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Gift ideas for the four-legged friend in your life

dog holiday

By DINA LAURA 

Dogs make my heart happy. Period. If you’re like me, you’re already wondering what special something to get that special “furry friend” in your life. Well, in my case, I have many furry friends. I’m a dog walker, and the approaching holidays have me exploring what fun things I can buy for my canine clients. I discovered there are plenty of cool gifts to be found right in our own backyard.

Take Maggie & Moose, for example. Astorians Lauren and Maranda create T-shirts for your dogs made from upcycled human T-shirts. How cool is that? Bring them your T-shirt, and they will fashion it into something super cute for your beloved pooch. T-shirts start at just $17.99. Other nifty items include fleeces and coats, plus waterproof leashes and collars made from men’s ties. $1 of every purchase goes toward animal rescue. Supporting local business and doing good in the world? Count me in. Maybe they’ll make me doggy T-shirts that say “My Dog Walker Rocks!” Maggie & Moose are at the LIC Flea, 5-25 46th Ave., every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21.

Then there’s Dave’s Natural Foods. Dave is passionate about dogs, and equally passionate about living a healthy life. His devotion led him to creating all-organic dog treats made from USA farm-raised chickens priced at $8 for a 3.5 oz. package. Other treat varieties are forthcoming. While there, pick up some of Dave’s human treats for yourself! Dave is at the Astoria Market in the Main Hall of the Bohemian Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Ave., on December 21.

The Brass Owl, a new boutique at 36-19 Ditmars Blvd., has some snazzy dog collars priced at $20. $1 of every purchase goes to Best Friends Animal Society for dog rescue.

Hop on over to the Jumping Bulldog at 28-10 23rd Ave. to browse through a multitude of treasures for your little tail-wagger. My favorites are the velour Santa hoodie for $24.99, the Christmas harness for $29.99, and the organic reindeer toy for $14.99. As you shop, your dog can get spruced up for the holidays, since the store is a full-service groomer. They recently added doggie daycare and boarding to their services, as well.

In the Broadway area, gift shop Lockwood at 32-15 33rd St. has some unique items. Brooklyn-based company Found My Animal designed leashes from nautical grade rope priced at $58.95-$68.95 that can be worn cross-body, i.e. “hands free.” They also make waxed canvas collapsible water dishes for $39.95, with a clip that can be attached to your dog (or you). Part of the company’s proceeds go toward animal adoption. Don’t forget the canvas “Woof” water bottle shaped like a flask for $21.95, with a pop-top or twist-off cap for easy pouring.

No shopping spree is complete without a visit to Wespaw Pets at 44-05 Queens Blvd., a true gem in Sunnyside. The store is featuring holiday gift baskets ranging from $25 to $40 filled with organic dog treats, toys and other goodies. An added bonus, owner Sam is a veterinary pharmacist and can assist you with all of your pet’s dietary and health needs. And you might just walk out with an additional companion since Sam regularly sponsors pet adoptions.

This holiday season, there’s no need to leave Queens. You can find everything for your fur baby right here in the borough, and contribute to some worthy animal causes in the process. Happy shopping and happy holidays to my fellow dog lovers.

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