If you have dog or cat lovers to shop for this holiday season, here are some personalized gift ideas that any dog or cat parent would love. But act quickly—Christmas is now only five weeks away.
Say Cheese
There are a number of photographers in the area who specialize in capturing your pet’s personality.
Rob Vreeland of Sunnyvale has Murphy Dog Studios, named after his late Labrador Retreiver. Vreeland offers on-location portrait sessions starting at $350. For more information, visit the Murphy Dog Studios website.
Nikki Weidner of NikRaye Photography will also come to your house or on location to photograph your pet. Weidner has photographed a number of dogs and cats in need of homes as a service to local rescue organizations. Find out her full range of photo packages on her Tail Snaps website.
And in Los Altos, Heather Lussier of Posh Pooch Portraits offers photo packages starting at $295. For more information, visit her Posh Pooch Portraits website.
Strike a Pose
If you’d like to see your furry one’s image as a painting, here are some artists who specialize in feline and canine art.
San Jose artist Sylvia Waddell will draw a pencil portrait of your pet for $125 or paint a watercolor or acrylic portrait ranging from $275 to $325. Visit her website to see images of her work.
Local artist Diane Wat will create a hand painted T-shirt of your dog or cat for $59 if you supply a photograph. Visit her website to learn more about this offer.
Pet of the Week
Meet Holly, a beautiful black and white cat who’s just over a year old. She’s affectionate, has an independent spirit and is looking for a home where she can reign as the only cat in the house.
For more information about Holly, and other cats available for adoption, visit the Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) website. Also, the HSSV is honoring veterans this month with an adoption special. From now through the end of the November, veterans are eligible for a 50 percent discount on pet adoption fees. Participants in this offer will be asked to share some form of military ID at the time of adoption. For more information, visit the HSSV website.
