Our dogs are 100% part of the family, and these fantastic dog goodies help us treat them like it

There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t thank our lucky stars for our fur-babies. They’ve brightened our days, bonded with our kids, and generally made our lives better. Making them happy is so easy (pets, ear scratches, you know what they love best), but we’ve added a few of our favorite suggestions to show them what they mean to us. These are some of the best dog products from some awesome companies who adore our dogs as much as we do.

BARK Food

It makes sense to start with the most important part of the doggy day: mealtime. With a ton of food choices out there, picking one that works for your pup can be tricky. Luckily, BARK Food (from the makers of BarkBox) takes the guessing out of the equation with their breed-specific food formulas!

BARK Food is a full nutritional offering of breed-focused premium kibble, supplements, & products that elevate mealtime and put the fun into feeding! They start by building meal plans that cater to each breed and their specific needs, and layer on additional personalization for the individual dog as they get to know them better. 

We've teamed up with BARK Food to bring you 30% off your first order with code TINYBEANS30!

BARK Food—Great Food for Your Breed (30% Off with Code TINYBEANS30) Here

PawProof Throw Blanket

We know. You swore you'd never let the dog up on the bed. Choices were made. They live on all the furniture. But now that they're up there all the time, it's a good idea to at least protect it from shedding, scratch marks, dirt, and spills. This blanket looks like a decor piece while providing a waterproof lining and 100% machine-washable fabric! It's also rated 5 stars by happy customers just like you, and is available in two colors and three sizes.

PawProof Throw Blanket ($79.00-$99.00 On Sale!) Here

 

Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Bottle of Zesty Paws

Our dog's skin and coat tells us a lot about their overall health. This #1 bestseller from Zesty Paws supports their skin, coat, joints, hips, heart, and immune system. Plus, pets love the taste! A pump or two over their food is all you need to keep them feeling their best.

Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil ($15.97) Here

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle

Teal portable dog water bottle

We're so obsessed with this clever little invention for pups on the go! This water bottle dispenser allows you to keep your dog hydrated without having a water bowl on hand thanks to the reservoir top. Press the button to fill the reservoir, then slide the button back to pull any unused water back into the bottle for the next drink!

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle ($22.99) Here

Petshop Lots of Llamas to Love Mini Dog Toy Set

Four mini llama dog toys

Let's hear it for the littles! These adorable little llama toys are perfect for tiny chewers. Each has an internal squeaker and they're made just for little mouths!

Petshop Lots of Llamas to Love Mini Dog Toy Set ($12.99) Here

Mobile Dog Gear Dog Go-Pack Backpack

You have an emergency plan for your family; make sure to add your furriest members to it! This is an all-in-one emergency dog backpack that has all the essentials needed in the event of an important situation and includes 17 pieces from reflective collars to dry food bowls. There's even space for up to 7 water bottles in the bottom compartment!

Mobile Dog Gear Dog Go-Pack Backpack—Medium & Large Dogs ($107.24) Here

Mobile Dog Gear Dog Go-Pack Backpack—Small Dogs ($94.24) Here

Parisian Pet Quilted Dog Carrier

Black quilted small dog carrier

Holiday travel is coming up and this quilted dog travel carrier is drool-worthy! Woman-owned Parisian Pet didn't hold back creating this luxe carrier that's fit for K-9 royalty!

Parisian Pet Quilted Dog Carrier ($71.46) Here

PetMaker Pet House Ottoman

Who says you and your furbabies can't share? This multipurpose ottoman gives you a place to prop your feet up after a dog park visit and the removable plush interior pillow gives your dog (or cat, of course!) a place to cozy up. It also collapses for easy storage when not in use!

PetMaker Pet House Ottoman ($29.95) Here

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Whether you’re bringing home a brand new kitten or you’ve had a feline family member for a while kids can play an important role in caring for your crew’s cat. Not only does this help take some to-dos off your plate, but it gives little ones a chance to learn responsibility and get in some great bonding time with their beloved pet. Cats are generally independent and low-maintenance, but they still require lots of love and care. Here are five ways children can help with cat tasks:

Feeding Routines

Once you have a feeding schedule that works for your cat, kids can help scoop out the appropriate amount of dry food for the day. If your cat eats canned food, a grownup may have to assist with opening the can, depending on your child’s age. Kids can also be in charge of doling out treats for good behavior, keeping an eye on the water bowl and refilling it with fresh, clean water as needed.

Grooming

Cats enjoy keeping themselves clean and don’t require baths often. (They sure make a pet owner’s job easier!). Enlist your children to help brush their kitties regularly to keep their coats clean, reduce shedding and avoid hairballs. Find a brush that works gently and is easy for little hands to hold.

 

Litter Box Duties

Older children can help keep the litter box clean and tell you when the cat litter is low. Elementary school-aged children are more likely to be able to use the litter box scoop to remove daily droppings, carefully dispose of them in a nearby garbage can and wash their hands well afterward. Your cat will appreciate having a tidy place to “take care of business.”

Interactive Play

Cats make great friends and love to be mentally stimulated. Your child can spend endless time with your pet, teaching him new tricks, playing to stoke his curiosity and simply cuddling. Pro tip: the forts your kids make out of pillows and blankets are just as exciting for cats. They can also use their arts and crafts supplies to make DIY cat toys or cat trees out of cardboard. Toys that include bells, balls, fur, feathers, treats and catnip are always a fan-favorite among the feline set. And be sure to include your kitty in birthday festivities—they love turning crinkly wrapping paper into toys. Cats also make great pretend play partners (we’ve heard of many furry princesses, superheroes and dragons!).

Physical Activity

Cats benefit big time from physical activity. Playing is a purr-fect way to keep your cat active. Kids can try using a wand with toys attached that they can catch, similar to snagging their “prey.” Many people use laser pointers to get their kitty some physical activity, just make sure they don’t get frustrated by not being able to grab something real. Pulling a string across the floor like a snake always gets a kitty moving. (To avoid choking hazards, never leave string out once you’re done playing.)

There’s still plenty of time to catch a holiday show, shop for cool local artisan gifts, see your favorite holiday light displays and catch Santa to whisper last minute wishes before he takes off on his grand sleigh ride for the night. Check out all of the things you thought you missed, but are still there waiting for you to do on Christmas Eve.

photo: Courtesy of Portland Saturday Market

Shop

Saturday Market’s Festival of the Last Minute
Need a Portland artisan gift at the 11th hour? This is the place to find unique, locally made treasures at the last minute. The festive environment includes a Santa booth, roving carolers, warming stations and yummy holiday treats.

Dec. 24
11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
2 SW Naito Pkwy.
Online: portlandsaturdaymarket.com

Credit: FROGZ by Imago Theatre 

Catch a Show

Frogz
If you like your holidays with less jingle and waaaay more bells (and whistles), don’t miss this Imago Theatre show. A mesmerizing production that mixes Mummenschanz-like mime and acrobatics with breathtaking, unique costumes and masks, it truly has to be seen to be believed. Best for kids 3 and up.

Dec. 24
7-9 p.m.
$34.50/adult, 
$29.50/youth and seniors, $17.50/child
Imago Theatre
17 SE 8th Ave.
503-231-9581
Online: imagotheatre.com

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
What’s Christmas without Marie fighting off the Mouse King? (Or hearing preschoolers try to pronounce “Polichinelle?”) This exquisite Oregon Ballet Theatre production runs two hours, so plan accordingly for small children.

Dec. 24
Noon
Tickets: $19-$144
Keller Auditorium
222 SW Clay Ave.
503-222-5538
Online: obt.org

photo: Peacock Lane

See the Lights

Peacock Lane
This super-charming block of English Tudors in southeast Portland is a must-visit every holiday season. Your little ones will love debating which house is their favorite. The event is free, but be sure to bring a little cash for hot cocoa stands. Follow Peacock Lane on Facebook and Twitter to stay abreast of street closures.

Dec. 24
6-midnight
Free
SE Peacock Lane, between SE Stark and Belmont streets, one block east of Cesar Chavez/SE 39th
Online: peacocklane.net

The Grotto Festival of Lights
See musical performances, carolers, petting zoo, puppet shows, food and beverage, and lights, of course, as well as a petting zoo. Holiday foods and beverages are available, as is shopping in The Grotto’s Christian Gift and Book Store. Don’t forget to bring a donation of canned or dry food benefiting Snow-Cap, the east county’s affiliate of the Oregon Food Bank.

Dec. 24
5-9:30 p.m.
$5/child 3-12, $9/senior, $10/adults, free for children 2 and under
8840 NE Skidmore
503-261-2400
Online: thegrotto.org

Winter Wonderland
Get the little elves into the family truckster and drive around the race track to see the largest light show west of the Mississippi with over 250 displays. We love the giant poinsettia wreath and reindeer that jump over the car. You can also tune your radio to PIR’s special station to listen to holiday music as you drive through.

Dec. 24
5-9 p.m.
Portland International Raceway
1940 N. Victory Blvd.
503-232-3000
$18 per carload. Cash or check only.
Online: winterwonderlandportland.com

 

photo: Army Corp of Engineers via flickr creative commons

Last Chance for Santa

Santaland Downtown Macy’s
Treat your child to the Christmas tradition of Santa in Santaland at Macy’s. He’s located on the first floor, and there’s a vintage monorail car available for photos.

9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Macy’s
621 SW 5th Ave.
503-248-5415
Online: macys.com

Pioneer Place
Line at Macy’s too long? Scurry across the street to this jolly guy in the downstairs Rotunda of Pioneer Place. But what’s particularly cool about this Santa scene is the chance to walk through a winter wonderland once every hour on Christmas Eve. Yes, whether there’s snow outside or not, experience a “snow fall” of white flakes in the Atrium area – no mittens required!

9 a.m.-5 p.m.
700 SW 5th Ave.
Online: pioneerplace.com

Lloyd Center
Head down to the lower level of the mall for this gentle and jolly Santa, perched in front of Nordstrom. Be sure to check the website for photo opp hours – Santa needs to take a break daily to feed his reindeer.

noon-6 p.m.
2201 Lloyd Center
503-282-2811
Online: lloydcenter.com

Cedar Hills Crossing
For an unforgettable Santa visit with all the bells and whistles, cozy up to the jolly guy at Cedar Hills Crossing. It’s important to note that this particular Santa crew has moved from Pioneer Square, and will no longer be available there. But if you live closer to Southwest, that may just be a bonus. In addition to meeting him, kids and families may enjoy chestnuts on the fire, hot cocoa, hot cider and candy canes. They totally get the whole “line” thing and offer you options for texting or calling to reserve your spot.

9 a.m.-6 p.m.
3205 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.
Online: portlandsanta.com

Bridgeport Village
All aboard! Why should kids have all the fun? Hop on the Bridgeport Express, a 35-passenger, solar-operated trackless holiday train that transports shoppers of all ages around the Village. And, yes, there is a great Santa here, as well as some iconic holiday characters like the Grinch, Charlie Brown and Friends and Portland’s own Olaf. Santa’s got new digs this year and will be continuing a musical light snow show on the hour from 5-9 p.m. daily.

9 a.m.-5 p.m.
7455 SW Bridgeport Rd.
Tigard
Online: Bridgeport-village.com

Washington Square Mall
This mall has a “Santa Fly By” program that lets you wait in a “virtual line,” registering via web, text, phone or in person at “Santa’s Lodge” (click here for details). You receive an approximate wait time and then can go knock a few items off your OWN Santa list instead of standing in line. One of those helpful elves will text you as your time draws nigh. Gotta love elves that text, right? In addition to photos, you can scan yourself at the Naughty or Nice O’Meter, Snap an “Elfie” to star in your own video, and experience Elf-Ray Vision in Santa’s Observatory.

Dec. 24
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
9585 SW Washington Square Rd.
Online: shopwashingtonsquare.com

Clackamas Town Center
Get everyone in the family in the picture with Santa. Clackamas Town Center’s Santa offers family portraits and pet photos every Monday. Don’t miss Rudolph Wednesdays on three separate days, when Santa’s elves hand out free activity packet giveaways with the purchase of a photo package.

Dec. 24
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lower Level, Macy’s Home Court
12000 SE 82nd Ave.
Happy Valley
Online: clackamastowncenter.com

What’s your Christmas Eve tradition?  Let us know in the Comments below!

–Suzie Ridgway