Portrait Illustration are unique hand-painted wooden decorations of your Pet to be treasured for a lifetime.

My little tree doesn’t do justice to the three beautiful baubles. So I added them to my Christmas wreath.

Something you Need – Leads and collars are always necessity. We found these two – at very different price points but I love them for different reason.

Ditta&Co – Hand-woven leather accessories named after Ditta Wiggles, their beloved ambassador rescued from Ukraine, whose inspiring journey led to the establishment of Ditta & Co.

I enjoyed picking pieces that contrasted or complemented. I love the combination of different colours and patterns.

Their diverse collar collection, featuring unique designs, colours, and patterns. Whether you opt for a coordinated ensemble or mix and match, achieve a distinctive look that sets you and your canine companion apart from the pack.

Each piece goes beyond fashion, embodying a symbol of compassion and contributing to the support of rescue dogs.

Carlotta Palermo Collection of collars, leads and harnesses are handcrafted in Italy from the finest Italian leather, with hand-stitched detailing and rattle-free hardware. These collars are available in five sizes and three widths. The slimmer width is perfect for smaller dogs and puppies whereas the wider collars are designed to suit larger breeds.

When Lulu joined our family, she was using all hand-me-downs – though not shabby at all. I was looking for something that was classic and hard-wearing and the Carlotta Palermo Collection just seemed right for Lulu. As mustard was my favourite colour for Darcy and thought it suited Lulu well too.

But to be honest, it was difficult in finding the best colour because they are all just beautiful.

The Collection is available only in selected boutiques worldwide. You can find them at Love My Human, 308 King’s Road, London, SW3 5UH

And while we are spoiling our pooches and friends at this time of giving, let’s also remember those who are still in the shelters waiting for their Second Chance. You may want to give to help out some of the charities we support.

Harbin Slaughterhouse Survivors – a nonprofit organization based in Harbin, China focused on rescuing and rehabilitating as many animals as possible from situations of neglect, abandonment, abuse and the horrors of the Black Market dog meat trade. Our connection with them is Lulu. She made it out but there are still over 1200 dogs at the shelter creaking at the seams with the ever growing numbers saved from near death.

Hungary Hearts Dog Rescue – Hungary Hearts Dog Rescue is a Registered UK Charity, which was founded in 2012. It started to rescue dogs on Facebook and was known as ‘Rescue Hungarian Dogs and Puppies for Adoption’ created by Hilda Zilahi Barabas. This developed quickly into an active rescue page, moving on to becoming a small charity in 2014 and a registered charity in 2016. Their aim has always been to find loving homes for abandoned and neglected dogs on Deathrow in Hungary. And of course, I was a failed foster with George.

My Disabled Hairy Friends (Koh Samui, Thailand) – This place is home for dogs with special needs:
Paraplegic, blind, two-legged or three-legged, and dogs with neurological deficits. Sybille created it on 17 April 2021 on Koh Samui in Thailand. She makes a better place for those disabled dogs where they are safe and well cared for. They are cared for with love, special training, wheelchairs, water gymnastics, and even more love. At MDHF is enough space for everyone to play, “run”, sleep and feel unique. This place makes a lasting contribution to improving the lives of disabled dogs, and everything we do is in line with our values. I had the opportunity to meet Sybille when I was in Koh Samui on March this year.

These are but three that I have a direct connection with. There are hundreds of charities, angels who are out there trying to make good the man-made tragedy of abandoned dogs.