RHODY PETS: Gift Guide & Pet of the Month

NEWS & LIFE Rhody Pets: GIFT GUIDE

Gifts for pets and their owners from local shops

By Belinda Jones, Animal Rescue Rhode Island

Whatever size pet you have, shopping small is always the way to go. In this “mutt list,” find a sampling of items made or sold locally, perfect for animals or their humans.

FOR OWNERS

Cranston’s Luca + Danni hand-make bone motif bangles featuring the word “rescued” beside a red enamel heart, paying homage to the best friend who’s found a home in your heart. Founder Fred Magnanimi won the 2020 Stanley H. Mason Award for his fundraising efforts for Providence Animal Rescue League, and $5 from the sale of every Animal Rescue Bangle goes to support their mission. Available in brass or silver tone finish, it comes packaged in a gift box. LucaDanni.com

Jackie Kasun of Providence-based Hope & Co. may be dog-mama to a German Shepherd, but she chose to feature a spotted pup in her Dalmatian Jasper Bracelet Collection benefiting South County’s Animal Rescue Rhode Island. This unusual black and cream speckled stone symbolizes playfulness and loyalty and the glittering crystal accents are perfect for the party season. Wear your heart on your sleeve and an ARRI bracelet on your wrist by ordering any combination of the five designs. HopeandCo.org

Talented RISD alum Noa Teplow captures pet (and human) faces with her deftly inked caricatures. You can order a custom artwork by sending Teplow a digital photo of your pet ($25$50), or put the “art’’ in your party by booking a live sketch event. “I strive to bring out everyone’s true beauty in my portraits, without exaggerating too much,” says the artist. NoasArt.net

FOR BOTH

Once upon a time a Boxer named Lulubell inspired jewelry designer Jamie Jennings to add a little bling to her dog’s collar. Now Jennings offers a full range of charms including the Love Is Love rainbow heart and Star Bright, featuring a blue Swarovski star stone. You can show even more puppy love by opting for a Twinning Gift Set like Snowflake – a collar charm for your pup and matching pendant on a chain for you! Charms are 24k gold or rhodium-plated and come beautifully presented in a soft pouch and gift box made right here in the Ocean State. LuluBellBijoux.com

FOR DOGS

You may have seen Rachel Jerome’s vibrant collection of leashes at WOOF! WOOF! Pet Boutique in Bristol, but keep an eye out for her limited batch of rustic holiday colors; think rustic chestnut and pine. Each leash features the signature marine dock rope and sturdy brass hardware (approved by Jerome’s own rescues Mack and Willow), plus 20 percent of the profits are donated to local animal shelters. Etsy: HopeRopeCo

We love the pun and the eye-popping stylings of Sew Rhode Island’s dog bow tie collection. East Greenwich-based creator Carol Readey favors fabrics that celebrate our iconic New England lifestyle, including championing sports teams like ice hockey’s Boston Bruins. Available at Serendipity, Wickford Village

Melanie Wolfe is known for creating dog bandanas that are a stylish cut above: “I am obsessed with fabrics and search out unique prints from as far afield as Japan.” Twelve-yearold Mountain Cur mix Arlo is often recruited to model prints ranging from this year’s vintage ornament design to mistletoe and classic flannel. Wolfe notes, “Black dog coats look great with bright colors, white contrasts well with darker hues, and if your dog’s fur is multi-colored, I suggest picking out one color to highlight.” WolfeAndHoundCompany on Etsy or visit Tiverton Farmers Holiday Market on December 18.

Photo by Lynn Martin Photography

RHODY PET OF THE MONTH: WRIGLEY

Playful lab mix pup ready to warm hearts

By Karen Kalunian

Wrigley is a Labrador Retriever mix with many wonderful characteristics. Just over a year old, she’s active and playful, and likes other dogs. Her dream home would have a fencedin yard to stretch her long legs to run about. When you first meet Wrigley, she can be a little shy but with some yummy treats and play, she quickly warms up. Wrigley is wishing to find a warm, loving forever home this holiday season. Learn more about her from The Heart of RI Animal Rescue League, 44 Worthington Road, Cranston, 401-467-3670, via email at heartofriadoption@gmail.com, or HeartofRI.org

If you have been looking to adopt or know of an animal in need, please contact Karen from Animal Talk directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com