Sometimes it's hard to believe, but dogs and cats can't speak our language. It's because of this revelation that it is so important to have an engraved pet tag on their collar with your information!

On more than one occasion I have been able to contact a dog or cat's family when they lost their way. I'm always so thankful when they are wearing one of these simple little gizmos! That being said, it's nice to have a pet ID tag that can double as an attractive pet charm. Your pet's tag can reflect their personality as well as help them find their way back to you.

Over the years my fur family has worn a variety of ID collar tags. There are 2 tag collections that I like which have stood the test of time and still look good in the process. First, the stainless steel identification tags are finished with durable and colorful enamel in all sorts of unique tag designs. From skull and cross bone pet ID tags to pawprint collar tags to green shamrock ID tags, there are almost too many unique pet tags from which to choose! They come engraved with your information on the back and ship for free from PawsPetBoutique.com. Kitties and toy size dogs do best with the small collar tags, but there are 3 sizes to match up with any size dog or cat.

The second set of unique pet tags I recommend are thick tags that are deeply engraved with your contact info on the back. Here too there is a nice collection of tag designs from which to choose. Many of the pet tags come in a brass or tarnished silver color option too. You'll find flowers, stars, bones, dog angels, hearts and other designs from which to choose.

So why settle for the ordinary ID tag when you can add a little style with one of these unique engraved collar tags? They're reasonably priced with FREE shipping. Bottom line though, please make sure your animal companion has a collar tag with your current contact information. Including your cell number is always a good idea, so you can be reached even if you are travelling. If you like to change your best friend's collar frequently, you should consider a removable pet ID holder that makes moving your tag from collar to collar a snap. And tag noise is no excuse for not having an ID tag! Add a neoprene tag pouch around the tag and there will be silence.

Be safe and be unique!  

- Michelle

Paws pet boutique founder

Making tails wag and people smile since 1999

Folks in Annapolis, Maryland love to celebrate with their dogs! The July 4th Parde is a great example. The local dog boutique, Paws pet bouitque organizes a group called the Crabtowne Canines to march in the City Parade. The group of dog lovers and their faithful companions raise funds for the local SPCA while sharing their spirit as they strut their stuff. The Crabtowne Canines group even made an appearance in the new St. Patrick's Parade in 2013! Needless to say the American Flag dog collars were the collar of choice in these patiotic pup celebrations.

It doesn't have to be a holiday to celebrate America. Enjoying a USA made dog collar and leash on your dog every day may be more your style. In fact green shamrock dog collars and even pink shamrock dog collars can be found that are proudly made in America. While Stars and stripes dog collars add a splash of patriotic colors to your pup's neck as do the shining stars dog collars. 

With your help your dog can wag for the flag every day! Why not have fun and share some spirit today?

One important thing I learned in my 13+ years of owning a pet boutique is that all dog collars and leashes are not created equal.

That being said we enjoy offering tried-and-true dog collars and leashes that are made in America. To add to that fact, we strive to carry eco-friendly products made in USA like our handmade hemp dog collars and leashes. Unique ribbons add a stylish twist to the hemp canvas fabric that backs each collar and leash. Hemp star dog collars to daisy hemp dog collars make sure eveyone can find a decorative ribbon that reflects their dog's personality or their own. That's important, right?!

So you ask, what is so earth-friendly and wonderful about hemp fabric? First, it is one of the oldest most durable natural fibers. Did you know the first paper was made from hemp, as well as the first draft of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution? No herbicides or pesticides are used to grow hemp. So not only are hemp dog collars pesticide free they are also hypoallergenic. Ponder that for a moment...

When you walk your dog with one our our hemp dog leashes you will appreciate the softness of the fabric in your hand. Something you especially appreciate if you have a "puller" on the other end! Just like the leads, our hemp dog collars are super soft and become softer the more they are worn. Your dog will appreciate that! Collars and leashes can be washed on cold in the machine. We recommend using a mesh garment bag and hanging to dry.

The hemp canvas used on both our collars and leashes is super flexible and easy to adjust through the contoured quick release buckles on the collars. Leashes are finished with high quality snaphooks to keep your dog walks running smooth.

So now when you look at your dog's neck attire you'll know it's good for the earth and good for your dog -- if he or she is wearing a decorative hemp dog collar made in USA. You'll enjoy shopping the collection of tried-and-true dog collars and leashes at Paws pet boutique. Have fun. Mother Nature thanks you!

- Michelle, founder of Paws pet boutique Inc.

Making tails wag and people smile since 1999.

Looking for a special gift that is uniquely different and won't break the bank? Then you'll be crazy happy that you just found the paw print jewelry handmade by Tracy Menz Designs. This fun-loving American artist uses reclaimed fine silver to create one-of-a-kind silver pet jewelry that lovers of animals will cherish. Her selection includes paw print earrings, paw charm bangle bracelets and paw print necklace charms. You can create your own personalized piece by mixing and matching her charms on a necklace.

Additionally, her silver angel wing charms are a favorite and provide a feeling of comfort when worn. Many people give them as pet sympathy gifts or attach them to their companion animal's collar too. You'll also want to take a look at her dog bone charm creation and guardian angel pendant. Each and every piece is made with love by Tracy, who enjoys taking inspiration from her dog CC. Tracy offers her jewelry at boutiques on the east coast and sells her silver pet jewelry exclusively through Paws pet boutique in Annapolis, Maryland. If you're lucky you'll have an opportunity to meet her in person at one of the in-store appearances she makes at the pet boutique.

 So next time you are looking for something special, consider fetching several of these eco-friendly, handmade jewelry pieces. They truly are little works of art to cherish. No two pieces will look alike. Different is good. Enjoy your new find!

 - Michelle

Founder of Paws pet boutique

Making tails wag and people smile since 1999

Life is short, don't you want to enJOY your dog walks?

Over 13 years ago I founded a pet boutique and have enjoyed being owned by multiple dogs and cats my whole life. Needless to say, animals are an important part of my life and I consider dog walking my favorite sport! My preference is always to walk a dog with a harness for many reasons, but primarily for control and comfort for all. That being said, from my experience I believe two styles stand well above the other harnesses and are the best dog harnesses out there.

A soft mesh dog harness is the first style that I swear by for small to medium sized dogs.

You can easily adjust the front by the shoulders and neck, as well as the girth on these harnesses. This is particularly nice for dogs that have broad necks like Pugs or dogs like Dachshunds who have a deep chest and a more petite shoulder build.

There is only one durable snap buckle to secure this comfortable harness on your dog. You'll find that your dog will quickly learn to step his or her left foot into this harness after you slip it over their head.

If your dog pulls on walks the pressure will be applied to their front chest instead of their trachea and neck.

Currently 2 of my Jack Russell Terriers wear these all day long and enjoy their walks so much more. Normally at night I take their harnesses off and leave their dog collars with ID tags on for sleeping.

They come in lots of colors so you can always match your dog's collar and leash to the harness too!

A no-pull dog harness is the other style harness I have found to make a world of difference for dogs who will pull and pull and pull!

These are smartly designed, proudly made in the USA and place you in "the drivers seat" so to speak. This dog harness catches your dog's attention and re-directs their focus to you. Use one of these 2-ring harnesses in conjunction with training and you'll have a whole new walking experience.

There are 2 places on the harness that you can attach your leash or you can even attach a leash to each ring! Attach your lead to the front ring and your dog will pull forward only to discover that they will end up facing you. Use the ring between the shoulder blades on the back and a soft hug will be given around the girth when they pull. Each of these points of contact will help to catch your dog's attention so they learn to pay attention to you and your commands. Soft velvet surrounds the strap on the belly to eliminate or minimize chafing.

This is a great big dog harness which will give you much more control over your effervescent canine. This is my harness of choice for one of my Jack Russells who isn't always cordial when meeting others.

So there you have it! The right dog harnesses can make any walk better for everyone. Who knows, maybe a harness will turn you into someone who enjoys the sport of dog walking too!

-- Michelle

Founder of PawsPetBoutique.com 

Making tails wag and people smile since 1999

If you are like me, you love the feeling a visit to the beach gives you, but you don't live on the beach. Here's a relaxing tip that may just keep that beachy feeling by your feet even if your toes are not in the sand!

Enjoy that beachy feeling every day when you outfit your best furry friend with a unique ribbon dog collar featuring warm weather designs from Paws pet boutique. From flip flop dog collars, beach bucket dog collars, sea turtle dog collars and palm tree dog collars to beach ball dog collars, seashell dog collars and happy hour dog collars,  you're sure to find a pattern that you'll look at every day and feel a little of the beach with you. Heck, you'll even find flamingo dog collars and pink octopus dog collars! Although we're sure your dog makes you smile every day even if you're not at the beach!

For those of you that enjoy boating on the water, you may feel a bit of that salty breeze when your pup is wearing a nautical flag dog collar. Check out the anchor dog collars, sailboat dog collars, burgee flag collars and other coastal designs! Paws pet boutique is located on the Chesapeake Bay in the sailing capital, so they know a few things about the boating world. They even have dog life jackets and boating line leashes to complete the lifestyle!

So if you're not by the beach today, consider capturing that relaxing feeling when sitting next to your best friend -- who is wearing a stylish dog collar you selected!

Here's to a relaxing day!

 - By Michelle, Paws pet boutique founder who is happily owned by her dogs .

Paws pet boutique was established in 1999 to make tails wag and people smile while giving back to animal welfare charities.

Are you planning a dog birthday party for your best friend's canine companions and their human escorts? Or perhaps your thoughts are more along the lines of a people party with a dog twist? Whatever the case, we have everything you need to make it a barking success. After planning dog-friendly events and animal welfare fundraisers for over a decade, we know the ins-and-outs to making your gathering fun for you and your guests. We've raised thousands of dollars at our charity events and find having a dog theme always seems to be key.

Start by hanging a "Beware: Dog Can't Hold Its Licker" sign by the entrance to lighten the mood. If you are serving peanut butter dog treats and/or tasty people appetizers, provide dog cocktail napkins to add a welcoming sentiment. Why use plastic cups for your human guests when you can serve your refreshments in dog wine glasses, swimming dog beer pint glasses or water dog martini glasses? Or perhaps get the ball rolling at your next gathering with a memorable bubbly toast in dog champagne glasses. For more casual get-togethers have a pack of dog can koozies on hand. Of course using one of our "Sit, Stay, Drink" Dog Corkscrews is always a nice touch too!

So what to serve? You can bake people cookies in the shape of dog bones to keep guests guessing who you are really serving. Add fun names to your dishes, like your Cesar Millan salad and Bark-lava dessert dish. For furry guests, wheat-free dog treats are always a good option for dogs with allergies and sweet potato dog fries are perfect for healthy munching. A big birthday bone  or two is in order if you are celebrating a special dog birthday. Consider picking up wheat-free dog birthday cakes which make for wonderful photo opportunities to remember the special day. Always make sure you have enough to share with canine guests. Remember doggie bags are always appreciated and leave a good taste with everyone!

So think out of the box for your next party and make it a dog party! No whineing, Paws pet boutique has everything you need to make it an easy success.

What better reason to have a party than to simply celebrate the dogs in our lives.

Like our signs suggest: Life is short, play with your dog, and have some fun! Oh, and one last thing...if your dog or guests are escape artists, hang a couple "Please don't let the dog out" signs by the door.

Wags,

Michelle

Founder of Paws pet boutique, the premier dog boutique in Annapolis, Maryland since 1999.

p.s. Dog Birthday photos can often be found on Paws pet boutique Facebook page too!

Sometimes it's the simple things in life that make all the difference...like starting the morning with a nice cup of joe in a hand-painted dog mug that fits perfectly into your hands. That's a good start to the day! Mornings can begin with a refreshed or tired feeling. Adding your morning beverage of choice to one of these whimsical dog coffee mugs may make the difference! Of course cat pottery mugs would be better suited for feline lovers! So next time your morning is starting foggy, consider filling one of these handmade pottery mugs with your liquid pleasure and start your day with a smile.

On a final note, not all coffee mugs are made the same. Check out the American made dog coffee mugs and cat pottery mugs at Paws pet boutique. No two are exactly the same due to their artistic nature, yet all mugs can be microwaved and are dishwasher safe.

Now go have a splendid day and take time to make a tail wag!

- Michelle,

Founder of Paws pet boutique

We've all been there. You're just about to fall asleep and you wake immediately to the sound of dog tags jingling! Worse yet, perhaps you have a baby that has finally fallen asleep and Fido decides to get up for a drink of water. You're back to singing sweet lullabies. So most would agree jingling dog tags can be very annoying for many reasons and that's not to mention how your dog feels about it! The good news is that there is an easy solution!

It's super important that your companion animals have ID on them if they are ever separated from you. Now you can simply slip on one of these neoprene tag pouches over the tags and believe it or not your tag noise will stop. Nifty huh? They're lightweight and even made in the USA! ID holders fit multiple tags of just about any size. Three velcro tabs on the back easily secure the pouch around the tags. Plus if your dog likes to lay on air vents in the floor, these tag pouches ensure the tags don't get caught in the vent. No more dark tarnish on white fur from the tags rubbing on the fur too. Tag Silencers come in a variety of colors at Paws pet boutique to keep your dog looking good! One of our favorite dog products. Check them out!

- Michelle, Paws pet boutique founder

Whatever day of the year, odds are that your dog expresses his or her unconditional love for you like there is no tomorrow. What a great lesson, don't you think?

Seeing hearts and bones dog collars on your dogs every day is a colorful reminder to seize the day and live in the moment like dogs. To your dog every day is Valentine's Day!

Depending on your pup's gender, these heart dog collars come in both a masculine and feminine ribbon version. The pink dog collars will leave no doubt that you have a lovely lady by your side! Both heart dog collars are made in the USA and washable too.

So why not follow your dog's lead and celebrate the ones you love everyday!?

- Michelle

Paws pet boutique Founder